In the bustling heart of India’s capital, the fervor for delicious street food is palpable. As the clock strikes 7 pm, the city’s iconic food stalls come alive, ready to serve a culinary spectacle. From crispy, deep-fried delights to rich, buttery breads, here’s a roundup of the best street food spots in Delhi:
Aloo Tikki at Ashok Chaat Corner:
Located in Chawri Bazar, Ashok Chaat Corner has been a landmark since 1948, serving up the city’s best aloo tikki. This fried potato patty, crispy on the outside and soft inside, draws crowds eager for a taste of this classic snack.
Rama Chole Bhature:
Beloved by locals and celebrities alike, Rama Chole Bhature in Delhi offers an unbeatable combination of soft, fluffy bhature and spicy chickpea curry. Even cricket star Virat Kohli praises their dish, noting the irresistible softness of the bhaturas and the flavorful accompaniments.
Paranthe Wali Gali:
Chandni Chowk’s legendary Paranthe Wali Gali is a haven for paratha lovers. With fillings ranging from traditional potatoes to exotic ingredients like khoya and rabdi, each bite is a journey through Delhi’s rich culinary history. Celebrity fans include Akshay Kumar and Vidya Balan, who rave about the variety and taste.
Kebabs at Jama Masjid Area:
For the best non-vegetarian food, head to the bazaars around Jama Masjid. Here, kebabs and nalli nihari (a mutton stew) are the stars. The kebabs, finished with butter and masala, are highly recommended by Chef Manish Mehrotra, while the nalli nihari at Al Jawahar has won over Chef Ritu Dalmia.
Hira Lal Chaat Corner:
Old Delhi’s Hira Lal Chaat Corner is famed for its khera kulle ki chaat, an inventive dish that has earned accolades from food bloggers like Aayush Sapra. The chaat here showcases the rich, spicy history of Delhi’s street food scene.
Khemchand Daulat Ki Chaat:
Available only in winter, daulat ki chaat is a sweet, fluffy dessert that’s a must-try. Khemchand’s version, enhanced with saffron, nuts, and silver foil, is particularly popular. Legend has it that this dish owes its unique texture to the winter dew of Delhi.
Ram Laddu in Lajpat Nagar:
Lajpat Nagar is the place to go for ram laddu, a savory treat beloved by Delhiites. Chef Ranveer Brar, who discovered these lentil fritters later in life, now considers them a favorite.
Prabhu Chaat Bhandar:
This 89-year-old outlet on Mansingh Road, known as ‘UPSC Chaat’, serves some of the best aloo tikki and aloo chaat in the city. Founded by Nathu Laal, the stall has a storied past and continues to delight customers with its crunchy, flavor-packed offerings.
Old Famous Jalebi Wala:
Since 1884, Old Famous Jalebi Wala has been serving up jalebis made with desi ghee and khandsari sugar. Their menu is simple yet delectable, featuring jalebi, rabri, aloo samosa, and matar samosa. This iconic spot comes highly recommended by Delhi Food Walks’ Anubhav Sapra.
For those eager to dive into Delhi’s vibrant street food culture, these spots offer a taste of the city’s best flavors and culinary traditions.