Rajinder Da Dhaba

Rajinder Da Dhaba is a South Delhi favourite for an inexpensive, filling evening meal of grilled meat. It began as a small roadside dhaba, the kind of simple eatery found along Indian highways, and has gradually expanded until it occupies most of a small strip of shops in Safdarjung Enclave Market. It remains informal, crowded and very popular with locals.

The operation is split into several parts. There is a small, more comfortable indoor dining room with a handful of tables, a less formal indoor sit-down area, and the most popular section of all, the outdoor area in the car park, where customers stand to eat or collect takeaway orders. The outdoor area is busy every evening, especially at weekends, and its crowd is largely male, so women and families may feel more comfortable in the indoor rooms.

The menu is built around big platters of grilled and tandoori meats. The Afghani chicken is the dish many people single out, and the grilled meat platters are the main draw. Vegetarians are not forgotten: aloo gobi with mixed vegetables and dal makhani, the rich black lentil dish finished with ghee, are good with tandoori roti, and a thick tomato-based vegetable stew is also on offer.

Prices are low to moderate, so ordering a few dishes to share is the best way to try the range. The dhaba opens in the evening only, so it is a dinner destination rather than a lunch stop; confirm current hours before making a special trip. Expect to wait at peak times, particularly on Friday and Saturday nights, and be prepared for a noisy, energetic atmosphere outside.

It suits budget travellers, meat lovers and anyone who wants a taste of everyday Delhi eating rather than a polished restaurant. The car-park scene is part of the experience, with diners collecting takeaways or eating standing up, but the indoor rooms are calmer and better for a sit-down meal with family or friends.

Safdarjung Enclave is in South Delhi. The nearest metro stations are AIIMS and Green Park, from which an auto rickshaw ride is short and cheap. The dhaba works well as an evening stop after an afternoon exploring the monuments of South Delhi.