If you’re a fan of Indian street food, Delhi is certainly one of the best cities to find and taste delicious street food snacks from all corners of the country. In a country as diverse as India, it should come as no surprise that its capital city is a huge and tasty melting pot of cultures and different cuisines where you can find some of the tastiest street food delights India has to offer. In this article, we’ll focus on street food in Delhi, the best dishes to try, where to find these tasty snacks and a ton of helpful information about your upcoming trip to India.
But first things first…
Is Street Food In Delhi Safe To Eat?
As much as I love Indian street food, I have to say that if you’re a germ freak you might not be content with the conditions in which some street food stalls prepare their food. In addition to this, Indian food is probably much hotter than you’re used to and you have to be careful when trying new things. It’s very common for foreigners to get the notorious Delhi belly when trying local food for the first time.
However, if you just follow this ultimate guide and its recommendations, as well as places where it’s ok to eat, you should be fine. The first rule of thumb is to go to places where you can see a lot of local people eating. This is a sign that this particular street food stall has good food that’s safe to eat and usually has satisfactory hygiene.
This leads us to our next point…
Which Are The Best Places To Try Street Food In Delhi?
In Delhi, you can find street food stalls behind every corner but that doesn’t mean it’s safe to eat from just anywhere. If you don’t want to risk it, you should stick to the famous street food hotspots in Delhi like…
Old Delhi is a food lover’s paradise, with famous street food like chaat, parathas, jalebi, and kebabs. Some iconic spots include the oldest restaurant in Delhi- Karim’s, Paranthe Wali Gali, and Natraj Dahi Bhalla.
Chandni Chowk is a historic area in Old Delhi that is famous for its street food, with vendors selling everything from chaat and jalebi to parathas and kebabs.
Karol Bagh is a bustling neighborhood in central Delhi known for its chaat and street-side sweets, including gulab jamun and jalebi.
Kamla Nagar is a university area in North Delhi that has a great selection of street food, including chole bhature, aloo tikki, and momos.
Connaught Place is in the central area of Delhi and it has a wide range of street food options, including chaat, momos, and rolls.
Manju Ka Tila is a Tibetan settlement in Delhi that offers a variety of authentic Tibetan street food dishes such as momos, thukpa, and Tibetan butter tea.
Lajpat Nagar is a popular neighborhood in Delhi known for its street food, including chaat, chole bhature, momos, and South Indian snacks like dosa, idli, and vellayappam.
Now that we got that out of the way, let’s cover some more basics before continuing…
Helpful Tips For Trying Street Food In Delhi
The first and probably obvious thing is to make sure the food is freshly made. Don’t buy from stalls that sell stale food. There are plenty of street food joints in Delhi that prepare your food right in front of you and usually, it’s the same ones that are frequently visited by locals. So as long as you follow that rule of thumb, you’ll be fine.
The next important tip is to always carry a pocket-size hand sanitizer with you. Most street food joints don’t have washrooms, and public bathrooms in India are mostly disgusting and rarely have soap, so having a sanitizer with you is a must.
Next, if you’re new in town, stick to vegetarian food. Don’t get me wrong, there are many delicious meat-based things to try in Delhi but many street food stalls source their meat from shops that hang it outside without knowing just how long it has been sitting in the open. But trust me when I say this isn’t a loss, most of the street food in Delhi is vegetarian and most Indian people are vegetarian.
Be very careful with street food in Delhi during the rainy season. Around this time of the year, flies, mosquitos and other insects are omnipresent and can contaminate street food that’s being kept in the open and this can be unpleasant for your stomach. You can still have your fair share of street food even during this time of the year, but be extra careful when choosing places to eat.
Avoid tap water. Fresh, clean tap water is one thing Delhi doesn’t have. In fact, according to most world rankings, Delhi ranks at the bottom of most lists.
Because of this, you should also avoid certain food products like chutneys that often use tap water and are not cooked. So, even if you are to have this, make sure to ask the vendor if they used tap water to make it.
Lastly, don’t overeat. I know Indian food is delicious and you can’t get enough of it but your stomach will probably have a hard time adjusting to this new, ultra-spicy cuisine. Instead, start easy and slowly work your way to trying some of the best street food in Delhi, speaking of which…
What Are Some Of The Most Popular Street Food Snacks In Delhi?
It’s a tough question because, in Delhi, you can find delicious street food from different parts of India but if you ask most Delhiites, they’ll probably mention, chole bhature, pani puri, momos, and samosa but as you’ll be able to see below, there are plenty others delicious snacks that are worth trying.
And the best and safest way to try them is through some of the…
Amazing Street Food Tours In Delhi
Street food tours are perhaps the best way to explore the local cuisine. Most of these tours are guided by locals who know the local culinary scene very well and will take you to the best street food places in Delhi. You won’t have to do any research or worry whether the place you’re going to is safe to eat or not. And the prices for most of these tours are very affordable. Here are a few of our favorite choices.
If you want to experience the absolute finest street food in Delhi, I wholeheartedly recommend this full-day food tour of Delhi. You’ll be guided by a local chef and you’ll try 25 different Delhi specialties. The total cost of the tour is only $130.
Another great authentic experience is this rickshaw food tour that covers a few popular Delhi street food joints.
If you want to visit Delhi’s oldest bazaar and try some of the popular street food in this part of town, this Chandni Chowk food tour is a great choice.
Another popular place to try street food in the capital is Old Delhi. The Old Delhi Street Food Tour is always a great choice but you can also try this new concept named Old Delhi Street Food Walk that combines history with some of the finest food of Old Delhi.
Last but not least, if you want to learn more about Delhi’s food and its history, the Flavors and Food Stories of Delhi is the thing for you. The tour is guided by one of Delhi’s “grub” experts that will introduce you to local cuisine through the 4 chapters of the capital’s culinary history.
What Other Cities In India Are Famous For Street Food?
If you’re looking for your next popular street food destination in India, we suggest Mumbai, Lucknow, Kolkata, Hyderabad, Indore, Bangalore, and Chennai (in that particular order, according to my humble opinion).
With that being said, let’s get to the meat and potatoes of this article and cover the most popular street food in Delhi, divided into categories, starting with…
Gravy-Bread Combos
We’re starting this list of the best street food in Delhi with dishes that consist of gravy/curry paired up with bread, most commonly flatbread. The most famous street food snack from this category (and overall) is…
Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature is one of the most popular street food snacks to originate from Uttar Pradesh. It’s a simple but delicious combo of a soft, delicious flatbread called bhatura and a flavorful chickpea gravy called chana masala. The dish is easy to make, even easier to eat, and it costs as low as 80 Indian rupees per plate. Throughout the years, it became so popular that today, it’s available across the country and it inspired the birth of many other gravy-bread-combo street food snacks.
Poori Aloo
Speaking of street food in Delhi, we just have to mention poori aloo; a popular North Indian snack consisting of a curry made of boiled potatoes simmered in perfectly spiced tomato gravy served alongside a crispy, puffy Indian fried bread. It’s most often eaten for breakfast but many people also have it as a snack throughout the day.
Kachori With Aloo Sabzi
Even though not as popular as the previous 2 dishes, Delhi’s street food scene would be incomplete without this hot, delicious street food delight. Kachori With Aloo Sabzi is a dish that consists of a potato curry that only uses cloves and red chilies (a lot of it) without garlic, onion, or tomatoes with a liquid consistency served alongside a crunchy kachori pastry. If you’re not used to spicy food, this might give you a runny nose and teary eyes but it’ll be worth it.
Multani Moth Kachori
Multani Moth Kachori is another extraordinary invention of Delhi’s street food scene. It’s a spicy moth beans curry mixed up with pieces of broken kachori topped with fresh red onions, tomatoes, lime juice, and coriander. It’s a beautiful mix of hot, sour, and savory that is bound to leave you craving for more. The best place to try this delicious street food in Delhi is Chawri Bazaar or Karol Bagh.
Chole Kulcha
Originating from the state of Punjab, chole kulcha is one of the most popular street food in Delhi. It’s made of dried white peas cooked in red chili powder, salt, and chaat masala, topped with butter, and served alongside Indian pickle and a North Indian flatbread called kulcha. Despite originating from Punjab, it’s one of the most beloved street food snacks in Delhi and can be found in pretty much every neighborhood.
Matar Kulcha
Matar Kulcha is another sought-after street food snack in Delhi that consists of a combination of flatbread and curry. This snack also originates from Punjab, from the city of Amritsar. It’s a slightly healthier, lighter version of chole bhature. It consists of kulcha bread served alongside a white pea curry topped with chopped onions, coriander, tomatoes, and lime juice.
Deep-Fried Snacks
Delhi’s deep-fried pastries are seriously some of the tastiest delights you’ll find anywhere in the world. In this part of the article, we feature some of the capital’s tastiest and most addictive deep-fried street food snacks, starting with…
Samosa
Even though the origins of this heavenly triangular pastry are disputed, some people claim it comes from the Middle East, others that it comes from Central Asia (where it’s known as samsa), and obviously, India is in the conversation too. However, its disputed origin wasn’t an obstacle for samosa to become one of Delhi’s most legendary street food snacks.
Samosa is a crunchy pastry stuffed with filling made of potatoes and a range of local spices. It’s very crunchy on the outside and soft inside. It’s usually eaten for breakfast or as a chai snack and it’s served alongside sweet and spicy red chutney.
Samosas in Delhi are so popular you can find all kinds of crazy variations. There are paneer samosas, kachori-stye samosas, japani samosas, keema samosas, blueberry samosas, pasta samosas (yes, samosa fileld with pasta), etc. The list is truly endless. You can find samosa behind every corner but for the largest selection of quirky samosa variations, I warmly recommend Kumar Samose Wala, a popular local street food vendor that has more than 20 different samosa varieties.
Samosa With Chole
Delhi’s street food scene keeps evolving and coming up with new inventions all the time and this dish is living proof. This dish is the same as chole bhature with the only difference being it uses samosa instead of bhature. Having the chole alongside a crispy pastry that has its own spicy filling leaves an even more powerful explosion of flavors in your mouth. The best place to try this delicious innovation of Delhi’s street food scene is at Tilak Munjal in Pitampura or in some of the eateries of Delhi’s oldest bazaar, Chandni Chowk.
Kachori
Even though we already mentioned it as a part of a few other street food dishes, kachori also deserves a mention on its own. Kachori is a slightly less popular (although just as tasty) version of samosa. It’s also a deep-fried snack with a crunchy exterior and spicy filling, most often moong dal, sometimes onions, or even potatoes. There are many different variations of kachori across India.
The onion version is very popular in Rajasthan, in West Bengal, kachori is a lot smaller and softer, while in Delhi, it can even be served as a chaat. In addition to India, kachori is also very popular in Neighboring Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka.
Raj Kachori
Raj Kachori is one of the most recent additions to the local street food. It’s a delicious version of kachori capable of satisfying your hunger at any time of the day. This kachori is stuffed with oiled channa and crisp namkeen and can be found at Haldirams in Chandni Chowk, as well as Lajpat Nagar and CP (Connaught Place).
Pakoda
It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that pakodas are the most popular vegetable fritters to originate from the Indian subcontinent. The vegetables used for making these delicious fritters usually include potatoes, onions, lentils, and eggplants but you can also come across chicken pakodas, paneer pakodas, chili pakodas, cauliflower pakodas, and even mint pakodas. The fritters are so popular and easy to make that they can be made from pretty much any vegetable which paves the path for innovations in Delhi’s culinary scene.
Ram Ladoo
As we mentioned in the beginning, India’s capital is a melting pot of different cultures and it should come as no surprise that you’ll come across food from all parts of the country, and South India is no exception. Even though its origins lie thousands of kilometers away, ram ladoo quickly became one of the most popular street food in Delhi.
Ram Ladoo is a crispy fritter consisting of savory fried moong dal and chana dal pakoda, topped with fresh vegetables and chutney and served in the form of chaat.
Aloo Tikki
We just can’t complete this list of street food in Delhi without mentioning the ultra-popular aloo tikki. Aloo tikki is a crispy snack similar to pakoda consisting of boiled potatoes, peas, and a handful of local curry spices. The final result is a small, crunchy croquette served alongside coriander and tamarind chutney, and sometimes dahi or chickpeas. I guess one could say that this is the Indian version of hash browns. A lot more flavorful spicier version, that is…
Golgape
Golgape is the same thing they call pani poori in Mumbai or puchka in Kolkata. It’s a popular Indian snack that combines crispy dough balls (puri) stuffed with a spicy filling made of potatoes, tomatoes, chickpeas, and spices dipped in spicy, tangy water. The crispy dough balls, spicy water, and extremely flavorful filling are, at first taste, contrasting but delicious and are more likely than not to make your tastebuds dance in joy.
Chaats
When discussing street food in Delhi, chaat is an inevitable part of the discussion. Chaat varieties appeared in Delhi in the 17th century during the major cholera outbreak. One of the main reasons for the outbreak was the polluted water of the Yamuna River which was used by people in Delhi for everyday needs. The Shah (Mughal Emperor title) signed a decree that obliged people to prepare spicy food in clarified butter instead of water to tackle the potential pandemic on the horizon and ever since chaat snacks became an irreplaceable part of local cuisine…
Aloo Chaat
Aloo Chaat is probably Delhi’s most popular chaat. It can be found at most street food stalls (thelay) in all parts of the city. This chaat is made of potatoes, sev, and coriander, and is topped with a sour spicey chutney, yogurt, and freshly chopped red onions. The snack is fried in a large tawa pot which gives it a nice, crispy texture and the interesting mix of ingredients provides a real explosion of flavors that will leave you craving for more.
Dahi Bhalla
Dahi Bhalla or Dahi Vada is a delicious chaat that originates from Mumbai but is also very popular in the capital. Dahi Bhalla is a mix of sweet curd and a sweet-sour tangy green chutney topped with fresh coriander, mint leaves, chaat masala, and boondi.
The dish finds its origins in the 12th century and is one of the oldest, most authentic Indian street food dishes. Its preparation requires the lentils to soak overnight and the next day to be ground into a batter and cooked in hot oil before being soaked in thick, beaten yogurt.
Chana Jor Garam Chaat
Chana Jor Garam is an absolute Indian street food classic. The main ingredient for chana jor garam is roasted spicy chickpeas, fried and flattened into mini discs. It has a zesty, tart flavor and a crunchy texture and is usually topped with freshly cut tomatoes, onions, and green chilies. Chana Jor Garam can be served as a chaat or as a crunchy side dish, and you can even find it packaged in most Indian supermarkets.
Shakarkandi Chaat
Shakarkandi is a chaat that at a glance, appears to consist of a strange combination of flavors but once you try this delicious Delhi specialty, you won’t be able to get enough of it. Shakarkandi Chaat consists of steamed/roasted sweet potatoes cut into tiny cubes and sprinkled with chaat masala, star fruit, and lime juice. This chaat is very nutritious and is used by locals as an energy booster whenever needed during the day.
Lachha Tokri Chaat
Also known as basket chaat, this is one of the most popular street food in Delhi. At a glance, it looks like a bird’s nest topped with a myriad of fresh vegetables and spices. The snack has the shape of a bowl which is why it’s also known as basket chaat. The main ingredients for this chaat include boiled chickpeas, papdi, sev, pomegranate seeds, coriander, sweet curd, red chili powder, and tamarind chutney.
Bhel Puri
Bhel puri is another delicious Mumbai specialty that made its way to the streets of Delhi. The original Mumbai version is a type of dry chaat made of puffed rice, vegetables, and tamarind sauce, and with a crunchy texture. Delhi’s version, on the other hand, is not as dry and uses a lot more chutney and curd than most other popular chaats in Delhi.
Ghugni Chaat
Ghugni chaat is probably Kolkata’s most famous chaat but it’s also quite popular in Delhi. It’s a semi-liquid yellow peas curry mixed with potatoes, tomatoes, green chilies, onions, and a myriad of local spices. The chaat is usually served alongside puffed rice and hot onion pakoda but it can also be served in poori (in a form similar to golgapa).
Bhalla Papdi
Bhalla Papdi is another one of Delhi’s iconic chaats. It’s a combination of crispy, deep-fried papdi (a type of thin flatbread) and soft, fluffy bhalla (a lentil dumpling), topped with sweet and tangy tamarind chutney, curd, and a variety of local spices. The papdi and bhalla are first prepared separately; the flatbread is to be kneaded, rolled into thin circles, and fried until crispy while the bhalla is made by grinding the lentils into a paste and then shaping it into small dumplings before boiling them.
Once both are ready, the Bhalla and the papdi are assembled on a plate, and topped with a generous amount of yogurt, tamarind chutney, and spices such as cumin powder, chaat masala, and red chili powder.
Meat-Based Street Food In Delhi
Most of the street food in Delhi is veg-friendly but there are a handful of meat-based dishes (mostly chicken) that should certainly be on your list. Here are a few of our favorite options.
Kebab
Kebab is the king of street food in Delhi. They’re very popular in North India and it almost doesn’t feel right to include all kebabs under one category because there are so many different varieties of kebabs that are worth mentioning. The most popular kebabs you can find in Delhi include Kakori kebab, Shami kebab, Tunday kebab, Galouti kebab, etc. They all might be slightly different but have one thing in common; they’re the juiciest and most delicious non-veg street food you can find in Delhi.
Kati Rolls
Although originally from Kolkata, Delhiites developed not only their version of kati rolls but also a strong kati roll culture. There are hundreds of food-truck-like establishments in Delhi that specialize in making delicious, spicy kati rolls that are as good, if not even better than their Kolkata counterparts.
Momos
Momos are another delicious street food delight that isn’t originally from Delhi but is very popular and beloved by all Delhiites. Momos come in different shapes, sizes, and flavors, including chicken momos, beef momos, pork momos, veg momos, paneer momos, and even sweet momos. In case you’re not familiar with it, momos are tiny dumplings with filling that consists of ground ingredients, mostly meat, and vegetables like onion, garlic, carrots, and cabbage.
Chicken Tikka
No list of street food in Delhi can be complete without chicken tikka. Chicken tikka is an ultra-popular street food snack that consists of small pieces of marinated chicken grilled to perfection served either on a stick or in a wrap similar to Turkish doner or Greek gyro just a lot hotter. Oh and by the way, if you like these two, you’ll surely like our gyro salad recipe.
Chicken-Filled Pastries
Lastly, we include all chicken-filled pastries under one title because we already mentioned them once and it would feel like cheating to mention them again only because of the different fillings. To clarify, the chicken-filled pastries refer to chicken samosa, chicken kachori, chicken pakoda, etc. Every veg pastry you can find on the streets of Delhi likely also has a chicken version.
Breads & Burgers
The next section of street food in Delhi focuses on the capital’s most popular street food bread varieties that can be paired up with other meals or eaten on their own as snacks and of course, burgers but a lot more flavorful and a lot spicier than you might be used to.
Paratha
Paratha is the most common breakfast choice in Delhi but it can be eaten at any time anywhere. It can be a mid-day snack, a tea snack, a side dish, be used in a roll, you name it and it can probably do it. It’s a simple flatbread stuffed with a mix of potatoes, green chilies, and red onions and usually topped with a healthy splash of butter before serving.
Besan Ka Chila
Even though it looks like flatbread, besan ka chila is a pancake made of gram flour. Similar to paratha, it’s stuffed with chopped vegetables but because of the gram flour, it’s thinner, lighter, and a slightly healthier alternative. It’s usually eaten as an appetizer but it can also be eaten as a snack at any time of the day.
Nagori Halwa Bedmi Puri
I know the name of this dish looks like a mouthful but that’s only the case because it combines the names of the two different dishes it combines. Nagori halwa bedmi puri consists of soft, crispy fried bread (bedmi puri) and a sweet-spicy potato gravy (nagori halwa). Alongside chole bhature, this is one of the most popular breakfast choices when it comes to street food in Delhi.
Raju Chur Chur Naan
This one is not technically a dish but rather an eatery that makes the most creative combinations of Indian bread varieties. Here, you can find a diversity of traditional and modern flavors, ranging from the typical buttery naans and flatbreads to breads filled with pickled onions, zesty sabzi, raita, etc. The eatery is located in Dwarka, near Netaji Subhash Place in Rohini Sector 2.
Gupta Burger
This list of street food in Delhi can’t be complete without the legendary Gupta burger. Gupta Burger is the story of a small Delhi tadka transforming regular burgers into one of the most legendary street food snacks in Delhi. Today, they have a range of different burger varieties but their oldest and most famous version is the original Gupta Burger consisting of an aloo tikki topped with fresh vegetables and placed in between two burger buns served with a side of fresh aloo chips.
Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is another popular Mumbai snack that found its way into Delhi and became one of the most beloved local street food delights. It consists of a spicy gravy with an almost spread-like consistency made of tomatoes, potatoes, onion, and garlic placed in between two burger buns and topped with freshly chopped red onion, coriander, and lime juice.
Dabeli
Dabeli is a popular burger-like snack that originates from the state of Gujarat. The main difference between dabeli and pav bhaji is what comes inside the burger and that makes the two very different. Dabeli uses boiled potatoes, special dabeli masala, pomegranates, peanuts, and different chutneys made of tamarind, garlic, red chilies, dates, and other ingredients.
Other Delhi Street Food Classics
In this section, we’ll cover some street food items from Delhi that are difficult to put in any of our other categories but are also very popular.
Dosa
Dosa is a beloved South Indian dish that can be found all over Delhi. It has become a popular street food and is also served in many restaurants and food courts. In Delhi, dosa is typically made with a crispy exterior and a soft interior, filled with a variety of delicious fillings like masala potatoes, cheese, and paneer. It is often served with coconut chutney, sambar, and other condiments that complement the flavors of the dish.
There are many places in Delhi where you can enjoy authentic and tasty dosa. Some of the most popular spots include Saravana Bhavan, Sagar Ratna, and Carnatic Cafe. These restaurants serve a wide variety of dosa, along with other South Indian delicacies like idli, vada, and uttapam.
Paneer Tikka
Paneer tikka is a popular North Indian dish made by marinating chunks of paneer in a mixture of spices and yogurt, and then grilling or baking until the paneer is tender and flavorful. It’s one of the most popular street food in Delhi and you can find it practically behind every corner. There’s a wide range of variations of the dish, including malai paneer tikka, hariyali paneer tikka, and tandoori paneer tikka.
Paneer tikka is often served with a side of mint chutney or tamarind chutney and is one of the most popular Indian appetizers but sometimes, it can also be served as a main course with naan or rice. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a flavorful and filling vegetarian option in Delhi.
Idli Sambhar
Idli Sambhar is a classic South Indian dish that has gained popularity all over India, including in Delhi. It consists of soft, fluffy steamed rice cakes (idlis) served with a flavorful lentil soup (sambhar) and a variety of chutneys. The most popular variations of idli sambhar include cluding rava idli (made with semolina), masala idli (filled with spicy potatoes), and mini idlis.
Idli sambhar is a healthy and satisfying meal that is perfect for breakfast or lunch. It’s also gluten-free and vegan, making it a popular choice among health-conscious eaters. Apart from being delicious, it is also easy to digest, making it a great option for people with digestive issues.
Honey Chili Potatoes
In case you’ve never heard of it, honey chili potato is a sweet and spicy version of French fries. The fries are deep-fried twice and coated with a mixture of chili, honey, onions, and garlic. Granted, this dish is Chinese more than it’s Indian but it’s an irreplaceable part of Delhi’s street food scene. It’s one of the most popular street food snacks in the capital, especially in the areas inhabited by college students.
Sweet
When it comes to desserts and street food in Delhi, there are many sweet treats to explore.
From cookies, and sweets soaked in liquid sugar to crispy sweet pretzel and ice cream varieties, here are some of the most popular sweets you’ll find on the streets of Delhi.
Daulat Ki Chaat
Daulat ki Chaat, also known as Nimish, is a unique North Indian dessert that originates from Old Delhi and is made only during the winter months. This light and fluffy dessert is made from milk and cream that is churned for hours until it turns into a frothy foam. Then, the mixture is flavored with saffron and garnished with chopped nuts before being served.
What makes Daulat ki Chaat special is the labor-intensive process involved in its preparation, which can take up to six hours. It’s traditionally prepared by a community of Muslim chefs known as the ‘Khan Sahibs’ who are the only ones who have mastered the technique of making this dessert. Daulat ki Chaat is a must-try dessert for anyone visiting Delhi during the winter months. It is typically sold in the streets of Old Delhi and can be enjoyed as a light and airy treat after a spicy and heavy meal.
Bishan Swaroop
Although technically it’s not a dessert but a shop, this guide to street food in Delhi wouldn’t be complete without Bishan Swaroop; a popular sweet shop located in the bustling streets of Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi. Established in 1948, the shop is known for its wide variety of traditional Indian sweets, such as Gulab Jamun, Ras Malai, and Barfi, as well as unique and innovative desserts like Chocolate Barfi, Mango Barfi, and Pineapple Barfi.
What makes Bishan Swaroop stand out is its commitment to using onl high-quality ingredients and traditional techniques to make its sweets. The shop also offers sugar-free and low-fat options for health-conscious customers. The shop’s location in the heart of Old Delhi makes it easily accessible and the wide variety of sweets available makes it a perfect place to indulge in traditional Indian desserts.
Kulfi
Kulfi is a traditional frozen dessert that is a popular sweet treat in Delhi. It is similar to ice cream but is denser, creamier, and has a more intense flavor. Kulfi is made by simmering milk, sugar, and flavorings such as saffron or cardamom until it reduces to a thick and creamy consistency. The mixture is then poured into molds and frozen. Kulfi is often served on a stick, and it comes in various flavors such as mango, pistachio, rose, and malai.
It is a popular dessert among locals and tourists alike and can be found in various street food stalls, sweet shops, and restaurants across Delhi. One of the best places to enjoy Kulfi in Delhi is at Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale, a popular Kulfi shop in Old Delhi that has been serving delicious Kulfi since 1908.
Kulfi Falooda
Kulfi Faluda is a delicious innovation of Delhi’s street food scene that consists of a combination of two classic Indian desserts – kulfi and faluda. As mentioned previously, kulfi is a dense and creamy frozen dessert similar to ice cream, while faluda is a sweet and cold milk-based drink flavored with rose syrup and vermicelli noodles.
The two desserts are combined in a single dish, with the Kulfi placed on top of a bed of Faluda, and garnished with chopped nuts and rose petals. The result is a delightful combination of creamy and sweet flavors, with a refreshing and cooling effect.
Rabri Falooda
Rabri Faluda is another great combination of desserts that has become very popular in Delhi. It consists of a mixture of the previously mentioned faluda with rabri, a sweet, condensed milk-based dessert flavored with cardamom and saffron. The combination of the two desserts results in a rich and indulgent dessert that is perfect for anyone looking to satisfy their sweet cravings.
Rabri Faluda can be found in various street food stalls and sweet shops across Delhi and is a must-try for anyone looking to explore the city’s dessert scene. One of the best places to try Rabri Faluda in Delhi is Giani’s Di Hatti, a popular dessert shop in Chandni Chowk that has been serving delicious sweets since 1956.
Jalebi
If you’re into crunchy and sugary desserts, Jalebi should be one of the first things you try in Delhi. This deep-fried, crispy, and syrupy dessert is made of batter with flour, yogurt, and a pinch of baking soda. The batter is to be fermented for a few hours before being piped into hot oil in the shape of small swirls or pretzels. Once the jalebis are golden brown, they are removed from the hot oil and soaked in a syrup made from sugar, water, and saffron to add sweetness and flavor.
Jalebis are often served warm and can be enjoyed as a snack or as a dessert. They can be found in various street food stalls and sweet shops across Delhi, with some of the most popular places being the Chandni Chowk area and the Old Delhi region.
Nan Khatai
Nan Khatai is an ultra-popular popular biscuit-like dessert that is a staple in Delhi’s street food scene. It is a type of shortbread cookie that is flavored with cardamom and has a crumbly and melt-in-your-mouth texture. Nan Khatai is made with a simple mixture of flour, sugar, clarified butter (ghee), and baking powder. The dough is then shaped into small round balls and baked until golden brown.
Nan Khatai is Delhiites’ favorite coffee/teatime snack and can be found in various street food stalls and sweet shops across Delhi, with some of the most popular places being the Chandni Chowk area and the Sadar Bazaar region. One of the best places to try Nan Khatai in Delhi is the famous Karachi Bakery, which has been serving delicious Nan Khatai since 1953.
Sweet Paan
Sweet paan, also known as meetha paan, is a popular Indian after-dinner digestive that is widely enjoyed in Delhi. It’s made by wrapping a betel leaf around a mixture of sweet fillings such as coconut, raisins, dates, candied fruits, and sometimes even chocolate or fennel seeds. The filling is then topped with syrup made from rose petals or other sweet flavors. Sweet paan is known for its refreshing and digestive properties and is often enjoyed after a meal to aid in digestion.
Paan is also believed to have other health benefits such as freshening the breath and aiding in the secretion of saliva. Sweet paan can be found in various street food stalls and paan shops across Delhi, with some of the most popular places being in the Connaught Place area with exciting variations like frozen paan, fire paan, etc.
Kaju Katli
Delhi’s simple but delicious desserts never stop to amaze me and kaju katli is a prime example. Made of only cashew nuts, sugar, and ghee, this creamy, diamond-shaped dessert will make you fall in love with it at first taste. The dessert is often served during special occasions such as weddings, festivals, and religious ceremonies. The cashew nut base makes kaju katli a healthier alternative to other sweets, and it is also popular among those who are looking for dairy-free options.
Some of the most popular places to try Kaju Katli in Delhi include the iconic Bengali Sweet House in Connaught Place, Chaina Ram Sindhi Confectioners in Chandni Chowk, and Bikanervala in various locations across the city.
Drinks
Delhi’s street food scene is not just about the food; it also includes a wide variety of refreshing and flavorful street drinks. These drinks offer a respite from the heat and spice of the food and are popular among locals and tourists alike. Here are some of the most popular street drinks you can find in Delhi
Lassi
Lassi is a traditional Indian yogurt-based drink that is popular in Delhi and throughout the country. It is a refreshing beverage that is perfect for the hot summer months and is often enjoyed alongside spicy street food. Lassi is made by blending yogurt with water and can be served sweet or salty. Sweet lassi is made by adding sugar, rose water, and sometimes fruit like mango or banana. Salted lassi is made by adding salt, cumin powder, and sometimes mint or coriander.
In addition to these classic flavors, many other variations of lassi can be found in Delhi, such as masala lassi, which is spiced with cumin and chili powder, and fruit lassi, which is made with fresh fruit puree. Some popular places to try lassi in Delhi include Amritsari Lassi Wala in Chandni Chowk, Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale in Chawri Bazaar, and Lassiwala in Fatehpuri Chowk.
Fruit Juice
Fresh fruit juices are a popular and healthy street drink option in Delhi, especially during the summer months when the weather is hot and humid. Street vendors can be found throughout the city, offering a wide variety of freshly squeezed fruit juices. Some of the most popular fruits used to make juice include oranges, watermelons, pineapples, pomegranates, and mosambi (sweet lime).
The juice is usually prepared on the spot, with the vendor using a manual or electric juicer to extract the juice from the fruit and it costs as less as 20 Indian rupees. Some vendors also add a pinch of salt, black salt, or chaat masala to enhance the flavor. Fruit juice on the street is often sold in small plastic cups or glasses and can be enjoyed on the go.
Some popular places to try fruit juice in Delhi include Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale in Chawri Bazaar, Natural Juice Corner in Janpath, and Sita Ram Diwan Chand in Paharganj.
Masala Chai
Masala chai is probably the most popular beverage in India and Delhi is no exception. The tea is made by boiling black tea leaves in water with a blend of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and black pepper. Milk and sugar are then added to create a creamy and sweet beverage. Masala chai is not only a popular street drink, but it is also a cultural phenomenon in India, where it is often enjoyed multiple times a day.
It is a perfect beverage to start the day with and is often sold by street vendors and small tea stalls throughout Delhi. Some popular places to try masala chai in Delhi include Chai Point, Tea Halt, and Chaayos but masala chai can also be found in many restaurants and cafes across the city.
Mohabbat Ka Sharbat
Mohabbat Ka Sharbat is a popular street drink that originates from Old Delhi. It’s made with a blend of rose syrup, milk, and ice, and is often topped with a generous amount of malai (cream) and chopped dry fruits. The drink gets its name from its supposed love-inducing properties, and is often referred to as the “drink of love.”
Mohabbat Ka Sharbat is often sold by street vendors in Old Delhi, particularly in the areas of Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid. Some popular vendors include Haji Mohd, Hussain Fried Chicken, and Cool Point. It is usually served in a tall glass or plastic cup and can be enjoyed on the go while exploring the bustling streets of Old Delhi.
Pudina Chhach
Pudina Chhach is a refreshing and savory drink made by blending yogurt, water, mint leaves, and spices such as cumin powder, black salt, and chaat masala. The drink is then chilled and served cold, making it a perfect beverage for hot summer days. Pudina Chhach is often served as an accompaniment to meals, and its tangy and minty flavor makes it a great palate cleanser.
It is also known for its digestive properties, making it a popular post-meal drink. Pudina Chhach can be found in many street food stalls and restaurants in Delhi, and is often served in small clay cups called kulhads. Some popular places to try Pudina Chhach in Delhi include Chaayos, Sattvik Restaurant, and Nathu’s Sweets.
Banta (Goli Soda)
Last but not least, we round up this guide to street food in Delhi with banta, also known as goli soda. a popular Indian carbonated lemon-flavored (or sometimes orange) soft drink sold in distinct codd-neck green bottles with a yellow glass cover that closely resembless small limes. The drink can be found literally behind every corner in Delhi for as low as 15 Indian ruppees and it’s so popular it even has a movie named after it.
How did you like our guide to street food in Delhi? Are there any particular snacks you’d like to try first? Do you think we forgot to mention some important things about Delhi street food? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.
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