Delhi Streets Compelling in The Archway
Delhi Streets is an exciting colourful if not chic Indian restaurant in The Archway precinct and has become our new Indian favourite. The World Loves Melbourne feels Melbourne has decent Indian restaurants but not that many of them. Delhi Streets captivates with its approacheable street food, Bollywood posters and fun ambience. In terms of smart cheap eats Delhi Streets has burst on to the scene as a chart topper. We were impressed by the quality of cuisine and the overall experience, having been invited to imbibe the lunch menu. Check out our Best Cheap Eats in Melbourne.
Delhi Streets is about fun, but with substance. Spectacular is the Pan Puri, Indian street food at it's best, with a sense of theatre. Pour the jug of spiced water into the Pan Puri and get an intense hit of flavour and freshness. Crispy lentil cracker balls stuffed with potatoes, chickpeas, onions, tamarind chutney.
Why not enjoy your meal with a Kingfisher beer?
Delhi Streets boasts a funky fit out by the guys at BrandWorks. Modern lighting and seating with a dose of colour, along with playful use of design and textures. The ambience is enhanced by the open kitchen. Service was exceptional during our visit, with staff keen to please.
Delhi Streets also delivered on the Tikki Chaat - two potato pea patties on a bed of spiced chickpeas, then drizzled with sweet yoghurt, tangy tamarind chutney and zesty coriander and mint chutney. A flavour explosion.
Hola and Namaste! Tacos Indian style! These Tikka Tacos simply worked with succulent chicken in a humble tortilla taco. The food at Delhi Streets is presented with imagination. While our experience of Indian food in the past has been mainly small bowls of curries and the like, Delhi Streets brings innovation and creative flourishes, if not "glam" to street food, while upholding the highest quality.
A close up of the Tikka Chaat reveals some complexity in this Indian street food popular treat.
The World Loves Melbourne is partial to Chicken Biryani, and Delhi Streets makes a superb rendition. This is the Mughlai cuisine of Delhi that was consumed by the Kings and now a favourite for all economic classes. It's the Indian version of a Paella. We felt the amount of chicken in the biryani was generous, and the meal itself great value.
Delhi Streets had us impressed already, but the high standard continued with the Mixed Thali, including Lamb Curry and Butter Chicken (also told Paneer is good). The Thalis come with rice, pappadums, naan bread and a small amount of salad. The spice was right for us, and you can always amp it up.
Wraps and burgers are also a highlight on the menu. Specialising in Indian street food, nothing is particularly expensive. We think it's the perfect meeting place for friends and groups to catch up.
We enjoyed the modern look with Bollywood posters, artwork including Indian flag artwork, excellent use of timbers and metals, exposed brick, concrete floor, and chic naked bulb lighting. The space is well utilised with modern tables and chairs, but also with stools and counters. Bollywood style music playing also brought colour to the experience.
For dessert we enjoyed Chocolate naan bread, another specialty.
Delhi Streets captured our imagination. Highly recommended.