Famous Food in Delhi - 11 Must-try Dishes

Delhi is not only famous for its intriguing history, architectural wonders, and diverse culture, but also for being India’s food capital. This reputation is well deserved, as the lively, vibrant streets offer a culinary adventure like no other. Traditional meals and iconic street food capture the essence of Delhi and reflect its rich cultural heritage.

For centuries, Delhi has been a multicultural melting pot, and its cuisine showcases the variety of people who have settled here. The city offers an array of culinary delights that are renowned worldwide. Some dishes originated here, while others have been adapted and elevated to legendary status by the locals. This article will explore the most popular dishes in Delhi that every tourist and foodie should try.

1) Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian delicacy that originates from Punjab and is loved all over the country. In particular, Delhi is famous for serving some of the best Chole Bhature in India. If you were to ask someone about the most iconic dish in Delhi, Chole Bhature would likely be their top answer. This hearty, comforting dish is a favorite among locals and visitors and is available in nearly every corner of the city.

The dish consists of aromatic, spicy chickpea curry (Chole) paired with fluffy, deep-fried bread (Bhature). It is typically served with pickles, onions, and chutney. For an enjoyable experience, pair your Chole Bhature with a glass of sweet lassi to create a wonderful combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors.

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 originated in Nepal and Tibet and have become an integral part of Indian street food, especially in Delhi. These dumplings are among the most popular snacks in offices, colleges, birthday parties, and weddings. Vendors selling delicious momos can be found outside nearly every office building, housing complex, college, school, and market in the capital city. 

Momos can be enjoyed either steamed or fried. The thin flour wrapping is filled with juicy, mouthwatering ingredients and is typically served with a spicy red sauce. Traditionally, momos are filled with ground or minced meat; however, vegetarian options are widely available in India. In Delhi, you can find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions, with fillings that include vegetables, paneer, chicken, cheese, and more.

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, parathas have been a staple in every Indian home. These flaky, delicious flatbreads are enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. A paratha is a pan-fried, unleavened flatbread made from wheat flour, often stuffed with a variety of fillings. In Delhi, you can find both vegetarian and non-vegetarian versions of this local delicacy. Some of the most popular types include Keema Paratha, Aloo Paratha, Paneer Paratha, Gobi Paratha, Chicken Paratha, Egg Paratha, Khoya Paratha, Kaju Paratha, and even Rabri Paratha. Parathas are typically served with butter, chutneys, yogurt, and pickles. No trip to Delhi is complete without a visit to the legendary Paranthe Wali Gali, where paratha makers have been serving customers since the Mughal era, over 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 favourite dessert not only in Delhi but throughout India. Its tantalizing crunch and syrupy sweetness make it a popular treat during celebrations and festivals. To prepare jalebi, a thick fermented flour batter is squeezed into hot ghee, forming a pretzel shape. Once crisp, the jalebis are immersed in saffron-infused sugar syrup, giving them a crisp exterior and a juicy interior. This mouthwatering dessert is a perfect way to conclude your meal. You can find these hot and fresh at any sweet shop in Delhi. For a delightful twist, try them with Rabri. To experience some of Delhi’s best jalebis, visit Old Famous Jalebi Wala, a century-old shop located 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 known as the birthplace of Kathi Rolls, but Delhi offers a wide variety of both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Many eateries and street vendors in Delhi specialize in unique rolls that feature a wide range of fillings, including vegetables, chicken, and paneer. A Kathi Roll consists of a multilayered paratha wrap filled with grilled kebabs, shredded vegetables, and green chutney. The rolls offer a combination of spicy, tangy, crunchy, and chewy textures while remaining tender. It’s easy to become addicted to the delicious rolls found in Delhi. They are widely available, making it convenient to grab a tasty and filling snack whenever you’re hungry. Every visitor to Delhi should make a point to visit Nizam Kathi Kababs to savor 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 most notable legacies of the Mughals is their culinary heritage, particularly evident in Delhi’s traditional cuisine. The city boasts a diverse selection of kebabs, including Seekh, Boti, Galouti, Burrah, and Kakori kebabs, appealing to every appetite. These succulent slices of meat are marinated in aromatic Indian spices and grilled over coals to perfection, imparting a delightful smoky flavor. 

The kebabs, which are charred and tender, are served with lemon, chutneys, and sliced onions, making them a must-try for any meat lover visiting Delhi. You can find these delicious treats at street stalls as well as in fine-dining restaurants, and they serve as excellent starters or 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. Food enthusiasts from all walks of life universally love Delhi’s crunchy, spicy, zesty chaat. Fried savory snacks, puffed rice, potatoes, yogurt, coriander, and tamarind chutneys, and spices are combined in various 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 chaats 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 nationwide. It’s known as Puchka in Kolkata and Pani Puri in Mumbai. Golgappas are among the most iconic street foods, offering an explosion of flavor with each bite. Crispy hollow round puris are filled with mashed potatoes, tamarind chutney, and boiled chickpeas, then dipped in a 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 in Delhi. Spiced mashed potatoes are shaped into patties and fried until crispy. The Aloo Tikkis are typically served with chutneys and yogurt, garnished with pomegranate seeds. Sometimes, they are served with Chole curry and onions. The perfectly balanced, crispy texture and tangy flavors make Aloo Tikki a popular choice among locals and tourists alike. Don’t miss the chance to try various types of Aloo Tikki on the streets of Delhi.
  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: Widely enjoyed, this 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 refreshing accompaniment to spicy Indian food. Natraj Dahi Bhalle in Chandni Chowk serves some of the most delicious Dahi Bhalle.
  Best Places to Try Dahi Bhalla in Delhi: Natraj Dahi Bhalle (Chandni Chowk), Vaishnav Chaat Bhandaar (Kamla Nagar), Ashok Chaat 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 called 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 yogurt-and-spice blend, then grilled or toasted, and simmered in a creamy tomato-based gravy. This delicacy pairs best with rice or Indian bread and is a must-try for curry lovers. Butter Chicken is served in nearly all non-vegetarian restaurants and highway dhabas today. 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 the foodies with a sweet craving, Delhi offers traditional dairy-based desserts such as Kulfi and Rabri Falooda. Whether it’s the classic Malai or the exotic Jamun, Kulfi on Delhi’s streets is a refreshing, cooling treat that quells 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. Like ice cream, Kulfi comes in various flavors, including 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 winter, 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 at high temperatures. Daulat ki Chaat is a seasonal delicacy made from fresh milk 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 their 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 preparations are also available 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 certainly not an exhaustive list. If you are in Delhi for an extended period, make sure to try a variety of other delicacies. Pani Puri, Ram Laddu, Paneer Tikka, Dal Makhani, Matra Kulcha, and Dahi Puri are just a few among countless others you can enjoy. Begin your gastronomic adventure in Delhi, and I assure you, you will have the time of your life.