Delhi Streets — Gastrology

Thanks to Charan Singh’s passion for high quality Indian food that is deliciously light, the dream for fresh and fiercely flavoursome street food as served on the streets of India is now a reality.

The ambience is modern and colourful, an extension of Delhi Streets’ contemporary interpretation of Indian cuisine.

The eatery is a family affair, continuing the family tradition and devotion to excellent Indian Cuisine. Food has always been central to owner, Charan's family. His father, Resham Singh (who now mans the tandoori oven at Delhi Streets) opened the first Indian Sweet Store in Melbourne, a sweet-tooth haven in Dandenong dedicated to Gulab Jamun, Kulfi and Jalebi.

The menu is mouth-wateringly good and features all the flavours you know and love about Indian cuisine but lighter and fresher and features high quality ingredients to create subtle flavours.

We started with a trio of their ‘Street Chaat’.

Pani puri

The Pani puri was a fun introduction to Delhi Street’s flavour explosion of a menu. A “hands on” street food made of crispy lentil cracker balls stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas, onions, tamarind, chutney and spice water it tantalised our taste buds.

Dahi vada

The Dahi vada comprised of feather light lentil dumplings served with yogurt and sweet and tangy tamarind and mint chutneys. It was a perfectly balanced amalgamation of sweet, sour, spices and heat.

Aloo tikki

The Aloo tikki was our favourite dish of the night. Comfort food at its best, fluffy potato and greenpea cakes were adorned with the most luxuriously zesty and spicy tamarind and mint chutneys. Freshly chopped onions and coriander along with yogurt worked in harmony with the spice by adding a desirable freshness.

For mains, we indulged from Delhi Street’s classic selection.

Maharaja Special Thali

The Maharaja Special thali was absolutely moreish. The rich flavours of the curries were nicely mellowed out by the raita yoghurt. Each of the three curries boasted bountiful herbs and was an absolute delight. The beautifully made roti and fluffy basmati rice were the perfect canvas for the three curries which displayed customary punchy Indian flavours.

Chicken biryani

The Chicken biryani was sublime. The large nuggets of moist chicken were beautifully tender and contained the perfect amount of heat. The accompanying raita yogurt was luxurious. Each spoonful was truly gratifying.

Chana bhatura

The Chana bhatura was yet another winner. The fluffy deep-fried leavened bread was stunning and went exceptionally well with the spiced chickpeas drizzled with tamarind chutney. This was a rare, and welcomed, occasion where the bread contributed equally to the overall dish rather than just occupying space as a conventional side. In all, this dish was a beauty.

Foreground: Gulab jamun; Background: Carrot Halwa

Our visit to Delhi Streets concluded on a wonderfully sweet note with 2 traditional classics: the Gulab jamun and Carrot halwa. Both desserts were beautifully made. The gulab jamun in particular were some of the best we have ever had - Soft, spongy and melt in mouth cottage cheese dumplings drenched in syrup.

Delhi Streets takes you on an Indian Spice adventure with good Indian food, redolent in spice, flavour and texture without the lashings of cream, ghee and dairy.