Is Delhi’s Humayunpur Shut? Here’s What Restaurant Owners Have To Say

If there is one neighbourhood in Delhi that goes beyond cookie-cutter cafes to serve food that is authentic, unique, and packed with flavour, it is Humayunpur in Delhi’s Safdarjung.

However, in the light of a recent incident of a fire that broke out in Delhi’s Malviya Nagar on June 3 and claimed the life of 21 people, eateries in Humayunpur have reportedly received orders from the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to remain dysfunctional until further notice. Today, most cafes and restaurants in the market were out of service with only a few accepting take-away orders. “Humayunpur is shut today and so are we,” said a server from Dear Naga.

After speaking to restaurant owners and managers from across the neighbourhood, the uncertainty about reopening seems to be constant. The neighbourhood is best known to serve Tibetan, Korean, and Northeast-Indian cuisines.

Regulars are taking to the internet to voice concern towards this untimely closure of their favourite cafes and restaurants. This is at a time when city dwellers are showing increased curiosity and interest towards different cuisines from across the country. And Humayunpur seems to be on all their lists.

What Is The Situation On Ground?

The first phone call I made to check the situation on ground was to one of the most underrated restaurants in the locality and my favourite, Lea Izakaya. No one on the other side. Just a WhatsApp message from the Izakaya that read, “Restaurant is closed and will remain closed until further notice.”

A similar message landed from a friend, Khevito Naga, who is the owner of the Hornbill Naga restaurant in Humayunpur. “The entire Safdarjung market is closed now due to MCD issues related to the Malviya Nagar fire case,” the message read.

Romeo, the senior restaurant manager of Bhansaghar restaurant in Humayunpur mentioned how there is little clarity about the entire situation. “We have not received a notice but since most restaurants in the neighbourhood are shut, we have restricted ourselves to take-away orders.”

However, on calling at Yong’s Kitchen, restaurant staff Tonzong, informed that they are open to dine-in and take-away alike.

Pangroy, the owner of Tkyak, best known for their ramen bowls, said, “Diners have been calling since morning to enquire about the status of reopening. The issue is we have no clarity.” He mentioned how he is expecting a resolution in the next 2-3 days, “otherwise I am planning to open up in another locality,” he added.

What Are Diners Saying?

The Humayunpur market is at any given point of time flooded with people from across the capital. Naysha Kapoor, a resident of North Delhi’s Pitampura said, “ever since we broke for summer vacations, my friends and I have been planning to visit the market to serve our love for momo while eating on a budget.” She mentioned how she had seen and saved many Instagram reels about hole-in-the-wall eateries of Humayunpur and wanted to try them all. “My only hope is that the market reopens before our vacations end,” she added.

Friends from the North East who introduced me to the marvels of Humayunpur spoke about how it is one of the few localities in Delhi where they get to experience the authentic taste of their cuisine and feel closer to home while being away. Diners, restaurant staff, and owners are all hoping to receive orders of reopening, so one of Delhi’s most cherished food neighborhoods can get back to serving its diners with everything they love.

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