Another spot for Indian cuisine in Cappadocia is Delhi Darbar, which has gained popularity for serving authentic Indian flavors in Göreme.
Delhi Darbar is here to satisfy your yearning for spicy curries or just a change of palate after days of kebabs.
About Delhi Darbar
Located conveniently in Göreme town, Delhi Darbar offers indoor and outdoor seating.
The ambiance is inviting—not overly fancy but clean and decorated with some Indian motifs.
Gentle Indian music often plays, adding to the vibe.
The staff is friendly, and many of them are from the subcontinent or have trained under Indian chefs, so they know the cuisine well.
Menu
Delhi Darbar’s menu is extensive, covering a range of North Indian dishes (and a few Indo-Chinese items, too). Classics include Chicken Butter Masala, Lamb Rogan Josh, Paneer Tikka, and Vegetable Jalfrezi.
One standout is their Biryani – aromatic basmati rice cooked with spices and your choice of meat or veggies, served with cooling raita.
Portions are good for sharing. They also have a tandoor (clay oven), so you can get tandoori chicken, kebabs, and fresh naan bread. Garlic naan and cheese naan are favorites for mopping up the gravies.
A Haven for Vegetarians
There’s a wide selection, from lentil dals to palak paneer (spinach and cheese) to chana masala (chickpea curry).
Many travelers from India or those who love Indian food have commented that the taste is homey and authentic, which is a big plus – it’s not a toned-down version; spices are used generously (though you can request mild or hot).
They even serve some South Indian dishes like dosa or idli occasionally, but that might depend on availability.
What makes it stand out
The consensus among visitors is that Delhi Darbar offers rich, flavorful curries and a very genuine Indian taste.
They don’t skimp on spices or the complexity of flavors, which can be a godsend if you’ve been traveling and missing the taste of proper Indian cooking.
Many Indian tourists specifically seek it out and leave satisfied (some even say it was the best Indian meal of their Turkey trip).
Their chefs understand the balance of masalas, so whether it’s a creamy cashew-based curry or a fiery vindaloo, it comes out right.
Additionally, the restaurant is known for its hospitality. The servers often chat with guests – they might even share a bit of their story if you’re interested (for example, some might be from India or Pakistan and happy to speak Hindi/Urdu with those who do).
This personal touch makes dining there comfortable, almost like you’re in a family restaurant back home.
Notable Dishes
The Butter Chicken here is popular – tender chicken in a silky tomato-butter sauce.
The Dal Tadka (yellow lentils tempered with spices) is simple but soul-satisfying, especially with rice or naan.
The Mix Veg Curry provides a nice assortment of veggies in a spiced gravy for vegetarians.
Don’t miss out on the breads – they arrive hot and puffy from the tandoor.
If you have room, try a dessert like gulab jamun (sweet milk dumplings in syrup) or maybe a mango lassi (a yogurt-based drink) to cool down the spice.
Service & Price
The service is generally prompt. The food is prepared after you order, so it might take a little time to come out, but nothing unusual—you can munch on papadums with chutney while you wait.
Prices are mid-range, expect mains in the ₺80–₺150 ($2–$4) range, naans around ₺30–₺40 ($1), rice around ₺60 ($1.5), etc.
So, a full meal for two with starters, mains, and bread might come to ₺600–₺800 ($15–$21), which is reasonable for the quality and quantity.
Traveler Tip
If you want it extra spicy (Indian hot), let them know. They often cater to a global crowd who might prefer mild, so by default, they may tone it down to medium. But they’re happy to fire it up to your taste.
It’s also open for lunch and dinner; if you go for lunch, it’s usually quiet, and you get quick service.
