Delli Delicacies has gradually gained prominence during the past fifteen years as a leader in the ever-changing Delhi catering industry. Delli Delicacies grew out of a childhood friendship between founders Mr. Bhalla and Mr. Malik, who became business partners to create their outstanding restaurant. In an exclusive interview with NB News Network, they shared their inspiring journey — let’s dive into their remarkable story.
The Beginning: Two Backbenchers, One Dream
Their story begins in what they jokingly refer to as “a notorious Delhi school,” where they were not just classmates but neighbors who shared a penchant for mischief. “We were not even backbenchers; we were mostly out of the class,” Mr. Malik recalls with a laugh. “We were outstanding students—literally standing outside the classroom!”
This camaraderie formed in childhood weathered the separation of their college years and different career paths, only to bring them full circle decades later. Mr. Bhalla completed his hotel management in 2001 and worked in various establishments, briefly venturing into banking before the “love of food” called him back to his true passion.
The Birth of Delli Delicacies
What began as a modest catering operation in 2010 has evolved into a premium brand that handles everything from intimate gatherings of 80 guests to grand affairs with up to 5,000 attendees. The formal partnership took shape last year when, after years of informally serving common clients, they decided to “formalize the thing and organize it in a better form,” as Mr. Malik puts it.
“We felt that we needed to add a bit of humor to the seriousness of the business,” shares Mr. Bhalla, to which Mr. Malik quips, “That was a mistake that he would realize in some years!” Their playful banter reveals a dynamic that has served them well in the high-pressure world of catering.
The Essence of Excellence
When asked about what sets Delli Delicacies apart in a saturated market, both partners emphasize one core principle: respecting the fundamentals of food.
“We serve good food, we serve variations in food, but most importantly, we stick to the basics,” Mr. Bhalla explains. “Experimentation in food is always important—experiment and explore different techniques and different horizons of the industry—but the basic fundamentals of the food should remain.”
Mr. Malik adds with conviction, “The essence of the food should not be spoiled. In terms of exploring your horizons, you should not forget the roots and the basics.”
This philosophy extends to their ingredient selection. Delli Delicacies prides itself on using premium products and brands that would be found in good Indian homes. “Being Punjabi, both of us have loved food since childhood,” Mr. Malik shares. “We try to cook with the same innocence as a mother cooks for her child.”
A Versatile Culinary Portfolio
Delli Delicacies has mastered an impressive range of cuisines—Indian, Pan-Asian, Continental, and Mexican—with dedicated chefs specializing in each. They cater to premium weddings (both destination and in-house), pre-wedding and post-wedding functions, social gatherings, and corporate events. Their clientele includes several empaneled properties, including the prestigious Lakshmi Niwas Palace in Bharatpur.
Lessons from Fifteen Years of Excellence
When asked what advice they would offer to aspiring caterers, Mr. Bhalla emphasizes that success doesn’t come overnight: “It’s not a three-to-five-year game wherein you instantly get success. You have to burn your night oil and do a lot of hard work to develop your feet in the market.”
Mr. Malik stresses the importance of treating each event as unique and significant: “For me, it can be an event, but for you, it’s a lifetime event. I can’t spoil your lifetime event. You have to consider every event as your first event.”
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Looking Ahead
Despite their success, the partners remain grounded about their vision for Delli Delicacies. While they don’t dismiss the possibility of expanding beyond Indian borders, they prefer taking it “step by step.”
“We stick to the honesty of the work, and we are doing our hard work. Let’s see how things unfold,” Mr. Bhalla reflects.
In a post-COVID world where hygiene and standardization have gained renewed importance, Delli Delicacies has adapted by implementing consistent standards across all venues—from food quality to service protocols.
As Mr. Malik wisely notes, “The way to a man’s heart is through the stomach.” For fifteen years, Delli Delicacies has been winning hearts across Delhi, one meticulously prepared dish at a time, proving that when passion meets persistence, culinary magic happens.
