Delhi’s Delicious Destinations: Top 10 Street Foods Every Foodie Must Taste

Delhi, a food lover’s paradise, boasts a rich culinary history reflected in its vibrant street food culture. Vendors crowd the bustling streets, serving a variety of mouthwatering and flavorful delicacies, from delectable chole bhature to crunchy aloo tikki and sweet jalebis. Delhi’s street food culture has something for everyone. In this article, we’ll explore the top ten must-try street foods in Delhi, along with local recommendations for shops.

Chole Bhature

If you visit Delhi, you must try chole bhature, a classic North Indian dish. Spicy chickpeas (chole) cook with an aromatic mix of spices and pair with deep-fried bread (bhature) that is soft and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside. Together, the spicy chole and buttery bhature create a heavenly explosion of flavors in your mouth, making this snack one of Delhi’s most famous street foods.

Recommended shops: Anand Ji Chole Bhature Wale, Lajpat Nagar, and Shree Gopal Ji Chole Bhature, Rohini.

Chaat

Delhi’s renowned street snack, chaat, combines sweet, sour, and spicy flavors. A variety of ingredients, such as potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and chutneys, make up this dish, which is then topped with crispy fried noodles called sev and seasonings. Whether you crave the tangy flavor of golgappas or the savory taste of aloo tikki chaat, you’ll find something to satisfy your taste buds in Delhi’s chaat scene.

Recommended shops: Shree Balaji Chaat Bhandar, Chandni Chowk and Vaishno Chat Bhandar, Kamla Nagar.

Momos

Originally a Tibetan delicacy, momos have conquered Delhi’s streets and become a favorite among locals and tourists alike. These delectable steamed or fried dumplings come packed with either exquisite vegetables or tender meat and topped with hot red chutney that will set your taste buds on fire. Their soft texture and flavorful contents make momos a must-try street food experience in Delhi.

Recommended shops: Shah Ji Di Hatti, Raja Garden and Chalte Firte Momos, Rohini, Sector 9.

Parathas

Delhi’s parathas, famous worldwide, are a culinary marvel. Stuffed with a variety of delicious fillings like spicy potatoes, aromatic cauliflower, juicy paneer, and tasty onions, these wheat flour flatbreads are cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown. Served with a generous dollop of butter or curd, these hearty and filling parathas are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.

Recommended shops: Moolchand Paratha, Lajpat Nagar and Parathe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk.

Rabri Jalebi

Jalebi, a crispy and tempting street snack, has captured the hearts and palates of Delhiites. Deep-fried golden-brown batter soaks in sweet and sticky sugar syrup, resulting in a rush of sweetness with each bite. Often paired with rabri, a rich and creamy milk-based dessert, this combination creates a perfect marriage of flavors that will leave you wanting more. Jalebis are one of Delhi’s most popular desserts.

Recommended shops: Old Famous Jalebi Wala, Chandni Chowk, and Kali Charan Gupta Jalebi Wale, Chandni Chowk.

Aloo Tikki

When visiting Delhi, you must try the crispy, golden-brown delicacy known as aloo tikki. This shallow-fried dish consists of mashed potatoes, peas, and spices, served with chutneys, curd, and pomegranate seeds. The medley of flavors in your mouth will leave you craving more.

Recommended shops: Bittoo Tikki Wala, Kamla Nagar, and Bobby Tikki Wala, Preet Vihar.

Kulfi

street food. This rich and delightful treat is made by thickening milk and adding sugar, then infusing it with a range of flavors, such as the nutty goodness of pistachios, the exotic aroma of saffron, or the delicate sweetness of rose. Kulfi is an ideal way to cool down on a hot summer day and is a must-try dessert in Delhi.

Recommended shops: Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfiwale, Chawri Bazar, and Ravi Raj Di Kulfi, Karol Bagh.

Dahi Bhalla

Dahi Bhalla, a beloved Delhi street snack, strikes the perfect balance of creaminess, tanginess, and spice. Soft and fluffy lentil dumplings mix with cool, creamy yogurt and are topped with tangy tamarind chutney and aromatic spices to create this irresistible dish. Cool and tangy, Dahi Bhalla is a go-to street snack during Delhi’s sweltering summers, embodying the true flavor of Delhi’s street food culture.

Recommended shops: Natraj Dahi Bhalla in Chandni Chowk and Raju Chaat Bhandaar, Ashok Vihar Phase 2.

Lassi

Lassi, a traditional Delhi street drink, is a delightful blend of frothy goodness and refreshing flavors. Yogurt, sugar, and a range of flavors, such as the tropical sweetness of mango or the delicate scent of rose, combine to create a creamy and sweet drink. Served in tall glasses with a sprinkle of spices on top, lassi is an excellent way to cool down on a hot summer day.

Recommended shops: Aggarwal Lassi Wala, Delhi cantt, and Amritsari Lassi Wala, Chandni Chowk.

Kebab

Finally, kebabs are a popular Delhi street snack known for their succulent and tender meat, infused with fragrant spices. Marinated in spices, yogurt, and lemon juice, these lamb or chicken skewers have a tangy taste. Grilled over charcoal, the kebabs have a crispy exterior with juicy, tender meat inside. Served with mint chutney, onions, and lemon wedges, kebabs are a fantastic snack or meal for meat lovers.

Recommended shops: Ghalib Kabab Corner, Nizamuddin, and Qureshi Kabab Corner, Jama Masjid.