The Penguin Essential Cookbooks are a pioneering attempt to keep alive the art of traditional Indian cooking. Each of the books is written by an expert chef who brings together the special recipes of a region or community along with a detailed introduction that describes the rituals and customs related to the eating and serving of food.

In the Essential Delhi Cookbook recipes are drawn from the different communities who have made Delhi their home, including the Khatri’s and Keypaths, in addition to Mughlai and Punjabi dishes. The recipes includer, Bhaji Meth, Dal Ki Pakora, Muthanna Pulao, Mathai, Papyri Chat , Shabbat-e-Gulab.292