Whether you’re new to Delhi or have been living here all your life, there are some iconic food joints in Delhi that you have to grab a bite at. Be it a breakfast parantha or a post-dinner waffle, Delhi’s food culture has grown in leaps and bounds, and these are the culinary legends that have been there for it all.
#FoodBucketList: How Many Of These 22 Iconic Delhi Spots Have You Eaten At?
Rajinder Da Dhaba
Rajinder Da Dhaba, or as it’s famously known, RDX, is one of Delhi’s oldest dhabas serving delicious rolls, galouti kebabs, paneer tikka and more. Go here for a heavy Mughlai feast.
Sita Ram Diwan Chand
The lanes of Paharganj have a lot to offer. The best of the lot? Sita Ram Diwan Chand’s chole bhature. They’ve been around forever now, and have been dishing out some of the best street food in the city.
Gulati’s
If you’re headed to Pandara Road, don’t forget to make a stop at this iconic Mughlai restaurant. Gulati’s has been part of many Delhiites’ childhoods and their Dal Makhani and Butter Chicken are some of the true classics the city has to offer.
Wenger’s
Connaught Place’s beloved gem, Wenger’s is a bakery that has stood the test of time with food critics, and rivals alike. A rum ball here, a shammi kebab there and the next thing you know you’re hooked and experiencing serious Wenger’s withdrawal symptoms. Go here if you’ve got that crazy sweet tooth.
Moolchand Paratha
Parathas are part of the staple diet when it comes to an authentic Delhi breakfast. Moolchand Paratha is arguably the best in the business—the parantha business—serving all kinds of paranthas—from the classic egg and paneer parantha to chilli garlic and egg keema parantha.
The Big Chill Cafe
Iconic might be an understatement when it comes to this place. We bet most Delhiites have had their fair share of Penne Vodka pasta and Mississippi Mudpies here. If you haven’t been here yet, it’s time you clear your schedule and make new plans.
Karim's
Tikkas and kebabs don’t get any better than the ones Karim’s has in store for you. The melt-in-your-mouth and melt-your-heart combinations have been around for decades, and have a special place is Dilliwalas hearts.
Indian Coffee House
Indian Coffee House came about during British rule in the early 1940s. It has seen its ups and downs over the years, but when it comes to old-school ambience and a thirst for coffee, it tops our list time and again.
Moti Mahal
You find a Moti Mahal in almost every neighbourhood in this day, but Daryaganj is where it all started (in Delhi, at least). Founded in 1947, Moti Mahal has been since serving the most delicious butter chicken (rumour has it they came up with the original recipe).
Kwality
Dating back to the 1940s, Kwality in CP is one of the oldest and most iconic restaurants in Delhi. You're spoilt for choices from their expansive Mughlai menu but I hear the Kakori Kebab and Butter Chicken are really good.
United Coffee House
Since 1942 United Coffee House has been a hub for meals, starting from breakfast to high tea, to pre-dinner or late-night coffee (or drinks). Although you can’t go very wrong while ordering here, UCH strongly recommends the Chicken Al’a Kiev, Tomato Fish, Cheese Balls, Fish Meuniere and Keema Samosa. The ambience is always lively and buzzing with activity and conversation.
Old Famous Jalebi Wala
For lip-smacking Jalebi-Rabri duo, you need to go here if you haven't already. Available in a minimum amount of 100 grams, these are served hot and pure joy to have.
Kamal's
Kamal's has been serving some of the best North Indian vegetarian food in Delhi. The place isn't fancy, they have a small outdoor seating on the roadside with a few coolers to beat the heat; people prefer getting food served inside their cars. They're famous for their Handi Dal, which is smoked in a tandoor and has a flavour that you will crave for days. Their naans are crisp, light and buttery like every naan should be and tandoor starters are insane, I personally love the tandoori aloo with their lip smacking chutney. You can clearly tell how much I love this place, and I'm sure it won't disappoint you too.
Depauls
Depaul's has perfected coffee according to the Indian tastebuds; it's nothing extraordinary but you know that you can't get it anywhere else. Its taste is a patent in itself. They have been around since 1952, and still going strong, which is a testament to their success. When it comes to snacks, our top picks are the momo and patties.
Bukhara
Bukhara, inside ITC Maurya, is a five-star restaurant that continues to be the best when it comes to dal makhani. There is no contender to Dal Bukhara, which is slow-cooked for several hours to get the rich buttery taste. They've got a dim-lit ambience with low-height stools for seating. Even after 46 years, you'll always find waiting here so we suggest getting a reservation.
Baba Nagpal
Chhole Bhature and Delhi have a different connection, I mean Delhiites have it for breakfast! It just hits different, and Nagpal in Lajpat is one of the most sought-out spots for it. They serve two large bhaturas with well-spiced chole and kaafi mazedar achaar. Pair this outing with a lassi and you're in heaven.
Kake Di Hatti
Anupama Sweets
One of the hygienic places that serve street food that hits the right spots. We are fans of vada pavs, palak patta chaat and gol gappe. They are also extremely famous for their sweets, our favourite is Kalakand Danedar Burfi. It's value for money, so you never leave dissatisfied with this place!
Saravana Bhavan
Saravana Bhavan is the place I used to go to as a child every Sunday without fail for authentic South Indian food. It's got spacious seating, crispy dosas, soft idlis, flavourful sambar, and of course, kadak filter coffee. Safe to say, if you like South Indian, this place will not disappoint you.
Sanjay Chur Chur Naan
Nizams
For a good soul-satisfying roll, you have to try Nizams. They've got quite a few outlets in Delhi so it's not that hard to reach. One roll equals a full meal, it's that big. My favourite is the paneer and aloo mix—it's everything you hope for from a roll. Good crispy outer covering and soft, bursting of flavour filling. If you like spice like me, don't forget to get more chillies added and most importantly, get extra chutney!
Natraj Dahi Balle
Chandini Chowk is famous for many things, and one of them is Natraj Dahi Balle. The Dahi Bhalla here is not super watery and all the chutneys are also thick and flavourful, which is why this place has become a landmark of sorts. When you’re done with your quota of Dahi Bhallas, be sure to try their Aloo Tikki too. It’s doused generously in a tangy green chutney, a little bit of saunth and tastes so good.