Exploring The Street Food Scene In Delhi

Relishing The Street Food In Delhi

Three things are certain in life: Death, taxes, and people drooling over the street food in Delhi. The capital city has arguably the best street food scene in the entire country (We’re definitely up for a friendly debate on this). The best part is that there is so much variety and options that you can literally survive on just street food every day. That is, of course, if you’re not health-conscious.

Want to make the most of experiencing Delhi’s street food? Here’s a list of the crème de la crème of the city’s street food places.

Kumar Samose Wala

This is not your usual samosa wala. Kumar is the mad scientist who experimented with the famous snack to make different variations of it. Here you can try a Pizza Samosa, Malai Paneer Samosa, Chocolate Samosa, and everything in between. So if you’re looking to spice things up with your samosa, you should definitely visit this street food stall.

It’s situated in Moti Nagar, New Delhi. Samosas here cost between INR 20-30 on average and they have over 20 varieties of the snack. The Chocolate Samosa is one that costs the most but even that’s just INR 40. They also serve a couple of other snack items but their samosas are the clear showstoppers.

Also Read: The Delhi Travel Guide

Kallu Nihari (Old Delhi)

street food in Kallu Nihari in Delhi

Photo Credits: instagram.com/cherryjeycee

If you’re a Delhiite, you’re one of the many who had the fortune of being served by Kallu Mian. While Kallu Mian passed away in 2016, his legacy is still going strong, thanks to his children. Kallu Nihari is definitely one of the best places to eat great kebabs. But if you want to eat the best possible Nihari you can get, this is where you should be.

Kallu Nihari is situated in Daryaganj, behind Delite Cinema. It’s a little difficult to locate but if you’re a non-vegetarian, do what you must to get here. Slow-cooked in gravy with meat that’s so heavenly, their Nalli Nihari literally melts in your mouth. They garnish it with finely sliced juliennes of ginger and chilly and serve it with Khamiri Roti. The place might seem a bit grungy, but the food is worth it.

Looking for places to stay in Delhi? Check out Unstumbled’s curated list of hotels in Delhi!

Jain Coffee House

It’s been 71 years since this establishment came into existence and definitely one of the pioneers of Fruit Sandwich. Never tried a fruit sandwich? Oh well, let Jain Coffee House pop your cherry in that regard then. You can have the fruit sandwiches toasted too. They serve a pineapple sandwich, banana sandwich, mixed fruit sandwich amongst many others. You’ll always be spoilt for choices, that’s for sure.

While the fruit sandwiches they serve would depend on the season, you can have their Mango Sandwich throughout the year. And it’s amazing! These fruit sandwiches are served with butter and slices of cottage cheese which complement the flavors really well. Don’t be fooled by their setup though. Their sandwiches are undeniably delicious and they also serve great coffee.

The place is situated in New Delhi’s Chawri Bazaar. It might be hard to find the place, but ask any local and they’ll surely be able to help you out with the directions.

Also Read: 1 Day Walking Tour Of Old Delhi: Best Places To Cover

Kuremal Kulfi

Jamun Kulfi at Kuremal KulfiPhoto Credits: instagram.com/khaanekaadda

Would you try fruit with kulfi? Or kulfi with fruit? Or kulfi inside a fruit? Don’t answer that. We’re telling you that you definitely should. Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale is where you get authentic fruit-flavored kulfi. How? Well, their kulfis are literally prepared inside various fruits. This tiny and cosy establishment is nestled in Chawri Bazaar, New Delhi.

You can select from a wide range of fruit bases including orange, pomegranate, pineapple, and watermelon amongst others. While they’re primarily famous for their concept of stuffed kulfi, they do also have regular stick kulfis and faloodas too. If you’re in Delhi, this place is highly recommended for even those who don’t have a sweet tooth.

PS: They also have some interesting flavors like Imli and Pudina Masala!

Also Read: 10 Best Restaurants And Cafes In Delhi With Outdoor Seating

Rajinder Da Dhaba

streetfood Delhi

We end this list of street food in Delhi with a place that we believe serves the best Galouti Kebabs ever. If you tell us otherwise, we’ll disagree without even listening because we’re too sentimental about this place to the point of irrationality. Seriously though, Rajinder Da Dhaba has converted mutton haters with their heavenly Galouti Kebab. But that’s not it, the place serves some of the best tandoori dishes, including Fish Tikka and Makhmali Fish Tikka.

Fish tikka at Rajinder Da Dhabba in Delhi Photo Credits: instagram.com/khaanekaadda

To visit Rajinder Da Dhaba, you have to go to New Delhi’s Safdarjung area. At one point, the place used to be a proper full-fledged stall. But over the years, they have also made seating arrangements in one section. One thing is for sure, nothing has compromised the taste of their heavenly kebabs and tandoori dishes.

Our Unstumbled tip would be to always order your kebabs with a rumali roti and the green pudina chutney.

Street food in Delhi is easily among the best in India (We feel it’s the best). And there are many options spread all across the city. But these are definitely some of the best and ones that we’ll strongly recommend to anyone visiting the city or living there.

Also Read: Guided Tour To The Best Shopping Markets In Delhi

FAQs

Where Is Best Street Food In Delhi?

  • Chandni Chowk - This iconic street in Old Delhi is a shopper’s and a foodie’s paradise. Make sure that you try out the parathas, omelets, and Dahi Bhallas here!
  • Jama Masjid - If you’re craving some succulent non-vegetarian food, the area around Jama Masjid is the place to be!
  • Connaught Place - This is Delhi’s major commercial district and naturally, the food scene is great here. Relish kulchas, kachoris, chole bhature, and end the meal with a paan from Shukla Paan Palace!

What Is The Food And Culture Of Delhi?

The food and culture of Delhi have a distinct mix of Indian and Mughlai elements.

Is It Safe To Eat Street Food In Delhi?

Yes, you can eat street food in Delhi without worrying too much. But what you can do to be safe is avoid eating uncooked food and if you’re ordering a drink, such as a fruit juice, opt for the ice-less version.

What Is The Main Dish Of Delhi?

Considering the many dishes that Delhi has to offer, there’s no easy answer. But you can believe us when we say dishes like chole bhature, parathas, golgappa, and biryani are among the most popular dishes.

What Is The Nickname Of Delhi?

Delhi is also known as the City of Rallies. It earned this nickname owing to the many rallies that take place here against the government’s policies.

Is Indian Food Eaten With Hands?

Yes. Traditionally, Indians don’t use cutlery for eating but their fingertips instead. It might take a while for you to get used to it. But there’s no hard-and-fast rule that you shouldn’t use cutlery.

What Is Delhi Belly?

Delhi Belly means an upset stomach and diarrhea that’s stereotypically faced by those visiting India and eating the local food.

Which Street Food Is Famous In Delhi?

  • Chole Bhature - This dish is not only famous in Delhi but also around India. Fried bhature/puris served with a spicy chickpea curry makes for a great snack or even a meal.
  • Golgappa - War is unavoidable if we call Golgappa better than Pani Puri or Puchka. But what’s also unavoidable are the Golgappa vendors around Delhi. Crispy puris filled with lentils and a hot-and-sweet sauce are a great treat.
  • Butter Chicken - It’s exactly what it sounds like. Delicious. Pair it with some naan and you’ll want nothing more!

What Sweet Is Famous In Delhi?

  • Gulab Jamun - This ball of sweetness, dunked in an even sweeter syrup, is popular throughout Delhi and also around India. A must-try!
  • Mawa Jalebi - As the name suggests, this jalebi is made of mawa (khoya), unlike maida in the usual jalebis, and is dark brown in color. The Mawa Jalebi’s flavors are sure to send your senses in a tizzy!
  • Lassi - Visiting Delhi in the summers can be exhausting. So we suggest getting a cold glass of lassi from the street vendors. Refreshing!

Can I Visit India Gate At Night?

Yes, you can visit the India Gate at night. Also, the structure is lit up, so it makes for a magnificent sight.

  • Region
    North India
  • Type Of Experience
    Culinary
  • Best Time To Visit
    Throughout the day, mostly early mornings and evenings
  • Food You Must Try
    Samosas, Nalli Nihari, Khamiri Roti, Chicken Tandoor, Mango Sandwich, Pineapple Sandwich, Banana Sandwich, Jamun Kulfi, Anaar Kulfi, Galouti Kebabs
  • Cost
    Relatively Inexpensive - INR 100 - INR 750
  • Street Food In Old Delhi
  • Food In Delhi
  • Street Food In Delhi
  • Food Tour In Delhi