Delhi is famous for its vibrant street food scene, offering a wide variety of flavors and dishes. Here are some of the must-try street foods in Delhi, along with popular places to try them and what they are typically eaten with:
Chole Bhature:
What: Spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature).
Where: Sitaram Diwanchand in Paharganj, Sita Ram Bazaar.
With: Pickled green chilies, onions, and sometimes a sweet tamarind chutney.
Parathas:
What: Stuffed Indian flatbreads, often stuffed with potatoes (aloo), paneer (Indian cottage cheese), or mixed vegetables.
Where: Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk.
With: Yogurt (curd), pickles, and sometimes a mint-coriander chutney.
Aloo Tikki:
What: Spiced potato patties, shallow-fried.
Where: Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala in Chandni Chowk.
With: Topped with tamarind chutney, yogurt, and sometimes chickpeas.
Pani Puri (Golgappa):
What: Hollow puris filled with spicy tamarind water, potato, and chickpeas.
Where: Bengali Market, Lajpat Nagar.
With: Eaten whole in one bite; each puri is dipped in spicy water before eating.
Kathi Rolls:
What: Flaky flatbread (paratha) wrapped around skewered meats (kebabs) or paneer.
Where: Khan Chacha in Khan Market.
With: Mint chutney, onions, and sometimes a squeeze of lime.
Dahi Bhalla:
What: Fried lentil dumplings soaked in thick yogurt, topped with tamarind chutney and spices.
Where: Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala in Chandni Chowk.
With: Garnished with roasted cumin powder and sometimes a sprinkle of chaat masala.
Kulfi:
What: Indian-style ice cream, dense and creamy.
Where: Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfiwale in Chandni Chowk.
With: Served on a stick or in a clay pot (matka), often flavored with saffron or pistachios.
Samosa:
What: Deep-fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas.
Where: Old Famous Jalebi Wala in Chandni Chowk.
With: Tamarind chutney and sometimes a spicy green chutney.
Jalebi:
What: Deep-fried swirls of batter soaked in sugar syrup, crispy and sweet.
Where: Old Famous Jalebi Wala in Chandni Chowk.
With: Often served with rabri (sweetened thickened milk) during winters.
Rabri Falooda:
What: Sweet dessert drink made with condensed milk (rabri), vermicelli, and rose syrup.
Where: Giani’s di Hatti in Chandni Chowk.
With: Topped with chopped nuts and sometimes basil seeds (sabja).
These are just a few highlights of Delhi’s rich street food culture. Each dish offers a unique taste of the city’s culinary diversity and is best enjoyed at its traditional, iconic spots across Delhi’s bustling markets and streets.
Delhi cuisine is a diverse and flavorful representation of the city’s rich cultural heritage. Here’s a detailed look at the culinary landscape of Delhi:
1. Street Food:
Chaat: A staple of Delhi street food, chaat includes a variety of snacks like pani puri, bhel puri, aloo tikki, and papdi chaat. These are typically tangy, spicy, and often topped with yogurt and chutneys.
Paranthas: Paratha is a type of stuffed flatbread, and in Delhi, Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk is famous for its wide variety of paranthas with fillings like potato, paneer, and even more exotic options.
Chole Bhature: A classic Delhi breakfast, this dish consists of spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature).
Kebabs: Delhi is known for its succulent kebabs, including seekh kebabs, reshmi kebabs, and shami kebabs, often enjoyed with naan or paratha.
2. Punjabi Influence:
Butter Chicken: A rich, creamy chicken curry cooked with butter and cream, often enjoyed with naan or rice.
Dal Makhani: A hearty lentil dish made with black lentils and kidney beans, slow-cooked with butter and cream.
Paneer Tikka: Marinated chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) grilled to perfection, typically served with mint chutney.
3. Mughlai Cuisine:
Biryani: Delhi’s Mughlai heritage is reflected in its aromatic biryanis, which are rice dishes cooked with spices and meat or vegetables.
Rogan Josh: A flavorful curry made with tender pieces of lamb cooked in a rich, spiced sauce.
Korma: A creamy curry made with meat or vegetables, cooked with yogurt, cream, and spices.
4. North Indian Delights:
Aloo Paratha: A spiced potato-stuffed flatbread, often served with pickles, yogurt, or butter.
Pulao: A rice dish cooked with vegetables or meat, flavored with aromatic spices.
Rajma: A comforting dish of kidney beans cooked in a spiced tomato gravy, typically served with rice.
5. Sweet Treats:
Jalebi: A crispy, deep-fried sweet soaked in sugar syrup, often enjoyed hot.
Rasgulla: Soft, spongy balls made from chenna (curdled milk) and soaked in a sugar syrup.
Gulab Jamun: Deep-fried dough balls made from milk solids and soaked in a sweet syrup.
6. Modern Fusion and International Cuisine:
Cafés and Restaurants: Delhi’s dining scene includes a range of modern and fusion restaurants offering international cuisine, such as Italian, Mexican, and Japanese, alongside traditional fare.
Fusion Dishes: Contemporary eateries experiment with traditional recipes, blending Indian flavors with global ingredients.
7. Regional Specialties:
South Indian Cuisine: You can find delicious dosas, idlis, and vadas served with sambar and coconut chutney in various South Indian restaurants across Delhi.
Hyderabadi Biryani: Renowned for its aromatic and spicy flavor, this biryani is a favorite among many in Delhi.
8. Dining Experiences:
Street Food Stalls: Explore bustling markets like Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh for authentic street food.
High-End Restaurants: Delhi also boasts a variety of upscale dining options offering gourmet versions of traditional and international dishes.
Delhi’s cuisine is a melting pot of flavors and traditions, reflecting the city’s diverse cultural influences and rich history. Whether you’re enjoying street food, regional specialties, or modern fusion dishes, Delhi offers a culinary experience that caters to all tastes.