Old Delhi eateries are something unbeatable besides majestic monuments and rich heritage which always make Delhi a distinct city. Bragging about the taste and flavour of ancient times in Delhi, the recipes are still alive in the streets of Old Delhi. Be it a lip-smacking Kachoris or road side Gol-Gappas, Spicy Chaat or delicious Aolo-Tikki. Each delicacy has its own triumph to beat upon. Getting enlightened to the real flavours of its authentic cuisines, it pulls you toward the old Delhi area comprising of Chandni Chowk, Paranthe Waali Gali and Gauri Shankar Mandir.
Start your tour from Chandani Chowk’s narrow and crowded roads and thump the Natraj Corner. Quite an old and renowned shop of CC for past 80 years, Natraj Corner is known for its excellence in “Bhalla Chaat and “Aloo Tikkis”. Bhalla chaat is basically a concoction of thick yogurt, tangy sauces and soaked fried flour balls. A delicious paneer jalebi is actually giving an equal competition at the corner.
Now you can head towards the old and renowned Shani Dev Temple near Chandni Chowk metro station entrance. There you can spot some Kachori walas serving hot Kachoris dipped in really hot gravy-full Aloo ki Subzi and spicy green Chutney made of Pudina (mint), Coriander leaves, green chilies, and little curd. The Kachori corners will always be crowded with customers, no matter which day it is, and hence, are the must-try joint of Old Delhi. Kachori is basically a Poori stuffed with spiced lentils but is crispy and crusty as compared to the Pooris.
Move towards Parathe Wali Gali. The moment you will enter that gali, you will notice the high-pitched shouts of the shop owners inviting people to try those tempting Paranthas. It is hard to resist the aroma of sputtering spices and the freshly prepared hot parathas. Unlike normal Parathas that are cooked on Tawa, these stuffed parathas are deep fried in oil, just like stuffed Pooris. Variety of deep-fried parathas like nimbu-pudina, mirchi, tomatoes, almonds, sweet fillings like rabri, khurchan etc. on the menu will certainly grow the craving for Paranthas. Served with Kaddu ki subzi, Aloo ki Subzi and chutney, these are not just Parathas but complete meal for brunch or lunch.
Munch upon Chhole Kulche, Gol Gappas, Chhole Bhature, Samosa-Subzi, Sandwiches etc. at various streets and corners of Old Delhi. No corner here will leave your taste bud complaining. So, give a wild try to all of the fast food corners.
Have proper Khana (meal) at Kake Di Hatti at Khari Baoli, Chandni Chowk. Specifically famous for hot stuffed naans, the restaurant has far more to offer for proper lunch. Try out its delicious Rajma Chawal, paneer dishes or Chhole Chawal platter with a glass of butter milk or lassi. They are equally satiating as other delicacies.
Relish upon some non-vegetarian delicacies and rejoice the taste at Karim’s at Jama Masjid. The restaurant has been satiating craving for Mughlai delights for many decades. With little modified menu, you will get true taste of true Mughlai cuisines. Each dish here is to melt in your mouth. Pair up the dishes with its special Khamiri Roti and feel the wonder. Al Jawahar is yet another spot to give a try for non-veg Kebabs and Biryanis.
When you are exploring old Delhi eateries your tummy can give up but tongue will keep indicating heart to roam around further, to explore more delicacies in Old Delhi.
The real gem of the Old Delhi lies in Fatehpuri where you can enjoy scrumptious Rabri-Falooda. After day long lip-smacking hot and spicy foods, the sweet dish deserves a corner in your belly. Giani’s Di Hatti has been influencing people of Delhi since 1956. Various flavourful ice-creams will rejoice the eating experience in Old Delhi but Rabri-Falooda is what people queue up here for and has been the signature dish of Giani’s ever since its establishment.
So, Delhi is certainly a Delhi-licious city. Thanks to these food stops in Old Delhi, they have made Delhi a Delhi-licious city. Which is your place for eateries in Old Delhi?
