If hunger pangs hit you while waiting for a train at the New Delhi railway station and you’re worried about the usual insipid fare at the station then there is a surprise in store. You can now choose from a wide variety of Indian and continental cuisine at the recently revamped food court at the station.
As you enter the New Delhi railway station from the main entrance on the Paharganj side, just turn a little left to reach the multi-cuisine restaurant.
Till not very long ago, the 'food court' used to be a drab parcel office of the Railway Mail Service (RMS).
However, the Delhi Division of the Northern Railway had a better idea on what to do with the space at this premium location. The parcel office was shifted from the location and the vast space left behind was turned into a food court.
The food court, is spread over a spacious area and is dotted with round tables where passengers can stand and eat, apart from separate benches for seating.
The food court boasts of about 10 different food outlets dishing out different kinds of cuisine suited to all palates and pockets. There is a large continental restaurant for those who prefer a pasta or salad or more, a south Indian restaurant that serves perennial favourites such as Dosa, Idli, Vada etc., a restaurant serving Indian vegetarian fare and a north Indian restaurant that offers Mughlai non vegetarian dishes such as Korma and Biryani.
Apart from these, there are outlets of Nathu's Sweets and Amul, which have opened recently. There is also a separate snack bar apart from these outlets.
Rail AhaarWhile one can pick and choose according to their taste, the biggest draw still seems to be the railway canteen serving 'Rail Ahaar'. The personnel manning the counters seemed immensely busy catering to the large queue of hungry passengers.
“The food court is a necessary amenity for passengers and this way, the space is being better utilised than having a parcel office here.
The multi-cuisine restaurant came up some time ago but more and more eateries are being added here in a phased manner,” said a senior railway official of the Delhi Division who didn't wish to be identified.
“The food here is hygienic and caters to all tastes and budget. From the simple, affordable eating options to fine dining, everything is available under one roof here,” he said.