A Tasty Chandni Chowk Food Tour Through Old Delhi’s Best Eats

When it comes to an unforgettable gastronomic experience in India, few places can match the vibrant chaos and rich aromas of a Chandni Chowk food tour. Nestled in the heart of Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk is not just a street—it’s a historical culinary maze where centuries-old recipes continue to thrive, carried through generations of cooks. This lively area represents the very essence of Delhi food, offering everything from crispy jalebis to buttery parathas and spicy chaats that are sure to tantalise your taste buds.

A delhi food walk through Chandni Chowk is more than a meal—it’s an immersion into history, tradition, and culture, one bite at a time. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveller, or just curious about India’s street cuisine, this guide will take you through the best places to eat in Chandni Chowk, unravelling the flavours of one of the most iconic chowks India has to offer.

Why Chandni Chowk Is the Heart of Delhi’s Culinary Scene

Founded in the 17th century by Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan, Chandni Chowk has been a bustling market for over 300 years. This Chandni Chowk street is famous not only for its crowded bazaars and Mughal architecture but more so for its legendary eats. From sweets to savoury snacks, this place showcases the best of Chandni Chowk famous food, a mix of Mughlai, Punjabi, Jain, and even some colonial influences. You’ll also find many options for Delhi’s famous food sweet lovers, with rich desserts like jalebi, rabri, and kulfi drawing crowds every day.

A Chandni Chowk food tour offers a chance to taste famous street food in Chandni Chowk that has stood the test of time. Let’s dive into the legendary spots and their signature dishes.

1. Paranthe Wali Gali – The Icon of Delhi Food Items

No Chandni Chowk food experience is complete without visiting Paranthe Wali Gali, a narrow alley brimming with shops selling deep-fried, stuffed parathas. Some of these establishments, like Pt. Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan Paranthewala, have been serving since the 1870s. These parathas are different from the usual—they are fried in pure desi ghee and stuffed with unusual fillings like banana, rabri, cashew, and even papad.

📍 Location: Near Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk
🍽️ Must-Try: Aloo paratha, banana paratha, paneer paratha
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t miss the tangy side chutneys and sweet tamarind sauce that come with the parathas.

2. Jalebi Wala – Sugar, Spice, and Everything Nice

Located at the corner near Dariba Kalan, Old Famous Jalebi Wala is another pillar of Chandni Chowk famous food. Serving jalebis made with desi ghee and dipped in saffron-infused sugar syrup, the shop dates back to 1884. The jalebis here are thick, juicy, and warm—perfect for Delhi mornings.

📍 Location: Opposite Central Baptist Church, Chandni Chowk
🍽️ Must-Try: Desi ghee jalebi with rabri
💡 Pro Tip: Go in the morning when the jalebis are freshly fried.

3. Natraj Dahi Bhalla – The King of Chaat

Just a short walk from the metro station, Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner is legendary. Serving Chandni Chowk street food since 1940, their dahi bhallas (soft lentil fritters dunked in creamy yoghurt and topped with tamarind chutney) are arguably the best in the city.

📍 Location: Near Bhai Mati Das Chowk, Chandni Chowk
🍽️ Must-Try: Dahi bhalla and aloo tikki
💡 Pro Tip: Perfect for a midday snack on your food walk.

4. Karim’s – Mughlai Magic in Old Delhi

When talking about best food in Chandni Chowk, one cannot skip Karim’s, located near Jama Masjid. Founded in 1913, Karim’s is a living legend serving rich Mughlai dishes that define Old Delhi food. The tender mutton kebabs, creamy kormas, and hot tandoori rotis have fans around the world.

📍 Location: Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid
🍽️ Must-Try: Mutton korma, sheekh kebab, chicken jahangiri
💡 Pro Tip: Visit early evening to avoid the long queues.

5. Giani di Hatti – Dessert That Delights

After the spicy rollercoaster, sweeten your journey at Giani di Hatti, famous for its rabri falooda, a dish made from thickened milk, vermicelli, and rose syrup. It’s a cooling and rich dessert that perfectly complements the Delhi food overload.

📍 Location: Church Mission Road, Chandni Chowk
🍽️ Must-Try: Rabri Falooda, Mango Kulfi
💡 Pro Tip: Grab your dessert to go and walk toward the Red Fort for scenic views.

6. Lotan Chole Kulche – Spicy Breakfast Delight

For those who love their food fiery, Lotan Ke Chole Kulche is a morning treat you shouldn’t miss. Their spicy chole (chickpeas) served with fluffy kulchas are topped with generous garnishing of green chillies, ginger, and lemon.

📍 Location: Chawri Bazaar
🍽️ Must-Try: Spicy chole kulche
💡 Pro Tip: Come early, as they usually sell out before noon.

7. Daulat Ki Chaat – A Seasonal Must-Have

Unlike regular chaat, Daulat ki Chaat is a delicate, foamy dessert that appears only in winter. It’s made by whisking milk foam overnight and garnished with saffron and nuts. It’s one of the most unique Chandni Chowk famous food items and a rare delicacy.

📍 Location: Streets of Chandni Chowk (mobile vendors)
🍽️ Must-Try: Daulat ki Chaat
💡 Pro Tip: Available only in winter (November to February)

8. Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale – A Frozen Legend

This shop has been delighting customers with hand-made stuffed kulfis for over a century. From mango to paan-flavoured kulfis, this is where traditional Indian ice cream meets innovation.

📍 Location: Sitaram Bazar, Kucha Pati Ram
🍽️ Must-Try: Stuffed mango kulfi, paan kulfi
💡 Pro Tip: Great spot to end your Chandni Chowk food tour on a sweet note.

9. Haldiram’s Chandni Chowk – Modern Meets Traditional

While Haldiram’s is a chain, their Chandni Chowk outlet holds its own, offering hygienic versions of Chandni Chowk street food in a more comfortable setting. From raj kachori to bhalla papdi, you’ll find all Delhi food items under one roof.

📍 Location: Opposite Sis Ganj Gurudwara
🍽️ Must-Try: Raj kachori, bhalla papdi, gulab jamun
💡 Pro Tip: Perfect if you want a break from the street.

Best Time to Go on a Chandni Chowk Food Walk

• Morning (9 AM – 11 AM): Great for breakfast items like chole kulche and jalebis.
• Afternoon (12 PM – 4 PM): Ideal for a hearty lunch at Karim’s or snacks at Natraj.
• Evening (5 PM – 8 PM): Best for desserts and shopping for spices and dry fruits.

Tips for Navigating Chandni Chowk

• Footwear: Wear comfortable shoes; the lanes are crowded.
• Cash: Many vendors prefer cash payments.
• Hydration: Carry water but avoid street-side drinks unless bottled.
• Guided Tours: If you’re unfamiliar with the area, joining a local food walk tour can enhance your experience.

Why a Chandni Chowk Food Tour Is Unmissable

A visit to Delhi is incomplete without experiencing Chandni Chowk famous food. It’s not just a collection of dishes—it’s a vibrant narrative of India’s cultural and culinary evolution. From Mughlai delicacies to Jain sweets, Chandni Chowk brings all flavours of India into a few bustling streets. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, each Old Delhi food walk tour offers something new to taste, see, and savour.

So next time you plan your Delhi itinerary, make sure you reserve a full day to explore the Chandni Chowk street. It’s more than a Delhi food hub—it’s a legacy.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a die-hard foodie, a history lover, or someone seeking the best food in Chandni Chowk, this area promises a mouth-watering journey. And while the crowded streets and noise may overwhelm you at first, one bite of Chandni Chowk famous food will make it all worth it.

Make sure to explore slowly, savour every bite, and soak in the soul of Old Delhi food. After all, in the heart of Chowk, India, every plate tells a story.