10 Places to Visit in Delhi for a Lip-smacking Culinary Experience

Situated at the heart of India, Delhi is the capital of the country and a popular city for travellers. For centuries, it has been of interest. Whether it was the Turks and Mughals or the British, Delhi has always been a major attraction for various reasons.

In terms of places to visit in Delhi, you will not be disappointed. Since it is the capital of India, it has many government buildings, some new while others are old British-style structures that have been remodeled to suit current needs. Then there is Purani Dilli (Old Delhi), a walled city where you will get lost into the world of Mughal architecture. There are so many breathtaking monuments which reflect the ancient and royal craftsmanship. Of course, if you are in Delhi, a mention about its local food is a must. You will be amazed with the kind of food that is served in different parts of Delhi and will want to try it all. This is not a city where you should count your calories before or after a meal - you just need to eat, eat and eat!

Culture & Cuisine of Delhi

Delhi’s culture and cuisine is rich and its history shows a number of influences that impacted its shaping. For example, take a look at its architecture. There is Old Delhi which is sprawling with relics dating back to 6^th Century BCE. The streets are brimming with a mix of different aromatic smells and bustling with people from all walks of life - some may even have Mughal ancestors! But on the other hand, New Delhi exudes modernity and its fast-paced life is very different from Old Delhi.

When it comes to food in Delhi, Mughlai cuisine and street food have grown to become synonymous with Delhi’s charm. People from all over the world flock to this wonderful city to savour a taste of the dishes that once ruled the Mughal kitchens and was considered fit for kings and queens. There are numerous places to visit in Delhi where you can experience the cultural history and dig into the tradition-rich food. A trip to Delhi will always be memorable!

Places to Visit in Delhi for Food

#1 Dilli Haat

Yes, Delhi is known for its spread of Mughlai food but the capital city has also created a name is serving mouth-watering momos. These are steamed stuffed dumplings that are native to Nepal and Bhutan but has successfully managed to capture Delhi’s heart. Momos are one of the most popular street food items enjoyed in Delhi. Generally, it is served with a spicy chutney that can make you go red in the face with heat but at the same time, make you want to crave for more. One of the best places to visit in Delhi for momos is Dilli Haat. From various vegetarian combinations to a variety of meat, take your pick for the filling and feast on some of the best momos in town. Go for the Nagaland, Sikkim or Manipur stalls which offer a variety of momos with different combinations including broth, spicy red sauce and/or pickled vegetables.

Address: Sri Aurobindo Marg,Dilli Haat, INA, New Delhi, Delhi - 110023

#2 Khemchand Daulat ki Chaat, Chandni Chowk

You may know it by its other names - Malaiyo (Varanasi), Malai Makhan (Kanpur) or Nimish (Lucknow) - but in Purani Dilli, its Daulat ki Chaat. It is a melt-in-your-mouth, soul-satisfying dessert that is available only during a few weeks of winter. Khemchand Adesh Kumar is to be credited for introducing this delectable dessert in the city. His shop is located in Chandni Chowk and is packed with locals and tourists wanting to taste the dessert. Daulat ki Chaat is made with raw milk mixed with cream and then set to cool on big slabs of ice for 8-10 hours. A portion of it is taken and whisked by hand till it becomes super-light and frothy. Then you add khoya and chenna to it to make more rich and dense. As if that wasn’t enough, it is topped with some more khoya, chopped pistachios and saffron while serving in kulhads (clay pots)!

Address: Naughara Jain Temple Kinari Bazar Gali Paranthe wali Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, Delhi - 110006

#3 Ashok Chaat Corner, Chawri Bazaar

Enjoy golgappas to your heart’s content at Ashok Chaat Corner in Chawri Bazaar. A very small makeshift stall but it is swarming with locals (and a few tourists) all day. There is no place to sit and barely any space to stand but it’s worth waiting your turn because the chaat food served here is really good. The Dahi Bhalla Chaat and Delhi Chaat are must-haves at this place if you are not keen on the golgappas. A sure place to visit in Delhi if you want to try Delhi’ chaat food!

Address: 3488, Hauz Qazi Chowk, Bazar Sirkiwalan, Chawri Bazar, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi - 110006

#4 Chache di Hatti, Kamla Nagar

We promise, Chache di Hatti is one of the best places to visit in Delhi and in India for a plate of lip-smacking Chole Bature! There are two varieties served here - Aloo wale Chole Bature and Saade wale Chole Bature. The difference between the two is that in the former, there is aloo (spiced potatoes) stuffed inside the bature. The chole bature is served with fresh green chillies, sliced raw onions and a sweet and sour chutney. The cost of one place is pocket-friendly and the portion is enough to satiate the hunger of two ravenous people. To help digest the chole bature, order a glass of chaas or nimbu sharbat, served chilled.

Address: D-33, Block G, Kamla Nagar, Delhi - 110007

#5 Paranthe wali Gali

As the name suggests, this street is basically a paratha haven. Once you have the parathas served here, there is no going back. You will be spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding what stuffed flatbread do you want to eat. Pt Kanhaiyalal Durgaprasad Dixit, Pt Dayanand Shivcharan and Pt Baburam Devidayal Paranthewale are the three oldest paratha shops in the lane. They were established during the late 1800s and are still as popular as they were back in the days. What’s more, these parathas (topped with a chunk of butter) are served with 1-2 curries, chutney, maybe a bowl of curd, raw onion slices, pickle, spiced potatoes and a sweet dish! For all that is up for offer in a single meal, the places are really affordable!

Address: Katra Lehswan, Chandni Chowk, Delhi - 110006

#6 Ashok & Ashok, Sadar Bazaar

One of the places to visit in Delhi if you are craving flavoursome, hearty non-vegetarian dishes is Ashok & Ashok in Sadar Bazaar. Their lamb/mutton and chicken dishes are cooked in desi ghee and are packed with flavour. Two friends (both named Ashok) were known to be incredible cooks during their time and decided to open this little shack together to serve their specialties. Since then, the two friends have passed away but the legacy is being carried on by their children. Even today, the food tastes the exact same. The menu includes a few more dishes and is served with a choice of flatbreads.

Address: 5826/42, Deshraj Bhatia Marg, Basti Harphool Singh, Ahata Kidara, Sadar Bazaar, New Delhi, Delhi - 110006

#7 Al Jawahar, Chandni Chowk

When in Old Delhi, you need to have a meal or two boasting of Mughlai flavours. One of the best places to visit in Delhi for that is Al Jawahar. A meat-lover’s paradise, what makes Al Jawahar so special are the traditions and recipes. It was a common practice among royal cooks to never share their recipes with anybody else. They were only passed down from one generation to the other and remained within the family. That’s exactly what makes the food at Al Jawahar so delicious. The Nalli Nihari and Paya (served with Khameeri Roti) are popular dishes that most diners opt for. In terms of something sweet, you can give the sheermal a try. It’s a sweet flatbread that is native to Jammu & Kashmir and is enjoyed without any accompaniments.

Address: 8, Near, Matia Mahal Rd, Bazar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi - 110006

#8 Laxman Dhaba, Qutub Industrial Area

This is another one of the places to visit in Delhi for yummy parathas. Since its a dhaba, expect plastic chairs and charpais placed around plastic tables. The crowd is young, attracting students from nearby college campuses. Laxman Dhaba is known for serving large parathas with 2-3 accompaniments at affordable college prices. Make sure to try the Chicken Keema stuffed parathas at Laxman Dhaba.

Address: Qutab Institutional Area Rd, Opp. IIFT Main Gate, Katwaria Sarai, New Delhi, Delhi - 110016

#9 Kake da Hotel, Connaught Place

A compact restaurant situated in the industrial and commercial hub of Delhi, Kake da Hotel is a good choice if you want to feast on delicious Punjabi food. From tandoori preparations to veg and non-veg main courses to a variety of rice-based dishes, Kake da Hotel is perpetually packed with people relishing the dishes as well as has a standing queue outside waiting their turn to enjoy a meal at Kake da Hotel, Connaught Place.

Address: Shop No. 67, Municipal Market, Connaught Cir, Connaught Lane, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi - 110001

#10 Rampur Kitchen, New Friends Colony

Not many will be aware about Rampuri cuisine since it has always been a well-kept secret among Rampuri families. Contrary to popular belief, the flavours are very different from Mughlai and Awadhi. Situated in New Friends Colony, Rampur Kitchen provides an adequate insight into the magical flavours and aromas that ruled the Rampuri kitchens. While dining at Rampur Kitchen, make sure to try the Mutton Rampuri Seekh Kebabs and Chapli Kebabs. These succulent meat dishes can be seen being served at every table because they are so delicious. Overall, the cuisine is subtle-flavoured and will make you curious to learn more about the Rampuri kitchens.

Address: Community Centre, The India Mall, 1st, New Friends Colony, New Delhi, Delhi – 110025

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