Login
Facebook
YouTube
WhatsApp
Twitter
What is famous in Delhi to eat? This question leads straight into the heart of India’s capital, where every lane tells a flavourful story. Delhi is a city where history meets hunger, be it in the narrow alleys of Chandni Chowk or the buzzing food stalls of Connaught Place. With influences from Mughal kitchens to Punjabi dhabas, the city is a melting pot of tastes. Delhi’s street food scene is more than just a meal—it’s a cultural experience on a plate.
What Is Famous In Delhi To Eat? Top 6 Dishes That Define The City
Discover what is famous in Delhi to eat that showcases its love for flavour, spice, and street bites.
1. Butter Chicken
Photo: Prabal Pratap Singh / Pexels
Butter chicken, born in Delhi’s Moti Mahal restaurant in the 1950s, features tender chicken pieces bathed in a velvety tomato-based gravy enriched with butter and cream. The dish was created “by chance” when leftover tandoori chicken was mixed with a buttery tomato sauce, creating a harmonious blend of smoky, tangy, and creamy flavours that has since conquered palates worldwide.
Location: Moti Mahal in Daryaganj, Karim’s near Jama Masjid
Cost: ₹350 – 500
2. Chole Bhature
Photo: Aleemk72 / Wikimedia Commons
This iconic Delhi breakfast consists of spicy chickpea curry paired with deep-fried, fluffy bread called bhature. The chickpeas are slow-cooked with a complex blend of spices, while the bhature should be pillowy inside yet crisp outside. Often served with pickled vegetables, green chillies, and onions, this hearty dish represents Delhi’s robust Punjabi influence.
Location: Sitaram Diwan Chand in Paharganj, Nagpal’s in Ashok Vihar
Cost: ₹100 – 150
3. Paratha
Photo: Ananthan Chithiraikani / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
Delhi’s parathas, especially from the famous Paranthe Wali Gali, are stuffed flatbreads fried to golden perfection. Fillings range from traditional potato and cauliflower to innovative options like mint or even sweet rabdi. The crisp exterior gives way to flavorful stuffing, typically served with pickles, yogurt, and chutney.
Location: Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk, Moolchand Parantha
Cost: ₹60 – 150
4. Dahi Bhalla
Photo: Mdsmds0 / Wikimedia Commons
Soft lentil dumplings soaked in creamy yogurt, topped with sweet-tangy tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and a sprinkle of spices, make this cooling chaat a Delhi favorite. The bhallas should be spongy enough to absorb the yoghurt while maintaining their integrity. The contrast between the cool yoghurt and spicy chutneys creates a perfect balance.
Location: Natraj Dahi Bhalla in Chandni Chowk, Bengali Market
Cost: ₹60 – 80
5. Nihari
Photo: Sarkar Sayantan / Wikimedia Commons
This slow-cooked meat stew, traditionally eaten for breakfast, features tender meat (usually beef or lamb) in a thick, spiced gravy. Simmered overnight with aromatic spices, the dish is garnished with fresh ginger, green chillies, and a squeeze of lime. The rich, complex flavours develop over hours of cooking, resulting in melt-in-mouth meat.
Location: Karim’s, Haji Shabrati Nihari Wale in Chitli Qabar
Cost: ₹150 – 250
6. Jalebi
Photo: Lion.Harvinder / Wikimedia Commons
These bright orange, syrup-soaked spirals are a beloved sweet treat in Delhi. Made by deep-frying a fermented batter in circular shapes, then soaking in sugar syrup infused with cardamom and saffron. The perfect jalebi balances crispy exterior with juicy, syrupy interior, often enjoyed hot with rabri (thickened milk).
Location: Old Famous Jalebi Wala in Chandni Chowk, Jalebiwala in Dariba Kalan
Cost: ₹60 – 100
What is famous in Delhi to eat? From spicy street snacks to royal Mughlai dishes, Delhi serves up flavours that leave a lasting memory. Each meal is more than just food—it’s an experience shaped by the city’s history and people. Whether you’re eating in a crowded bazaar or a local eatery, the food always tells a story. Ready to taste Delhi’s best? Start your journey today with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Sutapa Pal / Wikimedia Commons
