If you ask a Delhite what are the two things that really stick out for them
about the city, it would be mouth-watering food. It’s tough being
born in a city which offers such a rich variety of cuisines, add to that the
fact I’m Punjabi, and we love to try different tastes!! Delhi is a
multiculturalism and races who enrich the variety of the cuisines in the city.
From Chandni Chowk to Majnu ka Tilla, Delhi is filled with many delicious
delights.
So without any further excitement, I present to you my list of top 10
famous dishes must try in Delhi:
1. Parathas: From being a perfect onset to a healthy morning in most Delhi
households, to a lunch for hungry college students and even a late-night snack,
parathas are surely on the top when it comes to my love of
food in Delhi. Choose from a plain one or select a stuffing of your
choice - potatoes, cauliflower, radish, onion or even last night’s left over
dal - the options are aplenty.
Where can I try this dish? If you
haven’t had paratha at paratha wali gali in chandni chowk, you cannot say you
love paratha. Moolchand Parathe Wala located in South Delhi is one of my favorite.
2. Chaat: If there is one thing that keeps the Delhi food
famous it’s the Street Food. With a variety that is unique,
eating on the streets of Delhi is a crash course in the history and culture of
the place. Chandni Chowk obviously the Street Food Capital of Delhi,
and while no guide book can actually recognize the best places for Chaat, there
are some landmark food haunts that really stick out. Of course, if you aren’t
willing to travel that far, worry not for there are plenty of options for street
food in Delhi.
Where can I try the dish? Shahjahan
Road; Bittu Tikki Wala, Karol Bagh; Daulat ki Chaat, Chandni Chowk; Natraj Dahi
Bhalle Wala, Chandni Chowk.
3. Butter Chicken: Here is an interesting story about the birth of one of
the most delightful dishes on this planet. It originated in Moti Mahal
Restaurant, Daryaganj, and a neighborhood lie along the Walled City. Known for
its Tandoori Chicken, the cooks there accidentally launch the sauce consisting
of butter, tomato and chicken juices with tandoori chicken pieces; the rest is
history. Today, this dish can be set up in almost every non-vegetarian
restaurant and highway dhaba’s and is best enjoyed with rice or naan.
Where can I try this dish? Moti Mahal, Daryaganj; Havemore, Pandara Road.
4. Kebabs: Whoever thought grilled nuggets of meat or fish marinated in
scented Indian spices could not give you joy should think again. While we
Delhiites have a lot to be thankful for, Kebabs are one of them. Whether it is
Kebabs being handed over to your car, a typically Delhi experience, to food
stalls and fine dining restaurants across the city, try this popular food joint
and you will be devoted forever.
Where can I try this dish? R K
Puram; Ustad Moinuddin Kebabs, Ghalib Kebab Corner, Nizamuddin; Salim’s Kebabs,
Khan Market; Aap Ki Khatir.
5. Chole Bhature: Here is a piece of advice, this dish is best enjoyed on
an empty stomach. Rich, spicy and heavy, this is one of the most popular
Punjabi dish and is surely on my list of top 10 must-try dishes in Delhi. Don't
be surprised if you find it on the breakfast menu of restaurants across the
city. You can find this delicious dish at all food joints, be it local joints
or restaurants, given its popularity with delhiites. It is generally followed
with Lassi.
Where you can try this dish? Sitaram Diwan Chand (Paharganj) , Chache Di
Hatti (Kamla Nagar).
6. Biryani: A favourite of the Mughal Emperors, the Biryani has settle the
test of time and is enjoyed all over India. This meat based dish is prepared in
an earthen pot and the cover is sealed with dough so that the spices, flavours
and scent are soaked in. The Biryani experiences in Delhi vary from the
commercial chains and road side dhabas, to the Sufi stupa and five-star hotels.
Where can I try this dish? Al Kakori Al Kauser, R K Puram, Deez Biryani,
Defence Colony.
7. Nihari: As you enter Old Delhi and walk into the shrewd lanes, you can’t
help but be drawn to the aroma of one of the region’s signature delicacies, the
Nihari. This rich, spicy puree of slow cooked meat is served alongside hot tandoori
roti’s or preferably khameeri roti’s. The dish was a favorite within the royal
families, who used to blow on it in the mornings. Today it serves as the ideal
nutrition for labourers, rickshaw pullers, coolies and many others looking to
kick start their day.
Where can I try this dish? Bara Hindu Rao area; Karim’s near Jama Masjid.
8. Rolls: Ok, so we are not going to take the credit away from Kolkata,
where the original Kathi roll recipe was established, but Delhi has its own
delicious variants. From street stalls presenting a variety of rolls, to
supermarkets stocking up on preserved options and even the classy Delhi
restaurants, Kathi rolls are a decent food option for busy Delhiites on the go.
Where you can try this dish? Nizam’s (Connaught Place) or in any top cafes
in Delhi, Khan Chacha (Khan Market), Qureshi’s Kabab Corner, (South
Extension-II).
9. Momos: This one bags the top for being one of the most popular food
love in Delhi, be it in office complexes, birthdays or even cocktail
parties. It is not unusual to find vendors outside almost every office
building, housing area and market place selling Momos. This tasty food
joint is available in both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and
are enjoyed with the fiery-red sauce.
Where can I try this dish? Kamla Nagar Market, Nagaland Food Stall in Dilli
Haat, Sikkim House, Dolma Aunty Momo
(Central Market, Lajpat Nagar) Chanakya Puri, Majnu ka Tilla, North Campus.
10. Desserts: You are no doubt habitual to this line used across all Delhi
households “Khaane ke baad kuch meetha ho jaye” (“Let’s eat something sweet
after a meal”). With the great Delhi food variety of desserts offered in
the capital, it is hard to say no. From the red-hot Jalebis and delicious Rabri
Falooda, to original Kulfis in flavours like Custard Apple, Tamarind and Aam
Papad, the delicious Motichoor Ladoo made from pure desi ghee and Blueberry
Cheesecake; Delhi sure loves its sweets!
Where can I try this dish? Giani di Hatti (Chandni Chowk), Kuremal Mohan
Lal Kulfiwala (Chandni Chowk), Big Chill Cafe (Khan Market), Ghantewala Halwai
(Chandni Chowk)
Now that you know my list of top 10 famous dishes of Delhi, it is time to
head out and fill your taste buds.
