Step into a narrow lane in Chandni Chowk and be transported to a haven for all things paratha. Parathe Wali Gali, translating to “Lane of Parathas,” is a legendary spot where crispy, golden flatbreads stuffed with everything from spiced potatoes to melt-in-your-mouth paneer are served piping hot. Be sure to try the aloo paratha, a classic combination of spiced potatoes and flaky dough, or the gobhi paratha, bursting with the goodness of cauliflower. Each paratha comes drizzled with dollops of tangy chutney and cooling yoghurt, creating an explosion of textures and flavours that will leave you wanting more.
Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale
Since 1885, Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale in Chawri Bazar has been serving up creamy, melt-in-your-mouth kulfi, a traditional Indian ice cream. Made with condensed milk, nuts, and fragrant spices like cardamom and saffron, their kulfis are a symphony of flavour and texture. Choose from a variety of options, from the classic pista (pistachio) to the more adventurous mango or rose petal. As you savour this chilled delight, take a moment to appreciate the rich heritage of this iconic stall, a true testament to Delhi’s enduring culinary traditions.
Karim’s (Jama Masjid)
Karim’s, nestled near the majestic Jama Masjid, is a pilgrimage for any meat lover. This legendary restaurant, established in 1913, is renowned for its Mughlai fare, characterized by rich gravies, succulent meats, and aromatic spices. Their butter chicken, a perfectly balanced concoction of creamy tomato gravy and tender chicken pieces, is a must-try. Don’t miss the mutton korma, slow-cooked to melt-in-your-mouth perfection, or the tandoori chicken, bursting with smoky flavour. Karim’s may not be strictly street food, but the experience of savouring their iconic dishes amidst the bustling streets near Jama Masjid is an essential part of the Delhi food adventure.
Nizam’s Kathi Roll (Connaught Place)
The humble kathi roll, a skewered and marinated meat or vegetable wrapped in a flaky paratha, is a Delhi street food staple. And Nizam’s in Connaught Place is considered one of the best places to experience its magic. Their succulent kebabs, marinated in a blend of yogurt, spices, and herbs, are cooked to perfection and then rolled into a paratha with a generous helping of onions, coriander chutney, and a squeeze of lime. Each bite is a symphony of textures and flavours, making it no wonder Nizam’s has become a local legend.
Lotan Chole Wala (Chawri Bazar)
Head to Chawri Bazar and you’ll find Lotan Chole Wala, a stall famous for its chole bhature, a hearty and satisfying combination of spicy chickpea curry and fluffy bhaturas (fried flatbread). The chole, simmered in a rich masala with just the right amount of heat, is a flavour bomb waiting to be devoured. The bhaturas, light and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, provide the perfect contrast. This classic Delhi street food is a must-try for any budget-conscious traveller, offering a taste of local comfort food at its finest.
Aloo Tikki Wala (Kamla Nagar)
Aloo tikki, a potato patty fried to golden perfection, is another ubiquitous Delhi street food. But head to Kamla Nagar and you’ll find Aloo Tikki Wala, a stall that elevates this simple dish to new heights. Their aloo tikki is a crispy delight, packed with flavour and served with a variety of chutneys and yoghurt, creating a symphony of textures and tastes. Be sure to try their special “Papri Chaat,” where the aloo tikki is served alongside crispy papri (fried dough wafers) and chutneys, creating a truly decadent experience.
Prince Paan and Chaat Corner (Greater Kailash)
Kamla Nagar market is a haven for students and budget travellers, and Aloo Tikki Wala is a local legend. Their star attraction? The aloo tikki, a deep-fried patty made with mashed potatoes, peas, and spices. Served piping hot on a bed of chopped onions, tomatoes, and chutneys, each bite is an explosion of textures and flavours. You can customise your aloo tikki with toppings like sev (fried gram noodles) and coriander chutney for an extra burst of taste.
Khan Omelette Corner (Chandni Chowk)
Chandni Chowk isn’t just about parathas! Head to Khan Omelette Corner for a fluffy, flavourful omelette that’s anything but ordinary. Their speciality is the keema omelette, bursting with minced meat and a secret spice blend. Pair it with their melt-in-your-mouth roomali rotis (handkerchief-thin flatbreads) for a truly satisfying experience.
Nand ke Chole Bhature (Sadar Bazaar)
This iconic stall in Sadar Bazaar is a pilgrimage site for chole bhature lovers. Their fluffy bhaturas (leavened fried bread) are the perfect vessels for their rich, flavourful chickpea curry. Don’t forget the side of onions and tangy pickle to add an extra punch!
Shyam Sweets (Chawri bazar)
Shyam Sweets, a local institution, has been serving up sweet and savoury treats for decades. Be sure to try their halwa nagori – a rich, fudge-like sweet made with semolina, nuts, and ghee. It’s a decadent treat that melts in your mouth. For something savoury, grab their piping hot samosas – crispy fried pastries filled with either spiced potatoes (aloo samosa) or cauliflower (gobi samosa). Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.
