Overview
- Signature Dishes: Street food
- Opening Times & Days: 10:00 am to late, daily
- Address: Old & New Delhi
- Contact: N/A
- Reservation: No
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Summary
The street food in Delhi is some of the best in India, if not the best. The variety, tastes and cheap prices makes the street food in Delhi a ‘must try’ option for a complete culinary experience. There are some street foods that are particular to Delhi while others can also be found elsewhere in India. There are some street food options that are seasonal while others are available all year round.
Street Food in Delhi
One word of caution here before I go on – if you are not used to eating street food, take care as the hygiene standards are not the best. Also, it is advisable to stay away from street food completely during the summer months and preferably consume it during the winter months when the weather is not stifling hot and humid.
Below is a list of popular street food in Delhi.
Daulat ki Chaat
Only found in Delhi during the winter, Daulat ki chaat is a not-too-sweet frothed milk, whisked overnight and, allegedly, set with the morning dew. Vendors bearing huge great platters of it can be seen pushing their food carts all over Old Delhi from November to February. It is believed that this dish was consumed by Mughal emperors, which explains its name, ‘daulat’ (wealth). It is also called ‘chaat’ due to its tangy flavour.
In addition to having a light and tangy flavour, the texture of this ancient dessert is very unique. Its fluffy and airy texture is similar to a meringue which just melts in the mouth. It gets its extra flavours from additions of rosewater and chopped pistachios, flavours which are associated with the Mughal cuisine.
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Aloo Tikka
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This is a classic street food in Delhi although it can be found in the neighbouring northern and central Indian states as well. Originating in Delhi, some of the best Aloo tikkas can be found on the streets in the old city. These are deep-fried stuffed potato patties that are crushed and served with an assortment of sauces, spices and dressings such as coriander and onions. It makes a perfect snack as it is cheap, filling and really delicious.
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Gol Guppas
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Known by several different names around India, gol guppa is a popular street snack all over India. It consists of a round, hollow puri (thin bread), fried crisp and filled with a mixture of flavored water, tamarind chutney, chili, chaat masala, potato, onion and chickpeas. The name ‘gol gappa’ refers to the crisp sphere (gol) that is placed in the mouth and eaten (gappa) one at a time.
Gol guppas can be found all over Delhi not just in Old Delhi, the capital of street food. Look out for street stalls around market and other busy areas around Old and New Delhi.
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Kebabs
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Kebabs were introduced into the Indian cuisine by the Mughals who ruled India for many centuries making Delhi their capital for many years. Shami and burra kebabs are some popular varieties that can be found on the streets of Old Delhi. Usually cooked over hot coals, the best kebabs are full of spicy goodness with a slightly burnt charcoal flavour and the meat should be soft like butter.
For possibly the best kebabs in Delhi, head to Moinuddin in Chawri Bazaar. Also, located next to the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, the restaurants in Nizamuddin, New Delhi make some of the best kebabs in town. Kebabs are not only found on the streets in Delhi; they can also be had at some of the best Mughlai restaurants in town. Head to Karim’s near the Jama Masjid for melt-in-the-mouth kebabs which are hygienically prepared and served in a nicer environment.
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Jalebis
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If you haven’t tried jalebis as yet, these deep-fried fritters drenched in sugar syrup are full of empty calories but taste like heaven. Golden and crunchy in texture, with a sugary syrup that oozes out in your mouth as you bite into it, it is the best sugar-hit you can get in this city.
Head to Jalebiwala in Chandni Chowk Old Delhi for the biggest and best jalebis in town. They’re sold by the kilogram but they’re worth their weight in gold.
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Firni
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Yet another Persian dish introduced into the Indian cuisine by the Mughals, firni is a Persian-inspired rice pudding dish made with crushed rice grains and flavoured with rosewater. The texture is much smoother and thicker than kheer (an Indian variety of rice pudding) due to the use of crushed rice grains and storing it overnight in individual earthen bowls to cause the surface to dry out and thicken. This gives the dish a strong flavour which is extremely creamy and delicious.
For the best firni in town, head to Bade Mian on Lal Kuan in Chawri Bazaar who sells firni by the kilogram. The restaurant is usually quiet as most of the customers ‘take away’ rather than eat in so you will have the tables mostly to yourself.
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Momos
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Momos are Tibetan dumplings that are a popular snack and street food in Delhi. It is similar to Chinese baozi and jiaozi, Mongolian buuz, Japanese gyoza, Afghan mantu, and Korean mandu. While the steamed pork filled variety was initially popular, other stuffed varieties can be found on the streets of Delhi today, including vegetarian and paneer options. These delicacies are particular delicious especially in winter when they are steamed and served fresh and hot from the steamer.
The best location to get Tibetan momos is near Karol Bagh market in New Delhi.
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Stuffed Parathas
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Aloo (potatoes) parathas are my favourite and when I heard that you could get several varieties of stuffed parathas at Parathe Wali Gali, I had to try it out immediately. These are fried Indian flat breads that are stuffed with spiced fillings. In addition to the traditional varieties of green peas, radish, paneer, and green chilli, you can also get some gourmet varieties such as crushed almonds and sultanas.
Located in a narrow laneway, there are several shops that sell similar parathas so pick one, take a seat and enjoy a thali full of delicious vegetables and chutneys that accompany the stuffed parathas.
The variety of street food in Delhi is vast such that you can have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner without running out of things to eat. The cheap prices and accessibility makes it a sure winner with locals and tourists alike.
Love Pani Puri and thank you for your pictures, I used them on my blog.
Hi Aleks, thanks for letting us know. Good Pani Puris are delicious.