A Walk Through Old Delhi’s Culinary Delights with Travelguru Homestays

Delhi is a gourmet paradise, with dozens of fine-dining options and hundreds of street food places dotting the city. From Chandni Chowk to Majnu ka Tilla, you will pass through the narrow gullies that have overwhelming stories to narrate. Though the entire city shares an intimate relationship with the food, it’s Old Delhi that offers a unique temptation that is hard to resist. If you’re unfamiliar with the area, it’s a good idea to take a guided tour with a local by your side. How about taking your homestay host? Sounds great? So, get ready to indulge your appetite and feast on Delhi’s favourite culinary delights.

First Stop: Chandni Chowk

a) Paranthe Wali Gali: Give a perfect start to your morning routine by having sumptuous paranthas at Paranthe Wali Gali. Drop in to have a plain parantha or select stuffing of your choice – cauliflower, potato, eggs, keema, radish, bananas and more.

b) Natraj Dahi Bhalle: A visit to Chandni Chowk is incomplete without a stop at Natraj Dahi Bhalle. The shop has been in the area for over 70 years, and has been ticking the Delhi’s food scene ever since.

c) Lala Babu Chaat Bhandaar: Only a localite would know of this place, and if your host takes you to the chaat bhandar, trust us, you are with a good bunch of people.

d) Karim’s: This is a hidden gem tucked in a corner of the chaotic streets of Chandni Chowk. All meat lovers must stop here for heavenly kebabs and divine mutton nihari.

e) Amritsari Lassi Wala: Gulp down a glass of refreshing lassi to beat the heat. The creamy and frothy lassi will take away the tiredness of the day, drifting you off to sleep (make this your last stop).

Second Stop: Jama Masjid

a) Haji Mohd. Hussain Fried Chicken: Dishing out fried chicken, long before KFC came into existence, this eatery is one of the important pit stops to make during food tour in Old Delhi. We’re sure your host too would be a regular visitor here.

b) Laung Churey Kebab: This one is for the vegetarians on the food trail. Serving the most delectable laung churey kebab, this place is one deal that you cannot pass. Made with fresh besan, aata and onion, the kebabs are served with amchur, salt, red chili and garam masala.

c) Cool Point: After all those heavy and oily stuff, you can head to the Cool Point to give yourself a little break. The outlet has been in the area from last 25 years. Their speciality includes shahi tukda (deep fried bread, dipped in thick cream and sugar syrup), phirni, kesar milk, lassi, badam milk, and vanilla and mano ice cream.

d) Kallan Sweets: Overlooking one of the gates of Jama Masjid, Kallan Sweets is a paradise for all those with a sweet tooth. Some of their specialities include paneer ki jalebi, khoya samosa, keema samosa (stuffed with small meat pieces and shaped like a gujiya).

Third Stop: Daryaganj

Image Credits: mapsofindia.com

a) Khemchand Adesh Kumar’s Daulat ki Chaat: Enriched with khoya and saffron, and churned with milk, Daulat ki Chaat is one of the best chaats in the entire city. Its preparation takes six hours, which is reason enough to make a pit stop at this outlet.

b) Changezi Chicken: Occupying a long stretch on Churi Walan Gali, Changezi Chicken is known for serving chicken in a tangy gravy of yogurt, tomatoes and onion; paya, beef biryani, nihari and a range of other chicken preparations.

c) Sardarji Puri Chola Wale: For a hearty meal of puri and chole, head to the outlet between 9:30 am and 12:30 pm, as the food sells out by 12:30. Worried about what if you get late? Fret not, they also serve bread pakora, paneer pakora, raj kachori, gulab jamun and gajar ka halwa, to name a few items.

d) Samose Wali Dukaan: The history of shop’s establishment at the time of Independence speaks for the quality of samosas they serve. Aloo and matar samosas are the two options available, and as soon as you take your first bite, an explosion of flavours in your mouth will leave you craving for more.

e) Guptaji Ki Mashoor Pav Bhaji: For those craving for Mumbai’s pav bhaji, this place will surprise your taste buds. Serving Mumbai’s staple – vada pav, Guptaji also serve sev puri and bhelpuri for complete indulgence.

Enough for the day, already? Well, this was just the beginning of what Delhi has in stock for you. Tag along your host and set on a culinary tour across Delhi.

P.S. Experience the best of food scene with homestays in Delhi.