Kala Cafe

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Kala Cafe

Overview

Kala Café sits inside the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts on Parliament Street, a dynamic, budget‑friendly eatery popular with students, office-goers, artists, and tourists alike. Since around 2012, its multi-cuisine menu has made it one of CP’s most democratic food stops—offering everything from Delhi street chaat and North Indian thalis to South Indian dosas and fusion pasta, all under ₹600 per person. With its artsy interiors and bustling high-speed lunch crowds, it’s loved for both flavor variety and affordable pricing.



Ambiance

Kala Café blends utilitarian café seating with a creative edge—mismatched chairs, indie posters, and boho-chic touches around a lively, semi-open space. It’s informal yet energetic, with designated zones for office lunch crowds and students juggling plates over casual tables.

  • Open 120-seat space – Mix of communal tables, student corners, and reserved spots for local office-goers.
  • Bohemian Décor – Indie music posters, mismatched chairs, painted murals, and casual chalkboard menus.
  • Power Lunch Zone – High turnover area catering to fast lunch crowds around midday meetings.
  • Student Hangout Corner – Budget-friendly combo pricing, shared tables and $99 pizza/Maggi meals.
  • Art Gallery Vibe – As part of IGNA campus, subtle creative energy in surroundings.

Cuisine

An eclectic menu covering North Indian street food, South Indian breakfast, Indo-Chinese entrees, European cafe staples and chaat—all freshly cooked and priced affordably. It includes both vegetarian and limited non‑vegetarian offerings.

  • starters : Chaat Variety, Cheese & Veg Manchurian, Chilli Potato, Vada Pav
  • breakfast south : Masala Dosa, Uttapam, Ragi Dosa, Chole Chawal
  • mains : Dal Makhani, Paneer Butter Masala, Veg Pasta, Biryani
  • snacks : Maggi Bowls, Pizza Slice ₹99, Sandwiches
  • desserts : Badam Kheer, Gulab Jamun, Chocolate Shake, Oreo Shake
  • beverages : Kulhad Masala Chai, Lassi, Cold Coffee, Juices

Chef Recommendations

  • Paneer Manchurian & Garlic Noodles
  • Maggi Bowl Combo (₹99) – Simple, nostalgic and filling.
  • Chole Bhature – Delhi breakfast done right.

Nutritional Breakdown

  • focus : Fast-casual multi-cuisine using Indian cooking methods and local ingredients.
  • health aspects : Mostly vegetarian; some items low-fat or whole‑grain offered.
  • dietary notes : Contains gluten, dairy; spice levels may vary; do mention preferences when ordering.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Parliament Special Thali – Lots of variety and changing dishes available during lunch only.
  • Butter Chicken Pizza – Fusion twist that’s street-savvy and affordable.
  • Chole Bhature – Classic Delhi breakfast staple with rich flavors.
  • Chocolate Shake – Thick, creamy and consistently praised by patrons.
  • Chilli Garlic Noodles & Paneer Manchurian – Indo-Chinese combo you shouldn’t miss.

Why Visit Kala Cafe?

  • Multi‑cuisine Variety under ₹200 dish – From chaats to dosa to pasta, everything at accessible pricing.
  • Central Secretariat Location – Inside IGNA campus along Parliament Street, very walkable from Rajiv Chowk.
  • Local & Student Crowd – Reliable choice for office lunch or college hangouts.
  • Artsy, Casual Vibe – Creativity meets cheap eats in an offbeat CP corner.
  • Breakfast, Lunch & Evening Bites – Offers flexible hours ideal for different cravings.

Event Hosting

  • availability : Not designed for private events; purely casual café.
  • special offers : Scratch card discounts, bank offers like flat 10% off occasionally.

Contact Info:

  • N.A

Address: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts, Near Western Court, Parliament Street, New Delhi 110001

Parking: Paid parking nearby (Palika Kendra), better access via metro

Tips for Visitors

best time to visit : 1–2 PM for Power Lunch platters; 4–6 PM for quieter chai/chaat sessions.

reservations : Not accepted – walk-in seating only, shared tables on busy hours.

dress code : Casual and comfortable, suits students, office casuals and tourists.

Tags
Categories
    Multi‑CuisineCasual DiningBudget EatsStudent CaféParliament Street
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