A cup of coffee has witnessed the birth of several scholarly ideas and innovations.
After soaking myself in Delhi’s scorching heat, I reached Delhi Art Gallery (DAG, Janpath, New Delhi), only to find it closed ahead of BRICS Summit. DAG was in vicinity to the hotels such as Le Méridien and Shangri-La Eros, where the delegates might have stayed. Considering the securtiy reasons, the public places nearby them were closed. I was gravely disappointed, exasperated as well, not knowing what to do, when Indian Coffee House came as a refuge. I did plan to visit this place but couldn’t visit for a reason or two. But this time, both time and place was in my favour. ICHD was just 1.5 km away from DAG. I immediately booked a rapido capitan to drop me there with the little apprehension that it may also be closed; however, I was elated to find it in service.
It was my second visit to Indian Coffee House, after Kolkata. If you want to know about Kolkata’s coffee house, I would suggest you to read my post. ICHD was established as a Coffee Board in early 1940s, during British rule in India, with a view to propagate drinking of coffee, and sale of coffee seeds. To know more about the Indian Coffee Houses, I would suggest you visiting their official website.
How to Reach
The Indian Coffee House is located at the second floor of Mohan Singh Palace, in Connaught Place, New Delhi. If you’re travelling via metro, exit from gate no. 7 of Rajiv Chowk.
I had a little difficulty locating ICHD, as it is to the right after you exit through the door on the second floor. The signboards are there to guide but it didn’t say you’ve to make an exit.
Dining Spaces
There are two spaces where you can dine at ICHD.
The first space, which is situated near the entrance, offers the classic feel of ICHD. You’ll find another space when you skip the this dining space and turn right. I thought it’s the only space and sat there but when I asked about the washroom, he directed me there, when I discovered the second dining hall. This space is more spacious, comfy, private and looks a bit premium than the other while retaining the feel of Coffee Houses. Both the halls were sparsely populated. The reason may be the time (afternoon) and the day being a holiday due to BRICS. You can see the dress of the waiter, which is the hallmark of Indian Coffee Houses.
Menu and Service
Since Coffee houses offered a space for the people to meet and discuss over a range of topics, the menu includes more snacks than meal. The prices are also reasonable against the location of the place and the service they provide. Since the website mentions, “As the India Coffee Houses belong to the Coffee Board were running in loss, the Board closed most of its branches and retrenched the employees,” I feel that there is a need to support them so that the remaining few can flourish. The waiter offered me a glass of water as soon as I sat down. I already had a heavy breakfast that morning, hence I settled on ordering an Idli and a Badam Shake with Ice-cream. Without much delay, they arrived, whose taste was decent.
I craved to read a book at the place, which I forgot to carry. I am definately looking to try the other snacks whenever I visit Delhi next time, while reading a book.
©Shashank
Pragmatic's Personas 