Famous Food in Delhi - 11 Must-try Dishes

Delhi is not just famous for its intriguing past, architectural wonders, and diverse culture. The city is also known as the country’s food capital, and it’s easy to understand why. The lively and vibrant streets offer a culinary adventure like no other. Traditional meals and iconic street food encapsulate the essence of Delhi and reflect its cultural heritage.

For centuries, Delhi was a multiracial and cultural melting pot, and the city’s cuisine is influenced by the many people who came and settled here. There are numerous food delicacies for which Delhi is famed worldwide. Some of these are born here, while others have been adapted and made legendary by the inhabitants of this region. This article about famous Delhi food covers the most popular dishes that you ought to try, especially if you are a tourist and a foodie.

1). Chole Bhature

Originating in Punjab, Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian delicacy loved all over the country. However, Delhi serves some of the best Chole Bhature in India. If you ask someone what is the most famous dish in Delhi, Chole Bhature would likely come out on the top. This hearty and comforting dish is a hit with both locals and visitors and can be found in almost every corner of town. The scrumptious dish consists of aromatic, spicy chickpea curry (Chole) accompanied with fluffy deep-fried bread (Bhature). It comes with a side of pickles, onions, and chutney. Pair your Chole Bhature with a glass of sweet lassi to enjoy an explosion of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors in your mouth.

Best places to try Chole Bhature in Delhi
Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Paharganj), Nand di Hatti (Chandni Chowk), Baba Nagpal’s Corner (Lajpat Nagar), Roshan’s (Karol Bagh), Chache Di Hatti (Kamla Nagar)

2). Momos

Momos, which originated in Nepal and Tibet, is now an integral part of Indian street food, particularly in Delhi. Momos are one of the most popular snacks in offices, colleges, birthday parties, and even weddings. It is common to find vendors selling delectable dumplings outside practically every office building, housing complex, college, school, and market in the capital city. Momos can be enjoyed steamed as well as fried. The thin flour wrap is stuffed with juicy, mouthwatering fillings and served with a hot red sauce. Momos are traditionally packed with ground or minced meat, however vegetarian options are available in India. In Delhi, these yummy dumplings are available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian variations, including veggies, paneer, chicken, cheese, and so on.

Best places to try Momos in Delhi:
Kamla Nagar Market, Dolma Aunty (Lajpat Nagar), Momo Mia Stall 6 (Dilli Haat), Sikkim House,  Cafe Brown Sugar (GK market), Yashwant Complex,  Majnu ka Tilla, North Campus, Tandoori Momos (Lajpat Nagar), Nagaland Stall (Delhi Haat), Momo Point (Chanakya Puri,)

3). Parathas

Since ancient times, Paanthas have held a prominent place in every Indian home. The flaky, delicious Parathas are eaten for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The paratha is a pan-fried, unleavened flatbread made of wheat flour that is usually stuffed with different ingredients. The local delicacy in Delhi is offered in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian varieties. Some of the most popular versions include Keema Paratha, Aloo Paratha, Paneer Paratha, Gobhi Paratha, Chicken Paratha, Eggs Paratha, Khoya Paratha, Kaju Paratha, and even Rabri Paratha. It is accompanied by butter, chutneys, yogurt, and pickles. A trip to Delhi isn’t complete without a visit to the legendary Paranthe Wali Gali. The Paratha makers have been on this street since the Mughal period, which was three centuries ago.

Best places to try Parathas in Delhi:
Paranthe Wale Gali (Chandni Chowk), Moolchand Paratha Wale( Lajpat Nagar), Prem Dhaba, Kake di Hatti (Chandni Chowk)

4). Jalebi

Jalebi is an all-time favorite not only in Delhi but across the country. The tantalizing crunch and syrupy lusciousness of Jalebis make them a popular dessert during celebrations and festivals. A thick fermented flour batter is squeezed in hot ghee to form a pretzel shape. Once crisp, the jalebis are dunked in saffron-laced sugar syrup to make them both crispy and juicy. The mouth-watering dessert is a perfect way to finish your meal. You can get these hot and fresh at any sweet shop in Delhi. Try them with Rabri to add a little twist. If you want to try some of Delhi’s best jalebis, go to Old Famous Jalebi Wala, a 100-year-old shop in Chandni Chowk.

Best places to try Jalebis in Delhi:
Old Famous Jalebi Wala (Chandni Chowk), Haldiram (multiple branches). Ghantewala (Chandni Chowk)

5). Rolls

Kolkata is the birthplace of Kathi Rolls, but Delhi has come up with some delicious vegetarian and non-vegetarian variations. Many Delhi-based eateries and street vendors specialize in signature rolls with a wide range of fillings such as veggie rolls, chicken rolls, paneer rolls, and so on. Roll is a multilayer paratha wrap with grilled kebabs, shredded vegetables, and green chutney. They are spicy, tangy, crunchy, and chewy, yet tender. Needless to say, it’s easy to get addicted to Delhi’s scrumptious rolls. The rolls are widely available and may be picked up whenever you are hungry and in need of a yummy, filling snack. Every visitor in Delhi wishes to visit the Nizam Kathi Kababs and sample its mouthwatering kebabs.

Best places to try Rolls in Delhi:
Nizam’s Kathi Kebab ( Connaught Place), Khan Chacha (Khan Market), Qureshi’s Kabab Corner (South Extension), Chowringhee, High on Rolls (Defense Colony), Aap ki Khatir (Sadarjung Enclave)

6). Kebabs

One of the best things the Mughals left behind was their culinary heritage. Kebabs are a staple of Delhi’s traditional cuisine today. The city has a diverse range of selections to satiate your appetites, including Seekh kababs, Boti kababs, Galouti kababs, Burrah kababs, and Kakori kababs. Succulent slices of meat are marinated in aromatic Indian spices before being grilled to perfection over coals for a smoky taste. The charred and tender kebabs are served with lemon, chutneys, and ringed onions, and are a must-have for any meat-lover visiting Delhi. They are available at street shops as well as fine dining restaurants and make great starters and snacks.

Best places to try Kebabs in Delhi:
Abdul Malik Chicken Corner (Jama Masjid), Sangam Kabab (Chandini Chowk), Bhaijaan Kababs (Chandini Chowk), Gali Kababian and Karim’s (Chandini Chowk) Ghalib Kebab Corner (Nizamuddin), Salim’s Kebabs (Khan Market), Kakori Kebab at Alkauser (R K Puram)

7). Chaat Options

It would be absurd to overlook chaat when discussing Delhi’s famous cuisine. This anytime snack has become a vital part of the city’s food culture. The crunchy, spicy, zesty Chaat of Delhi is universally loved by food enthusiasts from all walks of life. Fried savory snacks, puffed rice, potatoes, yogurt, coriander chutney, tamarind chutney, and spices are combined in many ways to make lip-smacking Chaat. Bhel Puri, Sev Puri, Gol Gappe, Papdi Chaat, Dahi Vada, Aloo Tikki, and Raj Kachori are some of the most popular chaat in Delhi. If you want to relish the perfect flavors and textures, try chaat from a roadside kiosk. The chaat stalls in Chandni Chowk’s chaotic alleys are legendary.

Best places to try Chaat in Delhi:
Bittoo Tikki Wala (Karol Bagh), Bengali Marjet, Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala (Chandni Chowk), Vaishnav Chaat Bhandaar (Kamla Nagar) , Padam Chaat Corner (Chandni Chowk), Bengali Sweets (South-Ex), Nathu Sweets (Bengali Market.

• Golgappas – This street food is loved all over the country. It’s known as Puchka in Kolkata and Pani Puri in Mumbai. Golgappas is one of the most iconic street foods, offering an explosion of flavors with each bite. Crispy hollow round puris are filled with mashed potatoes, tamarind chutney, and boiled chickpeas before being dipped in spicy, tangy water. Golgappa is popped into your mouth whole and satisfies all of your cravings in one massive mouthful. You can find a Golgappe vendor on every street corner in Delhi.

  Best places to try Aloo Tikki in Delhi: Bangla Sweet House, (Gole Market), Atul Chaat Corner (Rajouri Garden), Shri Ram Sweets (Malviya Nagar), Bengali Sweets (South-Ex)
  

• Aloo Tikki – This North Indian street food is quite famous among Delhiites. Spiced mashed potatoes are shaped into patties and fried till crispy. The Aloo Tikkis are then served with chutneys and yogurt, and garnished with pomegranate seeds. They’re sometimes served with Chole curry and onions. The perfect balance of crispy textures and tangy flavors makes Aloo Tikki an absolute hit among locals and tourists. Don’t pass up the opportunity to try different types of Aloo Tikkis on Delhi’s streets.

  Best places to try Aloo Tikki in Delhi: Bittoo Tikki Wala (Karol Bagh), Prabhu Chaat Bhandaar (Man Singh Road), Raju Chaat Bhandar (Ashok Vihar)

• Dahi Bhalla – The widely eaten Chaat is also known as Dahi Vada. Deep-fried lentil dumplings are soaked in thick curd and topped with chat masala, chutneys, and pomegranate seeds. The right balance of tangy and sweet flavors makes this dish a cooling accompaniment to spicy Indian food. Natraj Dahi Bhalle in Chandni Chowk serves delicious Dahi Bhalla. 
  Best places to try Dahi Bhalla in Delhi: Natraj Dahi Bhalle (Chandni Chowk), Vaishnav Chaat Bhandaar (Kamla Nagar), Ashok Chat Corner (Chawri Bazaar)

8). Nihari

The classic Delhi dish reflects the city’s cultural diversity and historical influences. The slow-cooked spicy broth originated in Mughal kitchens and was a favorite of the royal family. Nihari is an authentic stew in which tender cuts of meat are cooked overnight with aromatic spices such as cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaves. The signature delicacy is traditionally served for breakfast and is an excellent way to warm up on a cold winter morning. Nihari pairs well with naan, tandoori, and Khameeri rotis. Its enticing flavours and impressive history make it a treasured culinary jewel in the bustling streets of Old Delhi

Best places to try Nihari in Delhi:
Karim’s and Kalu Nihari near Jama Masjid, Bara Hindu Rao Nihariwale (Chandni Chowk)

9). Butter Chicken

Butter chicken, sometimes referred to as Murgh Makhani, is a delicacy that originated in Delhi. A chef at Delhi’s renowned Moti Mahal restaurant accidentally invented Butter Chicken in 1950. The butter, tomato, and spicy gravy were inadvertently mixed with tandoori chicken chunks. The rest, as they say, is history. This acclaimed recipe is one of Delhi’s most popular curries and has gained international recognition. If you desire a hearty and satisfying meal, Butter Chicken will not disappoint. Tender, succulent chicken pieces are marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices before being grilled or toasted and simmered in a creamy tomato-based gravy. This delicacy goes best with rice or Indian bread and is a must-try for rich, aromatic curries lovers. Butter Chicken is served in practically all non-vegetarian restaurants and highway Dhabas in the present day. Try the Butter Chicken at Moti Mahal in Darya Ganj for an authentic experience.

Best places to try Butter Chicken in Delhi:
Moti Mahal (Daryaganj), Havemore (Pandara Road). Asian Chicken Corner, Mann Makhani, Prem Dhaba, Mughlai Mahal, and The Pal’s Kitchen. Aslam’s Chicken Corner (Jama Masjid)

10). Kulfi & Rabri Falooda

For all of the foodies who have a sweet craving, Delhi has traditional dairy-based desserts like Kulfi and Rabri Falooda. Whether it’s the classic Malai or the exotic Jamun, Kulfi on Delhi’s streets is a refreshing and cooling treat that will quench your thirst on hot, scorching days. Kulfi Falooda is a frozen milk dessert topped with vermicelli, rose syrup, and dry fruits. Kulfi looks and tastes just like ice cream, but it is denser and creamier. Similar to ice cream, Kulfi comes in a variety of flavors such as malai, mango, rose, strawberry, jamun, Kesar, and Pista. Rabri Falooda is a semi-liquid variant of Kulfi. The cold dessert is a fusion of Kulfi, Rabri (thickened milk), and Falooda (vermicelli It’s typically served with rose syrup, Sabja seeds, and chopped nuts. Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfi Wala offers a magical experience with stuffed kulfi.

Best places to try Kulfi/ Rabri Falooda in Delhi:
Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfi Wala (Chandni Chowk), Giani’s Di Hatti (Chandni Chowk), Prince Paan & Chaat Corner ( Kamla Nagar), Roshan di Kulfi (Karol Bagh), Ameer Sweet House in South Delhi Jain Kulfi, Moet’s (Defence Colony)

11). Daulat ki Chaat

If you visit Delhi in the winter months, don’t miss Daulat ki Chaat – another must-try dish in the capital city. The melt-in-your-mouth dessert is a winter dish as it collapses and loses its taste and texture in hot temperatures. Daulat ki Chaat is a seasonal delicacy made from fresh milk that is traditionally chilled overnight in the winter dew. Creamy, thick milk is churned for hours to generate layers of foam, which are then collected in a large bowl and kept on ice to retain its taste and texture until the morning. It’s garnished with powdered sugar, nuts, and saffron. This delectable dessert is unique to Delhi’s Chandni Chowk region. Khem Chand Daulat Ki Chat is famed for its authentic Daulat Ki Chaat. Similar concoctions can also be found in Kanpur (Malai Makhan) and Lucknow (Nimish).

Best places to try Daulat ki Chaat in Delhi:
Gupta Ji’s, Khemchand, Babu Ram – all in Chandni Chowk, Indian Accent (The Lodhi)

Final Thoughts

This is obviously not an exhaustive list. If you are in Delhi for an extended period, there are plenty of other delicacies you should taste. Pani Puri, Ram Laddu, Paneer Tikka, Dal Makhani, Matra Kulcha, and Dahi Puri are just a few of the countless others. Begin your gastronomic adventure in Delhi, and I promise that you will have the time of your life.