‘Friendly, affordable and adventurous’: Delhi House Cafe, Royal Albert Docks, reviewed

Following a successful opening at Manchester’s Corn Exchange in 2020, contemporary Indian restaurant Delhi House Cafe has solidified itself as one of the go-to spots for authentic yet experimental Indian street food in the city. 

Created by the Lamba family after relocating from Delhi to Manchester, the restaurant became renowned for their signature dishes and fantastic hospitality.

Delhi House Cafe became so successful that the owners decided to take over a little bit more of the north this year, expanding their empire with a second site in Liverpool. The family-run business chose a signature spot slap-bang in the middle of the city’s historic Albert Docks as their new abode, taking over the old Lerpwl site which has sat dormant for quite some time. 

I headed down on a cold and blustery Thursday afternoon to see whether the expansion was serving them well and if the food and service quality had kept its consistency on its journey over the M62.

Shimmering in the rare November sunlight is the signature gold lettering for Delhi House - enticing and alluring, it’s this larger-than-life touch of opulent branding that screams professionalism and lets you know you’re in safe hands.  

Inside the restaurant is simple yet stylish, making use of rattan cafe-style chairs and marble tables that can seamlessly handle the transition from casual lunchtime dining to evening special occasions. 

I was quickly welcomed by a member of the team, beaming with a smile as she seated me by the window with a spectacular view of the docks. 

Like most good Indian restaurants, the list of non-alcoholic options are of great variety here, spanning everything from authentically-flavoursome mocktails to 0% beers, to classic softs and warming teas like masala chai. Described as 'No Alcohol Tails' and 'Saint Sips' on the menu, it adds a bit of fun to ordering alcohol-free drinks. 

I opted for the Sab Moh Maya Hai; a zesty combination of passionfruit, guava, honey, lemon and soda served tall and with a sprig of mint and lime wedge to garnish.

If you're after something hard, they've got that too, and in abundance. Wine, spirits, pale ales, whatever your tipple - you'll be sure to find something to whet your whistle with. 

Browsing the comprehensive seven-page menu of street food favourites, including a full two pages of vegan and gluten free options, one signature dish on the 'House Specials' category caught my eye - 'Mom’s buttered chicken tikka masala'. If it's good enough for Mom, it's good enough for me. 

Described as a 'house favourite', this Tandoori chicken thigh tikka is served in a rich and creamy sauce making it an indulgent calorie-laden delight, perfect for those colder winter days when you need to fuel up.

Smoky, tangy with a tad of sweetness, and just the right amount of spice to give the dish a kick without blowing your socks off, its no wonder the regulars lap this up. I know I did.

As recommended, I ordered the butter naan which paired perfectly and made for a good dipping accompaniment to mop up those tangy remnants in the bowl. Light and fluffy with crisped edges, a butter naan (or two) is a staple for sharing feasts, or tables of one like myself. 

Fed, watered and fully satisfied, I settled the bill for the humble price of just over £26 including service charge. You won't find this kind of quality, top notch service and wide variety of flavours for such a great value in many places on Albert Dock, trust me. 

So, if you're passing by and need of a warm this winter, let the team at Delhi House Cafe Liverpool take great care of you and open your eyes to a new world of Indian fusion flavours.  

Delhi House Cafe, Unit 2B, Britannia Pavilion, Royal Albert Docks, Liverpool L3 4AD