A Food Lover's Guide to Street Food in Old Delhi
Parathas, chaat, kebabs and jalebis — here's where to eat in Chandni Chowk and the lanes of Old Delhi, plus tips to enjoy it safely.
Few places in the world can match the flavour, chaos and history of Old Delhi. Its narrow lanes, built during the Mughal era around Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid, have been feeding people for centuries. Here's how to make the most of a food trail through Shahjahanabad.
Must-Try Dishes
Stuffed Parathas
Paranthe Wali Gali is famous for deep-fried parathas stuffed with everything from potato and paneer to rabdi and banana, served with tangy chutneys and sabzi.
Chaat
Aloo tikki, papdi chaat, dahi bhalla and golgappe — sweet, sour, spicy and crunchy all at once. Chaat is the soul of Delhi street food.
Mughlai Kebabs and Curries
The lanes around Jama Masjid are a paradise for meat lovers: seekh kebabs, mutton korma, nihari and melt-in-the-mouth galouti-style kebabs, best eaten with khamiri roti.
Chole Bhature and Nagori Halwa
A hearty breakfast favourite. Pair it with a Nagori halwa and crisp mini puris for a classic Old Delhi morning.
Sweets
- Jalebis fried fresh and dunked in syrup
- Rabri and kulfi in clay pots
- Daulat ki chaat — a delicate, cloud-like winter dessert
- Sohan halwa and traditional mithai from heritage sweet shops
A Suggested Food Walk Route
- Start at Chandni Chowk metro station in the morning with chole bhature.
- Walk to Paranthe Wali Gali for stuffed parathas.
- Stop for fresh jalebis and a glass of lassi.
- Explore Kinari Bazaar and Dariba Kalan on foot to work up an appetite.
- End near Jama Masjid in the evening for kebabs and a kulfi.
Tips for Eating Street Food Safely
- Choose busy stalls — high turnover means fresh food.
- Prefer food that is cooked hot in front of you.
- Drink sealed bottled water and go easy on raw garnishes if you have a sensitive stomach.
- Carry small change and use UPI where accepted.
- Take the metro or an e-rickshaw — driving and parking in Old Delhi is a challenge.
Best Time to Go
October to March is the most pleasant season for a food walk. During Ramzan, the evening iftar markets around Jama Masjid are a special experience. Note that many shops in Chandni Chowk are closed on Sundays.
Want a guided Old Delhi food and heritage walk as part of your Delhi tour? The TravelX Connext team can arrange it with an expert local guide.
