Street Food in Delhi★★★€
Chandni Chowk / Old Delhi / Connaught Place
Garküchen: meist 8:00–22:00, manche 24h
Streetfood: 30–100 ₹ pro Gericht (0,35–1,10 €)
Delhi is the street food capital of India—and thus one of the best street food cities in the world. The culinary tradition ranges from Mughal cuisine (kebabs, biryanis, naan) to North Indian classics (Chole Bhature, Rajma Chawal) to snacks that are only found in Delhi.
The Legendary Addresses
- Paranthe Wali Gali (Chandni Chowk): The "Alley of Parathas"—a narrow lane in Old Delhi where stuffed flatbreads have been fried in ghee since the 19th century. The most famous are filled with cauliflower, potato, radish, or even banana. A paratha set with sides: 60–100 ₹ (~0.70–1.10 €).
- Karim's (Jama Masjid): Since 1913, this institution has served top-notch Mughal cuisine. The ancestors of the owners cooked for the Mughal emperor. Mutton Korma, Seekh Kebab, Chicken Jahangiri—all made from recipes passed down through generations. Main course: 200–400 ₹.
- Old Famous Jalebi Wala (Chandni Chowk): For over 100 years, jalebi (fried dough spirals in sugar syrup) has been prepared here in huge pans. Best in the morning when they are fresh and hot. 50 ₹ per portion.
- Natraj Dahi Bhalle (Chandni Chowk): Perfect Dahi Bhalle (fried lentil dumplings in yogurt sauce with tamarind chutney). A dish that unites the diversity of Indian flavors on one plate. 60 ₹.
Delhi Specialties You Must Try
- Chole Bhature: Chickpea curry with fried flatbreads—Delhi's unofficial breakfast. Best at Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Paharganj). 60–80 ₹.
- Butter Chicken & Naan: Invented in Delhi! Moti Mahal in Daryaganj claims the invention (1947). Creamy tomato curry with tender chicken. 250–400 ₹.
- Chaat: A collective term for spicy-sweet-sour snacks. Gol Gappe (crispy balls with spiced water), Aloo Tikki (potato patties), Papdi Chaat. Best in Bengali Market or Haldiram's.
- Kulfi: Indian ice cream, denser and creamier than Western ice cream. Traditionally with saffron, pistachio, or mango. Available on every street corner for 30–50 ₹.
💡 Tipp
For sensitive stomachs: Eat where many Indians eat (high turnover = fresh food). Avoid cut fruit and raw salads from street stalls. Fried and cooked food is safer than raw. And: Wash hands or use sanitizer before eating!
Achtung
Delhi Belly (traveler's diarrhea) is almost unavoidable. NEVER drink tap water, not even for brushing teeth. Check water bottles for an intact seal. Ice cubes in simple restaurants are often made from tap water—avoid if in doubt.
