Every Delhi food conversation ends the same way. Someone says “let’s get kebabs,” and ten minutes later the whole group is arguing about where. Fair enough. CP is packed with options, and when people say the best tandoori food in Connaught Place, they usually mean different things. One person wants a smoky char. Another wants something soft that melts. A third just wants the thing their dad used to order.

So instead of one vague “top pick,” here are nine dishes, each with a reason to order it. They come from the tandoor menu at Pishori Dhaba, H-8, Ground Floor, Connaught Place, and they cover chicken, mutton, fish and vegetarian plates.

First, a Quick Lesson: Tikka, Kebab and Tangri Are Not the Same Thing

This confuses a lot of people at the table, so let’s clear it up.

• Tikka means marinated chunks of chicken, paneer or fish, cooked on skewers.
• Kebab usually means minced or mashed meat (or vegetables) shaped around a skewer or pressed into patties. Seekh kebab and galouti are good examples.
• Tangri and kalmi are chicken leg cuts, marinated and cooked on the bone.

Why bother knowing this? Because it tells you what to expect. Tikka gives you a bite with char on the edges. Kebabs are softer and more spiced through and through. Bone-in pieces stay juicier. Once you know that, ordering tandoori starters in CP gets much easier.

The 9 Dishes Worth Your Order

1. Murgh Malai Tikka (6 pcs, ₹395)

If a dish could be a warm hug, this would be it. The chicken is marinated in cream and curd, so it comes out pale, soft and gently spiced. It’s the one to order when someone at your table says “I don’t like spicy food.” Squeeze a little lemon over it and you’re done.

2. Chicken Tikka (6 pcs, ₹395)

The classic. This is the bolder cousin of malai tikka, with deeper spice and a proper char. A good chicken tikka should be juicy inside and slightly crisp outside. If you’re ordering only one thing and want to play it safe, this is it.

3. Chicken Kalmi Kebab (4 pcs, ₹375)

Kalmi is for people who like to hold the bone and eat with their hands. The meat stays moist because the bone slows down the cooking. It’s also a good one to share, since each piece feels like a proper bite.

4. Mutton Seekh Kebab (6 pcs, ₹475)

Minced mutton, spiced well and cooked on a skewer. The texture should be tender, not rubbery. Pair it with a roomali roti and some onion rings and you’ve basically made your own wrap.

5. Mutton Barra (4 pcs, ₹725)

This is the heavyweight of the menu. Mutton pieces marinated and cooked slowly over high heat. It costs more, and it’s meant for people who truly love mutton. Take your time with it.

6. Ajwaini Fish Tikka (6 pcs, Basa ₹425 / Sole ₹625)

Fish in a tandoor can go wrong fast, so when it works, it’s special. Ajwain (carom seeds) gives it a sharp, slightly peppery edge that cuts through the richness. If you’re a fish person, don’t skip it.

7. Paneer Tikka Shashlik (₹295)

Paneer with capsicum and onion, grilled until the edges brown. This is the veg dish that non-vegetarians quietly steal from the plate. It stays soft inside, and the vegetables add a bit of sweetness.

8. Stuffed Mushroom Tikka (₹325)

Mushrooms hold marinade really well, and the stuffing adds a layer of flavour you don’t get from plain tikka. A lovely pick if you want veg tandoori in Connaught Place that feels a little special.

9. Dahi Kebab (₹295)

Soft, cool-tasting and almost creamy. Dahi kebab is a good “reset” between spicier bites, especially if you’ve ordered mutton too. Kids usually love it.

Can’t Decide? Go for the Platter

Honestly, if your group has more than three people, skip the debate. The Tandoori Non-Veg Platter (4 items, ₹1055) and the Tandoori Veg Platter (4 items, ₹895) let everyone taste a bit of everything. It also saves you from the awkward “you order, no you order” moment.

What to Pair With Your Tandoori Order

Kebabs are only half the story. A few combinations that work:

• Tandoori roti or butter naan to wrap around your tikka
• Mix raita (₹125) to cool things down
• Lachha paratha if you like layers and crunch
• Fresh lime soda or lassi to balance the smoke

If you’re planning a longer meal, you can follow the starters with Dal Makhani or Butter Chicken. Our full menu lists everything, including the Tuesday Veg Biryani special.

Why Smoky Food Tastes Better Fresh

One tip from years of watching how kebabs get eaten: they don’t wait well. Tandoori food loses its charm within minutes of leaving the heat, because the surface softens and the juices settle. So eat it hot. If you’re ordering for a big table, ask the kitchen to send dishes in rounds instead of all at once. It makes a real difference.

If you also want to know how to judge a place before you sit down, our guide on choosing a tandoori restaurant in Connaught Place covers the basics.

Where to Find Us

You’ll find Pishori Dhaba at H-8, Ground Floor, Connaught Place, New Delhi, on the Gauri Palika Bazaar side of H-Block. Rajiv Chowk metro station is the easiest way to reach CP. We’re open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and you can call +91 92205 52537 to reserve a table or place an order. Prices above are from our current menu, and taxes apply. They can change, so it’s worth confirming when you order.

Quick FAQs

Which tandoori dish is best for first-timers?

Murgh Malai Tikka or Chicken Tikka. Both are easy to love, and they show you what a tandoor can do.

What is the difference between tikka and seekh kebab?

Tikka is made from marinated pieces. Seekh kebab is made from minced meat shaped on a skewer.

Is there good vegetarian tandoori food in Connaught Place?

Yes. Paneer tikka, stuffed mushroom tikka, dahi kebab and veg galouti are all solid choices.

Final Thoughts

The best tandoori food in Connaught Place isn’t one dish. It’s the one that suits your table: something mild for the kids, something smoky for the meat lovers, something soft for the veg eaters. Pick two or three from the list above, add some fresh bread, and you’ll have a proper Delhi meal. When you’re ready, drop by Pishori Dhaba and tell us which one became your favourite.