Best Places to Eat in Chandni Chowk

Prabodh

6 months ago

Best Places to Eat in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi: A Culinary Journey

Chandni Chowk, a bustling market located in the heart of Old Delhi, is a haven for food lovers. Known for its rich history, vibrant culture, and diverse street food, this area has become synonymous with authentic Old Delhi flavors. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, exploring Chandni Chowk’s culinary offerings is a must. In this article, we will guide you through the best places to eat in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, while sharing valuable tips and insights for a memorable food journey.

Chandni Chowk: A Food Lover’s Paradise

Chandni Chowk, the historic market of Old Delhi, is not only a shopping destination but also a culinary hub. Bursting with energy and flavors, it offers a wide array of food options that represent the essence of Delhi’s street food. The area is renowned for serving mouth-watering delicacies that have been perfected over centuries, making it a must-visit for any food enthusiast.

A Brief History of Chandni Chowk’s Culinary Scene

Chandni Chowk’s food culture is as old as the market itself, dating back to the Mughal era. The food here has been influenced by the Mughal rulers, who brought with them a rich tradition of cooking. Over the years, this market has evolved into a gastronomic hotspot, known for both its street vendors and renowned restaurants, each offering unique flavors of Old Delhi.

Famous Street Foods of Chandni Chowk

Chandni Chowk is the epicenter of street food in Delhi. Let’s explore some of the top street food joints that you cannot miss:

1. Paranthe Wali Gali

One of the most iconic food lanes in Chandni Chowk, Paranthe Wali Gali is known for its crispy, stuffed parathas. This small alley offers a variety of parathas, from classic aloo (potato) to unique fillings like rabri and paneer.

2. Natraj Dahi Bhalla

Established in 1940, Natraj Dahi Bhalla serves a delectable dish of soft bhallas (fried lentil dumplings) soaked in yogurt and topped with tangy tamarind chutney.

3. Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale

Famous for its unique flavored kulfi (traditional Indian ice cream), Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale has been serving Delhiites for over a century. Their stuffed kulfis, available in flavors like mango, pomegranate, and paan, are a hit among locals and tourists alike.

Popular Restaurants in Chandni Chowk

Aside from street vendors, Chandni Chowk is home to several famous restaurants that serve traditional dishes passed down through generations.

1. Karim’s

Founded in 1913, Karim’s is synonymous with Mughlai cuisine in India. Located near Jama Masjid, this iconic restaurant serves delicious kebabs, nihari (slow-cooked meat stew), and biryanis that capture the essence of Mughal-era cooking.

2. Haldiram’s

Although it has expanded globally, Haldiram’s maintains its roots in Old Delhi. It is the go-to place for Indian sweets like rasgulla and gulab jamun, along with savory snacks like chole bhature and samosas.

Must-Try Dishes in Chandni Chowk

1. Daulat ki Chaat

A delicate, creamy dessert made from churned milk and topped with saffron and pistachios, Daulat ki Chaat is a seasonal winter delicacy. It melts in your mouth and leaves a lasting impression.

2. Aloo Tikki

A spicy, crispy potato patty served with tamarind and mint chutney, aloo tikki is a popular snack that can be found at many stalls in Chandni Chowk.

3. Jalebi

The Old Famous Jalebi Wala is known for its thick, crispy jalebis, soaked in sugar syrup. This sweet treat is an essential part of the Chandni Chowk food experience.

Vegetarian Delights

1. Jain Chawal Wale

Jain Chawal Wale is famous for its affordable and delicious North Indian dishes. Their rajma chawal (kidney beans and rice) and kadhi chawal (spiced yogurt curry with rice) are favorites among vegetarians.

2. Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwai

Known for its sweets, especially the legendary Karachi halwa, Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwai has been serving sweets to Delhi for more than a century.

Mughlai Specialties

1. Karim’s

Karim’s deserves a second mention for its wide range of Mughlai kebabs and curries. Their mutton seekh kebab is particularly famous for its tender, flavorful taste.

2. Al-Jawahar

Located near Jama Masjid, Al-Jawahar is another must-visit for Mughlai cuisine. Their mutton qorma and chicken curry are rich, flavorful, and steeped in history.

Sweet Tooth Heaven

1. Old Famous Jalebi Wala

As mentioned earlier, this place is a haven for those with a sweet tooth. The jalebis here are thick, crispy, and generously coated with sugar syrup.

2. Kanwarji’s

Located in the heart of Chandni Chowk, Kanwarji’s offers a wide range of sweets and savory snacks. Their dal biji (fried lentil mix) and kalakand (milk cake) are highly recommended.

Exploring Hidden Gems

1. Haji Tea Point

Haji Tea Point is a small, unassuming tea stall that serves some of the best masala chai in the area. A perfect stop for tea lovers looking to take a break from all the eating.

2. Lotan Chole Kulche Wala

This small stall has been serving mouth-watering chole kulche (spiced chickpeas with bread) for decades. A must-try for lovers of North Indian street food.

FAQ Section: Best Places to Eat in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi

Q1. What is the best time to visit Chandni Chowk for food?

A: The best time to visit Chandni Chowk is during the late afternoon or early evening when most vendors are open, and the streets are bustling with activity.

Q2. Is the street food in Chandni Chowk safe to eat?

A: Yes, but it’s important to take precautions. Opt for food stalls that are crowded, as they tend to serve fresh food. Avoid items like raw salads or beverages made with unfiltered water.

Q3. What are the must-try dishes in Chandni Chowk?

A: Some of the must-try dishes include parathas from Paranthe Wali Gali, daulat ki chaat, jalebis, and kebabs from Karim’s.

Q4. Are there vegetarian options available?

A: Absolutely! Chandni Chowk offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes, such as aloo tikki, rajma chawal, and kachoris.

Q5. What is the price range of food in Chandni Chowk?

A: Food in Chandni Chowk is very affordable. Street food items range from ₹20 to ₹100, while meals at restaurants like Karim’s can cost around ₹300-₹500 per person.

Q6. Can I find sweets in Chandni Chowk?

A: Yes, Chandni Chowk is famous for its sweets. Be sure to try jalebis, gulab jamun, and the famous Karachi halwa.

Conclusion

Chandni Chowk is truly a food lover’s paradise. From the tantalizing street food to the heritage Mughlai dishes, it offers an unparalleled culinary experience. Whether you’re a fan of spicy chaat or have a sweet tooth craving jalebis, Chandni Chowk has something for everyone.