Tucked away in the corner of the Deer Park is the famous Park Baluchi, winner of the National Tourism award ( by Ministry of Tourism) for the Best Restaurant Year 2000. All evident from its name, the affluence of greenery and ambience of Deer Park, gently breezes here...

Set up by the trio partnership of P.S. Sawhney, J.S. Chaddha and Subhash Ahuja, Park Baluchi has won the accolades for being the best restaurant in Northern region, consecutively for three years.

Looking at the number of cars lined outside, the narrow entrance to the park on the way towards the Hauz Khas market, Park Baluchi cannot be missed. Set amidst the lush green thick forested park, made convenient by the well laid out metalled and brick pathways, Park Baluchi is a major attraction for the foodies of Delhi and even the travel groups from abroad, informs O.P. Sahni - G.M. of the restaurant.

The restaurant of a total of 88 covers, is composed of four different sections. The indoor section is for the ones who would like to enjoy the coziness of indoors and the warm earth tones of the tapestry to complement it. The flooring is all wooden and is probably done to give it the effect of a forest lodge. Way ahead is the section overlooking the Japanese Garden, tastefully done up by the management of the restaurant. Along the lofty Cycus tree and the Arocaria plants, is an artificial stream. The section is recommended for ones who want the best of nature and the indoors as well. And if you want to be with nature, you must be seated in the outdoors section, overlooking the Deer Park on one side and the Japanese garden on the other.

There is a provision for organising buffet meals and theme parties for over 100 people at the banqueting section of the restaurant complex.

In a city were food is a major business, one wonders what makes Park Baluchi so different. Different it is, because you cannot find the Delhiite's sole favourite or for that matter anybody's limited favourites like Dal Makhni, Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken et al... So how does the restaurant (or better still its customers ) survive? With a boastful smile, the General Manager informs, "Our popularity lies in the difference in food that we offer here. Many people on their first visit , are disappointed not to find their usual fare here. But once they are convinced with the elaborate gourmet fare available, they thoroughly enjoy it and they come back with their friends."

The restaurant serves authentic Afghani (the Kabila Khana), Mughlai and authentic non-oily Indian food. It is for this reason that the food is very popular with the health conscious Indians and the foreigners who would like to enjoy the real Indian food ( sans the unnecessary oil and spices).

On the menu, one finds the Omar Khyyam pictures and a lot of 'very interesting' choice on the menu. Topping the popularity is the 'Dohra Kebab'. It is an interesting mix of two different meats, stuffed in each other. More than the elaborate recipe, the way of presentation is more than appealing. Served on a 'seekh' - a vertical sword, with a blue coal flame beneath, the delectable meat pieces are served directly at the table. Well presented, piping hot and deliciously cooked - a treat for senses not found anywhere else. Another speciality here is the Mewa Paneer Tukra. This starter dish is made with cottage cheese and it takes over 24 hours to prepare this delicacy as the peda is then to be stuffed with a filling of mushrooms, nuts and exotic spices like the chakri phool, pathar phool and kala jeera etc.

Also on the menu are exotic dishes like Banarsi Sheek Kebab ( succulent minced lamb meat cooked in a clay oven), Burra Gosht (Mutton dish in onion gravy), Noori Kofta Badami, Haryali Chooza ( Chicken in green gravy), Nawabi Shola and desserts like Reshmi Jaal ( ried sewaiyan with icecream). The prices are in the range of Rs. 150/- to 250/- with the Dohra Kebab as the costliest at Rs. 300/-. The restaurant also serves liquor in the restaurant and there is a good choice in the Indian, imported beverages and cocktails, mocktails and the liquor menu.The liquor menu section is well named as 'Andaz e Rukhsat'... A way to attract guests and a way to fare them well. You're sure to come back here.