Delhi India Travel Guide
Delhi's cuisine is a rich blend of influences, largely from the Mughal Empire, Punjabi migration, and diverse regional Indian populations. As a past capital, it was a melting pot of culinary traditions.
This city is known for its robust flavors, use of aromatic spices, cream, and ghee (clarified butter). The food tells stories of bygone rulers and the communities that settled here.
Wheat, rice, lentils, dairy products (paneer, yogurt, ghee), various vegetables and meats (chicken, lamb/goat). Spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, cardamom.
Expect rich, spicy, tangy, and often creamy tastes. Mughlai dishes from the Mughal era (kebabs, kormas). Punjabi food hearty, robust (butter chicken, dal makhani).
Street Food a a merging of flavors (chaat, parathas). South Indian and Tibetan/Northeastern cuisines also (dosa, momos).
A velvety, tomato-based chicken curry, rich flavor.
Find at Moti Mahal Delux, Gulati.
Slow-cooked black lentils in a rich, buttery sauce. Spicy chickpea curry with fluffy fried bread.
Chole Bhature at Sitaram Diwan Chand, Chache Di Hatti.
Marinated meat cooked in a tandoor (clay oven), a smoky flavor.
Try at Karim's, Al-Jawahar, Bukhara (ITC Maurya).
Spiced tea with milk and sugar, a beloved daily beverage. Yogurt-based drink, sweet or salted. Mango lassi is popular.
Indian lemonade, refreshing in warm weather. Raw mango drink, especially popular during summer.
Delhi's fine dining scene inventive, offering exquisite culinary encounters from across India and beyond.
These restaurants excellent food and ambiance at reasonable prices city-wide.
Experience authentic Delhi flavors without breaking your budget, a real flavor of local life.
Delhi's diverse population a diverse selection of international cuisine. You can find Italian, Chinese, Japanese, Thai, Continental, Mexican, and other options.
Especially in upscale areas like Connaught Place, Khan Market, Hauz Khas Village, Saket, and Cyber Hub (Gurgaon).
Dilli Haat an open-air market with food stalls from various Indian states handicrafts, a cultural and culinary journey.
Khari Baoli (Old Delhi) Asia's largest spice market, a sensory experience with small eateries.
Gajar Ka Halwa, Sarson ka Saag with Makki ki Roti.
Thandai, Gujiya (sweet dumplings).
Various traditional sweets (Mithai) prepared and shared.
Haleem (slow-cooked stew), Sheer Khurma (vermicelli pudding).
Widely available, especially for non-vegetarian meals in areas with a significant Muslim population like Old Delhi and Nizamuddin.
Most chicken and mutton served in non-vegetarian eateries is halal.
Kosher food is very limited. You might need to source specialized kosher food from specific shops or request it from a high point-end hotels.
Research in advance is highly recommended.
Clearly communicate any severe allergies (nuts, dairy, etc.) to the waitstaff.
Use applications like Happycow to find for finding vegetarian and vegan options. Research dining places ahead of time.
Many local organizations and individuals hands-on cooking classes.
Popular in Old Delhi, these tours street food vendors, hidden eateries, and traditional sweets.
Opportunities for farm visits are limited within Delhi's urban sprawl.
Culinary experiences often Mughlai and North Indian cuisine given Delhi's historical background.
Embrace the rich flavors and cooking techniques.
Food tours highlight the street food scene, a fast and tasty way to sample many dishes.
From savory chaat to sweet jalebis.
Chandni Chowk, Majnu Ka Tilla, Lajpat Nagar Market, Dilli Haat budget-friendly street food and local eateries.
Saravana Bhavan, Karim's, Nathu's Sweets, and many cafes in Hauz Khas Village quality meals.
Indian Accent, Bukhara, Dum Pukht, Varq for high-end dining experiences.
Delhi's food a wonderful journey. Here some recommendations to enjoy it:
