A food walk in the streets of Delhi

“ Delhi has an immense range of street food from healthy food options like sprouts chaat is to mouthwatering delicacies like gol gappas which makes it a paradise for epicures. Anyone that has been to the city can tell you that it’s a healthy and muddled mix of cultures that’s led to a warm bonhomie amongst its residents and visitors. From the old-world lanes of Chandni Chowk to the more imperial set up in Connaught Place, Delhi, or Dilli, has something for everyone. You’ve got to give it to Delhi for housing the best roadside stalls and dhabas which people from all over the world come to experience. Such is the love for roadside food that you will not be able to find a single street in Delhi without a dynamic roadside seller or hawker. Whether it’s the spicy and zesty papdi chaats or the butter-dripping paranthas, there’s just no denying that Delhi loves its street food! Here’s your guide to the best places to eat it at! “

by: Shashank Parmar and Faiza Noor

1.Parathe Wali Gali

While visiting northern parts of India and not having Paratha is a sin in itself. Parathe Wali Gali which translates to the street of Paratha  is one of the most famous streets of Chandni Chowk running parallel to Dariba Kalan where one can be assured of the best variety of paranthas or the Indian flatbread.The paranthas sold at these shops are unique and very different from the traditional Punjabi paranthas that are usually stuffed and then roasted on the flat 'Tawa' (flat dripping pan) partially cooking them with oil and finishing off the crisp parantha by smearing it with the desi ghee.These parathas have various stuffings of vegetables like cauliflower,potato or cottage cheese and non-vegetarian options contain chicken keema which adds more nutritional value to the flatbread.

Average Cost for two people: INR 150-200.
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM -11:00 PM
Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk on Yellow Line
Address: Gali Paranthe Wali, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.

2.Jain Chawal Wale

Located in the heart of Delhi, this place is pretty much a life-saving spot for all the Delhiites out there. Best known for its mouth-wateringly good North Indian food, this place offers an array of dishes like the famous Rajma Chawal, Shahi Paneer Chawal, Soya Masala. They serve curries like that of beans,cottage cheese or soya chunks with boiled rice with a blend of hot spices soothing to the Indian taste palette. Their plate offers a nutritive mixture of healthy carbs and proteins and makes the tastiest and affordable lunch one can have while visiting the Connaught Place of Delhi.

Average cost for two people: INR 250

Opening hours:12:30 AM-5 PM 

Nearest Metro Station: Rajiv Chowk on Yellow Line

Address: Jain Chawal Wale - Block P, Connaught Place

3. Ashok Chaat Corner

A favorite amongst most Indians, Gol Gappas go by different names in different states, like Panipuri in Maharashtra and Phuchka in West Bengal.These crunchy balls are made with semolina or wheat flour. The Delhi Gol Gappas are stuffed with a spiced mix of boiled potato cubes, chickpeas and coriander and some sweet chutney after which they are dipped in chilled tangy flavored water and served.Ashok Chaat Corner is one such corner that offers a variety of scrumptious treats like Kalmi Vada, Delhi Chaat, Bhalla Papri, Gol Gappa and LOTS more.Each Gol Gappa is made on demand and handed to you by the guy making it as you eat, even the way the Gol Gappa is placed in your bowl is timed perfectly to you finishing the crunchy flavorful ball in your mouth.

Average Cost for two people: INR 150-200.

Opening Hours: 10 AM -11 PM

Nearest Metro Station: Chawri bazar on Yellow Line

Address: Ashok Chaat Corner - Shop 3488, Chowk Hauz Qazi, Near Chawri Bazar

4. Daulat Ki Chaat

Imagine fresh creamy milk that’s churned and the thick foam is separated which is later mixed with sugar and flavouring; that’s Daulat ki Chaat. Although it’s called a chaat, Daulat ki Chaat is actually a sweet dish. Made up of a rich, creamy foam collected by churning milk, it is mixed with sugar and saffron, then garnished with pistachios and almonds before serving.With richness of proteins and healthy fats and nuts,its the best delicacy one must try after a feast to complete with. Heavenly to eat, this popular plate of goodness is as unique as it sounds.

Average Cost for two people: INR 100

Opening Hours: 10 AM -2 PM

Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk on Yellow Line

Address: Babu Ram, Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk

5.Qureshi Kebab

A visit to old Delhi is incomplete without kebabs. Popularly known as the kebab town, the streets are full of shops and vendors selling all types of non-vegetarian delicacies.Kebabs are minced chicken or mutton with richness of authentic Indian spices and herbs wrapped around skewer and barbequed until brown and tender. From Reshmi Kebab, made with minced meat and coriander to Kalmi Kebab – chicken legs marinated in yogurt and cream, there are tons of options when it comes to non-vegetarian street food options in Delhi. We indeed suggest the Kalmi Kebab if you’re not a fan of spicy dishes. Another dish that is incredibly famous in Delhi is the Galouti Kebab, a melt-in-your-mouth meat kebab mixed with spices and shallow fried on a wide pan.

Average Cost for two people: INR 500

Opening Hours: 2 PM - 12 AM

Nearest Metro Station: Chandni Chowk on Yellow Line

Address: Qureshi Kebab Corner, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk

Delhi is a city brimming with culture and diversity and it is indeed a foodie’s paradise. While there are many more places that can satiate your appetite, these are the ones from the list of Delhi street food joints, that you must NOT miss.