Ashok Mit Dhaba — Review by Mark Wiens
Delhi, India — Indian
Ashok Mit Dhaba is a legendary Old Delhi institution opened in 1984 by two friends named Ashok who shared a love of meat curry. Open only 2-3 hours daily for lunch, this standing-room-only dhaba serves some of the greatest chicken and mutton curries in India, made with 16 spices and generous ghee, then reheated over charcoal for maximum flavor. The reviewer called it one of the greatest curries ever experienced.
What was great: Exceptional chicken and mutton curry cooked in ghee with 16 different spices, incredibly tender meat that melts in mouth, fresh tandoor-baked bread, rich and harmonious gravy, friendly and hospitable owners, generational expertise
What could improve: Nothing mentioned
The Dishes
Ashok Mit Dhaba keeps its menu refreshingly simple: chicken curry, mutton curry, biryani, fresh bread, and onions. Nothing more, nothing less. The chicken curry arrives glistening with ghee, coated in a masala so complex it hits every taste bud simultaneously. Made with 16 different spices including cardamom, cumin, and black cardamom, each spoonful delivers harmonious layers of heat and warmth. The mutton chops are equally spectacular, with fat so tender it absorbs the sauce completely, melting like butter with each bite. The meat practically slides off the bone without requiring teeth. The chicken biryani features spiced rice designed specifically to carry the curry gravy, with pieces of tender chicken throughout. Fresh bread baked in the tandoor emerges smoky and crispy, perfect for scooping up the rich, thick gravy that coats everything.
The Experience
This is authentic standing-room-only dining at its finest. Located deep within Old Delhi's bustling bazaar, accessible only by foot through congested market lanes, Ashok Mit Dhaba captures the raw energy of the city. Humble doesn't begin to describe it, with minimal seating and basic furnishings, yet the friendly staff accommodated the reviewer with a stool. The interactive, tableside service includes reheating curry over hot charcoal right before you, where the ghee sizzles and crackles, creating an unforgettable sensory experience. The restaurant has operated for generations with the same dedication to excellence.
Value & Pricing
Pricing is not explicitly mentioned in the transcript, though the portion sizes and quality suggest excellent value for authentic Old Delhi street food and traditional curry house dining.
Notable Moments
That is unbelievable. The richness of the gravy. You can actually feel the spices on your tongue held together with the richness of that ghee. The flavor goes to the bone.
That's one of the greatest chicken curries I've ever had in my life.
The fat of the mutton is so tender, absorbed with all of that sauce. The ghee, that is a pivotal moment in my life.
I'll be dreaming about that curry for the rest of my life.
The Verdict
Ashok Mit Dhaba represents the pinnacle of Delhi's meat curry tradition. Founded in 1984 by two friends who shared a passion for exceptional meat dishes, this institution continues to deliver otherworldly flavors through meticulous spice blending and generous use of ghee. For anyone seeking authentic, spicy, generational Indian comfort food and some of the greatest curries on earth, this is non-negotiable. Best for serious spice enthusiasts and curry devotees willing to navigate Old Delhi's chaotic streets for an unforgettable meal.