Must-Try Winter Dishes in Delhi You’ll Love

As the cold breeze begins to sweep through Delhi and foggy mornings become a routine, the city transforms into a paradise for food lovers. Delhi is not just known for its rich history and vibrant culture, but also for its amazing culinary variety—especially when it comes to winter food in Delhi. When the temperature drops, there’s no better way to stay warm than indulging in the comforting and flavorful food items of the winter season. From rich curries to sizzling street snacks and soul-warming desserts, the capital city has something to satisfy every winter craving.

One of the best ways to experience this seasonal culinary magic is through an Old Delhi street food walk, where the aroma of freshly fried jalebis, sizzling parathas, and iconic dishes like Daulat ki Chaat fills the air. These bustling lanes come alive in winter with vendors serving up hot, flavorful treats that truly define the food eaten in winter season.

In this blog, we take a delicious dive into the must-try winter dishes in Delhi that you’ll love, covering every major winter food item that makes the season even more special.

1. Sarson ka Saag with Makki di Roti – A Punjabi Winter Classic

One of the most iconic things to eat in winter, especially in North India, is Sarson ka Saag with Makki di Roti. This traditional Punjabi dish is a staple winter special food in Delhi, especially among families with Punjabi roots. The saag, made from mustard greens, is slow-cooked with spices, ginger, and garlic, and paired with makki di roti (cornmeal flatbread), usually topped with a generous dollop of white butter or ghee.

This wholesome combination is not only comforting but also rich in nutrients, making it one of the healthiest food items of winter season.

2. Chole Bhature – A Delhi Winter Favorite

Though Chole Bhature is enjoyed year-round, the winter version hits differently. Served piping hot, the spicy chickpeas (chole) alongside puffed, deep-fried bhature offer a comforting indulgence during cold mornings. It’s especially popular in Delhi’s bustling markets like Chandni Chowk and Karol Bagh.

If you’re curating your winter foods list, this Delhi-style classic cannot be missed. It’s hearty, flavourful, and filling—the ideal food eaten in winter season when your body craves more energy.

3. Stuffed Parathas – Warmth Wrapped in Dough

Delhi winters are incomplete without a hot plate of stuffed parathas, served with curd, butter, or spicy pickles. Popular fillings include aloo (potato), gobhi (cauliflower), paneer (cottage cheese), and even mooli (radish)—each seasoned with regional spices.

Easily one of the most customisable winter food items, parathas are best enjoyed at iconic eateries in Old Delhi or even at roadside dhabas. These parathas are not just things to eat in winter; they’re a nostalgic comfort for many Dilliwalas.

4. Gajar ka Halwa – Sweet Winter Bliss

When it comes to desserts, Gajar ka Halwa reigns supreme during the winter months. This slow-cooked dessert is made with freshly grated carrots, khoya (reduced milk), sugar, and ghee, garnished with nuts. The natural sweetness of seasonal red carrots enhances its flavor, making it a star among winter food items.

If you’re exploring winter special food options in Delhi, this dessert must top your list. It’s more than just a sweet dish—it’s a winter tradition.

5. Doodh Jalebi – A Cozy Evening Delight

This lesser-known but beloved winter food in Delhi combines two classic items—hot milk and crispy jalebis. Vendors typically pour piping hot milk over freshly made jalebis to soften them slightly, creating a warm, gooey, and sweet delight perfect for chilly nights.

It’s one of those unique food items of winter season that balances crunch and warmth, making it perfect after a long day out in the cold.

6. Daulat ki Chaat – The Airy Delight of Old Delhi

Perhaps the most intriguing entry on this list is Daulat ki Chaat. Only available during winter, this delicacy is made by churning milk overnight and collecting the foam, then sweetening it delicately and garnishing with saffron, pistachios, and powdered sugar.

Despite its name, it’s not a chaat in the traditional spicy sense. It’s more of a dessert, and its melt-in-the-mouth texture is what makes it a prized winter special food you’ll only find in select lanes of Old Delhi during the colder months.

7. Hot Momos – The Street Food That Warms Your Soul

Winters and hot momos go hand in hand. Steamed to perfection and filled with vegetables or meat, momos are a go-to winter food item across Delhi. Served with spicy red chutney, they are a quick fix for those on the go and one of the most popular things to eat in winter on the streets of Delhi.

From college campuses to metro stations and market lanes, momo stalls attract long queues, especially in the evening chill.

8. Nihari – The Mughlai Winter Feast

Nihari, a slow-cooked mutton or beef stew, is another rich and hearty dish that tops Delhi’s winter foods list. Originally a breakfast food during the Mughal era, Nihari is now enjoyed all day, especially in places like Jama Masjid and Nizamuddin.

Served with khameeri roti (fermented bread), this dish is a powerhouse of flavor and warmth, making it a must-have winter food in Delhi for those who enjoy bold, spicy cuisine.

9. Roasted Peanuts and Rewari-Gajak – The Street-Side Companions

If you’ve ever strolled through Delhi’s markets in winter, the aroma of roasted peanuts will hit you instantly. These are sold in newspaper cones and make for perfect companions on cold evenings. Alongside this, rewari (sugar-coated sesame seeds) and gajak (sesame and jaggery brittle) are popular traditional food items of winter season.

These snacks are not only tasty but also believed to generate heat in the body, making them ideal food eaten in winter season according to Ayurveda.

10. Butter Chicken – Winter Comfort in a Bowl

Though available all year, butter chicken has a special charm in winter. The creamy, rich tomato-based gravy, tender chicken, and warm naan or rice make this dish irresistible. This indulgent dish is an iconic part of the winter food in Delhi experience, especially when paired with a side of onion salad and green chutney.

Whether you’re dining out or ordering in, butter chicken should definitely feature in your winter foods list.

Why Winter Food in Delhi is So Special

The beauty of food eaten in winter season lies not just in taste but also in the traditions and memories attached to it. Winters allow the use of seasonal vegetables like spinach, mustard greens, carrots, and radishes—foods known for their warming properties and nutritional richness. Delhi’s street food and traditional meals during winter reflect a blend of health, indulgence, and heritage.

Furthermore, winter special food in Delhi is about experience. Whether it’s enjoying Gajar ka Halwa in a warm blanket, sipping masala chai while waiting for your momos, or sharing a plate of chole bhature with friends, each bite carries the essence of Delhi’s winter spirit.

Final Thoughts

Delhi’s winters are magical, not just because of the weather, but because of the winter food items that emerge during this time. From decadent sweets to spicy snacks and nourishing meals, every corner of the city offers something delightful. If you’re planning a food trail or simply wondering what things to eat in winter, let this guide be your starting point.

Whether it’s a steaming plate of Sarson ka Saag, the fluffy Daulat ki Chaat, or a buttery bowl of chicken curry, the variety of food items of winter season in Delhi is bound to leave you craving for more.

So bundle up, grab your food buddy, and hit the streets of Delhi to experience the city’s incredible winter food items—because winter in Delhi is best enjoyed one bite at a time.