NearMyPlace
All city guides

Mughal kitchens, Punjabi comfort and India's chaat capital

The Ultimate Delhi Food Guide: Old Delhi Kebabs, Butter Chicken and Chaat

Delhi is a city of layered appetites. In Old Delhi, the lanes around Jama Masjid still serve Mughal-era kebabs and nihari, while Chandni Chowk fries paranthas and jalebis exactly as it has for generations.

Post-Partition Punjabi kitchens gave the city butter chicken and dal makhani, and today's Delhi adds fine dining, state bhavan canteens and leafy cafe districts. Here is how to eat it all.

Famous food of Delhi

Butter Chicken and Dal Makhani

Creamy, smoky Punjabi classics that Delhi made famous around the world.

Nihari and Seekh Kebabs

Slow-cooked overnight stews and smoky kebabs from the kitchens near Jama Masjid.

Chole Bhature

Puffed fried bread with spicy chickpeas, the city's favourite indulgent breakfast.

Paranthas

Stuffed, deep-fried flatbreads in endless varieties from Chandni Chowk's famous lane.

Chaat and Dahi Bhalle

Tangy, sweet and spicy plates of aloo tikki, papdi chaat and soft lentil dumplings in yoghurt.

Kulfi and Jalebi

Dense frozen milk desserts and crisp, syrupy spirals to finish.

Where to eat in Delhi, neighbourhood by neighbourhood

Old Delhi and Chandni Chowk

The essential food walk: kebabs, nihari, paranthas, chaat, jalebi and kulfi.

Connaught Place

Old coffee houses, South Indian canteens and classic restaurants.

Pandara Road, Khan Market and Lodhi

Punjabi institutions, cafes and fine dining.

Hauz Khas and Saket

Lake-view cafes, social hangouts and specialty coffee.

Kamla Nagar and Paharganj

Student-favourite chole bhature and kulche chole.

50 food spots to try in Delhi

Tap any spot to open it on the NearMyPlace map, see what it is famous for and get directions.

Famous food of this city

Must-eat places

Lively cafes & hangouts

Street food in Delhi

Chandni Chowk is the heart of Delhi street food: dahi bhalle, paranthas, jalebis and kulfi. Bengali Market is known for chaat and sweets, and every neighbourhood has a beloved momo stall.

Late-night eats

Pandara Road and parts of Old Delhi stay open late, with Punjabi kitchens and kebab corners serving after dinner crowds.

A one-day Delhi food trail

  1. 8:00 AM

    Chole bhature

    Fuel up in Kamla Nagar or Paharganj.

  2. 11:00 AM

    Paranthe Wali Gali

    Try two or three stuffed paranthas with chutneys.

  3. 12:30 PM

    Dahi bhalle and jalebi in Chandni Chowk

    Sweet, tangy and crisp in quick succession.

  4. 2:00 PM

    Kebabs near Jama Masjid

    Mutton korma, seekh kebabs and sheermal.

  5. 5:00 PM

    Cafe in Hauz Khas

    Coffee overlooking the lake and ruins.

  6. 9:00 PM

    Butter chicken dinner

    Finish with a Punjabi classic.

Best time to visit for food: Winter (November to February) is Delhi's food season: think nihari, daulat ki chaat, gajar halwa and steaming chai. Summers call for kulfi and shikanji.

Local tips

  • Explore Old Delhi on foot or by cycle rickshaw.
  • Go early in the day to avoid Chandni Chowk crowds.
  • Daulat ki chaat appears only in winter mornings.
  • Use the metro to reach food neighbourhoods quickly.

Frequently asked questions

What food is Delhi famous for?

Butter chicken, chole bhature, paranthas, chaat, kebabs and kulfi.

Where is the best street food in Delhi?

Chandni Chowk and the lanes around Jama Masjid in Old Delhi.

When is the best season to eat in Delhi?

Winter, when seasonal specials like daulat ki chaat and gajar halwa appear.

See Delhi's food on the map

Find what is near you, check what each place is famous for and get directions.

Open the map

More city food guides

Hyderabad food guideBangalore food guideMumbai food guideKolkata food guideChennai food guideGoa food guide