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Posted 28 June 2024 in Food Tripping
Wherever there are people from different backgrounds, there is bound to be a lot of variation in the types of foods on offer. Delhi is no exception. A melting pot of people, cultures, and cuisines, the city has exceptional street food. Chaat is a long-standing favourite but the sumptuous dishes do not stop there. From pure vegetarian treats to some superb non-vegetarian options, the food in Delhi is a must-try. And, when in Delhi, sampling foods from various places and popular spots is a great way to both explore the city and discover the tastes of the country.
Below you’ll find all the information about the dishes to try while in Delhi:
This street food is a classic and popular in most major cities. In Kolkata, it goes by the name of puchka while in Mumbai it is called pani puri. Delhi’s gol gappe are small puris stuffed with mashed potatoes, grams, and dipped in both sweet and sour concoctions. Most vendors will adjust the spice according to your preference, sometimes dipped in dahi.
Poori aloo is a delectable potato dish with a lentil-stuffed puri. In the early morning chill, this is a perfect breakfast to start your day. It's cheap, delicious, and can be found almost everywhere in the city. Many of the restaurants offer a variety of side dishes like curd, carrot pickle, and salad.
Kathi rolls are an easy-to-eat, non-messy street wrap that originally came from West Bengal. Initially, it was made with kebabs rolled into a paratha but many other fillings have since become popular. Chicken and mutton seekh rolls are popular at many eateries, but soya, paneer, and other variations are all available for vegetarians. Part of the fun is mixing and combining a variety of fillings to make a combo that suits your taste. Keep in mind, that not all joints call this a kathi roll, some places simply call them rolls or wraps. Pro tip: many restaurants offer home delivery, this can be a hassle-free lunch when you’re having a busy day.
This unique snack is a mix of two popular street foods, samosa and chole bhature. With the tempting crunch of fried samosa covered in juicy, inviting chole, this unique snack is a burst of flavour and texture. Samosa is a great tea-time snack, including a keema version. Teaming it with some pickle and chutney makes it a satisfying evening meal.
Kulfi is a rich, creamy and chilled dessert that many people have at the end of a meal, especially in summer. Analogous to ice cream, kulfi has a variety of flavours such as malai (cream), mango, rose, elaichi (cardamom), kesar (saffron), and pista (pistachio). Many restaurants will have kulfi on their menu, but the best kulfi can be found at dedicated ‘kulfiwales’, places that focus on this creamy milk-based sweet. Most places, in addition to offering many flavours, give a variety of toppings like dried fruits, nuts, and rabri. If you’re trying kulfi for the first time, go for the classic kesar flavour before experimenting with others.
Another milk-based dessert, Daulat ki Chaat is unique to the Chandni Chowk area of Delhi. This foamy dessert is made by cooling and frothing the mixture and is available mostly during the winter months. The dish is often prepared with mawa/khoya (dried dairy product) and Chhena (a type of traditional cheese). Similar preparations are also found in Lucknow (called nimish) and Kanpur (locally known as malai makhan).
Bhel Puri is a timeless, crunchy snack that bursts with flavour. Most chaat lovers will have their favourite bhel puri joints that they frequent, and the dish is so delicious it is found in virtually all cities. Delhi too has its fair share of delightful bhel puri options. Bhel puri is a complex mix of textures and flavours that blends seamlessly. While the typical garnish is fresh coriander leaves, there can be plenty of other twists.
Although it originates in Nepal and Tibet, momos have taken Indian cities by storm. Delhi is home to plenty of eateries serving this. Originally, momos are filled with ground or minced meat but in India, vegetarian momos are also found. Made from flour and water casing, and stuffed with filling, momos are enjoyed either steamed or fried. The great thing about Delhi, you can find simple momos at cheaper rates while classier joints offer fancier versions like Tandoori and Afghani momos.
Most Mughlai restaurants in Delhi will serve delicious, mouth-watering kebabs. From galouti kebabs, burrah kebabs, and kakori kebabs to various tikkas, Delhi has a wide range on offer. Most kebab places have an open area where fresh kebabs are cooked over coals to give them a smoky flavour. It is served hot, with sides like salad, lime, and chutney.
Life without Chhole Bhature is not a life at all, especially when you are in Delhi. Chhole Bhature is the lifeline when it comes to comfort food. While bhature may be the same, there is a variety of sides that go with it, apart from chhole, you can find channa bhature as well. So while you are in Delhi, make sure to savour spicy, gravy-filled bhature.
For those who have not tried the Butter Chicken may be a great loss because it is one of the most popular dishes across Delhi and most probably India. Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is rich in flavour, and it has a creamy texture. This dish is often served with naan or rice.
Jalebis are a beloved sweet treat in Indian cuisine, known for their crispy, pretzel-like shape and deep orange colour. Made from a batter of fermented flour, sugar, and yoghurt, they are deep-fried until crispy and then soaked in a sugar syrup flavoured with saffron and cardamom. Jalebis are enjoyed warm or at room temperature, often served as a dessert or snack with tea. Their irresistible crunch and syrupy sweetness make them a popular indulgence during festivals and celebrations throughout India.
Nihari is one of the quintessential dishes in Delhi and it cannot be missed. Renowned for its rich flavours and heritage, Nihari is a slow-cooked stew made from tender cuts of meat that is simmered overnight with spices like cloves, cinnamon, cardamom, and bay leaves. In Delhi, Nihari is typically served with naan or khameeri roti to soak up its flavourful broth. It remains a cherished dish, reflecting Delhi's culinary diversity and historical influences.
Taste the delicious Rabri Falooda that has taken the Indian desert through the roof. Don't believe us? In Delhi, you can visit some of the umpteen restaurants that sell Rabri Falooda which is a traditional Indian dessert that combines the richness of thickened sweetened milk with the cooling and refreshing elements of vermicelli noodles.
While Delhi's Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk is famous for its dedicated shops serving a wide range of paranthas, you will be surprised at how many paratha places are there in Delhi. Paranthe is an iconic culinary delight, deeply rooted in the city's rich history and culture. Originating from the bylanes of Old Delhi, particularly in the historic Chandni Chowk area, paranthas are flatbreads that are stuffed, fried, and often accompanied by a variety of savoury and sweet fillings.
Delhi is the capital city and is well-connected to all other major hubs in the country. Commuting within the city is a breeze with Delhi Metro, public buses, rickshaws, and taxis. To get to Delhi from other parts of the country, see the below list:
Delhi is a hot city with temperatures going up to 48°C in summer. In winter, the weather gets chilly, often going under 10°C. May is the hottest month of the year, while January is the coldest. Delhi experiences fog throughout the winter, with the monsoons lasting between July and September.
Between October and March, you can enjoy cooler temperatures and virtually no rain, making this the best time to plan a food trip to Delhi. The weather is conducive to finding the best street food outdoors as well as enjoying the sites around the city. Keep in mind that the air quality is typically better from March to September.
While Delhi is the political capital of India, many people, especially foodies, consider it the culinary capital too. The best part is that you do not need to be in the city for a long time, you can enjoy a broad spectrum of cuisines in a few days too. Whether you’re in town for a business trip, a vacation, or just passing through, be sure to make the best of your time here and try some delicious street food.
