If you’re having a mid-life crisis and want to feel young again, don’t invest in that sports car just yet. We found a new red convertible – a ruby-coloured college canteen-like space where every dish, served in disposable crockery, is priced at Rs 100. Fixed assets!
We certainly felt a decade younger as we ate at Lucky Diner Dilli, a ten-day old HKV cafteen (café + canteen) that reminded us of our college mess and its yum kheema dosas. The space here is fuss-free and clean featuring a counter facing an open kitchen, a couple of benches in the middle, a small balcony off one end and a chirpy hostess. She greeted us, took our order, offered us complimentary Thumbs Up out of a refrigerator, then put on a white hat and proceeded to cook our meal. Won man show!
Bad Buns
Like the décor, the food too is basic, with eggs, burgers, parathas and pizza on the limited menu. To start with, we ordered a pork and pepperoni omelette, which arrived with a serving of mashed potatoes and two bits of over toasted garlic bread. The omelette was tasty and non-greasy, and is available throughout the day. Next came the grilled chicken burger, since they were out of “tenderloin” and a chicken sausage hot dog. As we held the burger it promptly disintegrated, shedding sad bits of cucumber and coleslaw all over our plates. We gave up on trying to keep the stale bread together, and instead ate the patty with a knife and fork, which was surprisingly spicy, full of pepper and well cooked. The hot dog also featured a hopeless bun and an unpleasant, chewy sausage.
Since we were still hungry, our dining companion ordered a mooli paratha that was super delish. Smothered in white butter - we had to scrape some off - served with pickle and curd, this was wonderfully crisp and spicy.
Report Card
Lucky Diner Dilli serves no dessert, but they do give you your bill with a smiley face drawn on it. Yet another back-to-school reminder!
Getting there: 13A, 1st Floor, Hauz Khas Village, call 837398606, Rs 400 for a meal for two without drinks.
bpb reviews anonymously and pays for its own meals.
