If you belong to Delhi, what are two things that you will definitely understand about the city? Well, it would be the rich history and the mouth-watering food. And if not born there, here i am to let you know the identification of real Delhi Streets. It’s tough being born in a city which offers such a rich diversity of cuisines. Here, you have to consider the fact I’m Punjabi girl and i just love to eat. Delhi is a pot of various cultures and races. These enrich the variety of the gastronomic range in the city. Delhi is replete with many culinary delights. So without any further explanations , allow me to take you to the streets of Delhi.
1. Paranthas
When it comes to my favorite food in Delhi, it’s definitely paranthas. It is the perfect start to a “healthy” morning in most Delhi households. It is also a meal for hungry college students and even a late-night snack. The varieties offered are like wow! Choose your favorite from a plain one or select a stuffing of your choice – potatoes, cauliflower, radish, the options are galore.
Now, comes the question where can you try this dish?
Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk. It’s past customers include the Maharajah of Kashmir, Prime Minister Nehru and his family.
Moolchand Paranthe Wala located in South Delhi. It was SRK’s favorite when he used to live in Delhi
2. Chaat
The one thing that keeps the Delhi food scene is it’s the Street Food. It has a variety that is unmatched. Eating on the streets of Delhi is a crash course in the culture of the place. Chandni Chowk is undoubtedly the Street Food Capital of Delhi. Actually no guide book can pinpoint the best places for Chaat. But there are some landmark food haunts that really stand out. If you aren’t willing to travel that far, worry not as there are plenty of options for street food in Delhi.
Where can I try the dish?
Shahjahan Road; Bittu Tikki Wala, Karol Bagh; Daulat ki Chaat, Chandni Chowk, Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala
3. Butter Chicken
Here i am going to tell you an interesting story about the origin of one of the most gratifying dishes on this planet. In the 1950s in Moti Mahal Restaurant, Daryaganj, a neighbourhood skirting the Walled City. It is known for its Tandoori Chicken. The cooks there accidentally tossed the sauce consisting of butter, tomato and chicken juices with tandoori chicken pieces. And the rest is history. Today, this dish can be found in almost every non-vegetarian restaurant and highway dhabas. This is best enjoyed with rice or naan.
Where can I try this dish?
Moti Mahal, Daryaganj; Havemore
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4. Kebabs
Those grilled chunks of meat or fish marinated in aromatic Indian spices can give immense joy. The Delhiites have a lot to be thankful for to the Mughals. Kebabs are definitely one of them. Try this popular dish, either being delivered to your car, or at the food stalls and fine dining restaurants across the city. Trust me you will be hooked forever.
Where can I try this dish?
Alkakori Alkauser, R K Puram; Ghalib Kebab Corner, Nizamuddin; Salim’s Kebabs, Khan Market; Aap Ki Khatir, SDA
5. Chole Bhature
Take my advice and try this dish on an empty stomach. Rich, spicy and heavy, this is one of the most popular Punjabi dishes. Because of this it is definitely on my list of top 10 must-try dishes in Delhi. You will find it on the breakfast menu of restaurants across the capital. This lip smacking dish could be found at all food joints, be it local joints or restaurants, due to its popularity among delhiites. It is generally accompanied with Lassi. And the taste is like Yummm.
Where can I try this dish?
Sitaram Diwan Chand, Paharganj; Chache Di Hatti Kamla Nagar
6. Biryani
It is the favourite dish of the Mughal Emperors. Biryani has stood the test of time and is today enjoyed all over India. This meat based dish is prepared in an earthen pot. The lid is sealed with dough. This is done so that the spices, flavours and aromas are soaked in. The experiences of this yummy dish in Delhi vary from the commercial chains and road side dhabas, to the Sufi shrines and five-star hotels.
Where can I try this dish?
Dum Pukht in ITC Maurya; Al Kakori Al Kauser, Deez Biryani & Kebabs, Defence Colony
7. Nihari
When you enter Old Delhi and walk into the serpentine lanes, you will definitely be drawn to the aroma ,the Nihari. This is one of the signature dish of the region. It is rich, spicy broth of slow cooked meat. It is served alongside hot tandoori rotis or khameeri rotis. The dish was a favourite within the royal families. The royals used to feast on it in the mornings. Now it serves as the ideal nourishment for labourers, rickshaw pullers and many others looking to kick start their day.
Where can I try this dish?
Bara Hindu Rao area; Karim’s near Jama Masjid
8. Rolls
The original Kathi roll recipe was developed in Kolkata. Yet, Delhi has its own delicious variants. Taking from the street stalls offering a variety of rolls, to supermarkets stocking up on frozen options and even the Delhi restaurants, Kathi rolls are a best food option for busy Delhiites.
Where can I try this dish?
Khan Chacha, Khan Market; Qureshi’s Kabab Corner, South Extension-II
9. Momos
This one grabs the prize for being one of the most popular snacks. It is present in every party be it in office complexes, birthdays or even cocktail parties. It is common to find vendors outside almost every office building, housing area and market place selling them. These tasty dumplings are available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. They are enjoyed with the fiery-red sauce.
Where can I try this dish?
Kamla Nagar Market; Nagaland Food Stall in Dilli Haat; Cafe Brown Sugar, GK market; Yashwant Complex, Chanakya Puri, North Campus.
10. Desserts
You are probably familiar with this line used across all households “Khaane ke baad kuch meetha ho jaye” which means “Let’s eat something sweet after a meal”. And definitely with the extensive variety of desserts offered in the capital, it is hard to say no. Be it the piping-hot Jalebis and lip-smacking Rabri Falooda, to innovative Kulfis, the delicious Motichoor Ladoo and Blueberry Cheesecake; Delhi is surely in love with its sweets!
Where can I try this dish?
Giani di Hatti, Chandni Chowk; Old and Famous Jalebiwala in Chandni Chowk;Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wala, Chandni Chowk; Big Chill Cafe, Khan Market; Ghantewala Halwai, Chandni Chowk
11. Kachori with Sabzi
This Delhi street food will surely make you ask for more. Teary eyes and runny nose, will accompany you while enjoying this spicy treat. Add a dash of coriander and chilies, and you are ready for the delicious trip!
You can ask for the special “masala” on top of your sabzi for an enhanced flavor. Also, you can try the stuffed Onion Kachori and Matar Kachori for added texture.
Where to try:
Hanuman Mandir in CP, Jung Bahadur in Chandni Chowk Metro, Old Fort, Kamla Nagar Market, Sharma Kachoriwala in Pitampura
12. Kulfi
The dessert lovers will love this sweet savor too. The granules of crushed dry fruits and thick texture of caramelized milk are too delicious. This is on top my list of cold desserts.
You can dip your kulfi in the thick mixture of rabri to take its awesomeness to another level.
Where to try:
Roshan di Kulfi in Karol Bagh, Kuremal at Chawri Bazaar, Siya Ram Nannumal at Ajmeri Gate,and Jain Kulfi Bhandar at Shahdara
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13.Ram Ladoo
The fried dal pakoras or ram ladoos are something to die for. The crispiness of radish and the yummy chutney with these fried dollops make for every foodie’s fancy.
You can try the Bhuni Mirchi with this.
Where to try:
Local vendors with carts at Central market, Janak Puri, Green Park, Tilak Nagar, Evergreen and UPSC Bhawan
14.Rabri Faluda
This delight is full of caramelized milk and dry fruits. This dessert will leave you asking for more surely. It is not too sweet . It is my personal favorite dessert since a long time. Just by talking about it, I got a craving for this.
Where to try:
Giani’s di Hatti in Chandni Chowk, Haldiram’s, Om Sweets and Kaleva
15.Jalebi
It is available in best street food places in Delhi. This sugary sweetness is a key to every Delhiites’ heart. Jalebi can always enhance your mood.
Try enhance your experience with a dollop of rabri on the top of jalebi.
Where to try:
Jalebi wala in Chandni Chowk, Pandara Road, Bangla Sweets in CP, Jaleba Store in Chandni Chowk, Om sweets and Gulabs
Now that you know my list of top 15 famous dishes of Delhi, it is time to go out and satisfy your taste buds