Nearly every time I go to Shahpurjat, which is usually to see my friend the designer Sonam Dubal, we end up at the charming cafe-boutique “Les Parisiennes”.
A delightful space, elegantly and quirkily furnished, selling a mix of vintage and retro must-haves (think dresses, jewellery, accessories), and serving typical light French bistro style fare (think quiche, salad, gateaux – that kind of fare).
I ask you what’s not to love?
I have been there with friends who went in for just for lunch and came out with a butter dish. Or stopped by for an afternoon cool drink and emerged with a glass cake stand they never knew they absolutely had to have.
There is always retro style music playing, all vaguely Edith Piaf-y. The bathrooms are delightfully spotless. The menu is written, bistro-style, on a blackboard.
I repeat, what’s not to love.
On a recent visit 2 days ago, on a broilingly hot Delhi summer afternoon, it was blissfully cool inside, and as I say every time I go there, “I could live here in Les Parisiennes” – for it is a village house that had been beautifully transformed, but still feels like a welcoming home.
I was very politely asked not to take photos on my last visit, so I didn’t, but on former visits I wasn’t stopped, so here is a quick look at a charming place that should be on everyone’s Shahpurjat To Do List.
5-B, Dada Jungi House,
Shahpur Jat,
Delhi 110049
+91 88 26 51 89 43
+91 11 26 49 67 54
??? Personally recommended
I rate Les Parisiennes 10/10 for atmosphere. 8/10 for quality/portions/affordability of their food. Have never shopped there, but friends have and love their crockery and glasses especially.
Open daily 10am-7pm