The narrow alleys of Old Delhi are known for the overwhelming variety of street food that they offer. They tell many stories and will inspire you to explore new ways and try new things. While walking through the chaotic maze of by-lanes, you can never get lost. If ever you do, the aroma of steaming samosas or the sweet scent of crisp jalebis will lead you in the right direction. Temptation is everywhere, and it’s hard to resist.
The old city has a special relationship with food that began during the Mughal era. Here, traditions and history are served sumptuously with culinary secrets passed down through generations. A part of me belongs to the other side because my grandmother spent her early days here before she got married. From the countless trips I’ve made to visit my extended family, I’ve learned that discovering the best street foods in Old Delhi is a journey. To start, here are some places that will give you a glimpse of the historic heart of the city. Presenting, a food lover’s Old Delhi.
Here Are 12 Best Street Food Places In Old Delhi That You Must Try:
1. Natraj Dahi Bhalla
Natraj is located near Bhai Mati Das Chowk at the turning to Chandni Chowk metro station. It was started in 1940 and is run by Inder Mohan. They have only two items on the menu – dahi bhalla and aloo tikki. Both are worth a taste.
2. Lala Duli Chand Naresh Gupta and Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfiwale in Sitaram Bazaar
For kulfi, you can’t do better than these sweet shops in Sitaram Bazaar. Here, these creamy concoctions are at their best. Lala Duli Chand Naresh Gupta is one of the oldest outlets and is known for its fruit-flavoured kulfis especially, the seasonal mango kulfi. These places also offer a new breed of innovative flavours like tamarind, rose, aam papad and kewda.
Address: Lala Duli Chand Naresh Gupta – 934, Kucha Pati Ram
Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfiwale – Plot No. 1165-66, Kucha Pati Ram
3. Khemchand Adesh Kumar’s Daulat ki Chaat, Nai Sadak
You’ll find them hawked around places like Dariba, Kinari Bazaar and Daryaganj. They sell a frothy, creamy sweet, famously known as ‘Daulat ki Chaat’. It is made with churned milk. The soft, cottony foam is carefully collected and served. It is enriched with khoya and saffron and instantly melts on your palate. One of the most sublime sweets, its preparation can take about six hours! It is made through the night and served fresh in the morning.
Address: Dariba, Kinari Bazaar and Daryaganj
4. Old Famous Jalebi Wala
Located at the Dariba Kalan Road in Chandni Chowk, the jalebis here are the real deal. A look at those lovely swirls frying in hot oil, then delicately dipped in sugar syrup and you just can’t wait to eat them. This shop has been around since 1884. The jalebis here are fried in homemade desi ghee. The founder of this shop, Nemi Chand Jain, is known to have experimented with many recipes before deciding on the final one. The jalebis are soft and are cooked over coal-fire. Another thing that interests me is that they use desi khandsari sugar and not the regular one to make the syrup. That’s what we call pure pleasure.
5. Lotan Chole Wala, Chawri Bazaar
The cholas here are on top of the pile. For those who love their spice, this is as good as it gets. Been on the streets since 1977, the cholas are served with potatoes in red hot curry, garnished with coriander and green chillies. You’ll always find a crowd buzzing around this humble establishment. Reach Barsha Bullah Chowk and ask for Lotan, almost everyone would know about him. Mostly, you’ll find him in Chhatta Shah ji.
Address: Barsha Bullah Chowk
6. Karim’s
Mohammed Aziz was a cook in the royal court of Mughal Emperor. One of his sons, Haji Karimuddin is known to have moved to Delhi with an idea to open a dhaba and that’s how Karim Hotel was established back in 1913. All meat lovers must make a pit stop at Karim’s for their heavenly kebabs and divine mutton nahari.
Address: Karim’s Hotel – House No: 16, Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid
7. Moti Mahal
This is where it all began. The legendary butter chicken was born out of serendipity in the kitchen. The restaurant was originally known for its Tandoori Chicken. These were preserved in marinade trays by adding butter and tomato. When tandoor-cooked chicken chunks were tossed in this sauce, it led to the creation of buttery, creamy goodness that often leaves us licking our fingers.
Address – 3703, Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, Near Golcha Cinema
8. Shiv Mishthan Bhandar
Your day starts here with the classic Old Delhi breakfast – bedmi-aloo. Crisp, puffy puris served with curried potatoes can make your day. Another morning staple that you can try here is the Nagori-Halwa, crisp puris served with suji ka halwa. Wash it all down with a chilled glass of lassi. Finish your meal with some crackling jalebis which are not too sweet, just perfect and are also my personal favourite.
Address: Shiv Mishthan Bhandar, 375, Kucha Ghasi Ram,Chandni Chowk
9. Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala
It was started way back in 1971 and has evolved ever since. Tuck into the crisp crusts, stuffed with a delicious surprise. They serve a variety like dal kachori, pyaaz kachori, matar kachori, dry fruit kachori and others.
Address: 1104, Maliwara, Jogiwari, Chandni Chowk, 9911401440
10. Hazari Lal Jain Khurchan Wale
The word ‘khurchan’ means leftover scrap. The unique sweet that they serve here is only made with milk. A sticky sweet, khurchan is easy to make. Boil the milk, scrape off the leftovers from the karahi and sprinkle with powdered sugar and pistachios. Bite into the soft, gooey texture and you’re in heaven. This small establishment was set up about 90 years ago by Gauri Shankar Jain, an immigrant from Uttar Pradesh. He named the shop after his son, Hazari Lal.
Address: 2225, Kinari Bazaar, Chandni Chowk, +91 11 2325 3992, +91 9891 696 163
11. Shree Balaji Chaat Bhandar and Bishan Swaroop for Chaat
Bishan Swaroop is tucked away in one of the hard-to-find side streets, but it’s worth the effort. Try their chunky fruit chaat and aloo ke kulle (boiled potatoes that are scooped out and stuffed with chickpeas). These places bring back the old-world feel buried in our modern lifestyles.
Shree Balaji Chaat Bhandar is one of the oldest eateries in Chandni Chowk. Crisp papris draped in yogurt, chutneys and lime, don’t miss this essential street eat here. They use kachaalu chutney in place of the regular tamarind and that sets them apart. Another one of my favourites is Lala Babu Chaat Bhandar. Head here for their glorious gol gappas and gobhi-matar samosas.
Address: Shree Balaji Chaat Bhandar – 1462, Chandni Chowk
Bishan Swaroop – 1421, Near Ashish Medicos, Chandni Chowk
Lala Babu Chaat Bhandar – 77, Chandini Chowk, Opposite McDonald’s
12. Al Jawahar, Matia Mahal
You know what they say – where there’s smoke, there’s flavour. Walk through Urdu Bazaar opposite Gate No. 1 of Jama Masjid and also venture along the side street called Matia Mahal, you’ll find several vendors who set up their tandoors around late evening. For all your meat cravings, you’ll find your fix here. From Mutton Barrah to Tikkas, you can eat until you burst without ever trying the same thing twice. Al Jawahar has particularly been my favourite. From their mutton delicacies like Gurda Kaleji, Biryani and Korma to Chicken Changazi, you’ll be hooked.
Address: 8, Jama Masjid Matia Mahal Road, Opposite Gate No.1