Delhi, the heart of India, is not just a city of monuments and bustling markets — it’s also a paradise for food lovers. With its rich cultural history and diverse population, Delhi offers a vibrant mix of flavors ranging from royal Mughlai cuisine to spicy street eats. Whether you’re wandering through the lanes of Old Delhi or dining at a trendy café in South Delhi, there’s something delicious waiting at every corner.
Old Delhi is where the food legacy truly shines. Chandni Chowk’s narrow alleys are packed with time-honored eateries like Karim’s near Jama Masjid, famous for its tender mutton kebabs and buttery naan. A visit to Paranthe Wali Gali is a must, where you’ll find overstuffed parathas served with spicy pickles and tangy chutneys. Don’t miss out on the Daulat Ki Chaat, a winter delicacy that melts in your mouth like sweet froth.
For those with a sweet tooth, Delhi won’t disappoint. Giani’s and Kuremal Kulfi in Old Delhi serve traditional kulfis in a variety of flavors, while Haldiram’s and Bikanervala offer an assortment of Indian sweets like gulab jamun, rasgulla, and jalebi.
New Delhi brings its own flair, blending global and Indian tastes. Areas like Connaught Place, Khan Market, and Hauz Khas Village host restaurants and cafes serving everything from butter chicken and chole bhature to sushi, dim sum, and wood-fired pizzas. Delhi’s chaat — think aloo tikki, golgappe (pani puri), and dahi bhalla — is particularly famous and available at almost every corner.
No food journey in Delhi is complete without a glass of lassi, a cup of masala chai, or a piping hot filter coffee. Whether you’re a street food explorer or a gourmet diner, Delhi’s food delights are bound to leave your taste buds craving more. Famous foods in Delhi are as follows –
Chole Bhature – It is a classic North Indian dish consisting of spicy chickpeas (chole) served with deep-fried, fluffy bread (bhature) and served with onions, pickles. Best places to where you can find Chole Bhature are Sita Ram Diwan Chand – Paharganj, Chache Di Hatti – Kamla Nagar and Om Corner – Karol Bagh.
Parathas – It is a popular North Indian flatbread, typically stuffed with fillings like potatoes, paneer, cauliflower, or lentils. Cooked on a griddle with ghee or butter, it’s crispy on the outside and soft inside, it is often served with curd, pickle, chutneys (sauces) or butter. Best places to where you can find Paranthas are Paranthe Wali Gali – Chandni Chowk, Moolchand Paratha – Near Lajpat Nagar.
Butter Chicken – It is a rich and creamy North Indian curry made with tender pieces of chicken cooked in mildly spiced tomato-based gravy, enriched with butter and cream. Originating from Delhi, it is best enjoyed with naan or rice and is a favourite among lovers of Indian cuisine for its smooth texture and balanced flavours. Best places to where you can find Butter Chicken are Moti Mahal – Daryaganj (originator of butter chicken), Gulati Restaurant – Pandara Road, Rajinder Da Dhaba – Safdarjung
Kebabs – These are succulent pieces of meat marinated in aromatic spices and grilled or roasted to perfection. A staple of Mughlai cuisine, Delhi offers a variety of kebabs like seekh, galouti, and shami, often served with mint chutney and onions. Best places to where you can find Kebabs are Karim’s – Jama Masjid, Al Kauser – Chanakyapuri, Qureshi Kebab Corner – Jama Masjid.
Golgappe (Pani Puri) – Golgappe, also known as Pani Puri or Puchka, are crisp, hollow balls filled with spicy tangy water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas. A beloved Indian street snack, especially in Delhi, they burst with flavour in every bite and are a fun, mouth-watering treat enjoyed by people of all ages. Best places to where you can find Golgappe are Vaishnav Chaat Bhandar – Kamla Nagar, Prince Chaat Corner – GK I, M Block and Ashok Chaat Bhandar – Chawri Bazaar.
Dahi Bhalla – It is a popular North Indian snack made of soft lentil dumplings (bhallas) soaked in creamy yogurt and topped with sweet and tangy chutneys, spices, and sometimes pomegranate seeds. It’s a cooling, flavorful dish that’s especially loved in Delhi for its perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savoury flavours. Best places to where you can find Dahi Bhalla are Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala – Chandni Chowk and Haldiram’s – CP, Lajpat Nagar.
Chicken Biryani – It is a fragrant and flavorful rice dish made by layering marinated chicken with spiced basmati rice, cooked together to perfection. Infused with saffron, herbs, and whole spices, it’s a hearty one-pot meal loved across India. Best places to where you can find Chicken Biryani are Al Jawahar – Jama Masjid, Andhra Bhavan Canteen – Feroze Shah Road and Biryani Blues / Behrouz – Available across Delhi.
Jalebi – It is a popular Indian sweet made by deep-frying spirals of fermented batter and soaking them in sugar syrup. Crispy on the outside and juicy inside, it’s served hot and often paired with rabri (thickened sweet milk). A favorite in Delhi, jalebi is enjoyed especially during festivals and as a delightful street-side treat. Best places to where you can find Jalebi are Brijwasi Sweets, Karol Bagh, Bikanervala and Haldiram’s.
Gulab Jamun – It is a beloved Indian dessert made of soft, deep-fried dough balls traditionally prepared from khoya (reduced milk solids), soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and rose water. Served warm or cold, these melt-in-the-mouth sweets are a must-try delicacy, especially popular during festivals and celebrations across India. Best places to where you can find Gulab Jamun are Brijwasi Sweets, Karol Bagh, Bikanervala and Haldiram’s.