Treat Your Taste Buds Authentic Delhi Flavours With 50-Must Have From The Lanes Of Purani Dilli!

Old Delhi is a world of its own! While the rest of Delhi is spurring up with new cafes and bars, the age-old restaurants and modest stalls/kiosks found in this part of town, are just as precious. We took a stand at some of the most famous places in Purani Dilli and here’s what we found! 

1. Bedmi Poori & Nagori Halwa @ Shyam Sweets

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Land up at Shyam Sweets to feast on crispy Bedmi Puri served with spicy aloo sabzi. Made with sooji and maida, Nagori is a small puri served with sweet halwa, which makes it an excellent brekkie option. This perfect blend of sweet and savoury is a must-have, here!

Where |  Shyam Sweets - H.NO, 112, Chawri Bazar Rd, Near Chowk, Raghu Ganj, Manohar Market, Hauz Qazi, Barshabulla

2. Mutton Nihari @ Kallu Nihari

The folks at Kallu Nihari have probably mastered the art of cooking this fave Delhi dish. The mutton is slow-cooked to perfection and is packed with spices, that makes every bite oh-so-yummy. Paired up with Khameeri Roti, it’s a meal to be relished!

Where | Kallu Nihari - 180, Chhatta Lal Mian, Jama Masjid, Behind Delite Cinema, Daryaganj, Chatta lal Miya, Chandni Mahal

3. Dal Makhni & Dhuandaar Naan @ Kake Di Hatti

Picture Credits: foodiesince96

Head here for a hearty lunch with massive stuffed naans which will surely live up to their name! With their humongous naans, a scrumptious meal awaits you with creamy Dal Makhni and Paneer Butter Masala in tow! Do try the Amritsari Thali as well. 

Where | Kake Di Hatti - 654-666, Church Mission Road, Fatehpuri

4. Butter Wala Chicken @ Aslam Chicken

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Aslam Chicken has been breaking the internet with their Butter Wala Chicken for ages now. The marinated chicken is cooked in a tandoor till tender, then dunked in melted butter which has been enhanced with flavourful spices. Sounds yummy, doesn’t it?

Where | Aslam Chicken - Bazar, Meena Bazaar, 982, Matia Mahal Rd, Kalan Mehal, Chandni Chowk

5. Fried Chicken @ Haji Mohd Hussain

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These folks are known for their crispy and juicy Fried Chicken. The outside is super crunchy and the inside is tender AF. But what sets this apart from its American cousin is the fact that these fried scrummies are laden with flavourful spices that make it crowd-favourite here.

Where | Haji Mohd. Hussain Fried Chicken - No. 113, Jama Masjid, Bazar Matia Mahal, Chandni Chowk

6. Karachi Halwa @ Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwai

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This humble sweet shop has been around for more than 100 years now and serves the most delicious Karachi Halwa. The rubbery and sugary sweet prepared with pure desi ghee has its own timeless charm with a nut-filled texture. You must also try the juicy and tender Gulab Jamuns that are served here for one EPIC sweet treat!

Where | Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwai - 6499, Ground Floor, Fateh Puri Chowk, Chandni Chowk, Near Axis Bank

7. Chole Palak Chawal @ Gole Hatti

Served in a small kulhad, this dish is a concoction of spicy Chole, Palak and Chawal, all mixed and topped with raw onions for that extra crunch. The flavour of the earthen mug combined with the spices, gives this dish a unique flavour.

Where | Gole Hatti - 2-4, Church Mission Road, Fatehpuri

8. Butter Chicken @ Moti Mahal 

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One of the oldest places in the city, this ICONIC joint is known for dishing out creamy AF plates of Butter Chicken in the city. Paired up with Butter Naan, it’s a meal to be savoured, fellow foodies!

Where | Moti Mahal - 3704, Netaji Subhash Marg, Old Daryaganj

9. Bade Ke Kebab @ Lalu Kababee

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If you’re a fan of succulent kebabs then you must defo stop by over here. These juicy kebabs are served in a buttery mix and are topped with onions and sprinkled with masala to add that extra punch to the yummy dish. Priced at just Rs 15, we’re sure you’re itching to try it ASAP!

Where | Lalu Kababee - Urdu Bazar Rd, Jama Masjid

10. Aloo Chaat @ Bishan Swaroop Chaat Bhandar

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The Aloo Chaat served here is zesty and the perfect blend of spicy, tangy and subtle sweetness. These include crispy, shallow fried chunks of boiled potatoes mixed with tamarind sauce to give you the perfect flavour. You must also pig out on the lip-smacking Fruit Chaat while you’re at this shop!

Where | Bishan Swaroop Chaat Bhandar - 421, Chandni Chowk

11. Khan Special @ Khan Omelette Corner

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There’s probably no better start to a day than a hearty plate of omelette. You must drop by this little shop for Khan Special Omelette, which is laden with spices, fresh veggies, and loads of cheese and served with bread. Sounds tempting, doesn’t it? 

Where | Khan Omelette Corner- 48, Katra Baryan, Near Fatehpuri, Chandni Chowk, Baradari

12. Kaju Korma & Pudina Paratha @ Bhaja Govindam

This small eatery flavours the Korma with a cashew nut paste for a rich and creamy taste. Pair up this dish with the classic combo of Dal Makhani and crispy Pudina Paratha for a wholesome meal and you’ll be licking your fingers clean.

Where | Bhaja Govindam - Delite Theater Building, Asaf Ali Rd, Opp. MCD Park

13. Lemonade @ Pt. Ved Parkash

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This little shop will win your heart with its refreshing lemonade. It’s topped with oodles of masala and complemented by sugar, making it the perfect combo of both sweet and savoury flavours!  A must-try thirst quencher in the summers, don’t forget to try this when you’re in the area.

Where | Pt. Ved Parkash - Chandni Chowk Rd, Katra Nagpuri, Katra Asharfi

14. Gobhi Samosa @ Kanwarji’s

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Samosas are a popular Indian chai time snack and you must try Gobhi Samosa at Kanwarji’s when you’re in the neighbourhood. With generous gobhi stuffing that’s flavoured with rich spices and herbs, it’s a must-try desi snack. You must also try tender Gulab Jamuns and crunchy & thin Chikkis for the perfect sweet endings!

Where | Kanwarji’s - 1972-73, Main Road, Near Parathe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk

15. Halwa Nagori & Aloo Puri @ Shiv Mishthan Bhandar

The Sooji Halwa served here is just perfectly sweet, which is served with small cutesy but crispy puris called Nagori and spicy potato curry. The perfect blend of savoury, spicy and sweetness is enough to keep you coming back for more! 

Where | Shiv Mishthan Bhandar - 654-666, Church Mission Road, Fatehpuri

16. Rabri Faluda @ Giani’s Di Hatti

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Sharing the same wall with Kake Di Hatti is Giani’s Di Hatti, which has been making waves thanks to their delish Rabri Faluda since 1956. After a wonderful meal at Kake’s, we recommend that you end things on a sweet note with Giani’s legendary Rabri Faluda! Sweet and creamy rabri topped over faluda - this is the perfect dessert after a fiery meal.

Where | Giani’s Di Hatti - Church Mission Rd, Bagh Deewar, Katra Ghel, Khari Baoli

17. Kulle Ki Chaat @ Hira Lal Chaat

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Fruits like bananas, watermelons, tomatoes and more are scooped and filled with boiled Bengal gram and pomegranate seeds. It is then given a generous sprinkling of a special masala mix. Healthy and delicious, this chaat scores on all grounds and is irreplaceable in our opinion.

Where | Hira Lal Chaat - Shop No, 3636, Gali Lohe Wali, Raghu Ganj, Chawri Bazar

18. Fruit Sandwiches @ Jain Coffee House

These folks have been serving quirky fruit sandwiches since 1984 now and it’s as legendary as it gets! The soft and juicy apple slices placed almost decoratively between chunks of paneer, plum and apple make for the perfect Apple Sandwiches. Now, this is what we call a refreshing sandwich!

Where | Jain Coffee House - 4013, Ballimaran Road, Raghuganj, Near PNB ATM, Chawri Bazar

19. Chole Kulche @ Lotan Chole Kulche 

Situated near Chawri Bazaar Metro Station, this gem is worth checking out when you’re in the neighbourhood! Lotan Ke Chole Kulche is known for its zesty chole that comes in varying spice levels of low, medium and spicy. This crowd favourite street food is definitely going to make you come back for more.

Where | Lotan Chole Kulche - 2363, Chatta Shahji, Chawri Bazar

20. Kalmi Vada @ Ashok Chaat Corner 

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Here the Dal Pakoras are fried till they are crisp & golden-brown and then topped with fresh curd and tangy saunth or tamarind sauce. A sprinkling of the special masala adds extra charm to this signature dish. You also need to try their Purani Dilli Ki Chaat which is absolutely heavenly! 

Where | Ashok Chaat Corner - Shop 3488, Chowk Hauz Qazi, Near Chawri Bazar

21. Roti Boti Roll @ Al Jawahar

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Al Jawahar is known for its range of delicacies that make the crowd go gaga. We're particularly fond of the Roti Boti Roll that’s served at this famous eatery. Just as the name suggests, the roll is packed with juicy meat that’s been cooked to perfection and has been flavoured with oodles of spices!

Where | Al Jawahar - 8, Opposite Gate 1, Matia Mahal Road, Jama Masjid

22. Toufiq Shahi's Mutton Biryani @ Dil Pasand Biryani Point

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Though this one is located near and not in the exact neighbourhood of Chandni Chowk, this one defo deserves a mention. Their flavourful biryani options will win your hearts with the perfect blend of spices. 

Where | Dil Pasand Biryani Point - 735, Haveli Azam Khan, Chitli Qabar Chowk, Jama Masjid

23. Mutton Kebabs @ Qureshi Kabab Corner 

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This one is not as old as other names in the list but it deserves to be mentioned for the succulent kebabs that you will find over here. The good folks here dish out huge kebabs that are dipped in butter and served hot with yummy mint chutney and tomatoes! Their Chicken and Mutton Kebabs are something you CANNOT miss out on here!

Where | Qureshi Kabab Corner - Opposite Gate No.1, Urdu Bazar, Jama Masjid

24. Chai @ Haji Tea Point

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While the former is more of a breakfast joint, this one is definitely the one to hit for lunch. A typical plate offers a spicy potato curry, crispy pooris and perfectly sweetened sooji halwa for a wholesome meal.

Where | Haji Tea Point - Jama Masjid Road, Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid

25. Malai Lassi @ Amritsari Lassi Wala

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What beats the heat better than a glass of Lassi? The chilled Punjabi Lassi from Amritsari Lassi Corner is creamy and wholesome served in a glass so huge, that you will leave well satiated.

Where | Amritsari Lassi Wala - 295, Chowk Fatehpuri 

26. Kachori @ Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala 

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This is the one Indian snack that combines a bucket load of flavours and this place gets all of them right. From the crispy and spicy Kachori to the tamarind flavoured Aloo Sabzi, the small plate of Kachori not only satiates the stomach but the heart too!

Where | Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala - 1104, Maliwara, Jogiwara

27. Daulat Ki Chaat @ Khemchand Daulat Ki Chaat

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This fluffy frothy dessert is a winter delicacy that can only be devoured during the cold months in the lanes of Old Delhi, as a vital part of its preparation includes the winter dew that settles atop boiled milk. Absolutely smooth and creamy - this one cannot be missed! 

Where | Khemchand Daulat Ki Chaat - Naughara Jain Temple, Kinari Bazar, Gali Paranthe Wali

28. Gol Gappe @ Padam Chaat Corner

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We all love our gol gappas but the shop owner here does things differently. He’ll serve you almost 4 different kinds of Gol Gappe with dahi, sev, sweet and spicy chutney and pani, giving his own touch to the mix, which will then be served in a  leaf, and you’re sure to fall in love with all of them! 

Where | Padam Chaat Corner - Kinari Bazar Rd, Kinari Bazar, Katra Shah N Shah

29. Chicken Changezi @ Changezi Chicken

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Changezi Chicken has been serving us epic chicken dishes since 1993 and their special Chicken Changezi is the show stopper that will tempt you right from its smell! It’s spicy, masaledar and has a whole lot more gravy than you would find anywhere else! Try it for a mouth-watering experience. 

Where | Changezi Chicken - Jama Masjid, 2614, Churiwalan

30. Paneer Jalebi @ Kallan Sweets

This one’s for all the foodies with a soft spot for jalebi! Kallan Sweets makes these absolutely sinful Paneer Jalebis that are juicy and crunchy but also simply melt in your mouth and give you a taste of the true flavours of Old Delhi! 

Where | Kallan Sweets -  4 & 5, Matia Mahal Road, Opposite Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid

31. Kebabs @ Babu Bhai Kabab

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Don’t be fooled by the tiny nook this shop occupies ‘cause they’re serving some of the best kebabs in the entire city, that are crunchy from the outside and soft and tender from the inside - making the effort of braving the busy streets of Chandni Chowk - absolutely worth it! 

Where | Babu Bhai Kebab - 1465 B,Near Masjid Sayed Rafai, Chitli Qabar, Jama Masjid

32. Chicken Korma @ Rehmatullah Hotel

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This rich and creamy dish made from yoghurt, chicken pieces and tons of spices is the perfect blend of spicy and savoury food that every non-veg lover is sure to fall in love with, and Rehmatullah Hotel is doing a fabulous job of making this dish too tempting for words! 

Where | Rehmatullah Hotel - 105-110, Matia Mahal Road, Kalan Mehal, Jama Masjid

33. Sharbat @ Sharbat-e-Mohabbat

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This cool & summery drink will refresh you to your fingertips and, so if you’ve had a long day roaming the streets of Old Delhi, stop by this tiny stall and get your hands on the uber yummy Mohabbat-e-Sharbad that has small pieces of watermelon and Roohafza that just add that extra flavour to the drink.

Where | Sharbat-e-Mohabbat - 632, Jama Masjid, Matia Mahal Rd, Bazar Matia Mahal, Kalan Mehal

34. Chicken Shawarma @ Al Yousuf Foods

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Al Yousuf Foods has been serving delectable biryanis, kebabs and Shawarmas and Mughlai cuisine since 1948 and their Chicken Shawarma Rolls are our absolute favourites! This juicy roll filled with succulent chicken pieces that have been roasted to perfection will make you definitely drool!

Where | Al Yousuf Foods - 5187, Ballimaran Rd, Balli Maran, Katra Nawab

35. Paneer Paratha @ Asha Ram Food 

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This is one of the more unexplored Paratha joints in Chandni Chowk but once you taste their parathas, you’ll become an immediate fan! Their Paneer Paratha is a special fan favourite but each and every dish on their menu should be a must-try for y’all!

Where | Asha Ram Food - 755, 1st floor, Above Raymond, Opposite Town Hall

36. Chole Bhature @ Tiwari Ji Corner

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We love our Chole bhature to death and we can say that Tiwari Ji Corner isn’t doing too shabby a job of dishing out scrummy & masaledar chole with fluffy and soft bhature that come in various fillings. Are you drooling as well?!

Where | Tiwari Ji Corner - Shop No. 43, 1, Paranthe Wali Gali, Kinari Bazar, Katra Shah N Shah

37. Sutli Kebabs @ Kaley Baba

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Kaley Baba’s Sutli Kebabs are so soft that they need to be held together by a string of thread and we can say for certain that this tender and creamy piece of meat has been barbecued to perfection! Served on a green leaf with mint chutney on the side, we’d call this dish - absolute perfection! 

Where | Kaley Baba - 789, Sui Walan, Chitli Qabar, Daryaganj, Delhi 110002 Bazar 

38. Shami Kebabs @ Bhaijaan Kebabs

Picture Credits: Sumanta Pal

These round balls of chicken are mixed with tons of spices to create these succulent kebabs that are minced to perfection and immediately melt-in your mouth with each bite! They’re extremely light on the stomach with a flavour that will linger long after you’ve polished off your plate!

Where | Bhaijaan Kebabs - 2202, Wali Baig St, Pahari Bhojla, Sheesh Mahal

39.  Jalebi @ Mahalaxmi Misthan Bhandar

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If you’re a person with a sweet tooth, then you’re sure to go gaga over these sweet thin and extremely crispy jalebis that will take you on a blissful sugar high! Drop by Mahalaxmi Misthan Bhandar in Fatehpuri for your share.

Where | Mahalaxmi Misthan Bhandar - 659, Church Mission Road, Fatehpur

40. Chole Bhature @ Sita Ram Diwan Chand

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When someone says chole bhature, the first thing that pops up in our head is Sita Ram Diwan Chand. An iconic place with deep-fried Bhaturas that are crispy and hot with perfectly-spiced Chole and a tangy pickle accompaniment with fresh raw salad - this place encompasses a perfect meal! 

Where | Sita Ram Diwan Chand - 2243, Rajguru Marg, Chuna Mandi, Paharganj

41. Kachori Aloo @ Kedarnath Premchand Halwai

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We already love Kachori and aloo, but when you put them together, they make for a delish breakfast that you won’t be able to stop devouring and Kedarnath Premchand Halwai is exactly the place to head when you’re craving this delicacy!

Where | Kedarnath Premchand Halwai - 4737, Main Ballimaran, Opposite Chotti Baradari 

42. Bread Pakore @ Jaipur Namkeen Bhandar

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These guys are popular for their Special Bread Pakora and Paneer Bread Pakora that’s filled with paneer chunks, onions and various spices that make them super yummy. Head over on a rainy day and have your fill!

Where | Jaipur Namkeen Bhandar - Delhi Gate, Netaji Subhash Marg, Chatta Lal Miya, Chandni Mahal 

43. Bedmi Puri @  Jain Sahab Poore Wale

One of the best places to savour a plate of Bedmi Puri, the lentil-filled Pooris are crunchy and served with a perfectly spiced potato, pumpkin and chickpea curry. The fenugreek-flavoured, coriander chutney and carrot pickle make for a great accompaniment.

Where | Jain Saab Poore Wale - Near Golcha Cinema On Bahadur Shah Zafar Road, Daryaganj

44. Patrani Macchi @ Parsi Anjuman

This exemplary Parsi hotel offers delicious home-cooked Parsi dishes and Patrani Macchi steals the show with its unique flavour. The marinated and fillet fish is wrapped in Banana leaves and steamed. The dish is absolutely worth gorging on and is served with dollops of love!

Where | Parsi Anjuman - Delhi Gate, Parsi Dharamshala, Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, Near Daryaganj

45. Khoya Gacchak @ Meerut Ki Rewari Wale

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This is a Representative ImagNestled among the many lace shops in Kinari Bazaar is Meerut Wale, where the magic of Khoya Gacchak unfolds in three steps. First, the crispy outer layer cracks open; second, the khoya within, bursts inside the mouth and the after-effect is nothing more than increased lust for the same. This is why people get mounds of this crazy delish item packed in kilos for their loved ones!

Where | Meerut Ki Rewari Wale - 2684, Kinari Bazar

46. Nankhatai @ Streetside Vendors

Kinari Bazaar is dotted with nankhatai vendors and this delicacy can be found pretty much all over the walled city. Made with desi ghee, this Indian style biscuit is soft and a little powdery. You really can’t ignore these open bakeries while exploring the gallis. Stacked in heaps, nankhatai is truly one of a kind!

Where | Kinari Bazaar, Old Delhi

47. Khurchan @ Hazari Lal Jain Khurchan Wale

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Khurchan, in Hindi, means leftovers or what is scraped off from the bottom. This gem of a shop is dedicated only to serving Khurchan, which is made with the reduction of boiled, sweetened milk. This precious gooey and sticky dessert cannot be missed, especially as it’s not easily available in other parts of Delhi!

Where | Hazari Lal Jain Khurchan Wale - 2225, Khurchan Wala, Kinari Bazaar

48. Golgappe Chaat @ Shree Balaji Chaat Bhandar

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We all love to polish off a yummy plate of dahi papdi or golgappe but what if we say we love to fuse them and relish this delish Golgappe Chaat, yaas! The scrummy and crispy golgappe are dipped in chilled curd and comes topped with spicy chutneys and tangy masalas. One try, and you’ll be coming back to this shop for more!

Where | Shree Balaji Chaat Bhandar - Shop 1462, Near Sheesh Ganj Sahib Gurudwara

49. Sheermal @ Haji Imran Sheermal

These heavenly sumptuous treats are rolled out like a thick paratha, laden with an insane amount of almonds, baked in a clay oven and then completely submerged in desi ghee. 

Where | Haji Imran Meerut Wale - Shop 1129, Opposite Gate 1, Jama Masjid 

50. Shahi Tukda @ Cool Point

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This LEGENDARY dessert place is definitely serving paradise on a plate. Each plate has this shahi tukda topped with mango ice cream making it a crowd favourite! Their delightful servings of this creamy dessert will definitely end your food trail on a sweet note!

Where | Cool Point - 972, Bazaar Matia Mahal, Opposite Jama Masjid Gate 1, Jama Masjid

So, plan a trip to Dilli 6 once things get better, and enjoy these dishes to satisfy all your cravings!