The National capital New Delhi or our beloved 'Dilli' as we call it is home to some historical landmarks, modern architectural marvels, ancient temples and a diverse range of people. The pace of development in this region even developed the satellite towns of Gurgaon, Ghaziabad, Noida and Faridabad now known as the National Capital region. This also helped ease the pressure off Delhi reeking from overpopulation and pollution. Despite everything, New Delhi attracts a lot of tourists both Indian as well as foreigners and one of the places that are in everyone's bucket list is Chandni Chowk. You can dive into the beauty of the Majestic Red Fort and age-old Jama Masjid. But Chandni Chowk is also famous for one other thing, it's street food. Chandni Chowk is the epicentre of Old Delhi and houses several street food joints and restaurants that are even centuries old. If you have a knack for street food and your taste buds are craving for some over the top, new tasty flavours head down to the streets of Chandni Chowk and unleash the Foodie Inside you. We have compiled a list of must-visit food joints in the street mazes of Chandni Chowk.
1) Parathe Wali Gali
I doubt anyone who has lived in North India and has a little idea of Delhi has not heard about Parathe wali Gali. There are a number of shops in this Gali that serve this breakfast choice of millions of Indians. You will be astonished by the range of fillings used to fill the Parathas in this Gali. This can surely be called the R&D centre of Parathas and their kind. Parathas with extraordinary fillings like cashew nuts, almonds, other dry fruits, rabdi, khoya, Gobi, Onion, Aloo, Muli and etc are served with a tamarind dip, pickle, a paneer vegetable or Aloo Dum. A thick and sweet Lassi is also served as a dessert to satisfy your sweet tooth. If you just want to relish and feat upon the parathas, book a room for a day nearby and enjoy in Chandni Chowk.
2) Old Famous Jalebi Wala
One of the oldest and modest shops in the locality is located in Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk on the main road, near Sis Ganj Gurudwara. The jalebis are made in pure ghee and a bite will make you swoon with love for these juicy Jalebis. The lip-smacking taste and distinct flavour is something you can’t find anywhere else. The cost is also a mere Rs 400 per kg. The jalebi can also be eaten with Rabri. Though there is no seating facility still the place is always crowded and people busy eating jalebi and samosa can be spotted all day. Just pay the money, grab your packet and start enjoying the sweetness.
3) Karim’s
Karim's is the topmost restaurant in the area and a brand in itself. The restaurant or better yet the Dhaba was started back in 1913 by Haji Karimuddin, son of Mohammed Aziz who was a cook in the royal court of Mughal Emperor. It serves North Indian (Mughlai) non-veggie lover dishes. It serves North Indian (Mughlai) non-veggie lover dishes. If you love Biryani you must visit Karim's and indulge in the royal taste. Raan, Burra kebab and Mutton Nahari are a few specialities of the Dhaba. Karim's fame draws travellers from as far as hotels in Aerocity Delhi. The metro definitely helps make the trip to this food paradise.
4) Kake di Hatti
Another renowned name in Chandni Chowk is the Kake Di Hatti. This decade-old Dhaba was started in 1940 and the owners are still from the same family. The age-old proven recipes are still satisfying the hunger pangs of food lovers. The USP of this place is the different types of Naan's offered. They are huge in size and are filled with onion, garlic, paneer, Potato and many other fillings. Dal Makhani, vegetable curry and Raita at this place is a must-try. Solo travellers can stay in hotel rooms nearby and savour the delicious food while being here.
5) Giani Di Hatti
Giani Di Hatti is the first of the number of Gianni’s outlet that we see all around Delhi. The shop is adjacent to the Kake Di Hatti. The shop essentially serves sweet deserts like Rabri faluda and different sorts of Halwa like Moong Daal Halwa, Badam Halwa and Suzi Halwa. The Moong Daal Halwa has added organic items that make its taste and aroma enchanting. However, its best offering is Rabri Faluda. A glass full of thick Rabri mixed with dry fruits, crushed ice and additional sugar syrup is sure to satisfy your taste buds for the day. There are several couple-friendly hotels in old Delhi. Just stay there and enjoy these mouth-watering flavours when on your evening stroll.
6) Babu Bhai Kabab Wale
One of the historic food joints in the area is the Babu Bhai Kabab Wale. The kind of changes done with kebab by this joint is salute worthy. The owner popularly known as Shakir bhai handles the shop located near Masjid Sayed Rafai, Chitli Qabar, Chandni Chowk. The exceptional ‘Dhaga kababs’ made here on clean metal barbeque grills are the speciality of this place. Other items that one must try are mutton Seik kebab, afghani kebab, Shami kebab, chicken malai tikka, paneer and fish tikka, chicken and fish broil, and additionally Rumali roti.
7) Haji Tea Point
The Haji tea point is located in Old Delhi at Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid in Chandni Chowk. The speciality of this tea joint is that tea is made with pure milk without any trace of water. It’s called “Doodh-Ki-Patti” or ‘milk-leafed tea’. Other than tea, you can also have breakfast at this place. Relish on the red hot crispy Puris served with Aloo Dum and a Semolina Halwa as a dessert to start your day. Haji tea point starts at 5 am in the morning and serves till 5 pm. Suzi Halwa is also a must-try here. If you are visiting with your beloved to check out the red fort we recommend you to stay nearby. There are a lot of couple-friendly hotels here. Wake up in the morning, have a tummy full breakfast in the streets of Chandani Chowk and head to explore the Red Fort and Jama Masjid.
8) Khan Omelette Corner
Another street-side breakfast option is at the Khan Omelette Corner. Come any morning near Fatehpuri, Baradar in Chandni Chowk and you will see the Khan Omelette Corner working in full swing. The kind of innovation done with egg meals is extraordinary. Spicy parathas filled with masala egg fillings, dressed in green stew and coriander and served with tangy mango pickle. Just the smell in air will make you cringe for a bite.
9) Al Jawahar
The best non-veg food is definitely served in the streets of Chandni Chowk adjoining the Jama Masjid. The place got its name after the First Prime Minister of India Pandit Jawahar Lal Nehru who visited in 1947. The taste is so good and nourishing that guests throng this place daily in huge numbers. Al Jawahar has no match in their mutton and lamb rarities like Gurda Kaleji, Mutton Barrah, Tikkas Biryani and Korma, Chicken Changezi, etc.
10) Amritsari Lassi Wala
Lassis and Parathas are the trademarks of Amritsar and Amritsari Lassi Wala does just that. The huge assortment of different flavours of Lassi like Kesar, malai, mango, banana, almond, jeera, strawberry, and even a special diet Lassi.
11) Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala
The iconic Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala running since 1940 is located opposite the Parathe wali Gali. If you are a fan of Dahi bhallas you should definitely visit this place. The crispiness of the freshly made bhallas, spicy Aloo Tikki and chutney dipped in fresh curd along with added secret spices is a taste that you won't forget. The cost is also modest and foodies are drawn to it in huge numbers. Though they have only two items on their menu: Yummy Dahi Bhalla and crispy Aloo Tikki, the shop is running since pre-independence and its craze is still unfazed. This speaks volumes of the taste and makes it a must-visit in Chandani Chowk area. If you are on a budget trip you should definitely try this pocket-friendly joint. There are several low priced hotels nearby.
Surely you will find nirvana in these food joints without spending a fortune. The delicious street-side nourishment offered by Chandani Chowk will certainly pull you towards itself whenever you visit Delhi. Check out several options nearby in Delhi which offers hotels on an hourly basis. Check-in and enjoy these delicacies. Just give in to the food desires and enjoy the taste of India.
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