10 Best Street food in delhi
Best street food in delhi:
Delhi is not only the capital of India, but it’s the food capital for the whole travellers. No matter where you are in Delhi, it has its own taste, smell, and specialty that is uniquely aligned with the culture and diversity of India. When you visit Delhi, you can find traditional Mughlai dishes or modern street snacks (each quite unique) that any food lover will appreciate and enjoy. If you plan to visit this colourful city, do carry with you, your slightest desire to try different food experiences.
When it comes to food, the city of Delhi can easily be divided into two worlds. There is the Old Delhi which is filled with small lanes packed with restaurants and eateries that have been in existence for centuries. And there time stopped; and then there is New Delhi with all the new cafes, restaurants and bars, serving a mix of global and Indian dishes. Exploring both gives you the complete picture of the city. Now, we look at some of the must-try foods in Delhi that everyone remembers, and all visitors should try;
10 Best street food in delhi
1. Parathas of Paranthe Wali Gali
Located in Chandni Chowk, Paranthe Wali Gali is one of the most popular places to get a stuffed paratha. Filled with ingredients such as potatoes, paneer, cauliflower, green peas or even periodically, dry fruits; fried in desi ghee, served with pickles, chutneys and a little bit of curry. Eating parathas here is like tasting history because many of these shops are running for more than a hundred years.
2. Chhole Bhature
Chole Bhature is one of the most popular dishes in Delhi. A spicy chickpea curry served with fluffy fried bread, Chole Bhature can be found in every corner of the city. The areas of Sitaram Bazaar and Karol Bagh, in particular, specialize in serving Chole Bhature. The chutney made of pickles and onions served on the side brings an irresistible tang to the dish. Usually, Chole Bhature is enjoyed as a heavy breakfast or early lunch.
3. Kabab And Rolls
Delhi’s best indicator of its Mughal influence is found in its kebabs. From melt-in-the-mouth galouti kebabs to spicy seekh kebabs, you will not lack for options. Karim’s near Jama Masjid is probably one of the best-known places in the world for kebabs and Mughlai food.
4. Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is said to originate from Delhi. Composed of roasted chicken in a creamy tomato gravy full of butter and spices, butter chicken is generally eaten with naan or rice. Moti Mahal in Daryaganj is one of the first places to popularize butter chicken. While many restaurants and food establishments serve their own versions of butter chicken, the authentic taste of butter chicken in Delhi is unique.
5. Rajma Chawal
Rajma chawal, the simple yet soulful meal, is a favorite of many Delhiites. Its a combination of kidney beans, served in thick curry with a generous helping of steamed rice. You will most certainly find roadside stalls and dhabas serving hot Rajma Chawal around the offices and colleges. Because, it’s the quintessential filling and comfort food for any lunch.
Street Food of Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk is the place to go when you want to truly experience the taste of Delhi. The streets are lined with vendors with golgappe, aloo tikki, dahi bhalla, chaat papdi and so much more. The golgappe that you will find in Delhi are a different experience than golgappe that you would find in other parts of India, believing anything else, simply wouldn’t be justified.
golgappe in Delhi are filled with an amazing blend of spicy and tangy flavored water that explodes in your mouth with every bite. Dahi bhalla, lentil dumplings served with yogurt, with multiple chutneys is another revitalizing snack available here.
6. Momos
While momos have roots in Nepal (Tibet) the way Delhiites have made it their own is worth mentioning. In a restaurant or the street, you will find momos all throughout Delhi. Steamed, fried and even tandoori momos have become popular with the younger demographic, accompanied with spicy chutneys increases the taste even further. Shared are some of the hot spots, Lajpat Nagar, Kamla Nagar, and North Campus are famous.
7. Nihari
Nihari is a dish made of meat curry that is slow cooked and generally served during the morning. This dish was at one time, made originally for Royality, and to this day, people still relish it. Winter time in the Jama Masjid area of Delhi is the best time to get nihari. Due to its unique soft meat and rich flavors, this dish is appealing for anyone who loves non-vegetarian foods.
8. Sweets
No culinary journey is complete without sweets, and Delhi has a host of them! Jalebi, rabri falooda, and kulfi are most loved. Most local shops in old chandni chowk and chawri bazar offer some of the best jalebi and rabri. Kulfi is also one of the favorites, however, my personal favorite is when it is served slightly flavored with pista and rose. Kulfi is a great dessert option especially during the summer heat.
Dessert cafes in connaught place and hauz khas wanted to give local flavor, so they have come up with fusion desserts (as desserts are categorized at a very basic level) but still, the local mithai shop (e.g. Haldiram’s, Bikanervala) still offer the best!
9. Chhole Kulche
Another great street food in Delhi is Chole Kulche! Soft kulchas accompanied by spicy chickpeas and some tangy salad is a light evening or mid-afternoon meal. You will see the usual vendors (actually not usual) around almost every school, office and market in Delhi. Chole kulche is a great snack option for school/college students and work people alike, and the best part of it is that it is relatively easy on the pockets too.
10. Lassi and Street Drinks
Delhi is hot in the summer, and beverages such as lassi, sugarcane juice, and flavored milk are just what the locals need to keep cool. Chandni Chowk is renowned for its thick, creamy lassi served in tall glasses (they don’t serve it in bowls anymore). You can also find flavored milk served in clay pots, which enhances the overall experience and flavor; these pots are called kulhads. The sweetness of the clay pot reminds me of drinking a certain kind of homemade yogurt drink…
11. Biryani
It’s also worth mentioning Delhi’s biryani. While biryani is more commonly attributed to Hyderabad and Awadh (Lucknow), there are remnants of biryani in Delhi, or rather its own interpretation. You can find aromatic biryani in areas like Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin. Biryani is usually composed of layered meat, spices, and rice; it’s rich in flavor and a delight for all biryani lovers. I had biryani made on the street and it tasted unbelievably good!
Modern Cafes and Fusion Food
Though Old Delhi focuses on traditional foods, New Delhi has established itself with plenty of new cafes and restaurants again offering fusion food. Indo-Chinese fusion, continental foods, burgers with Indian flavors, innovative desserts, etc. are not lost on Delhi. Connaught Place, Hauz Khas Village, and Khan Market are excellent spots to check out to see this side of the food scene in Delhi.
Reasons Why Delhi is a Food Lovers’ Heaven
Delhi’s food is a representation of its history, culture, and diversity. Mocha food has given the city kebabs, biryani, and rich curries, while traditional North Indian has given us parathas, chole bhature, and rajma chawal. Over the years, takes of all the regions and even international flavors have also found their way into the dishes that are served in Delhi.
In summary, Delhi is a paradise for food lovers, whether you are looking for a royal dining experience at a 5-star restaurant or a quick snack from a local street vendor.
Conclusion
Delhi is so much more than its monuments and markets; it is a city that celebrates food. Every dish represents a story about its culture, tradition, and people. From parathas to momos, and from butter chicken to jalebi, the food and drink potential of Delhi is endless.So, when you visit Delhi, come with an empty stomach and an open heart to enjoy its food culture.
Frequently asked questions
What is Delhi most famous food?
Delhi is most famous for its street foods like chaat, golgappe, parathas, kebabs, and sweets such as jalebi and rabri.
Where can I find the best street food in Delhi?
You can try Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk), Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar, and Connaught Place for authentic street food experiences.
Which sweet dishes should I try in Delhi?
Jalebi, rabri, kulfi falooda, gulab jamun, and gajar ka halwa are some of the best sweets to taste in Delhi.
What is the best time to enjoy food in Delhi?
Evenings are perfect for street food as markets come alive, but breakfast options like parathas in Chandni Chowk are also very famous.
