New Dilli

Let’s just mention right away that New Dilli’s innovative take on what Greater Manchester restaurants often manage to devolve into run-of-the-mill Indian has spawned a legion of loyal followers that not only like to dine in at New Dilli’s premises along Altrincham’s The Downs but also like to have a crack at unlocking chef Naeem’s secrets to a sensual curry. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian Indian cooking classes, informed by the Asian subcontinent’s ancient Ayurvedic traditions, are always popular, with spots selling out fast. Just so you know. That said, some secrets are better left for safekeeping in more able hands, so why not just book a table and turn to New Dilli’s extensive menu.

The chef’s specials at this special indeed Indian restaurant down Altrincham’s The Downs are a good representative slice across New Dilli’s fresh (that is, stubbornly classic) take on Indian cuisine. The lamb chop kadhai treats tender lamb to a traditional, spicy sauce, while two TAK-A-TAK dishes take lobster and prawns, respectively, and griddle them with coarsely-chopped onions, fresh coriander, topped off with a very authentic flourish: the fruit pods of the ajwain flower, a pungent spice common in northern India and Rajasthan. It’s touches like this, applied to relatively rustic – and entirely robust – Indian dishes, that ensure New Dilli will be keeping Greater Manchester’s Indian gourmands satisfied for years to come.