Where: H-27, Outer Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi

Cuisine: North Indian

Cost: 1600 for two

Veda in CP turned 10 this December and I feel like I found out about this place too late. A favourite among foreigners and tourists, this restaurant deserves more visits than one from us Delhiites. It isn't super big on space, a cozy 30-40 seater with the most royal of interiors in all of Delhi. The beautiful marble plaques hanging from the ceiling, rose pink chandeliers and more mirrors than you can count, Veda's interiors are bound to make you feel as if you're dining in some historical Haveli. Not surprising as Rohit Bal has done up the place.

The best thing about Veda is that they haven't shifted their focus from the food while most of its contemporaries are busy creating drama . All it promises is to deliver taste and quality and deliver, it does. Not to say that the presentation is any less spectacular. It's just that at the end of your meal, it won't be the the only thing you'll be talking about- and I mean this in a good way.

To warm you up, amuse bouche is a damn fine Palak and Matar ki Galouti with a dollop of Philadelphia cream cheese and a drizzle of Tamarind chutney. Asparagus Shorba came in a kulhad and blew my mind by its sheer simplicity. You can choose from some stellar drinks- my favourites of the lot were Apple Cinnamon and Pineapple Ginger Margarita.

Malai Broccoli comes fresh out of the tandoor with a creamy marination that was brown to my liking. Dahi ke Kebab will melt in your mouth before you realise- it don't need no green chutney! Their Onion pakoda was quite amusing. A whole onion is cut into a flower and batter fried till it's golden and crisp. Stuffed mushroom, Veg Seekh Kebab and Paneer on Fire {a north Indian version of dry chilly paneer} are all SO yum! 

Let's now come to the mains, I am still talking about the Daal Veda to practically everyone I meet. I know guys, I am kinda head over heels. Read on. 

Garlic Naan and some good ol' fried Masala Okra were the first to arrive followed by the rich and creamy Daal Veda. Paneer Kundan Kaliya, a refreshing break from your usual Kadhai and Lababdars, comes with tender paneer patties sunk in a delicious, thick tomato gravy. The North Indian-ness of it all made me feel like home, which was well supplemented by Veda's warm hospitality. End it on a sweet note with Litchi Tehri- that's chopped litchi in some creamy rabri. It could've used some nuts though!

All in all, you're in for a fantastic dining experience. Visit right away!