Delhi's Divine Eats: Savoring the 15 Best Culinary Gems in the Capital
Updated: Dec 4, 2023
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Technically speaking, I came to Delhi mainly to meet my friends and indulge in the city's amazing food. I still remember the delicious biryani near Jama Masjid and the mouthwatering kebabs at Karim's from my 2010 visit. This time, I wanted to taste all the diverse flavours that make up Delhi's food scene, from street food to fine dining. Join me and my husband as we explore 15 must-visit places that will leave you craving for more delicious food.
Savouring 15 Best Culinary Gems in Delhi
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1. Paranthe Wali Gali
I fondly recall those moments when, without fail, a friend would bring along aloo ke paranthe (flatbread stuffed with potato), gobi ke paranthe (flatbread stuffed with cauliflower), mooli ke paranthe (flatbread stuffed with radish) every time they journeyed from Delhi to Mumbai. This unwavering tradition stemmed from the renowned popularity of paranthas hailing from none other than Paranthe Wali Gali. Nestled in the hubbub of Chandni Chowk in Delhi is Paranthe Wali Gali (The Lane of Parantha Makers). Located in the heart of Old Delhi, this narrow lane is specialises in making and serving paranthas, a popular North Indian flatbread stuffed with various fillings.
We opted for one of the many small eateries along the Gali, eager to savor some much-needed paranathas after a full day of fasting, with the anticipation of indulging in every imaginable parantha filling tonight. Surprisingly, after devouring just two paranthas, I found myself extremely satisfied and I couldn't consume another bite . The generous slathering of butter on the paranthas had made my meal really rich. Thankfully, in the vicinity, I found a lassi shop to complement my brilliant dinner. BURP!
2. Chur Chur Naan at Moolchand Parantha
I was completely unaware of Chur Chur Naan until my friend recommended that I give it a try during my visit to Delhi. Also known as 'Chur Chur Roti', it is a popular North Indian dish often found in Delhi. It's a type of stuffed and layered bread (naan or roti) that is crushed or crumbled before serving, creating a crispy and flaky texture.
Now, on my to-do list in Delhi was also listed Moolchand Paratha. This restaurant is situated near Moolchand Metro Station in Lajpat Nagar in Delhi. So I made it my resolve to aim two birds with one stone! Below is the menu showcasing all the different types of Chur Chur Naan.
Address: 4, 5, 6 Lala Lajpat Rai Marg Moolchand Metro Station, Lala Lajpat Rai Marg, Vikram Vihar, Lajpat Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110024, India
3. Rama Chhole Bhature, Jail Road
Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish consisting of spicy chickpeas (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature). And if this very popular dish is recommended by the Cricket sweetheart of India, Virat Kohli, I will highly recommend Rama Chhole Bhature too. He praised Rama Chole Bhature for serving one of Delhi's top chole bhatures and now everyone takes his word for it. It is a popular stand-and-eat or takeaway spot that is frequently busy, particularly on weekends. It shuts shop by 6:30 PM, so try to get there in time.
Address: 27, 27/4, Jail Marg, Double Storey, Ashok Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi, 110018, India
4. Chole Bhature at Prem Di Hatti
We alighted from our autorickshaw, arriving in a bustling North Delhi neighborhood. In the heart of Kamla Nagar, we found a petite restaurant that, at first glance, appeared somewhat weathered on the outside (appearances can be deceiving), with electrical wires cascading down its facade. However, upon stepping inside, we were pleasantly surprised by the restaurant's cleanliness. It boasts a modest total of 10 tables and adorns its walls with quirky portrait paintings. Yet, to be frank, these details fade in significance because the true star here is the food. Chole Bhature, Khurchan Paratha, and Sweet Lassi are absolute must-tries.
Address: Prem Di Hatti is 1, Shakti Nagar Chowk, Kamla Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110007, India.
5. Berco's Connaught Place
In the Netherlands, there's a particular culinary delight that I yearn for the most, and that's the fusion of Indian and Chinese flavors, known as Indian-Chinese cuisine. Bercos in CP, however, caters to this very craving of mine exceptionally well. It stands out as the ultimate destination for top-notch Indian-Chinese fare. Must-try dishes here include the flavorful Kung Pao Chicken, Hakka noodles, Manchow Soup (not to forget the crispy noodles), Chilly Garlic Rice, and the Mongolian Prawn. Craving ignited! 😋
Address: E-42/43, Rajiv Chowk, Block E, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India
6. Chaat at Bengali Sweet House
The go-to destination for Delhi's chaat and sweets that's always top of mind is Bengali Sweet House, a renowned chain of sweet shops with multiple locations in Delhi. During my visit with my friend Shahini to the Rajouri Garden outlet, she, being a regular, guided me on what to sample and what to bring back. Bengali Sweet House has a huge assortment of sweets and savouries, great for gifting for occasions and for festivals as well. It houses a small restaurant to enjoy these delicacies right there.
She insisted I try the golgappes (deep-fried breaded balls filled with spicy and tangy flavored water, tamarind chutney, potato, onion, or chickpea), the delightful angoori gulab jamun (soft deep fried milk-based dumplings soaked in suagr syrup), and the delectable rasgullas (spongy, syrup-soaked Indian sweet dumplings). Additionally, she advised me to purchase some dal mathris (crispy, savory deep-fried snack made from a mixture of lentil flour and spices) and Delhi's traditional dodha barfi (a grainy and chewy Indian milk fudge) to take home as mementos. After indulging to our heart's content, we vowed to return the next day with smiles on our faces. 😁
The other locations of Bengali Sweet House are at Connaught Place, Karol Bagh, Lajpat Nagar.
7. Gulati Restaurant, Pandara Road
Delhi old-schoolers will always recommend Gulati's. This is a renowned restaurant located on Pandara Road in New Delhi. It is known for serving delicious North Indian and Mughlai cuisine. Gulati's is a popular dining destination and is exclusively vegetarian. The other Gulati restaurant, which serves non-vegetarian cuisine, is situated within the same compound. The vegetarian restaurant specialises in its buttery dal makhani, while the non-vegetarian is a hit with its butter chicken. It is advisable to make a reservation in advance, as Gulati's tends to be crowded, especially during weekends and evenings.
Address: Gulati's is 6, Pandara Road Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India.
8. Khan Chacha @ Khan Market
While Khan Market is undoubtedly a lively and thriving hub that draws in shoppers, it's worth noting that it's also a magnet for food aficionados. The market has gained renown for its gastronomic delights, boasting a plethora of cafes and eateries dishing up a rich array of cuisines spanning Indian, Italian, Japanese, and Mediterranean. However, my personal favorite is Khan Chacha for its Mughlai and North Indian cuisine. This quaint and snug restaurant offers limited seating but excels in crafting chicken or mutton tikkas enveloped within a warm roti.
Address: 50, Khan Market Walking Plaza, Khan Market, Sujan Singh Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110003, India.
9. Biryani @ Nizam's Kathi Kabab
I understand you might be wondering why I'm emphasizing biryani when the restaurant is renowned for its Kathi Kabab rolls. Undoubtedly, their kabab egg rolls are among the finest in all of Delhi. However, I'd like to give a special shoutout to Nizam's Mutton Biryani. Even after all this time, I can vividly remember the occasion when we purchased a serving of mutton biryani from Nizam's and brought it back home. It was so delicious that we returned to Nizam's for the following two evenings to order the same biryani during our stay in Delhi. That's how exceptional it was!
Nizam's is located in the Connaught Place area of Central Delhi, so its frequented by tourists and locals and can get quite busy. I would recommend that if you don't have kids along, just linger by their standing lounge and eat there itself. The restaurant offers tables for guests looking for a swift meal.Their kebabs are equally delightful, adding to the culinary allure of the place.
Address: Nizam's is H-Block, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001, India.
10. Karim's Kebabs
Karim's is renowned for its authentic Mughlai cuisine and has been a fixture near Jamia Masjid in Delhi since 1913. If you're seeking a legendary dining experience in Delhi, Karim's Kebabs should be your top choice! Following our visit to Jama Masjid, we decided to have lunch at Karim's, and we were warmly presented with an extensive array of options. From their Tandoor specialties like Raan, Mutton Burra, Murgh Tikka, and Chaat to their royal feasts such as Mughlai, Badshahi Badam, Nargisi Kofta, and Mutton Nihari—what would you choose? It's quite the dilemma, isn't it? Notably, Karim's Palak Paneer and Dal Makhani have the power to enchant even the most devoted meat enthusiasts, making the decision even more challenging!
Address: 16 Matia Mahal Bazar Near Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk
11. Al Bake @ New Friends Colony
Having spent seven years in Dubai, it's quite a challenge to assert that you can find superior shawarma anywhere else outside the Middle East. Yet, Al Bake comes remarkably close in delivering delectable Middle Eastern cuisine. Their menu boasts a wide range of options, from classic kebabs to exceptional shawarmas. If you're in search of a quick and satisfying bite, Al Bake is the ideal destination.
Address: Trimurti Building, Plot No 21-23, Maulana Mohammad Ali Jauhar Marg, Block A, New Friends Colony, New Delhi, Delhi
12. Bhawan @ 32nd Avenue, Gurgaon
In July 2023, while exploring Gurgaon, I was introduced to 32nd Avenue, a vibrant destination catering to both partygoers and families seeking a luxurious shopping and dining venture. Upon the recommendations of my friends, I opted for Bhawan over Potbelly Divine at 32nd Avenue, aiming for a laid-back family dining outing, and it completely lived up to my expectations. A nice, friendly looking, casual place perfect for families with old people and young kids. The ambience was very inviting with illustrations, portraits, and classic mosaic flooring.
The menu was quite interesting. This establishment boasts an extensive selection of chaat and North Indian cuisine. They had some amazing cocktails. I was quite surprised to see Puri and Aamras on their menu during an off-peak season for mangoes in India, however the dish was absolutely delightful! Noteworthy items like the Appam Egg Benedict, Chatpata Palak Patta Chaat, Soda Pops, and their Pav Bhaji truly shine! The food is not only delicious but also impressively presented.
Address: Bhawan, Unit 9, 32nd Avenue, NH-8, Sector 15 Part 2, Gurugram, Haryana 122001, India
13. Bomba - Pizzeria & Taqueria
I had come across an enticing advertisement for Bomba in my Indigo in-flight magazine during my journey from Mumbai to Delhi, and I was already intrigued to give it a try. However, when my friend Anubhav also suggested we dine at Bomba one evening, I felt confident that it was a worthwhile restaurant to explore. With its laid-back atmosphere, open kitchen setup, and an appealing menu, I discovered that the pizzas were delightfully crispy, and the pulled chicken tacos were equally enjoyable. It's refreshing to find a place in Delhi that serves delicious pepperoni pizzas and soft shell tacos.
Address: 21,22,23, Ground Floor, The Gallery On Mg Mall, Mehrauli-Gurgaon Rd, New Manglapuri, Sultanpur, New Delhi, Delhi 110030, India
14. Fig at Museo
Fig at Museo is a Gurgaon gem that beckons not just art aficionados and coffee connoisseurs but they even welcome pets! Now how cute and considerate is that! For someone seeking a peaceful retreat paired with delectable cuisine and exceptional service, Fig is great. For those who cherish winter brunches, Fig offers al fresco seating. I would recommend you stroll through the art displays within Museo's atrium, before you're welcomed by Fig. Because once you nestle yourself in their serene courtyard adorned with lush greenery, you won't feel like moving from there for hours! Their macchiatos and café lattes are truly exceptional, and be sure not to overlook their tempting desserts and flaky croissants. Their sandwiches and salads are also simply irresistible. You'll find yourself returning for more!
Address: Shri Ganesh Mandir Marg, DLF Phase IV, Sector 28, Gurugram, Haryana 122002, India
15. Khurchan Paratha @ Sitaram Diwanchand
Khurchan Paratha is a popular street food dish in Delhi. It is a unique variation of paratha that is known for its crispy and flaky texture. The term 'khurchan' refers to the scrumptious caramelized bits that form on the surface of the paratha during the cooking process.
You can try the Khurchan Parathas at Sitaram Diwanchand located in Paharganj. With a standing room only, they have been dishing out parathas and chole bhature since 1950.
Address: 2243, Rajguru Marg, Chuna Mandi, Paharganj, New Delhi, Delhi 110055, India
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