Harley Young enjoys a warming bath overlooking the docks
Following the successful opening of Manchester Corn Exchange in 2020, contemporary Indian restaurant Delhi House Cafe has established itself as one of the most popular places for authentic yet experimental Indian street food in the city.
Created by the Lamba family after moving from Delhi to Manchester, the restaurant became known for its signature dishes and fantastic hospitality.
Delhi House Cafe became so successful that the owners decided to take over a little more north this year and expand their empire with another location in Liverpool. The family-owned business chose slap-bang in the middle of the city’s historic Albert Docks as its new home, taking over the old Lerpwl site, which has been dormant for some time.
I headed over on a cold and blustery Thursday afternoon to see if the extension was serving them well and if the quality of food and service had maintained consistency on the journey across the M62.
Glimmering in the rare November sunshine is Delhi House’s golden lettering – alluring and alluring, this superior branding screams professionalism and lets you know you’re in safe hands.
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The interior of the restaurant is simple yet elegant, with rattan cafe-style chairs and marble tables that can seamlessly handle the transition from casual lunchtime to special evening events.
A member of the group quickly welcomed me with a smile as he seated me next to a window with a great view of the docks.
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Like most good Indian restaurants, the range of non-alcoholic options here is extensive, covering everything from authentic-flavored mocktails to 0% beers, to classic soft and warming teas such as masala chai. It’s described as “No Alcohol Tails” and “Saint Sips” on the menu, adding a little fun to ordering non-alcoholic drinks.
I chose Sab Moh Maya Hai; a cheerful combination of passion fruit, guava, honey, lemon and soda, served tall and garnished with a sprig of mint and lime.
If you’re craving something tough, they’ve got that too, and plenty of it. Wine, spirits, pale ales, whatever your drink is – you’re sure to find something to whet your appetite.
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Flicking through the comprehensive seven-page street food favorites list, which includes two pages of vegan and gluten-free options, one dish in the “House Specials” category caught my eye – “Mum’s buttered chicken tikka masala”. If it’s good enough for mom, it’s good enough for me.
Described as a ‘house favourite’, this Tandoori Chicken Thigh Tikka is served in a rich and creamy sauce, making it an indulgent calorie-rich delight, perfect for those colder winter days when you need fuel.
Smoky, tangy, with a hint of sweetness and just the right amount of spiciness to give the dish a kick without blowing your socks off, it’s no wonder the regulars love this one. I know I did.
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As recommended, I ordered the butter naan, which was a perfect pairing and was a good dipping addition to wash away the tangy residue in the bowl. Light and fluffy with crispy edges, a buttery naan (or two) is perfect for sharing at parties or tables like mine.
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Fed, watered and completely satisfied, I settled the bill for the modest price of just over £26 including service charges. You won’t find this kind of quality, top notch service and wide range of flavors at such a great price in many places in the Albert Dock, trust me.
So if you’re passing through and need something warm this winter, let the team at Delhi House Cafe Liverpool take good care of you and open your eyes to a new world of Indian fusion flavours.
Delhi House Cafe, Unit 2B, Britannia Pavilion, Royal Albert Docks, Liverpool L3 4AD
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If you would like to see the receipt as proof that this magazine paid for the meal, a copy is available upon request.
