Khan Market has a way of making you feel like you belong, even if you have just arrived in Delhi with five suitcases and a head full of ambition. It was the first neighbourhood I explored when I moved to the city, and somehow it felt like a rite of passage.
Built in 1951 and named after freedom fighter Khan Abdul Jabbar Khan, this compact yet upscale market began as a rehabilitation colony for refugees after Partition. Over the decades, it evolved into one of Delhi’s most expensive retail hubs, known for its independent boutiques, bookstores, cafés, and restaurants. It is where diplomats shop, college students linger, and Delhi’s social life uncoils over coffee and cocktails.
Tucked into one of its buzzing corners is Out of the Box, a space that matches Khan Market’s personality perfectly.
Out of the Box in Khan Market carries an easy, lived-in charm. The space balances contemporary design with cosy familiarity. Warm lighting sets the tone, complemented by exposed details and thoughtfully arranged seating that creates depth without clutter. The space carries an easygoing energy that works just as well for a relaxed afternoon meal as it does for an evening that drifts into cocktails and lingering conversations. It feels current and confident, stylish without ever feeling unapproachable.
The menu mirrors that same versatility, moving comfortably between Indian, Asian and continental influences.
Starters That Are The Star Of The Meal
We began with the peri peri chicken tikka, spicy chicken tikka generously tossed in peri peri sauce. It brought heat, but the kind that builds gradually rather than overwhelms. Smoky, juicy and unapologetically bold, it did exactly what a good starter should do. It woke up the palate.
Then came the Shikampuri Kebab, the star of the evening. This spiced lamb kebab was rich yet balanced, paired ruminatively with mini yoghurt and a mini paratha. The texture was soft, almost melt-in-the-mouth, with the yoghurt cutting through the richness beautifully. Each bite felt complete. If there is one dish you should not miss here, it is this.
The Malabar prawn followed with southern spices, tossed in masala and paired with a whiskey-laced cocktail sauce and kachumber crunch. The prawns were succulent and well-coated in flavour, while the cocktail sauce added an unexpected depth that made the dish stand out.
In the background, the DJ kept spinning tracks straight out of my growing-up years, mostly Taylor Swift. ‘Love Story’ came on, and soon after, ‘The Fate of Ophelia’ followed, pulling me right back into that familiar Spotify playlist.
Next, the chicken crystal dumplings arrived delicate and translucent, the steamed shell revealing hints of bamboo shoot and light soy seasoning inside. They were subtle, clean, and comforting.
The classic quesadilla, stuffed with cheese and mushrooms and served with salsa fresca, leaned into familiar comfort. Warm, cheesy and satisfying, it felt like the kind of plate you reach for when you want something reliable.
We paired it with the pepperoni pizza, which was a straightforward indulgence. Crisp base, generous topping, and that familiar combination of cheese and pepperoni that never fails.
Drinks That Keep Things Interesting
To sip, I chose the iced matcha latte with oat milk and went for the coconut infusion. It was refreshing and smooth, with the coconut adding a creamy edge that softened matcha’s earthiness.
The mango picante, made with tequila, mango puree, jalapeno, spiced salt and lime, was described perfectly as a tropical dance. Sweet mango met the sharp heat of jalapeno, and the result was lively and layered. For those skipping alcohol, the lemon cucumber mint sparkle offered a crisp, cooling alternative with fresh cucumber juice, lemon, mint leaves and tonic water.
Main Course And A Sweet Finish
For the main course, the Malabar Parantha paired beautifully with the ghee roast chicken. The chicken, inspired by Mangalorean flavours, came coated in a ghee-chilli glaze and finished with spice dust. It was robust, slightly fiery and deeply satisfying. The parantha helped scoop up every bit of that glaze, making each bite indulgent.
Dessert was a classic chocolate brownie with ice cream. Warm, dense brownie against cold, creamy ice cream is a combination that never disappoints. It was simple, comforting and exactly what the meal needed as a closing note.
If Khan Market is Delhi’s living room, then Out of the Box feels like that comfortable corner where conversations flow easily, plates arrive generously, and you leave already planning your next visit.
