There are a few things that we all must do before we die but to gorge on lip- smacking and authentic street food can make everything wait. Life in India seems incomplete without the jostlings for the golgappes and the chaats on dusky streets. While living in Delhi or in its surrounding areas, one must try these places in Old Delhi. If you haven’t tried them then you could be missing out the labyrinths of old-delhi pulsating with life and lip-smacking delight. So, wait no more.
The historical capital is popularly known as a foodie’s paradise. The narrow lanes of Old Delhi depict many a stories in the irresistible variety of street food available here. As you walk through the chaotic web of by-lanes, what catches your attention is the ohh-so-enchanting aroma of aloo chaat, kachori, samosas, the sweet whiff of crisp jalebis, that can easily send your concern about those extra calories for a toss. You will be drawn to your cravings for these scrumptious dishes.
You can either love it or hate it but it is sure to grow on you, as the temptation eventually gets you. To rejoice these drool-worthy street cuisines, we have brought an exclusive list of the best and the most delectable street foods in Old Delhi.
1. Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala
If you are Dahi Bhalla chaat lover, then this place will draw your attention. No sooner you come out of the metro and head towards the main Chandni chowk road, you will recognize the much popular shop with the aroma of its frying Tikkis’ or just ask anyone about the place. The shop lies in the corner of a narrow lane and is a little bigger than the legendary ‘hole in the wall’. But, this one is a must visit place for all the chaat papdi lovers.
2. Paranthe Wali Gali
As the name itself suggest, this famous lane of Chandni Chowk is famous for its large number of shops selling different varieties of scrumptious fried Paranthas. The tantalizing aroma of ghee will hit you like a magic wand. One of the most famous spots among the locals and the foreigner where you can find a budget-friendly meal to satisfy your taste buds. Must visit- Pt. Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan Paranthe Wale.
3. Old Famous Jalebi Wala
Are you a Jalebi lover? Then you can’t give this place a miss. Located at the Dariba Kalan Road in Chandni Chowk, the jalebis here are amazingly delicious and will leave you hypnotize. A first look at these sweet spirals frying in desi ghee and softly dipped in sugar syrup would make you fall in love with them and we bet that you just can’t wait to eat them.
4. Lala Babu Chaat Bhandar
If you have a thing for the zing, then Lala Babu Chaat Bhandaar is the best place to head to. Located in the Chandni Chowk, opposite to McDonald’s, this roadside chat joint dishes up some tempting selections of authentic chaat. It specializes in mouth-watering Golgappas, Chatpati Chat, Aloo Tikki, Samosa, fruit Chaat etc. But, the Gobi muttar samosas they serve takes the cake. Don’t miss this one!
5. Bishan Swaroop
Bishan Swaroop is one of the hidden treasure of Chandni Chowk. Located on the disorderly side streets of Chandni Chowk, this place is a bit difficult to find but a little effort is worth it. Located near Natraj Dahi Bhalla, this place evokes the traditional delight obscured in modern lifestyle. Their most renowned dishes are fruit chaat, shakarkandi chaat and aloo ke kulle made up of boiled potatoes scooped up, filled with chickpeas, garnished with lemon and in-house spices. Without a doubt you will find yourself salivating!
6. Daulat Ki Chaat
One of the famous foods of Delhi which makes my heart go mmm… is Daulat ki Chaat. This sweet-savoring cloud, yeah! That’s how it is air like, is perfect and will make you fall in love with it instantaneously. You can find it around places like Nai Sadak, Dariba, Kinari Bazaar, and Daryaganj. This frothy, rich, sweet, is made with churned milk and a dash of moonlight. Enriched with khoya and saffron, the dish vanishes on your palate. This exclusive dish is available only in winters.
7. Lotan Chole Wala, Chawri Bazaar
For all the spice lovers, this one is for you. Lotan Kulcha Wala is the most famous Kulcha Wala in Delhi that has been gastronomy delight of Delhi for past three decades. You will find the cholas here are top of the line and are served with potatoes in a red-hot curry, smeared with coriander and green chilies. The shop is renowned for their mouthwateringly Chole, served with fluffy buttered Kulchas and homemade pickle. To reach there, get down at Chawri Bazar, head towards Barshabulla Chowk and ask for this renowned eating joint.
8. Karim’s
Any list on eating joints of Old Delhi is incomplete without it? Karim’s- a place that needs no description, a heavenly place for all non- veg lovers. Located in Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid, this place is thronged for its kebabs and divine mutton nihari. Miss this legendary place and you might have to suffer those awkward silences in social conversations. These kebabs are full of flavors and spices that have transcended history just to get to you. The popular dishes you will get here are the kebabs, mutton korma, mutton burra, Shahjhani Murgh, Biryani’s, Navratan Sabzi, Seekh Kababs and the brain curry.
9. Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala
This Delhi street food will surely make you ask for more, especially when served by the best- Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala, which is known for its mouthwatering Kachori. Served with Aloo Sabzi and topped with flavorful chutney, coriander, and green chilies, thse super-crisp UFOs are truly appetizing. Wrapped under the crisp crusts is a stuffing of delicious Urad Dal, demanding for more than one serving.
10. Ustad Moinuddin Kebab Wale
Guys and gals, if you are searching for some of the finest kebabs that fit your little bucks, then this place is for you. This ordinary shop in Lal Kuan, Near Chawri Bazaar Metro Station, serve incredibly delicious Beef and Mutton Kebabs with chutney, lemon, and onion. Ustad Moinuddin’s magical hands whips out the best of these that accounts for this ever crowded joint.
If you haven’t tried these street foods, then buckle up, sling your bag, board a metro and take your turn at these amazing places. And do write to us about your experience and if you like our blog, please like and share our blog.
