The narrow gullies of Old Delhi are legendary for their street food. These winding lanes are lined with small eateries and food stalls offering a variety of delicious snacks, refreshments, and beverages. The aroma of freshly made samosas mingles with the sweet scent of crisp jalebis, creating an irresistible atmosphere. From steamy kebabs to refreshing fruit ice creams and gulab sharbat, Old Delhi’s bustling streets are a food lover’s paradise. Plus, the prices are delightfully affordable.
Here’s a guide to the best places for street food in Old Delhi:
Natraj Dahi Bhalla
Natraj Dahi Bhalla serves some of the best Dahi Bhalla in Delhi. Since 1940, they have only served two items: Dahi Bhalla and Aloo Tikki, both of which are packed with flavor.
- Must Try Dishes: Dahi Bhalla, Aloo Tikki
- Address: 1396, Main Road Beside Central Bank, Kucha Mahajani, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- Timings: 11:30 AM – 9:00 PM
Daulat ki Chaat, Chandni Chowk
Daulat ki Chaat is a creamy, frothy milk-based sweet enriched with khoya and saffron, known to melt in your mouth. It is freshly prepared and available from mobile stalls near Kinari Bazaar.
- Must Try Dishes: Daulat ki Chaat
- Address: Near Jain Temple, Kinari Bazar, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Lotan Ke Chole Kulche
Lotan ke Chole Kulche offers spicy chole with soft kulche, garnished with green chilies and salad. This iconic spot has been delighting customers since 1977.
- Must Try Dishes: Chole Kulche
- Address: 2368, Chatta Shahji Rd, Manohar Market, Nai Wala, Old Delhi, New Delhi
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 10:00 AM
Old Famous Jalebi Wala
Since 1884, Old Famous Jalebi Wala has been serving up fat, juicy jalebis fried in homemade desi ghee and served with rabri. It’s a must-visit for sweet lovers.
- Must Try Dishes: Jalebi with Rabri
- Address: 1795, Dariba Kalan Rd, Opp Central Baptist Church, Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Qureshi Kebab Corner
Qureshi Kebab Corner is renowned for its juicy, tender, and savory kebabs. Started by Haji Abdul Ghani Qureshi near Jama Masjid, it is now run by his five sons. The place is always busy, so be prepared to wait for these tasty treats.
- Must Try Dishes: Seekh kebab, Chicken tikka, Chicken malai tikka
- Address: Urdu Bazar Rd, Meena Bazaar, Kalan Mehal, Old Delhi, New Delhi
- Timings: 6:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala
Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala is known for its crispy kachoris served with spicy gravy. A staple in Chandni Chowk, this shop has been serving kachoris for ages.
- Must Try Dishes: Kachoris
- Address: 1104, Gali Bhojpura Rd, Maliwara, Katra Lehswan, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- Timings: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM, Closed on Sunday
Karim’s Kebabs
Karim’s is famous for its delicious kebabs and other Mughlai dishes. Though it’s a sit-down restaurant, its starters like chicken tikka and murg malai are street food favorites.
- Must Try Dishes: Chicken Kebabs, Chicken Tikka, Murg Barra
- Address: 16, Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid, New Delhi
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Sita Ram Diwan Chand Chole Bhature
Hidden in Old Delhi’s lanes, Sita Ram Diwan Chand Chole Bhature serves up delicious chole bhature. They start early and finish by early afternoon, making it a perfect breakfast spot.
- Must Try Dishes: Chole Bhature
- Address: 2243, Rajguru Marg, Chuna Mandi, Paharganj, New Delhi
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Shiv Misthan Bhandar
Shiv Misthan Bhandar is famous for its bedmi poori, aloo poori, and Nagori Halwa. They also offer suji ka halwa and lassi, making it a popular breakfast spot.
- Must Try Dishes: Bedmi Poori, Nagori Halwa, Aloo Poori, Lassi
- Address: 375, Chandni Chowk Rd, Kucha Ghasiram, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 9:00 PM
Paranthe Wali Gali
Paranthe Wali Gali is a famous lane in Chandni Chowk offering a variety of stuffed parathas. From aloo to paneer, each paratha is a culinary delight.
- Must Try Dishes: Paneer Paratha, Chilly Paratha, Aloo Paratha
- Address: Katra Lehswan, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM
Aslam Chicken
Aslam Chicken is renowned for its Butter Chicken. The marinated chicken is grilled and then immersed in a butter and yogurt mixture, creating a dish you’ll crave again and again.
- Must Try Dishes: Butter Chicken Tikka
- Address: Bazar, Meena Bazaar, 982, Matia Mahal Rd, Kalan Mehal, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- Timings: 1:00 PM – 1:00 AM
Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfiwale
Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfiwale has been serving flavored kulfis since 1908. Their specialties include mango, anaar, rose, tamarind, and aam papad kulfi.
- Must Try Dishes: Mango Kulfi, Anaar Kulfi, Rose Kulfi, Tamarind Kulfi, Aam Papad Kulfi
- Address: Metro Station, Near, Shop No. 526, Kucha Pati Ram, Sitaram Bazar Rd, Chawri Bazar, Delhi
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 11:30 PM
Bishan Swaroop Chaat Bhandar
Bishan Swaroop Chaat Bhandar offers unique fruit chaats along with the usual aloo and chickpea chaats. Their stir-fried potato chaat is particularly popular.
- Must Try Dishes: Aloo Chaat, Fruit Chaat
- Address: 1421, Chandni Chowk, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM, Closed on Sunday
Hazari Lal Jain Khurchan Wale
Hazari Lal Jain Khurchan Wale offers a sweet called khurchan, made from thickened milk and powdered sugar, topped with pistachios. This delicacy has been a favorite for over 90 years.
- Must Try Dishes: Khurchan
- Address: 2225, Kinari Bazar Rd, Kinari Bazar, Dharam Pura, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
- Timings: Monday to Saturday – 10:00 AM – 9:30 PM; Sunday – 10:00 AM – 1:30 PM
Nawab Qureshi’s Watermelon Shake
Nawab Qureshi’s Watermelon Shake, or Pyaar Mohabbat ka Sharbat, is a refreshing blend of milk, water, sugar, and watermelon chunks, perfect for the summer.
- Must Try Dishes: Pyaar Mohabbat ka Sharbat
- Address: Outside 1149, Matia Mahal, Near Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- Timings: 11:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Al Jawahar
Al Jawahar is known for its Mughlai cuisine, offering dishes like chicken tikka, mutton barra, and kebabs. It’s a must-visit for non-vegetarian food lovers.
- Must Try Dishes: Chicken Tikka, Mutton Barra, Kebabs, Afghani Chicken
- Address: 8, Near, Matia Mahal Rd, Bazar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, New Delhi
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 12:30 AM
Shyam Sweets
Shyam Sweets is celebrated for its bedmi poori, aloo poori, and Nagori Halwa. They also offer sugar-free sweets, making it a versatile spot for sweet treats.
- Must Try Dishes: Bedmi Poori, Nagori Halwa, Aloo Poori
- Address: 112, Barshahbulla Chowk, Chawri Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
- Timings: 7:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Khemchand Adesh Kumar’s Daulat Ki Chaat
Khemchand Adesh Kumar’s Daulat Ki Chaat offers a version of the frothy dessert daulat ki chaat. This delicacy is particularly famous for its rich taste and fluffy texture.
- Must Try Dishes: Daulat Ki Chaat
- Address: 495, Gali Paranthe Wali, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi
- Timings: 5:00 AM – 9:00 AM, November to March
Kanwarji’s Sweets
Kanwarji’s is famous for its dal biji, paneer jalebi, and Karachi halwa. This 150-year-old shop is a must-visit for those with a sweet tooth.
- Must Try Dishes: Dal Biji, Paneer Jalebi, Karachi Halwa
- Address: 1972, Maliwara, Kucha Ghasiram, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
- Timings: 9:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala
Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala serves crispy kachoris with spicy aloo curry. It’s a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
- Must Try Dishes: Kachori with Aloo Curry
- Address: 1104, Maliwara, Katra Lehswan, Chandni Chowk, Delhi
- Timings: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM, Closed on Sunday
These spots represent a small sample of the vibrant and varied street food scene in Old Delhi. Each visit promises a new culinary discovery and a delightful gastronomic adventure.