Must-Try Foods In Delhi (India) For Tourists 2026 - 2027

Food History of Delhi, India

Delhi's food history is as intricate and rich as its cultural tapestry. The city has been the capital of various empires throughout history, including the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughal Empire. These reigns introduced a plethora of flavors from Central Asia, Persia, and the Middle East, giving birth to the rich Mughlai cuisine. Delhi's street food also tells stories of migration, adaptation, and fusion. The Partition of India brought a significant influx of refugees from Pakistan, who contributed to the city's culinary diversity with their own techniques and secret recipes.

The city's food is characterized by its complex spice blends and techniques like slow-cooking and tandoori. From the narrow lanes of Old Delhi where kebabs and parathas reign supreme to the bustling streets of New Delhi with its cosmopolitan flair, food is an essential thread in the city's vibrant tapestry.

Must Try Top 10 Food Dishes in Delhi, India for Tourists

• Chole Bhature - A Punjabi dish of spicy chickpeas (chole) served with puffed, fried bread (bhature). (Veg)
• Paranthas - Stuffed flatbreads often served at breakfast; Parathe wali Gali in Old Delhi is famous for its variety. (Veg/Non-Veg Options available but primarily Veg)
• Aloo Tikki - Spiced potato patties that are fried and served with various chutneys and spices. (Veg)
• Butter Chicken - A creamy tomato-based curry with tender pieces of chicken, best enjoyed with naan or rice. (Non-Veg)
• Daal Makhani - A rich and buttery dish made with black lentils and red kidney beans, slow-cooked to perfection. (Veg)
• Gol Gappe (Pani Puri) - Hollow puri filled with a mixture of flavored water, tamarind chutney, chili, chaat masala, potato, onion, and chickpeas. (Veg)
• Rajma Chawal - Red kidney beans in a thick gravy served with steamed rice, a North Indian favorite. (Veg)
• Kulfi - A frozen dairy dessert, similar to ice cream but denser and creamier, available in various flavors. (Veg)
• Kebabs - Grilled on skewers, a variety of kebabs are available but seek the veg options like hara bhara kebab. (Veg/Non-Veg options available with emphasis on Veg)
• Chaat - A broader term for a range of savory snacks that are typically served at roadside tracks from stalls or food carts. (Veg)

Top Famous Restaurants in Delhi, India

• Karim's
  Address: 16, Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
  Famous Food: Mutton Korma, Chicken Jahangiri (Non-Veg)
• Haldiram's
  Address: Multiple locations including Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
  Famous Food: Chole Bhature, Raj Kachori (Veg)
• Paranthe Wali Gali
  Address: Gali Paranthe Wali, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
  Famous Food: Mixed Paranthas, Papad Parantha (Veg)
• Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala
  Address: 1396, Main Road Near Central Bank, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
  Famous Food: Dahi Bhalla, Aloo Tikki (Veg)
• Indian Accent
  Address: The Lodhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi
  Famous Food: Modern Indian cuisine with a global twist, Paneer Kofta, Soy Keema (Veg options available)
• Al Jawahar
  Address: Jama Masjid Matia Mahal Road, Opposite Gate No 1, Meena Bazaar, Old Delhi
  Famous Food: Chicken Changezi, Mutton Stew (Non-Veg)
• Saravana Bhavan
  Address: P-13, Connaught Circus, Connaught Place, New Delhi
  Famous Food: South Indian Cuisine like Masala Dosa, Rava Idli (Veg)
• Chor Bizarre
  Address: Hotel Broadway, 4/15A, Asaf Ali Road, Delhi
  Famous Food: Wazwan cuisine, Kashmiri Kebabs (Veg/Non-Veg options available with emphasis on Veg)
• Bukhara
  Address: ITC Maurya, Diplomatic Enclave, Sadar Patel Marg, New Delhi
  Famous Food: Dal Bukhara, Tandoori Paneer (Veg)
• Big Chill
  Address: Multiple locations including Khan Market, New Delhi
  Famous Food: Penne Vodka Pasta, Baked Macaroni (Veg)