The Indian capital New Delhi is bustling with life and home to some of the tastiest dishes. A food lover’s paradise, the city is a melting pot of cultures, which reflects in its hearty cuisine. From biryani to paranthas, falooda to daulat ki chaat, there’s something for everyone. Walk down the dusty and vibrant lanes of Old Delhi to sample some of the best food in the city. Head to the home of butter chicken at Moti Mahal or travel back to the Mughal era as you dig into succulent kebabs at Karim’s. Check out the top 10 foods to try when in New Delhi, India.
1. Paranthas
Paranthas are flatbread that can be made with different types of flours. It’s a staple in many Indian homes and can be prepared in many ways. You can have paranthas stuffed with potatoes, cauliflower, onion, minced meat and more. Although, paranthas are available in almost all restaurants serving North Indian food in New Delhi, Paranthe Wali Gali (or the parantha street) in Chandni Chowk is the most popular haunt for delicious paranthas. Make sure you head to Pt Kanhaiyalal Durga Prasad Dixit which has been around since 1875 and serves up yummy Rabri and Papad paranthas.
Pt Kanhaiyalal Durga Prasad Dixit
Address: 36, Gali Paranthe Wali, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, India
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 11 pm
Website: Pt Kanhaiyalal Durga Prasad Dixit
Average Price for two: USD 2.10 (INR 150)
2. Matar Kulcha
Not to be confused with chola kulcha (chickpeas with flour flatbread), matar kulcha or peas with flatbread is a local favorite. Matar kulcha is served with a gravy that is made of dried white peas that is topped with tomatoes, ginger, coriander, onions and green chillies with a dash of lemon juice. The flatbread is made of flour and served alongside the peas. This mouth-watering dish is served by restaurants and street vendors alike. Run by the third-generation, Lotan’s grandson Manohar, Lotan Chole Kulche Wala in Old Delhi makes the best matar kulcha (and chole kulche) in town, so make sure you try out this dish when in New Delhi!
Lotan Chole Kulche Wala
Address: 2363 Chatta Shahji, Chawri Bazar, Delhi 110006, India
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 7:30 am to 10:30 am
Website: Lotan Chole Kulche Wala
Average Price for two: USD 1.40 (INR 100)
3. Kebabs
A must-try dish when in Delhi is the kebab, and where better to have it than at Karim’s. Around since 1913 and run by the fourth generation, it is famous for its Mughlai and non-vegetarian platters. The succulent kebabs here have authentic flavors, making this joint a hot favorite of foodies. When at Karim’s make sure you dig into their scrumptious mutton seekh kebab, which will leave you licking your fingers! Pair this with a Rumali Roti and you will relish the meal! Make sure you visit the original outlet of Karim’s, which is near Jama Masjid.
Karim's
Address: 16 Urdu Bazar Road (in front of Jama Masjid Gate No.1), Gali Bhairo Wali, Kababiyan, New Delhi, India
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 1 am
Website: Karim’s
Average Price for two: USD 7 (INR 500)
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4. Butter chicken
Old Delhi is a treasure trove of eateries and a food lover’s paradise. Another popular dish to try when in the city is butter chicken. Moti Mahal in Old Delhi’s Daryaganj serves up some of the best butter chicken and was visited by American President’s John F. Kennedy and Richard Nixon too! Celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay too has been behind this famous joint’s kitchen counter! Established in 1947, Moti Mahal is also credited with being the birthplace of butter chicken. Former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru would apparently frequent the eatery.
Moti Mahal Restaurant
Address: 3704, Netaji Subhash Marg, Old Daryaganj, New Delhi, Delhi 110002, India
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 12 pm to 12 am
Website: Moti Mahal
Average Price for two: USD 15.45 (INR 1100)
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Another great place to try lip-smacking butter chicken is Punjab Grill in Select Citywalk Mall in Saket. You can enjoy a decent atmosphere and pricing for high-quality North Indian food. As the restaurant is pretty popular among locals, you can expect some waiting upon arrival.
New Delhi Tour Guide
Rajeev
I am a full-time licensed tour guide living in Agra, India. I received my Regiinal Level Guide certificate in 2007 from the Ministry of Tourism now I have a Pan India license. Before I discovered the tourism industry, I worked in the law, medical and insurance fields. I have a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in Biology and Organic Chemistry. After achieving my Masters of Science in Organic Chemistry, I went to law school. My passion for history and culture led me to my profession today. I still enjoy learning science. I use it to understand the healing power of plants: mainly herbs, fruits and vegetables. My hobbies include collecting postage stamps, coins, paper money, reading, music, and of course, gardening. I also love photography, which I have become very good at. Many tourists have enjoyed my personal sightseeing tours. I enjoy meeting people and showing them my world. My lifelong experiences here, combined with my studies, allow me to help people get to know the real India. If you enjoy learning about this way of life, I am the one to come to! I work mainly in Agra, but will create tours to places outside of the city. While my tours are mostly walking tours around the city, I can arrange for transportation as well. If you need accommodation services, I can provide that too. Traveling to India is not just a journey, but an experience!
Tours by Rajeev
New Delhi Tour Guide
Farman Guia Turstico
Hello Travellers people calle me Farman a experienced freelance tour guide. I work with several Free Tours company and we would love to show you around and give you the best tips and recomendations. If you travel in India you will discover a new aspect of this wonderful city. If it is your first visit i warn you one thing: you will fall in love in love with India and you will end up coming back.
Tours by Farman guia turstico
New Delhi Tour Guide
Zeeshan Ali
Namaste!! I Take privilege to share about myself. My name is Zeeshan. I was born and raised in the rich history of India, in the Beautiful City of Agra, I had no Doubts to become a Tour Guide because I couldn't stop myself been attracted towards the charm for History & Architecture of monuments located at Agra from my childhood. I Chose to become a Tour Guide to fulfill my Passion & to learn, share about the Customs, Tradition, Culture, History & Architecture of my Incredible Country which has a Unity in Diversity. I am 34 years old and 14 of them I Dedicated as a Tour Guide. I am Educated, Professional, Sociable, Punctual & friendly. I can interest you by presenting interesting facts about India. I always take into account the wishes of my Clients and create individual plans of Excursion. I help my Clients in choosing the Best Stops, Stores, Cafes & transfers. I did my Masters in Indian History (Medieval Period). I believe my Journey has just begun as I discovered an enormous amount of knowledge of History, Architecture & Culture of North India by reading & Travelling So I am very Well Versed to Deliver the Tour just like a local. I consider myself a Professional in this field, I am happy that my clients take their India Tour Memories as an Experience to Cherish it throughout their lives. In easy words, you can travel with me like an old family friend from India.
5. Biryani
If you are looking for a wholesome meal then what better dish to try than biryani. Brought to India by the Mughals, the classic biryani was fit for the royals. Over time, this delicious rice dish made with Indian spices, meat (chicken, goat, beef, prawn, or fish), vegetables or eggs has become extremely popular. One of the best places to have authentic biryani when in Delhi is Al Jawahar, which is apparently named after the former Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru after he ate here. Make sure you try the delectable mutton biryani when here!
Al Jawahar
Address: Matia Mahal Road Jama Masjid, Kalan Mehal, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 7:30 am to 2:30 am
Average Price for two: USD 8.42 (INR 600)
6. Kulle chaat
If you are walking past the streets of Old Delhi, you should definitely try the kulle chaat. This street food is made with tomato, cucumber, potato, and mandarin orange, which are then seasoned with spices, black salt, lime juice, boiled chickpeas and pomegranate seeds. Hira Lal Chaat Corner in Chawri Bazar serves up delicious kulle, which you must eat when in the city!
Hira Lal Chaat Corner
Address: Shop No, 3636, Gali Lohe Wali, Khush Dil, Chavri Bazar, New Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11 am to 10 pm
Website: Hira Lal Chaat Corner
Average Price for two: USD 1.40 (INR 100)
7. Gol gappa
Gol gappas or panipuri is a popular and common street food in India. These dough balls are made of flour or semolina (or a mix of both). They are fried to make them crisp and are eaten with a spicy mixture made of boiled potato, onion or chickpeas and spices. You also add tamarind and coriander water to the gol gappas and eat these bite-sized nibbles in one go! Try the yummy gol gappas from Shri Prabhu Chaat Bhandar when in New Delhi.
Shri Prabhu Chaat Bhandar
Address: UPSC, Man Singh Road Area, New Delhi, Delhi 110069, India
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 11am to 7pm
Average Price for two: USD 2.11 (INR 150)
Tip from Trip101 local expert
Another well-known yet reasonably priced place where you can enjoy Gol Gappa(also known as Pani Puri) is The Bengali Sweet House in Mandi House, New Delhi. This eatery is popular among Bollywood celebrities, top-tier government officials, and even politicians. You can have the regular Pani Puri here, or you might even take it to the next level by ordering yourself a plate of stuffed Pani Puri(commonly known as Bharwa Gol Gappa).
8. Falooda
This yummy dessert is in the form of a chilled drink and the decadent food is believed to have its origins in the Mughal court. This colorful cold beverage is made from vermicelli, and the noodle-like strands are mixed with rose syrup, jelly, sweet basil seeds and milk. Falooda is perfect for a hot summer day and the layered dessert is served with kulfi or ice cream. It is often sprinkled with almonds and pistachios. When in Delhi, head to Roshan Di Kulfi in Karol Bagh and dig into the Kulfi Faluda Kesar Badam Pista to satiate your sweet tooth.
Roshan Di Kulfi
Address: 2816, Ajmal Khan Rd, Block 34P, Beadonpura, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110005, India
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 9 am to 10 pm
Average Price for two: USD 3.23 (INR 230)
9. Daulat ki chaat
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Khemchand Daulat ki Chaat on Saturday, November 7, 2020
Daulat ki chaat looks like a combination of a snowflake and a cloud. This pillowy and soft concoction is made from buffalo’s milk, which is kept in a clay pot overnight to absorb the dew and set. At dawn, the milk is churned for a long time to make it frothy, with the dew helping in the aeration. Also known as Malaiyo in Varanasi, this thickened milk dessert is sprinkled generously with pistachios, almond flakes, green cardamom and saffron. Cream is also added to it. If you are craving for something sweet this mouth-watering concoction is just what you need.
Daulat Ki Chaat
Address: Naughara Jain Temple Kinari Bazar Gali Paranthe wali Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, Delhi 110006, India
Opening hours: Monday to Saturday 10 am to 9 pm, Sunday 9 am to 8 pm
Average Price for two: USD 1.40 (INR 100)
10. Dahi vadas
Dahi vadas or dahi bhalla resemble a dough ball and are savory. This incredibly soft melt-in-your mouth snack is soaked in dahi or yogurt, tamarind and coriander and mint chutneys and sprinkled with spices like cumin and chilli. The vadas or dough balls are made of lentil batter and then fried. Around since 1940, Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala in the by-lanes of Chandni Chowk is the place to go if you want to taste the authentic flavors.
Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala
Address: 1396, Main Road Near Central Bank, Opposite Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
Opening hours: Monday to Sunday 10:30 am to 9:30 pm
Average Price for two: USD 1.40 (INR 100)
New Delhi: A paradise for gastronomes
India’s capital is the ideal destination for food lovers who would like to try some authentic street food and local favorites. The dusty by-lanes and nooks of Old Delhi are bustling with quaint food joints and stalls that have been around for decades. These serve up some of the tastiest dishes in New Delhi like dahi bhalla, gol gappas and more, so make sure you try some out when in the city!
Tip from Trip101 local expert
If you're ever in New Delhi and you've got a hankering for some truly incredible momos, you've got to check out Satya Niketan and Kamla Nagar. Trust me, I've been there, and the momos are out of this world. Head over to Mom Hand Momos in Satya Niketan for a dizzying array of options that will spoil you for choice. And in Kamla Nagar, Mr. Momos is the place that never disappoints. Their momos have just the right mix of spice and flavor that'll keep you coming back for more.
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