It's fair to say that when it comes to restaurants,
UCH is an institution. It has long been a Delhi favorite having the huge
advantage of being situated in the inner circle of Connaught Place. While the
decor is very 70-80s it has been updated and the nostalgic factor is at an all
time high. The waiting staff is old-fashioned, which is not a bad thing mind
you. It's like having a friend, a confidant, a helper, and someone you can ask
for recommendations all rolled up into one human.
Now, United Coffee House works for me on two levels in terms of food. There is the dinner which comprises of the regular Indian Mughalai and Continental food and then there are the snacks and quick bites. The former is just about acceptable. I've had dinner there twice recently and on both occasions I was not impressed. There's nothing overtly wrong with the food but it lacks anything special at all, and when you pay good money for something you expect a little something back.
However, the snacks are a different story altogether. They are classic, tasty, delicious, and I've spent many an afternoons enjoying them over the last two decades (and my father from much before). In fact a lunch at UCH is somewhat of a father-son bonding session for me and something I'll cherish forever.
Amongst the menu the following are a favorite and I hardly ever try anything other than these dishes, because I just don't want to... that's how perfect they are;
Cold Coffee with Ice-Cream - Yes I've ordered it during business meetings at UCH. What are you gonna do about it?
The Pickled Onions - I know they are available everywhere, but I just love the ones served here. I can be weird that way sometimes.
Cheese Sandwiches - You might not find anything special in them, but they taste good, are not at all fancy, have a generous amount of butter and cheese, and the bread is soft. I like them.
Baked Vegetable - Served piping hot and filled with the goodness of well cooked veggies. Filling and fulfilling.
Cheese Balls - That classic fried option oozing with cheese that kids love boldly and adults love secretly.
Paneer Pakodas - Once again a common item that is on most menus, but in here they are crunchy, well filled, and fried to deliciousness.
Barbecue Cheese Sizzler - Take half a brick of Paneer (Cottage Cheese), cook it a little, add boiled/steamed veggies, make everything sizzle and serve. There, it's as easy as that. Being a Paneer lover, this is THE dish I always have. Always!
Tutty Fruity Icecream - To end a lovely meal order some delicious ice-cream. Not my favorite but others in my family like it.
United Coffee House is a place you have to visit at least once it your life, and hopefully you'll like something that'll bring you back. You may like it or you may not, but it is such a historical part of the Delhi restaurant scene that any foodie should be ashamed of themselves if they haven't been here.
