Best Food In Paharganj: 10 Items You Cannot Miss Out On

A vibrant neighbourhood of Delhi, Paharganj is known for its perfect blend of culture, history, and delicious foods. A haven for food lovers, this bustling area offers a diverse culinary landscape that reflects the city’s rich heritage. From traditional North Indian dishes to international flavours, Paharganj offers a delightful fusion of old and new dishes. Whether you’re craving a plate of spicy chole bhature, a hearty Punjabi thali, or a steaming cup of chai from a roadside stall, Paharganj has something to satisfy everyone. Visit Delhi to try out the best food in Paharganj to make your tummies happy.

Table of Contents

10 Best Food In Paharganj

A food paradise like Paharganj offers a variety of food options like kebabs, chole bhature, and various international dishes. Explore the best food in Paharganj.

1. Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is one of the best foods in Paharganj for every traveller to try and taste.

Photo: Aleemk72 / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only

Chole Bhature is one of the main North Indian dishes, and Paharganj offers some of the best you’ll find in Delhi. This hearty meal consists of spicy chickpeas known as choles, which are cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy and served with large, fluffy deep-fried breads, crispy on the outside and soft inside, known as bhature. The chole is usually garnished with chopped onions, coriander, and a little touch of fresh lime. In Paharganj, you’ll find Chole Bhature at street food stalls and small restaurants, each offering its unique spin on this classic dish.

Cost/Person: ₹50 – 150
Location: Sitaram Diwan Chand, Rajguru Marg, Chuna Mandi

Suggested Read: Best Food In Connaught Place

2. Butter Chicken

A mouth-watering view of a cooked gravy served on a plate sitting on a flat table.

Photo: stu_spivack / Wikimedia Commons

Butter Chicken, or “Murgh Makhani,” is one of the best cuisines you must try when visiting Paharganj. This iconic dish, which has roots in North India, offers a rich buttery experience that is hard to resist. Butter Chicken is one of the favourite dishes in India and abroad. The chicken is first marinated in a blend of yoghurt and spices, then cooked to tender perfection in a tandoor. What truly sets this dish apart is the luscious gravy made from tomatoes, butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices. It is served with the perfect balance of tanginess, sweetness, and spice, enveloping succulent pieces of chicken.

Cost/Person: ₹250 – 450
Location: Green Chilli Restaurant, Rajguru Road, Chuna Mandi

3. Kebabs

kebabs are one of the most tempting food items to try in Paharganj for every traveller.

Photo: Amin Noubahar / Wikimedia Commons

In the streets of Paharganj, kebabs are a must-try delicacy that showcases the rich flavours of Delhi’s Mughlai cuisine. As you wander through the narrow lanes, the irresistible aroma of marinated meat sizzling over charcoal will draw your attention toward the many small shops and street vendors who specialise in making this popular dish. Paharganj offers a variety of kebabs, including tasty seekh kebabs, made from a mixture of meat mixed with aromatic spices, before being grilled to perfection. Each bite delivers a burst of flavour, with the smoky taste from the grill enhancing the rich spices used in the dish.

Cost/Person: ₹50 – 150
Location: Karim’s or Qureshi Kebab Corner, Rajguru Road, Chuna Mandi

Suggested Read: Best Street Food In Chandni Chowk

4. Rajma Chawal

A tempting view of a green plate served with rajma rice and salad sitting on the table.

Photo: Deepal Tamang / Unsplash

Rajma Chawal is one of the favourite comfort foods of all time. This is a must-try dish in the bustling lanes of Paharganj. This simple yet flavorful meal consists of tender red kidney beans, and rajma which is cooked in a rich, spiced tomato gravy, and served over a bed of steamed rice hence the name Rajma Chawal. The rajma is slow-cooked with a blend of aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, resulting in a thick, luscious gravy that soaks into the rice, creating a perfect balance of flavours and textures.

Cost/Person: ₹50 – 150
Location: Sitaram Diwan Chand, Rajguru Marg, Chuna Mandi

5. Aloo Tikki

Aloo Tikki is one of the most delicious and the best food in Paharganj for all to try.

Photo: Raveesh Vyas / Wikimedia Commons

Aloo Tikki, one of the most beloved street foods in Delhi, is a must-try when exploring Paharganj. This delicious snack consists of crispy, golden-brown potato patties that are spiced to perfection and fried until they develop a crunchy taste on the outside while remaining soft and flavorful inside. The magic of Aloo Tikki lies in its simplicity—mashed potatoes are mixed with spices like cumin, coriander, and chilli powder, sometimes with a touch of green peas. In Paharganj, you can find Aloo Tikki being prepared fresh on large, local vendors who have mastered the art of street food.

Cost/Person: ₹30 – 50
Location: Sitaram Diwan Chand, Rajguru Marg, Chuna Mandi

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6. Dosas

A view of a tempting dosa served on a plate with sambhar and other delicious dips.

Photo: Deepal Tamang / Unsplash

In the bustling lanes of Paharganj, dosas are a delightful surprise for those seeking a taste of South India in Delhi. These thin, crispy pieces of delight made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils are a popular choice among locals and travellers alike. Served hot, dosas are usually accompanied by a variety of chutneys—coconut, tomato, and mint—and a steaming bowl of sambar, a tangy lentil stew. Paharganj offers a range of dosa options, from the classic Masala Dosa, stuffed with spiced potato filling, to more innovative versions like Paneer Dosa and Cheese Dosa and many more.

Cost/Person: ₹50 – 150
Location: Karan South Indian Restaurant, Main Bazaar Road, Aram Bagh

7. Chaats

Chaat is one of the most mouth-watering and best foods in Paharganj for everyone.

Photo: Rutvi Mistry / Wikimedia Commons

Chaat is one of the most beloved street foods in Paharganj, offering a burst of flavours and textures in every bite. This iconic Indian snack is a perfect blend of spicy, tangy, and sweet, making it an irresistible treat for locals and travellers. The chaat in Paharganj is a vibrant mix of crispy fried dough, boiled potatoes, chickpeas, and an assortment of chutneys—usually tamarind for tanginess, mint for freshness, and a hint of sweetness from jaggery or yoghurt. It’s often topped with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander, and a sprinkle of sev (crispy gram flour noodles) for added crunch.

Cost/Person: ₹50 – 150
Location: Sitaram Diwan Chandx, Rajguru Marg, Chuna Mandi

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8. Kathi Rolls

A delicious view of a plate served with kathi rolls served with paneer and onions.

Photo: Shafana jasmine / Wikimedia Commons

Kathi rolls from Kebab Corner in Paharganj are a must-try for all the foodies if you ever visit Paharganj. These delicious wraps are filled with spiced, succulent chicken, mutton, vegetables, or any of your favourite stuffings rolled in soft, parathas. Each bite bursts with flavours, thanks to the perfectly marinated meats and the tangy magic of chutneys that accompany them. Kebab Corner is renowned for its quick service and fresh ingredients, making it a popular spot for locals and tourists. Affordable and filling, these rolls provide a taste of Paharganj’s street food culture while offering a perfect blend of Indian spices and savoury goodness.

Cost/Person: ₹50 – 150
Location: Kebab Corner, Paharganj Main Bazaar

9. Pasta

Pasta is one of the most tempting and the best food item in Paharganj for all to try.

Photo: Eaters Collective / Unsplash

Pasta has become a favourite dish in Paharganj, drawing both locals and travellers with its rich, flavorful preparations. My Bar and Café Festa serve some of the best pasta dishes in the area, offering a variety of options like creamy Alfredo, spicy Arrabiata, and classic Bolognese. What makes these places stand out is their unique twist on Italian pasta with a blend of Indian spices, resulting in a comforting yet flavorful experience. My Bar is known for its budget-friendly yet delicious pasta dishes. Cafe Festa, tucked in a quieter corner of Chuna Mandi, offers a more relaxed ambience.

Cost/Person: ₹150 – 250
Location: My Bar & Restaurant, Main Bazaar Road, Bharat Nagar

10. Falafel With Hummus

Plate served with delicious Falafel with Hummus sitting on a flat table for all to enjoy.

Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash

Falafel with Hummus is well known in Sam’s Cafe in Paharganj, blending the flavours of the Middle East with local taste preferences. The crispy falafel, made from ground chickpeas, is served with smooth and creamy hummus, creating a perfect balance of textures. The hummus adds a delightful richness to the dish, making it a popular choice for vegetarians and food adventurers. The combination is served with fresh pita bread, making it a wholesome and filling meal. The portion size is generous, and the flavours are authentic, reflecting the cafe’s diverse menu offerings.

Cost/Person: ₹100 – 250
Location: Sam’s Cafe, Main Bazaar Road, Chuna Mandi

Paharganj is a great place to try out Delhi’s delicacies. Explore this place with your loved ones for a memorable experience. Plan your next trip with TripXL now to explore more. Delhi is a beautiful destination, whether for a business trip, solo trip, or trip with friends, offers a wide range of activities for everyone. We have provided all the details you need to know when you take a trip to Delhi for an amazing experience.

Cover Photo: Marvin Ozz / Pexels / Image For Representation Only

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Paharganj famous for?

A haven for food lovers, this bustling area offers a diverse culinary landscape that reflects the city's rich heritage. From traditional North Indian dishes to international flavours, Paharganj offers a delightful fusion of old and new dishes.

What makes Butter Chicken famous?

Butter Chicken is one of the favourite dishes in India and abroad. What truly sets this dish apart is the luscious gravy made from tomatoes, butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices.

What makes Chole Bhature special?

This hearty meal consists of spicy chickpeas known as choles, which are cooked in a rich, flavorful gravy and served with large, fluffy deep-fried breads, crispy on the outside and soft inside, known as bhature.

Which is considered as a comfort food?

Rajma Chawal is one of the favourite comfort foods of all time. This simple yet flavorful meal consists of tender red kidney beans, and rajma which is cooked in a rich, spiced tomato gravy, and served over a bed of steamed rice hence the name Rajma Chawal.

Why is dosa considered one of the best foods of Paharganj?

Known for their authentic flavour, crispy texture, and the perfect balance of spice in the fillings and accompaniments, dosas are usually accompanied by a variety of chutneys and a bowl of sambar.

Best Food In Paharganj: 10 Delicious Items You Cannot Miss Out On