Delhi's Street Food: The Ultimate Foodie's Guide To Must-Try Dishes

Street food culture in the proud capital of India Delhi reflects its history with diversity the capital city should eat well too. The competitive city eateries cater every food lover from within and thus, matches with the humming of this metropolis. Hunger says Go and explore the cuisines that make Delhi a paradise for the Foodies.

Harpreet Kour Updated: Mar 27, 2025 8:52 PM IST

Delhi, the capital of India, is known for its rich history and vivid lifestyle; what's more, it possesses a thriving street food culture. The culinary landscape of the city is competitive and mouthwatering, and it caters to every food lover's craving by providing a mix of cultures, traditions, and history. The hustle and bustle of the capital is elevated with the tantalizing food that keeps people craving more. Here's your sneak peek at all the delicious food that Delhi has to offer.

1. Chaat:

Chaat is unarguably the best part of street food and every foodie's paradise. Delhi is famous for exploding with flavors through Tangy, Spicy, Savory, and Sweet snacks like Chaat. Some popular versions of chaat include:

  • Aloo Tikki: Potato patty served with yogurt, chutneys, and spices.
  • Papdi Chaat: Deep fried dough wafers served with chickpeas, potatoes, yogurt, tamarind chutney, and mint sauce.
  • Dahi Bhalla: Lentil balls served with yogurt and garnished spices, coriander and crunchy chickpea noodles.

Head to Karim's in Jama Masjid or the Natrranj Dahi Bhalle Wala for some chaat. In addition to these, other spots worth trying out are Chandni Chowk and Connaught Place.

2. Paranthe Wali Gali:

On the west side of Chandni Chowk lies a street famous for selling stuffed flatbreads known as Paranthe Wali Gali. The narrow Paranthe Wali Gali boasts of specialized shops selling freshly prepared hot parathas stuffed with everything from paneer, aloo, mooli, and even gobi! Each Paratha comes topped with hot butter and accompanied with assorted pickles, curd, and chutneys for extra flavor! Babu Ram Sharma Paranthe Wale is reputed to be one of the oldest establishments here and serves some amazing traditional Parathas.

3. Kebabs and Rolls:

Non-vegetarians will surely love the Delhi kebabs and rolls as they are a specialty of this city. The Mughlai cuisine of this city is famous specifically for its kebabs as it is known to produce some of the best kebabs in the world.

  • Galouti Kebab: Soft and tender minced meat blended with spices make this kebab a must-have delicacy.
  • Shawarma Rolls: The wraps are loved by many for their unique blend of middle-eastern and Indian fusion.

Kareem's and Al Jawahar are some of the many famous kebab shops located around Old Delhi's Jama Masjid area. For the Shawarma lovers, try Khan Chacha in Khan market. He is known as the best for his roles.

4. Momos:

These steamed or fried dumplings with a stuffing of chicken or vegetables began from Tibet and Nepal, but have found their home on the streets of Delhi. These are accompanied with spicy red chutney which enhances its taste. Battered and deep-fried, the tandoori momos served at Hudson Lane and Majnu Ka Tilla are known for their stalls. For a spin on traditional momos, check out the tandoori momos at Yo! China Momos Stall.

5. Jalebi and Rabri:

The gastronomy of Delhi encompasses much more than just savory street food; it incorporates a range of sweet dishes as well. The deep-fried, funnel-shaped jalebi, which is dipped in sugar syrup, is an all-time favorite. Enjoy it alongside rabri, a dessert of thick milk infused with cardamom and saffron, for an unforgettable experience. Chandni Chowk's Old Famous Jalebi Wala is famed for its crisp, golden jalebis that are served hot and fresh daily.

6. Chole Bhature:

Chole bhature is best described as the combination of two main dishes that are sure to fill you up. Chole is spicy chickpea curry, and bhature is fried bread. Best served during lunch and breakfast. Kamla Nagar's BTW (Bharatiya Teenagers Waale) is renowned for its mouthwatering chole bhature, but there are other places that sell this dish as well. One of them is Amritsari Lassi Wala located in Paharganj, where it is served with a delicious lassi.

7. Lassi and Thandai:

If spicy street food makes you thirsty, yogurt-based lassi is a right pick. Countering Delhi's fiery weather is easy with these refreshing drinks that are savory and sweet. Indulge with a glass of the creamy lassi served with malai at Bikaner Sweet Shop.

These are easy to find, especially around Holi season when everyone becomes a fan of thandai made with milk, nuts, and spices, infused with bhang (cannabis). For the best experience, look out for festival vendors near temples.

Conclusion

Street food in Delhi has so many different aspects that it can be difficult to put it all in words. The delicate balance of flavors that stem from different parts of India and blend together creates something unique for every person. There is a different tale behind every piece of chaat, kebab, and jalebi. With this ultimate communial guide, you're ready to take on the best street food that Delhi offers while staying safe, and creating great culinary memories. Get your taste buds ready for the amazing blend of culture from Delhi the experience is something you will hold on to forever.