Humayunpur story: The Delhi neighbourhood is 'cool' but also a bit complicated

The first impression of Humayunpur, a neighbourhood in Delhi’s posh Safdarjung Enclave, is hardly pleasant. Visitors are greeted by a massive dustbin, narrow streets clogged with vehicles belonging to local residents, and rough, rocky paths.

Yet, none of this seems to deter Humayunpur’s fans, who continue to visit the locality and have turned it into something of an Instagram sensation. Its popularity has now gone global, too.

Humayunpur has landed at No. 16 on Time Out’s 2026 list of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods, joining the likes of Koenji in Tokyo, Esquilino in Rome, and Seoul’s Jongno 3-ga. And yes, Mumbai’s Bandra West has made the list too - at No. 23.What is special about Humayunpur

Ask a Delhiite, especially someone from the younger lot - from college students to younger Millennials - and they’ll tell you it’s their go-to spot for delicious food and fashion. It’s the destination for a wholesome plate of momo, steaming bowls of thukpa, an elaborate Naga thali, seafood boil, or a hearty Assamese spread. Jhol momo at an eatery in Humayunpur. (Photo: Author)

And it is not all a recent development. Long before Instagram discovered it, Humayunpur had been quietly serving some of the city’s best food from the region. As it became one of Delhi’s hubs for migrants from the Northeast, the number of eateries serving its diverse cuisines grew as well.

Today, the neighbourhood is home to more than 50 restaurants, offering Assamese, Manipuri, Naga, Mizo, Sikkimese and other regional specialities, alongside Vietnamese, Korean and Thai food.

Mayukh Nair, a 29-year-old data engineer who calls himself a “serial Humayunpur enjoyer”, says he loves how the cuisines of all seven Northeastern states are authentically represented here.

“This place is my favourite example of New Delhi in its true spirit - a melting pot of immigrants from across India who have brought their cultures and professional expertise together in one place, organically and from scratch. And without apology for what they eat, without diluting its authenticity, and by encouraging people to try flavours that the rest of the city often dilutes for the sake of accommodation,” Nair adds, recalling how streets of Humayunpur often smell of axone – a fermented and smoked soybean ingredient known for its strong, pungent smell and intense umami flavour.

What has also helped the area thrive is its growing appeal among Delhi’s wider food-loving crowd. Humayunpur is no longer a destination frequented only by people from the region; like Nair, diners from across the city now flock here to explore its diverse culinary spaces.

Lha’s Kitchen, known for its Tibetan menu and especially its kothe momo, had to open a second branch in the neighbourhood after becoming hugely popular. Yong’s Kitchen has earned a following for its seafood boils, while Rude Chef specialises in Southeast Asian food. Chicken wontons at Lha's Kitchen. (Photo: Author)

Mizo Diner is where you can get a taste of Mizoram’s flavours, while Categorical Eat-Pham serves the comforting taste of home-cooked Manipuri food. Green Neko, a micro-dining setup that opened three years ago, has already become a poster child for the locality and is known for its poke bowls and boba tea.

Kori’s, a chain known for its Korean food and caf menu, has now moved into a multi-storey space, using built-in food elevators to carry dishes from the kitchen to the different floors. And then there are the older establishments, like Yo Tibet and KPG Express, which have been serving Himalayan staples for more than a decade.

And trust me when I say, these are just a few! Every outing in Humayunpur is likely to lead you to an eatery you may not have even noticed before. I say this as a former resident of Safdarjung Enclave. I’ve often stepped out aimlessly, only to stumble upon a tiny restaurant serving wholesome Burmese noodle bowls, or went underground to discover the pork Green Neko’s poke bowls were another such discovery. The view from Green Neko's counter. (Photo: Instagram/greenneko.eats)

But food is just one part of the Humayunpur story. What also makes it a cool neighbourhood is the fashion and beauty hub it has grown into. You’ll find a bevy of cool stores selling the latest in fashion, with a strong influence from Korean aesthetics. From workwear and streetwear to athleisure, partywear and, of course, thrift stores - you’re truly spoilt for choice. And did we forget to mention the crazy footwear you can find there?

There are beauty stores too, with racks stocked with Korean and Japanese products. Add tattoo parlours, karaoke spots and photo booths to the mix, along with grocery stores selling a range of Asian ingredients, from bamboo shoots and axone to bhut jolokia and local veggies.Spend an afternoon in Humayunpur and you’ll see its youth culture play out on the streets - people dressed in the latest trends, androgynous silhouettes, groups of youngsters wandering through the lanes, sometimes carrying sunflowers as accessories.And then there is a stark contrast too. Many of the properties are owned by Jat families who have lived here for generations. You might see an uncle smoking a hookah on the street outside his family home, while women with their heads covered shop for fresh vegetables from a cart.

It is this juxtaposition that makes Humayunpur a fascinating cultural melting pot.However, the neighbourhood is not without its worries. Earlier this year, a deadly fire in Malviya Nagar sparked a city-wide crackdown on commercial establishments operating in residential areas with narrow lanes. Humayunpur quickly landed on the radar, leading to temporary closures over missing fire exits, safety concerns, and licensing issues.Many of these concerns still linger. Many locals even feel there could any day be a Malviya Nagar-like situation too.- EndsPublished By: Medha ChawlaPublished On: Sep 20, 2026 08:46 IST