Bustling markets with aromas of spices from numerous little street food stalls is a way of life in Delhi. Everyone, from ex-army grandpas and hygiene obsessed medico moms, to chatty teens, put their inhibitions aside and enjoy their fill from these little stalls, now characteristic of Delhi.
It's time that you take to the streets too and while you're there, pick from our favorite street food options in the city.
A magical soufflé-like dessert available only in the winter months, it is one of the gems that makes Chandni Chowk so special. This sweetened foam of cold churned milk is left to set in the morning dew, and then served with ‘karara’. Try any of the hawkers scattered across the area in this season. It has khoya, pista, kesar, khurchan, milk and cream! Priced approximately at INR 50 for a plate.
A mecca for chicken lovers in the city, Aslam Chicken Corner's grilled butter chicken is truly unique. Slightly overdone on the sigri with a delightful smoky char, the chicken is then tossed in a concoction of butter, cream and some spices. The shop is almost 16 years old and they're famous for their kebabs and secret masalas even today!
Butter chicken and chicken kebabs are the most popular, original dishes here. They have a small menu and serve paneer, fish and chicken, but it's so iconic and famous that there was never a need to expand.
Price for two: INR 500.
Possibly the closest to the Bambaiya bhaji, the store's proximity to North Campus makes it a college students’ hub. Spicy and buttery, the pav bhaji is worth every extra minute on the treadmill! The bhaji is prepared first and then, the pavs are thrown into the delicious and steaming hot bhaji, and served with fresh coriander. Their portions also are enough for two people.
Also popular At New Arjun are the pulao rice and vada pao.
Price: INR 130.
It’s a struggle to make your way through the perpetual crowd outside this shop, but tolerate the pushing and shoving, because what awaits is a delightfully fresh (and hygienic) dish you'll come back for over and over again. They do it all with their secret chaat masala!
Price: INR 100 onwards.Popular among office goers in the area for a refreshing break from the daily drudgery, these items double up as ideal ‘vrath food’ as well. The shop is almost 40 years old and is run by two brothers. They make their own masalas and customise it as per the customers' needs. Other than aloo chaat and fruit chaat, they are also known for their juices, shakes, lassi and masala soda. Sadly, they're closed on Sundays.
Price: Fruit chaat at INR 50 or INR 60, aloo chaat at INR 40.
I fondly remember saving a week’s pocket money when I was in school for a chur chur naan meal. Crisp paneer stuffed naans served with daal/chole and a glass of buttermilk - indulgence doesn’t get better than this! The Paneer Pyaaz Kulcha Thali (INR 177) is a must-have here.
The shop opens at 10:30 am and closes by around 11:00 pm.
Price: INR 200 for one (approx.).Cooked on one of the biggest tawas we’ve ever seen, the chicken remains on a low flame for many hours. Once rendered soft and succulent, the meat is served in a spicy red gravy. This dish is a must-try!
Price: INR 500 for two.
This small eatery in the heart of the city has attained a cult status just for their kulfi-falooda. India’s answer to the ice cream is the Dilliwala’s favourite sugar fix. Although they're really famous for their kulfi, their chhole bhature, dahi bhalla, papri chaat, and raj kachori are equally amazing.
Price: INR 125 for kulfi.
Known for its textiles and the rajma chawal, Shankar Market sees massive crowds at lunch time for this North Indian staple. Affordable and filling, this is comfort food at its best to get you through a rough day at work. Push your way through the throng because this little stall is busy for a reason!
Price: INR 70.
Aap Ki Khatir has a reputation of serving delicious non-veg snacks like kebabs and tikkas. This is an eat-in-your-car/takeaway joint that does the best kind of mutton kakori kebabs! They also have romali roti and kathi roll options. But if you're looking for something more filling, go for their chicken or mutton qorma.
Price: INR 180.
The best parathas are found in dhabas, and the honest mark of a good dhaba is the number of students frequenting it. With possibly the best paneer parathas in the city, and a mean chicken variant as well, Laxman Dhaba is one epic dhaba you need to head to. It is also rumoured to be one of Ranbir Kapoor’s favorites!
Price: INR 70 for paneer parantha and INR 75 for chicken parantha.
Known to be able to make 225 kinds of omelettes (no kidding!), the owner himself recommends the Star Monaco and Special Tandoori Jalandhari. A visit here will change your perception of an omelette!
Price: INR 100 onwards.
Banta is Delhi’s quintessential street drink. Nothing screams ‘spring is here’ like the fizz from pushing the marble down a Banta bottle. While Chandni Chowk (Ved Prakash Lemon Wale) claims credit for this refreshing drink, I am partial to the stall outside Hindu College for its perfect concoction of lemon, ice, and masala.
Price: INR 50 (approx.)