Old Delhi is a street food lover’s dream, where every alley, every corner, and every vendor tells a story of tradition, flavour, and irresistible aromas. The air is thick with the scent of sizzling kebabs, crispy paranthas, and sweet, syrupy delights that have been perfected over centuries.
Here, food isn’t just a meal but an experience, an explosion of taste, spice, and culture packed into one unforgettable bite. Whether you're a local or a visitor, Old Delhi’s street food scene is an adventure you can't miss.
Arm yourself with an appetite, as we bring you the unmissable street flavours that define Old Delhi's legendary food scene. Here are 10 famous street foods of Old Delhi that you must try.
1. Paranthe Wali Gali
Step into Chandni Chowk and your senses are immediately engulfed by the rhythmic sizzle of dough hitting the griddle, the rich aroma of ghee, and the sight of golden, crispy paranthas cooking to perfection. Amidst the chaotic energy of this historic marketplace lies Paranthe Wali Gali—a narrow lane that has been a haven for foodies.
For over a century, this iconic street has remained the beating heart of Old Delhi’s food scene, serving up more than 30 varieties of paranthas. The paratha selection includes the traditional Aloo Parantha with spicy mashed potatoes and sweet indulgences such as Khoya Parantha, made with sweetened condensed milk.
The adventurous eater can experience the flavourful delights of Papad Parantha, Rabri Parantha, and Dry Fruit Parantha, each served piping hot alongside pickles, yoghurt, and a portion of fresh white butter.
2. Daulat Ki Chaat
A dessert of ethereal delicacy awaits within the crowded streets of Old Delhi, where sizzling kebabs and fragrant kachoris fill the shops. Daulat Ki Chaat exists solely to dissolve the moment it touches your tongue—a fleeting indulgence that appears only in winter, crafted with patience and artistry.
The magic begins under the open sky, where milk is meticulously churned until it transforms into a cloud-like froth. Infused with saffron, cardamom, and a whisper of sweetness, it is then adorned with crumbled khoya, chopped pistachios, almonds, and delicate strands of silver varq—turning it into a royal treat.
But here’s the catch: Daulat Ki Chaat is as ephemeral as the morning mist. As the sun rises, its airy texture begins to collapse, making it a race against time to savour its delicate perfection.
True dessert connoisseurs know to start their day at the historic stalls of Chandni Chowk, where vendors serve this golden-hued delight in traditional earthen bowls carefully balanced on large brass trays.
3. Jalebi
Jalebi, a crispy, syrup-soaked treat, is a beloved dessert in Delhi, proudly holding a special place in the hearts of all sweet tooths across the city. This iconic dish is made by deep-frying maida (all-purpose flour) batter in the shape of spirals and then soaking it in saffron-infused sugar syrup, giving it a crispy exterior and a juicy, syrupy interior.
The warm, sticky sweetness and crunchy texture make it an irresistible indulgence, especially during the cooler months. Here are some of the best places to enjoy the city's finest Jalebi:
Old Famous Jalebi Wala
Located in Chandni Chowk, this legendary shop has been serving deliciously crispy jalebis for over a century. Renowned for its large, golden strands soaked in syrup, it remains one of the go-to spots for locals craving authentic Delhi-style jalebi.
Shiv Mishthan Bhandar
Situated in the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk, Shiv Mishthan Bhandar is well-known for its crispy and indulgent jalebis. Their version is always served fresh, with a perfect balance of sweetness and crunch, making it a favourite for locals and tourists.
4. Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi
When it comes to kulfi, Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfiwale in Chandni Chowk is an absolute must-visit. Established in 1908, this iconic shop has been serving fruit-infused kulfis that are unlike anything else.
Imagine enjoying creamy kulfi with a burst of fresh fruit flavours, from seasonal mango to aam papad, rose, and even tamarind. These innovative flavours set this place apart, making it a hot favourite among locals and tourists alike.
The shop is always buzzing, with crowds lining up to savour these creamy, fruit-packed delights. If you’re in Sitaram Bazaar, don't miss out on this legendary kulfi.
5. Karim’s
Founded in 1913 by Haji Karimuddin, the legacy of Karim Hotel traces its roots back to the royal kitchens of the Mughal Emperor. A haven for meat lovers, Karim’s serves some of the most succulent kebabs and mutton nahari you’ll ever taste.
This iconic eatery is a household name in Delhi and across the country, renowned for its rich, flavourful offerings. While Karim’s is a full-fledged restaurant perfect for a hearty lunch or dinner, its unbeatable kebabs, chicken tikkas, and murg malai starters have earned him a deserving place in the street food category as well.
6. Lotan Ke Chole Kulche
Located near Chawri Bazaar Metro Station, Lotan Ke Chole Kulche is an Old Delhi street food legend that has been serving mouth-watering chole kulche since 1977. This humble joint is famous for its zesty chole, available in three spice levels: low, medium, and fiery hot.
The chole is served with soft, bland kulcha, a touch of green chilli, and a sprinkle of coriander, creating a perfect balance of flavours. This iconic street food spot has a loyal following, with people flocking from all over town to savour the spicy chole drenched in a rich reddish brown curry.
7. Bedmi Puri with Aloo Sabzi
Shyam Sweets, nestled in Chawri Bazaar, Old Delhi, is a must-visit for breakfast enthusiasts. Known for serving arguably the best Bedmi Puri in the Walled City, this iconic eatery has been a staple since 1920.
The Bedmi Puri here is deep-fried to perfection, crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, made from wheat flour and urad dal. Paired with spiced aloo sabzi and tangy carrot pickles, it’s a flavour-packed experience.
On Sundays, indulge in their special kaddoo sabzi for an extra treat. Another gem on the menu is the Nagori Puri, served with aloo sabzi and kesar halwa.
8. Natraj Dahi Bhalla
The continued popularity of two menu items since 1940 proves that the restaurant has perfected its signature dishes. Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner is a legendary restaurant in Chandni Chowk because of its signature Dahi Bhalla and perfectly fried Aloo Tikki.
The minimal selection of dishes at Natraj fails to halt the steady stream of customers. Dahi Bhalla emerges as the spotlight attraction at Natraj because these soft lentil dumplings receive creamy curd and tangy tamarind chutney before getting topped with their black masala finish.
The result? Food lovers become instantly hooked on the rich flavour combination that starts with this balanced explosion's first bite.
Equally beloved is the Aloo Tikki, a testament to the beauty of simple, well-executed cooking. These deep-fried potato patties, stuffed with spiced lentils, are crisp on the outside, soft on the inside, and elevated by a medley of chutneys.
Two dishes, one legendary reputation—Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner proves that sometimes, less is truly more.
9. Bishan Swaroop Chaat
Bishan Swaroop exists in an untraceable small alley of Old Delhi, where nostalgic flavours are served with each serving. Their Aloo Ke Kulle consists of perfectly boiled potatoes that have stuffing with deliciously spiced chickpeas, providing both delightful flavour and satisfying texture.
The Aloo Chaat, however, is the menu's highlight, where pan-fried potato pieces paired with tangy tamarind dressing create an ideal harmony of spiciness and sweet and sour flavours. End your visit with their Fruit Chaat, which combines flavourful spices with fresh fruits to create an unforgettable experience for your taste buds.
10. Sheermal & Kebabs
The pairing of soft, sweet sheermal, a slightly sweet, saffron-infused flatbread, with succulent, melt-in-your-mouth galouti kebabs is the stuff of legends. The kebabs, made from minced meat, are finely spiced and grilled to perfection, offering a juicy, smoky bite that perfectly complements the sweetness of the sheermal.
It’s a classic combination that brings together the richness of Mughal flavours and the street food culture of Old Delhi. For the best experience, head to Al Jawahar Restaurant in the heart of Old Delhi, where this iconic dish is served with authenticity and flair.
Old Delhi, where Stories are Woven into Every Bite
Old Delhi’s street food isn’t just about taste, it’s a portal to centuries of culinary artistry, where every bite carries the whispers of emperors, traders, and generations of passionate cooks. The sizzle of kebabs, the golden crisp of paranthas, the delicate airiness of Daulat Ki Chaat, each dish is a chapter in a story that never gets old.
So, the next time you find yourself in the labyrinth of Chandni Chowk, let the aromas guide you, let the flavours overwhelm you, and let Old Delhi’s street food scene consume you, one unforgettable bite at a time.
