Old Delhi, it’s not one of the oldest parts of Delhi but it was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in the seventeenth century. It holds within three of the most notable places of Delhi, i.e., Chandni Chowk, Red Fort and Jama Masjid. Today, Old Delhi is one of the most crowded places and despite this, it still serves as the symbolic heart of Delhi. To get a good look of this place you will definitely need patience, stamina and many food stops and chai stops, about which I will let you know now. Old Delhi is a place that was made for food lovers. The streets of Old Delhi are filled with the smell of the delicious samosas or the tempting tea that is made here. These streets might get confusing at some point but the smell of the spicy chaat and mouth-watering jalebis will take you to all the right corners of this beautiful place.
1. Old Famous Jalebi Wala
The Old Famous Jalebi Wala, located on the streets of Chandni Chowk, have the best jalebi’s that one would have tasted. The jalebis’ are fried and home-made in desi ghee and then dipped in sugar syrup that gives the crispy jalebi a sweet taste that you just cannot resist. Like any other shop on the streets of Chandni Chowk, this place too does not have any seating arrangement so you will have to look for a place to stand and enjoy your jalebi’s. The plain jalebis will be served to you for Rs. 50 and jalebi with rabri at Rs. 75. Apart from this, there are aloo samosa’s available at Rs. 20 and matar (pea) samosa available at Rs. 25. Isn’t cheap it?
2. Karim
Karim was established in 1913 by a cook who established an open dhaba. Karim’s is the ultimate stop for all the mutton lovers.
What must you try?
The mutton qorma, mutton nahari, Chicken Mughlai, brain curry, chicken jahangiri. Non-veg lovers; this is your place to be if you want amazing food and even better prices!
3. Ghantewala
Ghantewala is situated on the streets of Chandni Chowk, is most famous for its ‘Sohan halwa’ and ‘Karachi halwa’. Also available are badam barfi, kalakand, pista samosa, and motichoor ladoo. They have branches all over Delhi too now.
4. Al Jawahar
With quite a number of restaurants located in the vicinity, Jama Masjid is well known among the foodies. Al Jawahar also was known as Matia Mahal, has the fix for all your Mughlai cravings. A must try is their mutton barrah, gurda kaleji, biryani, korma and chicken changazi. This place will make you want to come again and again.
5. Moti Mahal
Do you ever wonder where butter chicken was invented?
Well, this is the place. Moti Mahal was where the legendary butter chicken originated from. The restaurant was known for its tandoori chicken from where the idea of butter chicken was then thought of. When visiting this place, one should also try the Chicken Malai Tikka, Mutton Burra, Kadhai Paneer and Chicken Do Pyaza. This Moti Mahal at Daryaganj is the only branch of this famous restaurant; however one can easily spot a lot of restaurants by the name “Moti Mahal Delux”, which, actually, don’t franchise to this outlet, but are a different chain of restaurants.
6. Natraj Dahi Bhalla
There’s not much to say about this place that is also located in Chandni Chowk. They have just two items on their menu-Dahi Bhalla and aloo tikka. Both are worth a taste and are the best dahi Bhalla’s and aloo tikki’s that you would have had.
7. Haji Shabrati Nihari Wale
Located in the dingy lanes of Jama Masjid, this place is a haven for Nihari Lovers, and as the name suggests, the only dish that they serve at this restaurant is their lip smacking Nihari with freshly baked Khamiri roti. This place is, surprisingly, a well-known breakfast spot, to start your day with. Established in 1957, their Nihari is packed with a legacy of flavor and as it goes for almost, all the restaurants in Old Delhi, this too goes easy on the pocket.
8. Changezi Chicken
The streets of Daryaganj, bring to you another hotspot to satiate your cravings for some classic North Indian & Mughlai cuisine, their “all meat/chicken menu” attracts people from across Delhi. Easy on the pocket, scrumptious food packed with flavor are a few synonyms for Changezi Chicken. A problem, however, with this, as with many other Old Delhi restaurants, is their limited seating arrangement. This place is popular for its, Changezi Chicken, Butter Chicken, and Mutton Korma, their Zaffrani Kheer is a cherry on the cake.
9. Qureshi Kabab Corner
Standing opposite to the entrance to Jama Masjid, Qureshi Kabab Corner is an easy to spot Dhaba, not because of its’ distance to Jama Masjid, but because of the sheer number of people standing outside to gorge on their flavor-packed food. This is one of the places in Delhi where you could munch on some amazing Buff Kababs, some other delicious items on their menu are, Mutton and Chicken Seekh Kababs, they are served with Rumali Roti and onions and mint chutney. Standing and eating is the only option available, but if you are a Kabab fanatic, this place is a must visit!
10. Kallan Sweet Shop
Have a sweet tooth? Want to binge on some amazing, pocket-friendly, muy delicioso desserts? Kallan Sweet Shop is here to save the day! Located near Jama Masjid, this sweet shop serves an array of sweets and drinks. Their Shahi Tukda is to die for, other tasty items on their menu include, lassi, paneer jalebi (which is prepared only during Ramadan) and rabri, which is also considered to be a delicacy here.
11. Lota Chole Wala
This place, located in Chawri Bazaar, is well-known. Serving cholas with potatoes and a spicy red chutney since 1977, this will definitely bowl you over. This place is easy to spot as it is crowded by people almost throughout the day.
12. Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala
Adding credibility to the “chaat prowess” of Old Delhi, JB Kachori Wala, located in Chandni Chowk will make you want more, for its’ amazing Kachori with aloo sabzi topped with mango chutney. Bustling with people, this is not to be missed as it offers an unmatchable taste at a meager price.
13. Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfiwale
Life without desserts is a life not worth living! Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfiwale justifies every bit of that statement, located in Chawri Bazaar it offers a plethora of Kulfis. Their stuffed mango kulfi is one of the best kulfis you might have ever come across. Even though the place is a little hard to find, if you are unaware of the area, it is worth the effort. Other favorites here are the jamun, orange and falsa kulfis.
14. Pandit Ved Prakash Nimbu Pani Wale
After all the delicious food, time to refresh yourself with a glass of the classic nimbu paani, this place have a very short menu, but the nimbu paani served here is as good as it gets! No modern fusion here, just the modest plain old nimbu paani. Served at a price of 10, this will refresh you on your quest to discovering more delicious eateries in Old Delhi.
15. Kake Di Hatti
Located in Chandi Chowk, this pure vegetarian restaurant serves authentic North-Indian food at reasonable prices. Their parathas and Dal Makhani are some of the many favorites at this place. Exceptionally tasty food with big portions is a speciality of this place.
16. Kemchand Adesh Kumar
This isn’t a restaurant or a dhaba, Khemchand Adesh Kumar is a small vendor, who sells a dish, with a taste that will stick to your taste buds and will never let go! Located in Chandni Chowk, this man serves a dessert called Daulat Ki Chaat which is served only between the months of Diwali and Holi (during the winters), this is a dessert comprising of meager ingredients but is maximum on taste. This is a must try during the winters!
17. Giani’s Di Hatti
This is one of the oldest places in Chandni Chowk that serves the best Rabdi Faluda. It’s right opposite Kake Di Hatti. The taste has been the same since the day it started and it’s absolutely divine. Other things on their menu include Chole Bhature, Malai Lassi, Rajma chawal and more.
18. Jain’s Coffee House
This place is known for its old school desi style coffee and sandwiches. The fruit sandwich is their signature dish. They have different kinds of sandwiches like the Masala sandwich and sweet sandwich. All different in their own way and available at economical rates.
19. Ashok And Ashok Meat Dhaba
Here we have another place for our non-vegetarian lovers. Ashok and Ashok Meat Dhabha is known for its mutton that is cooked in desi ghee and is absolutely irresistible. It may be heavy on your pocket but since it’s available only on Wednesday’s and Saturday’s between 1 pm to 3 pm, it’s worth it.
20. Shiv Mishthan Bhandar
This place is best known for its breakfast. Begin your day her with some amazing crispy puris served with a potato curry. A must try is the Nagori-Halwa. A glass of lassi goes best with this meal and you can end it with some delicious jalebis.
Thank you, I hope you get to try some of these amazing places and have a great time!
