Every great meal has a supporting player that quietly makes everything else taste better. On Devon Street, that’s Delhi Darbar’s dal fry.
What Is Dal Fry?
Dal fry is a lentil dish — typically a mix of yellow lentils simmered until soft, then finished with a tempering, or “tadka,” of ghee, cumin, garlic, and dried red chilies fried until fragrant and poured over the top right before serving. That final step is what separates a good dal from a forgettable one — the sizzle of hot ghee hitting the lentils releases the aroma that makes dal fry a dish people crave on its own, not just as a side.
Why It Matters More Than People Realize
Dal fry doesn’t get the same spotlight as biryani or Nihari, but for a lot of South Asian and Gujarati diners, it’s the dish that makes a meal feel complete. It’s comforting, mildly spiced, and works as a natural counterbalance to richer dishes like butter chicken or goat biryani — a bite of dal between bites of something heavier resets your palate and makes the whole meal feel more balanced.
It’s also one of the most reliably vegetarian- and vegan-friendly dishes on the menu (confirm ghee-free preparation with the kitchen if needed), making it an easy addition to a mixed table where some guests eat meat and others don’t.
Who Orders It
Dal fry tends to be the dish longtime regulars order almost automatically — not because it’s the star of the meal, but because they know from experience that it makes everything else on the table better. It’s also a smart, affordable addition for anyone building a bigger group order, since it stretches well and pairs with nearly everything else on the menu.
Best Pairings
Dal fry works well alongside rice, naan, or as a side to nearly any curry, kabab, or biryani dish. On Nihari Wednesday, it’s a popular addition for tables that want a lighter, vegetarian option alongside the richer stew. It also pairs naturally with vegetable biryani for a fully vegetarian spread.
A Great Order for First-Timers
If you’re new to Indian and Pakistani food and want a low-risk, comforting introduction, dal fry is one of the best starting points on the menu — mild, familiar in texture to soups and stews many people already know, and easy to pair with rice or naan.
