When I was growing up in Delhi in the early 2000s, birthday celebrations meant just one thing—burgers at Nirula’s. I have lost track of the countless memories the red and white sign board holds for me and millions like me. Nirula’s introduced Delhi to the fast-food culture long before any other eatery entered the Indian foodscape.
While Nirula’s has over 120 locations all over India, for a Delhi girl, it will always be extra special. After all, it was Delhi’s first fast-food restaurant that opened in 1977.
1. You Couldn’t Miss It
The best part about Nirula’s was how conveniently it was located in every nook and corner of Delhi. From Vasant Kunj to Connaught Place, you could find it anywhere. Luckily this has not changed at all, even today Delhi is full of cute Nirula’s outlets to take you back to your childhood.
2. The OG Ice Cream Parlour
Unlike America, India hardly had any place that could be called an ice cream parlour. But then Nirula’s brought the experience home. It gave us a chance to explore different flavours, mix and match and invent a flavour of our own. I mean I can almost taste the flavoursome Jamoca Almond Fudge and the iconic Hot Chocolate Fudge. It was the perfect pick-me-up food!
3. Our Introduction To Fast Food
I hate that I am old enough to say humare zamaane mein…but in my younger days, it was hard to find any place that would serve great fast food. Luckily, I stumbled upon Nirula’s! From their delicious burgers to hard-to-miss pizzas, they had (still have) it all. I can almost picture myself with my girl gang laughing and fighting over the last slice. Trust me for a teenager, it was heaven. Today, the menu includes Indian delights, sandwiches, mouth-watering momos and pasta as well.
4. Extra Special Surprises
Nirula’s had the best surprises for kids! In fact, Nirula’s had a scholar program where any student who got an A+ would get a free HCF/sundae. This motivated me plenty to work hard on my grades. That’s not all, the ice parlour had the cutest birthday ideas as well. The best part about celebrating your birthday at Nirula’s was—how the staff would make the day extra special for you. I remember how I would visit to get free ice cream. Trust me, it made all the difference in the world!
5. Perfect Date Spot
Not all of us could afford to dine at an expensive restaurant for a date night in our teenage years but Nirula’s always came to the rescue. Even today, I love to take my boyfriend for nostalgia and delicious treats.
In many ways, Nirula’s remains embedded in the Delhi kid’s memory. BRB, now I have a craving for 51 different flavours of ice creams and I know just the place for it!
Featured Image: Instagram