Delhi Food Trail: 7 iconic food shops that define Delhi

Delhi is aptly called a ‘foodie’s paradise' and for all the right reasons. If you have been born and brought up in Delhi, you might be well-versed in the rich food history of the capital. If you are someone who is not from Delhi, then you might have heard of the immense popularity of Delhi’s street foods. Delhi is packed with eateries and food stalls that are always hustling and bustling with customers. The city is also embedded with some legendary food shops that are more than 100 years old. From snacks and main dishes to desserts and beverages, Delhi is famous for anything and everything. If you are a food enthusiast, then jot down the names of these food shops, do visit them, and take your taste buds on a ‘one of its kind’ culinary journey. (all image credits-istock)

With its creamy ‘melt in the mouth’ texture, Daulat Ki Chaat is a unique dessert that is served only during winters. Unlike other chaats, this dish is sweet in texture and is prepared using mawa, sugar, saffron, froth and nuts. The dessert is native to Delhi and when in Chandani Chowk, you can enjoy authentic Daulat Ki Chaat at this old eatery.

If you are a foodie who lives in Delhi, it is almost impossible to have never visited the iconic Paranthe Wali Gali. As the name suggests, Paranthe Wali Gali is a whole street dedicated to the just parathas. The street is dotted with shops selling all types of parathas. From Aloo Paratha and Paneer Paratha to Gobhi Paratha and Cheese Paratha, you will get more than 50 varieties of parathas in this single food lane. It is said that the initial shops were established during the 1870s and the oldest one among them is Pandit Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan Paranthe Wale.

A small shop in Chandani Chowk which goes by the name ‘Pandit Ved Prakash Lemon Wale’ is known for its Lemon Soda. The shop is more than 150 years old and is known for offering cheap but tasty lemon drinks. You can get a glass of Lemon Soda for just Rs 20 here. Its iconic ‘Nimbu Masala Drink’ is a hit among locals as well as tourists.

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Visiting Delhi and wish to try some authentic Chole Bhature? Visit Chache Di Hatti without thinking twice. Situated in Kamla Nagar, this eatery has been functioning since 1957. Chole Bhature served here is so famous that people from all over India especially come to try it. The place not only offers tasty Chole Bhature but also offers it at an affordable price of just Rs 70.

Situated in the heart of Connaught Place, Jain Chawal Wale opens at 5:30 am and operates till midnight. The shop was established in the year 1975 and used to serve just Kadhi Chawal and Bread Pakora. With time, they expanded their business and now serve a variety of dishes like Rajma Chawal, Makhani Chawal, Chole Chawal, Paneer Kathi Chawal and more.

Karim’s is one such eatery that has expanded its branches far and wide in the country but its Jama Masjid branch is known for its special Kebabs. Always buzzing with customers, Karim’s is famous for its large variety of kebabs such as Shami Kebab, Murgh Kebab, Murgh Malai Kebab, Mutton Seekh Kebab and even Paneer Kebab.

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Chandni Chowk is the food hub of Delhi and another ‘old and famous’ shop, as the name suggests is ‘Old Famous Jalebi Wala’ which has been around since 1884. Crispy jalebis soaked in sugar syrup are enough to make anybody’s mouth water. The jalebis served here are deep-fried in desi ghee and are then soaked in desi Khansari sugar syrup instead of the regular sugar syrup, which sets them apart from others. The shop is not only famous for its Jalebis but also Samosas and Rabri served here.

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