Whether you are a true-blue dilliwala or a tourist in a mood to explore the cultural and vibrant aspect of Delhi, chances are more than one person would have recommended you a trip to Dilli Haat.
This open-air foodies’ paradise and an eclectic crafts bazaar run by Delhi Tourism first opened its door in 1994. Since then, this six-acre cultural village has gained an iconic status for its food-stalls serving regional food and shops displaying handicrafts and ethnic knick-knacks.
For decades, despite Delhi getting dotted with all-enclosed, centralized air-conditioned shopping malls, people continued to throng to Dilli Haat for its charm. But looks like a new eatery is all set to replace the experience of sitting in sweat-dripping Delhi heat as you dig into sumptuous food from the stalls. The very popular youth hot spot – Dilli Haat just got its very first air conditioned, all-enclosed, cozy eatery serving Manipuri cuisine.
LookActEast, is the brainchild of ex-army man Dinesh Singh who took a voluntary retirement from Ministry of Defence to set up his labour of love along with his wife. Refreshingly, everything from the food served to the ambience and the treatment this quaint new restaurant is all set to change perceptions about dining at Dilli Haat. Though everyone vouched about the variety of food at the Haat, there was no denying that the sweltery summer heats of Delhi often diluted the experience of outdoor dining. Dinesh Sigh, however, likes to stress that LookActEast is not just about the first ever AC restaurant in Dilli Haat. It is a themed restaurant which promises to give a great dining experience. It resonates with the brand equity of Dilli Haat, which has a firm place on the tourist map of the world.
Singh and his wife Jeena, who has avid experience in culinary craft are also proud bring forth the cuisine from their home state Manipur, which is still a rarity in Delhi. Since Singh was the first one ever to introduce the concept of indoor dining in Dilli Haat, he took care to include plenty of natural elements from jute to bamboo to hay and cane furniture to blend with the theme.
The eatery with its authentic fare also promises to introduce Delhiites to Manipuri cuisine that boasts of culinary adventures such as Keli Chana (a chick-pea based starter), Singju (Manipuri herb salad) Angouba (chicken liver in chilly onion dressing)
So, go ahead and explore this lovely little place and while you are there you may want to bring home a Manipuri delicacy – bottle of bamboo shoot pickle sold here for Rs 150 to savour with your meals for a long time to come.
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