6 must-visit cafes in Delhi

Coffee and conversation, a tête-à-tête over tea... Okay, forget the alliteration but you get the idea. If you are wondering about the best cafes in town to catch up on a steaming hot cuppa and a light bite, here are a few suggestions. And we are not including old hangouts like all those Baristas, Mochas and Cafe Coffee Days,

Costa Coffee

The latest in Barista-type outlets, this has several outlets all over the city, including at Green Park, CP and in Noida. The chain seems to have come in rather quietly but is making an impression fast. It tops my list not because the offerings (coffees, cakes and sandwiches primarily) are substantially better that what is offered elsewhere but because these are truly value for money.

At Costa, cups of coffee comes in three sizes "" pictures displayed. The first time I went there, I blindly decided to go for "medium", perhaps as a matter of habit from ordering all those McDeez fries. The kindly staff, however, asked, "Ma'am have you seen our sizes?" which prompted me to hastily correct my order and go in for a more sensible "small".

At about Rs 30 for a cappuccino, this is a steal "" I was unable to finish the contents of the gigantic cup. Makes for a nice change from miserly Barista offerings. Though I just wish they'd do something about the service which can be confused, to say the least.

Choko La

Set up by Vasudha Munjal"" from the business family"" who has trained in desserts at no less than Cordon Bleu, London, this one is for chocolate addicts. Single origin chocolates at that. They do have some teas and coffees (and also vegetarian snacks) but that's not why you'd visit the place.

Try the hot chocolate and their desserts "" a visiting chef from Harrods, London, served up stuff such as chocolate pizzas and pasta, which may be retained on the menu.

Cha Bar

There's something to being able to browse through books over a cuppa. Which is why so many bookstores try and have a cafe on their premises. But there's no place to match the Cha Bar within the Oxford Bookstore at Statesman House. There are 67 varieties of teas from all over the world, and they'll offer you each brew in matching crockery"" Moroccan tea in trademark kettles etc. What's more, it is value for money.

Cafe Cocoa

Several cafes along the MG Road have shut shop ever since the MCD terrorised them. Which is why I assume this one is strictly above board. On the road to Gurgaon, more Gurgaon than Delhi, this is a charming little place set up by the owners of Belgique chocolates. You could have your iced tea and pancakes and breakfast all day long in the manner of a American diner.

Cafe Turtle

Their eats "" with the exception of the carrot cake "" just about make the grade and are generally over-priced but each time I think of not returning to Cafe Turtle, I am back. Perhaps it is the Khan Market location, perhaps it is the terrace, ever so lovely in winters, perhaps it is just the sense of peace and serenity that one invariably experiences at this cafe atop Full Circle.

Cafe 101

Sarika Pilot and hubby Vishal Chaudhary have recently redone their oriental restaurant in Gurgaon (Global Business Park) and turned it into a cafe. The turquoise and orange decor (done up by Sarika herself) is warm and a seat by the window offers you a panoramic view.

Like a hotel coffee shop, this offers light combos of pao bhaji, mezze, Thai curry-rice et al. A special range of coffees is on the anvil.