Delhi, the “Dilwalon Ki Nagri,” merges tradition and modernity in everything, even food. It calls for discussing the top famous dishes in Delhi that are a treat to the tastebuds.
Top 10 Famous Dishes in Delhi
Just take a stroll on the Delhi streets, and the variety of foods can spoil you for choices. From traditional delicacies to fusion food, everything is available to suit every taste. But what are the top famous dishes in Delhi? Well, that’s exactly what we are out to discuss in the article. Whether you are a Delhiite or visiting Delhi for work or leisure, we help you chalk out the next date with food.
1. Top Famous Dishes in Delhi: Parathas
Parathas are the mom’s magic dish you have grown up relishing. Think of it as a fried flatbread, featuring potato, cabbage, paneer, onion, and other stuffings. Nobody knows where parantha was born but it’s a popular serving across the entire Indian Subcontinent and beyond.
Delhi’s fascination with Paranthas is just legendary. It even has a street dedicated to Parantha, the “Paranthe Wali Gali” in Chandni Chowk. Regardless of what stuffing, size, or flavor you want, the street keeps you covered. If you are in South Delhi, Moolchand Parathe Wala is a good option.
Even if you cannot travel to the Paranthe Wali Galli or South Delhi, you can sample this delicacy at a food corner near your location. It is readily available in every nook and cranny of the metropolitan. After all, parantha is one of the top famous dishes in Delhi and no foodie can ignore it.
- Course: Main
- Nature: Flatbread
- Country of origin: Indian Subcontinent
- Prime Ingredients: Flour, Wheat Flour, Oil or Ghee and multiple stuffings
- Served: Hot
- Variants: Aloo paratha, Gobhi parantha, Paneer parantha, Roti Canai, Wrap roti
Places to grab a treat:
- Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gali_Paranthe_Wali
- Moolchand Parathe Wala in South Delhi (https://www.instagram.com/moolchandparantha/?hl=en)
2. Top Famous Dishes in Delhi: Chaat
The very mention of Chaat makes one salivate. Chaat is an absolute delight with its tangy taste and arresting aroma. Think of it as a group of savory snacks with multiple variations. The most common and authentic variant, Dahi Bhalla is a potpourri of curd (Dahi), fried dough made of pulses (Bhalla), potato pieces, spices, and more. For garnishing, they use onion, coriander, sauce, and chutney.
Dahi Bhalla has some history to it. Its prototype finds mention in the Sanskrit dictionary, Manasollasa, with a history dating back to the twelfth century. Moreover, chat has an interesting etymology, meaning “to lick.” Some historians link the origin of Chat to the 17th century, thanks to the Mughal Khansamas (chefs). Shah Jahan used it as an appetizer to aid digestion.
Chat has caught the fancy of Delhites like no other, making it one of the most consumed street foods in the NCR and beyond. No matter what your taste, the city caters to every palate with all possible versions of Chaat. Dahi Bhalla, Alu Tikki, Papri Chaat, Papri Chaat, and Sew Puri, you name it. No need to search for it. You’ll come across a chat vendor across every street corner in Delhi.
- Course: Starter, Snacks and Light Meal
- Nature: A group of savory snacks
- Country of Origin: India
- Prime Ingredients: Vary depending on the type of chaat.
- Served: At Room Temperature
- Variants: Dahi Bhalla, Alu Tikki, Papri Chaat, Papri Chaat, and Sew Puri
Places to grab a treat:
- UPSC Building, Shahjahan Road
- Bittu Tikki Wala, Karol Bagh
- Daulat ki Chaat, Chandni Chowk
- Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala, Chandni Chowk
3. Top Famous Dishes in Delhi: Chole Bhature
You simply cannot resist the temptation of Chole Bhature or Chole Kulche. The hot and spicy dish has its origins in Delhi, which makes it a local delicacy for Delhites. However, some link its origin to Eastern UP. Regardless of where it originated, it is one of the top famous dishes in Delhi. When in Delhi, you go to sample this exotic, healthy, and flavourful delicacy at any restaurant or street food stall. Or else, you’ll regret missing out on a gastronomic experience of a lifetime.
True to its name, Chole Bhature has two components to it:
- Chole: Tangy White Chickpeas garnished with onions, pickles, chutney, and ginger.
- Bhature: A maida-based fluffy, deep-fried flatbread with varying dimensions. Usually, the flour is fermented.
You can have it for breakfast or lunch. Even better, pair it with fresh lassi to further the experience. Also, expect some health benefits. White chickpeas are a fine source of fiber and protein. Fibre aids digestion while protein ensures cell repair. However, the oily Bhature can be a spoilsport if you are looking to shed weight. Take our word for it, some occasional indulgence never hurts.
- Course: Main Course, Full Meal
- Country of Origin: India
- Prime Ingredients: White Chickpeas (Chana) and flatbread (Maida)
- Served: Hot
- Variants: Chana Bhature, Paneer Bhatura, Puri Bhaji, Chole Kulche
Places to grab a treat:
- Sitaram Diwan Chand, Paharganj
- Chache Di Hatti Kamla Nagar
4. Top Famous Dishes in Delhi: Butter Chicken
Ask some non-vegan person what’s your favorite dish and you’ll definitely find Butter Chicken with Naan on their list. If you have been to Delhi and have not tried Butter Chicken isn’t fair at all.
Places to grab a treat:
- Alkakori Alkauser, R K Puram
- Aap Ki Khatir, SDA
5. Top Famous Dishes in Delhi: Chicken Biryani
Thanks to Mughalites for several things especially for leaving back Chicken Biryani. It was back in the historical period that Shahanshah and his fellow mates used to cherish this dish and its legacy is still continued to date. Now it’s your call to try it once in Delhi as well.
Places to grab a treat:
- Dum Pukht in ITC Maurya
- Al Kakori Al Kauser, R K Puram
- Deez Biryani & Kebabs,
- Defense Colony
6. Nihari
The shank meat of beef, lamb, chicken, or mutton along with bone marrow is the next mouth-watering listed dish. If you are planning to rock the dining this is one you can count on and it is also the most cherished dish.
Places to grab a treat:
- Bara Hindu Rao area
- Karim’s near Jama Masjid
7. Kathi rolls
Kathi rolls are breakfast and eve makers, you can always count on ‘em for hungry and tight scheduled days. As it originated in West Bengal and Kolkata you can guess how good it should be, with many variants. This skewed roasted meat in parathas is a real street king.
Places to grab a treat:
- Nizam’s Connaught Place
- Khan Chacha, Khan Market
- Qureshi’s Kabab Corner, South Extension-II
8. Momos
Make way for mouthwatering momos, perhaps the most eaten street food across Delhi and for that matter, India. These steamed or fried dumplings are delectable with a thin white flour covering and flavourful stuffing ranging from veggies and soya chunks to paneer and meat. They typically serve momos hot with tomato and mayonnaise dip. Customized dip options might be available. Other pairing options include vegetable and sesame soups. Mind you, momos are not spicy but the dip is.
The dish originated in Tibet. The Tibetan expatriates introduced them to India way back in the 1960s. Since then, the dish has evolved rapidly with multiple varieties now available, including Fried, Jhol, C, Open, and more. Need we say, Delhi offers them all? Usually, momos in Delhi bear an Indian touch but authentic options are available. In shape and taste, Momos resemble other global cuisines, such as Gyoza (Japan) Buuz (Mongolia), Mandu (Korea), Manti (Afghanistan), and more.
Being steamed, Momos won’t derail your weight loss goals. However, they are a health hazard if consumed excessively. Reportedly, the dough might have chemical lacing, MSG, unwashed veggies, and fecal matter. Breathe easy, enjoying them once in a while doesn’t hurt. However, choose your eatery wisely.
- Course: Starter, Snacks and Appetisers
- Nature: Steamed or fried
- Country of Origin: Tibet
- Prime Ingredients: White flour dough with vegetable and meat fillings
- Served: Hot with chutney and other dippings
- Variants: Fried, Jhol, C, Open, and more
Places to grab a treat:
- Kamla Nagar Market
- Nagaland Food Stall in Dilli Haat
- Sikkim House, Panchsheel Marg
- Cafe Brown Sugar, GK market
- Yashwant Complex, Chanakya Puri
- Majnu ka Tilla, North Campus.
9. Kebabs
The grated and peeled onion with grilled chunks of meat and marinated fish in the aromatic Indian spices is the dish that brings joy to anyone. And easily the most loved dish all over!
Places to grab a treat:
- Alkakori Alkauser, R K Puram
- Ustad Moinuddin Kebabs, Lal Kuan
- Ghalib Kebab Corner, Nizamuddin
- Salim’s Kebabs, Khan Market
- Aap Ki Khatir, SDA
10. Desserts
Last on our list of the most cherished and fanned tastes all over the world, desserts! Nothing looks attractive when the dinner is added up with desserts. Be it morning, eve, night, party, or family get-together desserts gotta cover you always. And I guess there is no room for explanation needed for it right?
Places to grab a treat:
- Giani di Hatti, Chandni Chowk
- Old and Famous Jalebi Wala in Chandni Chowk has served celebrities like Late Raj Kapoor and Indira Gandhi
- Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wala, Chandni Chowk
- Big Chill Cafe, Khan Market
- Ghantewala Halwai, Chandni Chowk
Conclusion:
Now that you know the top famous dishes in Delhi, it’s time to substantiate your taste buds and cherish ‘em over. Don’t forget to tell us about your top picks and favs, always open to listening.
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