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Top 50 Best Foods in Delhi: A Culinary Journey
Delhi, the capital of India, is known for its historic essence, booming cultures, and diverse spread of food range. The flavors of food in this cosmopolitan city blend traditional Indian cuisines with the global traditions, making it a heaven for foodies. All of this, from mouth-watering street foods to exquisite fine dining, lies here. Top 50 Best Foods of Delhi: traveling with the best places to try them and some tips for elevating the culinary experience.
1. Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature might well be one of Delhi’s oldest obsessions. Crispy, fluffy bread, that’s ‘bhature’, with spicy chickpea curry, ‘chole’, is a great choice for breakfast or lunch.
Best Place: Sitaram Diwan Chand, Paharganj
2. Parathas
Delhi’s Paranthe Wali Gali has a good number of stuffed parathas. Right from aloo (potato), paneer (cottage cheese), gobi (cauliflower) to all varieties of stuffing, you will find everything here.
Best Place: Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk
3. Butter Chicken
The butter chicken is a creamy, tomato-based curry which is mildly spiced and irresistibly rich. In a sense, it is an invention of Delhi.
Best Place: THE SIZZLING SPICES (DC CHAWK)
4. Momos
Momos have indeed become a staple in the street food of Delhi. These Tibetan-origin dumplings come in many different fillings like chicken and paneer, and veggies.
Best Place: Dolma Aunty Momos, Lajpat Nagar
5. Dahi Bhalla
Dahi Bhalla is that refreshing dish which is prepared with lentil fritters immersed in yoghourt and then topped with tamarind chutney and spices.
Best Place: Natraj Dahi Bhalla, Chandni Chowk
6. Aloo Tikki
Aloo Tikki- The spiced and crispy potato patty is usually served with tamarind and mint chutney.
Best Place: Bittoo Tikki Wala, Pitampura
7. Biryani
Biryani is spiced rice cooked with vegetables and meat. Hyderabadi and Lucknowi biryani can both be found in Delhi.
Best Place: Al Jawahar, Jama Masjid
8. Kebabs
Delhi kebabs are a must. They have every sort: seekh, galouti, shami, and whatnot.
Karim’s, Jama Masjid
9. Rajma Chawal
This is one of the easiest dishes but with sheer flavor-they are essentially kidney beans in a rich tomato gravy served with perfectly steamed rice.
Best Place: Shankar Market, Connaught Place
10. Paneer Tikka
This is a vegetarian pleasure wherein pieces of paneer are marinated in spices and grilled to perfection.
Best Place:Kake Da Hotel, Connaught Place
11. Golgappa
Golgappas: Crispy hollow puris filled with sharp tamarind water, mashed potatoes and chickpeas Pani Puris.
Best Place: Vaishno Chat Bhandar, Kamla Nagar
12. Kulfi
The Indian ice cream is made from condensed milk. Various flavors can be found, from kesar (saffron) and pistachio to the very common, but outstanding, sweet cream and cardamom.
Best Place:Roshan Di Kulfi, Karol Bagh
13. Kachori
It is an auspicious fried pastry that has been doused with spicy lentils or peas. It’s a very popular breakfast in Delhi.
Best Place:Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala, Chandni Chowk
14. Chaat
It’s that super fine chatpata mix of fried dough, boiled potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, and chutneys. It is the snack for spice lovers.
Best Place: Prabhu Chaat Bhandar, Khan Market
15. Shahi Tukda
A well-deserved regal dessert of deep-fried bread soaked in sweetened milk and dry fruits, Sahi Tukda is.
Best Place:Giani’s, Chandni Chowk
16. Pav Bhaji
The name Pav Bhaji arises from the spicy mashed vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls (pav). This one is hearty and savory.
Best Place: New Arjun Bombay Pav Bhaji, Model Town
17. Nihari
Nihari is a type of stew made with beef or lamb, flavored richly with spices. It is one of the most in-demand breakfast items during winters.
Best Place: Kallu Nihari, Jama Masjid
18. Samosa
Samosa is a triangular pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas. This savory snack is crisp on the outside and soft on the inside.
Best Place: Munni Lal Halwai, Chandni Chowk
19. Malai Tikka
Malai Tikka: Chicken that is creamy, slightly spiced, grilled to perfection-so soft, juicy
Best Place: THE SIZZLING SPICES (DC Chowk sec 9 Rohini)
20. Chana Zor Garam
Roasted chickpeas mixed with onions, tomatoes, and spices. Bit of a tangy and spicy snack.
Best Place: Streetside vendors near India Gate
21. Bhature
Big, fluffy bread that is usually enjoyed with chole, for a filling and flavorful meal.
Best Place: Chache Di Hatti, Kamla Nagar
22. Malai Chaap
This vegetarian treat is prepared using cream and spices marinated in soya chunks that it is grilled to achieve heavenly perfection.
Best Place: THE SIZZLING SPICES ( DC CHAWK ROHINI SEC 9)
23. Ram Ladoo
Ram Ladoo is a savory lentil fritter served with green chutney and shredded radish, a perfect snack for evenings.
Best Place: Central Market, Lajpat Nagar
24. Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is a rich Kashmiri lamb curry cooked with expensive spices and yogurt.
Best Place: The Spice Route, The Imperial Hotel
25. Halwa Puri
Halwa Puri is an extremely in-demand breakfast recipe that involves fried bread with a sweet semolina halwa.
Best Place:Chaina Ram Sindhi Confectioners, Chandni Chowk
26. Rabri
It’s a sweet, creamy dessert where milk is curdled and topped with dry fruits.
Best Place: Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale, Chawri Bazaar
27. Lassi
The lassi of Delhi happens to be a thick and creamy, yogurt-based drink, usually with flavors of rose or mango.
Best Place: Amritsari Lassi Wala, Chandni Chowk
28. Jalebi
Jalebi is deep-fried sweet topped with syrup that offers crunch on the outside and tends to be soft inside.
Best Place: Old Famous Jalebi Wala, Chandni Chowk
29. Puri Aloo
This is one of the staple dishes taken for breakfast where small, fluffy puris are served with spiced potato curry.
Best Place: Shree Balaji Chaat Bhandar, Chandni Chowk
30. Kesar Badam Milk
Sweet and warm milk with saffron and almonds.
Best Place: Keventers, Connaught Place
31. Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken is marinated in curd and spices before it gets cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) that gives it a smoky flavor.
Best Place: THE SIZZLING SPICES ( DC CHAWK SEC 9 ROHINI)
32. Gulab Jamun
The fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup are the most popular Indian sweet.
Best Place: Bikanervala, Karol Bagh
33. Bhutta
Roasted corn on the cob, sprinkled with spices and lemon juice, perfect for monsoon evenings.
Best Place: Streetside stalls near India Gate
34. Bedmi Puri
Bedmi Puri is a crispy wheat bread stuffed with spices, served with spicy aloo sabzi.
Best Place:Ram Swaroop Halwai, Chandni Chowk
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35. Fruit Chaat
A healthy and tangy mix of seasonal fruits, spiced with chaat masala and lime.
Best Place: Bishan Swaroop, Chandni Chowk
36. Makki Di Roti Sarson Da Saag
One of the favourites among Punjabis during winter, and the glorious cornmeal bread served with mustard greens.
Best Place: Punjab Grill, Connaught Place
37. Besan Ka Cheela
One of the yummy savory pancakes made from chickpea flour stuffed mainly with vegetables.
Best Place: Chaina Ram Sindhi Confectioners, Chandni Chowk
38. Veg Thali
A wholesome meal with rice, dal, roti, sabzi, and more all served on a single platter.
Best Place: Saravana Bhavan, Connaught Place
39. Egg Curry
A delicious curry made with boiled eggs simmered in a spicy tomato gravy.
Best Place: Kake Da Hotel, Connaught Place
40. Paneer Bhurji
Paneer Bhurji is a scrambled cottage cheese dish prepared using onions, tomatoes, and spices. It’s pretty fast, easy, and delicious.
Best Place: Om Corner, Karol Bagh
41. Tikki Chole
Tikki Chole is the famous street food of Delhi. This is the spicy potato patty served with chickpea curry which is topped by chutneys.
Best Place: Natraj Chaat Bhandar, Chandni Chowk
42. Roti with Dal Makhani
A versatile, luscious black lentil curry is to be enjoyed in hot, freshly made roti or naan.
Best Place: Dhaba by Claridges, Connaught Place
43. Dosa
South Indian’s answer to Chinese spring rolls – these crispy crepes are made of fermented rice batter, served with coconut chutney and sambhar.
Best Place: Saravana Bhavan, Connaught Place
44. Kadhi Chawal
Kadhi is a yogurt-based curry with gram flour dumplings called pakoras served with steamed rice-a simple, satisfying affair.
Best Place: Bikanervala, Karol Bagh
45. Roomali Roti with Korma
Roomali roti, thin, soft flat bread, goes magically with spicy chicken or mutton korma. Rich, slow-cooked curry.
Best Place: Karim’s, Jama Masjid
46. Petha
Petha is a translucent soft candy made of ash gourd. It’s sweet and mildly flavored and available in flavors like kesar and angoori.
Best Place: Panchi Petha Store, Chandni Chowk
47. Amritsari Fish
Amritsari Fish is one popular street food made with pieces of fish fillets marinated in gram flour, spices, and fried crispy on the outside.
Best Place: Ganesh Restaurant, Karol Bagh
48. Chole Kulche
Chole Kulche is another popular street food. Chole is spicy chickpea and kulche is soft, leavened flatbread. It’s filling and flavour.
Best Place: Lotan Chole Kulche Wala, Chawri Bazaar
49. Chicken Shawarma
Shawarma was a Middle Eastern snack that conquered the heart of Delhi’s street food. Shawarma is pieces of chicken wrapped in pita bread with garlic sauce and veggies.
Best Place: Al-Bake, New Friends Colony
50. Kebab Roll
Soft, juicy kebabs wrapped in rumali roti, onions, mint chutney, and spices- this is the ideal go-around meal.
Best Place: Khan Chacha, Khan Market
## Best Prospect for Foodies in Delhi
The food scene in Delhi goes beyond the act of tasting. It is a culture and tradition and the rich history of the city. Here are some tips to make the most of your food journey in Delhi:
1. Street Food Experience:If you dig deep, most of the good food in Delhi can be found at street food stalls. Of course, there avarious haunts turn be hotspots, like Chandni Chowk, Karol Bagh, and Lajpat Nagar.
2. Hydration: In case you are indulging in very spicy street food, staying hydrated is very essential. Try the famous Delhi lassi or fresh fruit juices to temper it.
3. Respect Local Customs: Be on a look-out in their traditional restaurants/street food stalls to learn the customs about washing hands before eating and then eating with hands for a more authentic experience.
4. Don’t Limit Yourself to Central Delhi: Connaught Place and Chandni Chowk are well-known for having the best eateries, but South Delhi and Old Delhi could house some of the best food you should not miss.
5. Save the Desserts: Delhi’s sweets, ranging from jalebis to kulfis, are utterly indispensable. Do not forget to save for something sweet at the end of it all.
## Best Restaurants in Delhi
You are bound to be spoilt for choice when it comes to places to eat in Delhi – fast food stalls to restaurants. Here are some categories according to your preference:
1. Street Food Hotspots
– Chandni Chowk:Chaat, dahi bhalla, jalebi, and parathas.
– Karol Bagh:A great place for momos, samosas, and kulfi.
– Lajpat Nagar: Specialized for chaap, tikka, and even more.
2. Fine Dining
– Bukhara, ITC Maurya: Known for their kebabs and tandoori items.
– The Spice Route, The Imperial: It is an expensive restaurant famous for its unique Southeast Asian aroma.
– Olive Bar & Kitchen, Mehrauli: Offers Mediterranean with Italian food and chic ambiance.
# Cafes and Bakeries
-Big Chill Cafe, Khan Market: Pastas, pizzas, and desserts
-Elma’s Bakery, Hauz Khas Village: Cakes, scones, and cozy
-AMA Cafe, Majnu Ka Tilla: Tibetan-inspired breakfast cakes
## FAQs
1. What is the most famous street food in Delhi?
While the most famous street food in the city perhaps is chole bhature, a treat that has probably no equivalent for its taste appeal as well as through the local visitors, other popular items include golgappas, aloo tikki, and momos.
2. Where can I enjoy the best butter chicken in Delhi?
If you wish to indulge in butter chicken, Moti Mahal in Daryaganj is the best restaurant that serves the dish because it goes back to the source of the recipe.
3. What is the best season to visit street food in Delhi?
Summer is the best time to see the street food in Delhi.
The best time to visit street food in Delhi is during the evening when many food stalls open up late in the afternoon and stay up till late at night. Winter months, October through February, are the best for street food in Delhi.
4. Do any vegetarian options exist in Delhi?
There are many vegetarian options – including mouthwatering options such as paneer tikka, aloo tikki, rajma chawal, parathas, and chaats. Most street food is vegetarian, and most restaurants offer what’s termed Indian vegetarian.
5. Is Delhi food spicy?
Delhi food can get pretty spicy, especially some street food items such as chaat, golgappas, and kebabs. Restaurants most accommodate different spice preferences, and you can ask for less spicy dishes.
6. How expensive is street food in Delhi?
Delhi street food is quite cheap. A simple street vendor can offer to fill a belly for as low as ₹50-100. Even in better-known food places, a meal will be in the range of ₹100-200.
7. Is street food in Delhi safe to eat?
Yes, but be cautious. Select reputable vendors; select crowded stalls with fast turnover; drink bottled water rather than tap water in case you get sick; and if you have a sensitive stomach, avoid raw food-that is food that has not been boiled and consumed hot.
8. Best Desserts in Delhi.
When you’re dessert-hungry, Giani’s Chandni Chowk or Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale will give you some good old traditional Indian sweets.
If you get an outburst of cravings for cakes and pastries, the Big Chill Cafe and Elma’s Bakery are a must-visit destinations.
A city that celebrates the best of food and life is Delhi. Whether you’re going to Delhi for the first time or have been staying here, the difference in flavor and variety leaves you spoiled for choice. So come, explore this city with an open mind and a hearty appetite to savor the best flavors of the golden city, the best way to experience Delhi: through its flavors. Bon appétit!
