The Ultimate Guide to Delhi’s Must-Eat Restaurants and Local Flavors

Delhi, the capital city of India, is a food lover’s paradise, offering an incredible variety of local flavours and culinary experiences. From street food stalls to high-end restaurants, the city has a rich and diverse food culture that’s guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on anyone who visits. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, discovering the best things to eat in Delhi is an adventure in itself. In this ultimate guide, we’ll take you through the must-eat places in Delhi, the best things to eat in Delhi, and some budget restaurants in Delhi that offer delicious meals without breaking the bank. Get ready to explore the places to eat in Delhi that are not just famous but also serve the good food in Delhi that everyone raves about.

Must-Try Food in Delhi

Delhi is home to a variety of dishes that have been perfected over centuries. The city’s food scene is a blend of Mughal, Punjabi, and street food influences. No visit to Delhi is complete without trying some of the city’s iconic dishes. Here are the must-try foods in Delhi that will make your visit unforgettable:

1. Chole Bhature

One of the best things to eat in Delhi is the ever-popular Chole Bhature. This hearty dish consists of spicy chickpeas (chole) served with large, fluffy, deep-fried bread (bhature). It’s a breakfast favourite, but you can find it all day long in most North Indian eateries. Pair it with a cold glass of lassi, and you’ve got a perfect meal.

2. Paranthas in Paranthe Wali Gali

A visit to Delhi isn’t complete without tasting the iconic paranthas of Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk. These crispy, stuffed flatbreads are filled with a variety of fillings such as potatoes, paneer, cauliflower, and even rabri (sweetened condensed milk). The must-eat places in Delhi like these are perfect for a street food experience.

3. Butter Chicken

Delhi is the birthplace of butter chicken, a rich and creamy chicken dish that has become a global favourite. The dish is made with marinated chicken cooked in a tomato-based gravy, enriched with butter and cream. Head to places like Moti Mahal to try the best version of this classic dish. It’s definitely one of the best things to eat in Delhi!

4. Kebabs

If you’re a meat lover, Delhi’s kebabs are something you simply cannot miss. From seekh kebabs to reshmi kebabs, the city offers an incredible range of grilled meat options. For the most authentic experience, visit Karim’s near Jama Masjid or Kebabs & Kurries for a delicious treat.

5. Samosas and Jalebis

A perfect combination of savoury and sweet, the samosa and jalebi duo is a staple in Delhi. The crispy samosas, filled with spiced potatoes or meat, are best enjoyed with a hot cup of masala chai. For dessert, indulge in some warm, crispy jalebis that are syrup-soaked and utterly delightful.

Best Things to Eat in Delhi

When it comes to exploring the best things to eat in Delhi, the city offers an impressive mix of traditional and modern cuisine, catering to a range of tastes and preferences. From aromatic biryanis to spicy street food, there’s something for every palate. Here are some more of the best things to eat in Delhi:

6. Biryani

Delhi is home to some of the most flavourful biryanis in India. The Old Delhi Biryani, made with tender meat and fragrant basmati rice, is a dish you can’t afford to miss. Al Jawahar and Biryani by Kilo are among the must-eat places in Delhi where you can enjoy a plate of this iconic dish.

7. Dahi Bhalla

Dahi Bhalla is a cooling and refreshing snack that’s perfect for those who enjoy street food with a twist. Soft lentil dumplings are soaked in yoghurt, topped with tamarind chutney, and sprinkled with spices. It’s one of the best things to eat in Delhi, especially during the hot summer months.

8. Aloo Tikki

Crispy, golden-brown potato patties stuffed with spiced potatoes, Aloo Tikki is another iconic Delhi snack. It’s served with tangy chutneys and yoghurt, and you can find it at most street food vendors. For the best good food in Delhi, try it at Shree Gopal Ji Chaat Bhandar.

9. Kachori and Aloo Sabzi

Kachoris, deep-fried pastries stuffed with spiced lentils or peas, paired with a hot, spicy aloo sabzi (potato curry), are a quintessential Delhi breakfast. This simple yet tasty dish is popular in local markets, and you’ll find it in many places to eat in Delhi, especially in areas like Chandni Chowk and Nizamuddin.

Best Places to Eat in Delhi

Delhi has a wide range of places to eat, whether you’re craving a sumptuous meal at a luxury restaurant or prefer the bustling vibe of street food. Here are the must-eat places in Delhi where you can enjoy the best things to eat in Delhi:

1. Karim’s

If you want to experience the authentic Mughlai cuisine of Delhi, head straight to Karim’s near Jama Masjid. Known for its legendary kebabs, biryanis, and mutton korma, this place serves some of the most delicious good food in Delhi. It’s a must-visit for food lovers seeking traditional flavours.

2. Paranthe Wali Gali

Chandni Chowk’s Paranthe Wali Gali is an iconic place to eat in Delhi. Offering a variety of paranthas, you can choose from fillings like mixed vegetables, potatoes, and even rabri. For food enthusiasts, this narrow alley is a food haven.

3. Bukhara

If you’re looking for a fine dining experience with rich, flavourful food, Bukhara in the ITC Maurya Hotel is one of the best places to eat in Delhi. Their Dal Bukhara, Tandoori Roti, and Kebabs are legendary. It’s one of the must-try foods in Delhi for those who want to experience upscale Indian cuisine.

4. Saravana Bhavan

For fans of South Indian cuisine, Saravana Bhavan is an excellent choice. This popular restaurant is known for its dosa, idli, and sambar, served with a variety of chutneys. It’s an affordable and delicious option for vegetarians, making it one of the best things to eat in Delhi.

5. The Big Chill Café

For a taste of international cuisine with a cosy ambiance, The Big Chill Café in Khan Market is one of the best places to eat in Delhi. It offers a variety of pastas, pizzas, and desserts that are a hit among food lovers. If you’re craving something sweet, their signature desserts like Tiramisu and Mud Pie are a must-try.

Budget Restaurants in Delhi

Delhi is full of hidden gems where you can enjoy great food at affordable prices. These budget restaurants in Delhi offer a variety of dishes that are both delicious and easy on the wallet. Here are some of the best budget-friendly options to explore:

1. Chawla’s

Known for its finger-licking chicken, Chawla’s is a popular budget restaurant chain in Delhi. Whether you opt for their butter chicken, tandoori chicken, or mutton seekh kebabs, the food here is always packed with flavour. It’s one of the best things to eat in Delhi when you’re on a budget.

2. Ram Ashraya

For South Indian food lovers, Ram Ashraya in Shakti Nagar offers delicious dosas, idlis, and vadas at pocket-friendly prices. The food is prepared fresh, and the place has a simple, unpretentious vibe.

3. Shree Thaker Bhojanalay

Located in South Delhi, Shree Thaker Bhojanalay serves authentic Gujarati thali meals that are filling and affordable. A thali consists of various vegetarian dishes, including dals, curries, rotis, rice, and sweet treats. This is one of the best budget restaurants in Delhi for anyone craving a wholesome vegetarian meal.

4. Sita Ram Diwan Chand

If you’re in the mood for Chole Bhature, there’s no better place than Sita Ram Diwan Chand in the Bengali Market. This iconic joint serves some of the best Chole Bhature in Delhi at very reasonable prices, making it a must-visit spot for budget-conscious foodies.

Conclusion

Delhi’s food scene is as diverse and vibrant as the city itself. From the best things to eat in Delhi at high-end restaurants to the delectable good food in Delhi at street stalls, the city offers something for everyone. Whether you’re craving kebabs, biryanis, or street food, you’ll find some of the must-eat places in Delhi that will leave you coming back for more. Don’t forget to explore the city’s budget restaurants in Delhi, where you can enjoy delicious meals without breaking the bank.

For a truly authentic experience, don’t miss the Old Delhi food tour. This iconic food journey takes you through narrow lanes and bustling markets, offering some of the best local flavors Delhi has to offer.

So, the next time you find yourself in this bustling metropolis, make sure to check out these incredible places to eat in Delhi. After all, the best things to eat in Delhi are just waiting for you to indulge in them.