Veg Tandoori Starters in Connaught Place: 8 Smoky Picks Worth Ordering

Here’s something every vegetarian in Delhi knows: the kebab menu is usually written for everyone else. You scan the page, find one lonely paneer tikka at the bottom, and quietly order dal and roti. It doesn’t have to go that way, especially in CP.

If you’re hunting for veg tandoori starters in Connaught Place, there’s a lot more on offer than paneer cubes. Mushrooms, hung-curd kebabs, soya chaap, even melt-in-the-mouth galouti, all of it can come off the same coal-fired heat as the chicken tikka next door. This guide walks you through what to order, how to tell a good vegetarian kebab from an average one, and how to build a full meal around it without blowing your budget.

Why Veg Starters Taste So Good From a Tandoor

A tandoor is a clay oven that runs very hot. Skewers go in, the outside picks up a light char within minutes, and the inside stays soft. That quick sear is exactly what paneer and mushrooms need. Cook them on a flat pan and they tend to go rubbery or release water. In the tandoor, they stay juicy.

The second half of the story is the marinade. Most vegetarian tandoori starters rely on thick hung curd, ginger-garlic, and a spice blend that changes with the dish: ajwain here, kasuri methi there, crushed green chillies and mint for the hariyali style, a little cream for the malai ones. Give the marinade enough time and even a humble vegetable turns into something people fight over at the table.

If you want a broader primer on how to judge tandoor cooking in general, we wrote a separate guide to ordering at a tandoori place in CP. This post is only about the vegetarian side of the oven.

8 Veg Tandoori Starters to Try in Connaught Place

These are the dishes worth looking for on any good vegetarian menu in Connaught Place. The prices below are from the current menu at Pishori Dhaba, so you can see roughly what to expect.

1. Paneer Tikka Shashlik (₹295)

The classic, done in shashlik style: paneer tikka threaded with capsicum and onion, then grilled until the edges blister. The vegetables soak up the marinade as well, so you’re not eating plain paneer with a decorative pepper. If it’s your first time and you’re not sure what to pick, start here.

2. Hariyali Paneer Tikka (₹295)

A green marinade built on mint, coriander and spinach-leaning herbs. It’s fresher and a little sharper than the red tikka, which makes it a good pick on a warm evening or when you want something that doesn’t feel heavy.

3. Malai Paneer Tikka (₹325)

Creamy, mild and soft. This is the one to order when kids or spice-shy relatives are at the table. There’s no fiery kick, just a rich, gentle flavour with a hint of char.

4. Stuffed Mushroom Tikka (₹325)

This is the dish that changes minds. Whole mushrooms are stuffed, coated in a fragrant masala and grilled, so every bite is juicy with a bit of smoke on the outside. If you think of mushrooms as a boring side, try these once.

5. Dahi Kebab (₹295)

A soft, creamy kebab made from thick curd with a lightly crisp outside. It’s gentle on the palate and works beautifully with a spoon of mint chutney. A smart choice for people who don’t like heavy spice.

6. Veg Galouti Kebab (₹275)

Galouti means “melt in the mouth”, and the name is earned. The texture is so soft it barely needs chewing. It’s the most affordable item in this list and often the one people end up ordering a second round of.

7. Achari Soya Chaap (₹295)

Soya chaap marinated in pickle-style spices, tangy and bold, then grilled on skewers. If you like a bit of bite and a punchy flavour, this is your plate. The malai version (₹325) is the milder cousin.

8. Tandoori Veg Platter (₹895 for 4 items)

Can’t decide? Order the platter. For a group of three or four, it’s the easiest way to try several veg kebabs in Delhi’s CP without a long negotiation at the table. There’s also a Paneer Tikka Mix Platter at ₹355 if paneer is your thing and you want a smaller portion.

How to Spot a Good Vegetarian Kebab

You don’t need to be a food critic. A few quick checks do the job:

• Look at the char. Light browning on the edges is a good sign. A flat, bright orange-red colour often means the colour did the work, not the fire.
• Check the paneer. It should feel soft and give slightly when you press it. If it’s hard or squeaky, it’s been sitting too long.
• Smell it. Real tandoor food has a smoky, spicy aroma, not just the smell of oil.
• Ask what’s fresh. Veg kebabs are at their best straight off the skewer. It’s completely fine to ask the staff what’s coming out hot.

Build a Proper Meal Around Your Starters

Starters are rarely the whole story. Here’s a simple way to turn them into a full dinner:

• Breads: tandoori roti or roomali roti (₹35 each), lachha paratha (₹55) or naan (from ₹55).
• Sides: mix raita (₹125), onion salad (₹75) or a crunchy tandoori papad (₹95).
• Something heavier: dal makhani, paneer makhni, or the Veg Biryani, which is the Tuesday special at ₹395.

A quick example: two shared starters such as Dahi Kebab and Paneer Tikka Shashlik come to ₹590. Add two rotis and a raita and you’re around ₹785 before taxes. Prices and taxes can change, so confirm on the menu before ordering. Still, it shows you can eat well here without a heavy bill, and that’s why people searching for vegetarian restaurants in Connaught Place with sensible pricing often end up in H-Block.

Where to Eat Veg Tandoori Starters in CP

You’ll find Pishori Dhaba at H-8, Ground Floor, Connaught Place, on the Gauri Palika Bazaar side of H-Block. The nearest metro is Rajiv Chowk, and since parking in CP is a headache, the metro is the easiest way to get here.

We’re open daily from 12:00 PM to 11:00 PM, so you can go for a late lunch or a slow dinner. Weekend evenings get busy, so if you’re a group, calling ahead at +91 92205 52537 saves waiting around. You can also browse the full menu here or see the contact page for directions.

A small tip: in many dhaba-style places, vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes come from the same tandoor kitchen. If you follow a strictly vegetarian diet, mention it when you order and ask the staff how the veg items are handled. It’s a fair question, and a good restaurant won’t mind answering.

Quick Ordering Cheat Sheet

• First visit? Paneer Tikka Shashlik and Stuffed Mushroom Tikka.
• Mild palate or kids? Malai Paneer Tikka, Dahi Kebab.
• Want something different? Veg Galouti Kebab.
• Love bold flavours? Achari Soya Chaap.
• Group of four? Tandoori Veg Platter.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best veg tandoori starters in Connaught Place?

Paneer tikka, stuffed mushroom tikka, dahi kebab, veg galouti kebab and soya chaap are the most popular choices. If you’re in a group, a mixed platter lets everyone try a few.

Are veg tandoori starters healthy?

They are grilled, not deep-fried, so they’re generally lighter than fried snacks. Marinades with cream or butter add richness, so portion size still matters.

Which veg starter is best for people who don’t like spice?

Malai Paneer Tikka and Dahi Kebab are the mildest options on the menu.

Is there a vegetarian platter available?

Yes. There’s a Tandoori Veg Platter with four items and a Paneer Tikka Mix Platter for paneer lovers.

How much do veg tandoori starters cost in CP?

At Pishori Dhaba they range from about ₹275 to ₹325 per plate, with platters costing more. Taxes are extra and prices may change.

Final Thoughts

Good vegetarian tandoor food isn’t about fancy names. It’s about a hot oven, a patient marinade and food that reaches your table while it’s still sizzling. Pick two or three starters from the list above, add some fresh bread and raita, and you’ve got a proper meal. If you’re ready to try, Pishori Dhaba at H-8, Connaught Place, is open daily, and a quick call to +91 92205 52537 is all it takes to book a table.