iCOTM June 2016: Dinner Buffet at Delhi Dhaba, Nishi-Kasai

Last weekend, I finally made it over to Delhi Dhaba in Nishi-Kasai, and from the experience it’s hard to believe that I’ve lived within an hour of this restaurant for so long but have never been to it. There are so many choices on the menu that I had no idea where to start, so I went for the dinner thali buffet, which offered three curries (Matar Paneer, Butter Chicken, and Pindi Chole), delicious oily and crispy papad, a crunchy samosa chat, vegetable noodles, achaa (Indian pickles), onion chutney, saffron rice, and a choice from parata, naan, bhatoora and poori, as well as sweets and salads. And, of course, being a buffet, you could go up several times to fill your plate. All of this came in at a mere 1350 yen. A real bargain.

Delhi Dhaba is a gem of a restaurant and that is evident in not only the food but the atmosphere and the clientele – every table was packed, with large parties filling up the place, and most of whom were from the Indian community. The service was very good, even though the floor staff had to deal with a lot in one go, and they managed to maintain a convivial atmosphere despite the mild chaos, with most people shooting for the buffet.
 
I read a quote recently that "the thali defines the concept of endless eating" and that "you may have as many refills of any dish and you are encouraged, or rather forced, to do so."  That's one concept I love about this kind of dining: eat with abandon like it's a celebration! I want to try all the amazing sounding dishes at Delhi Dhaba and will get around to it I'm sure. Just have to find the strength from somewhere to resist that buffet. Wish me luck.