Experience the Richness of Old Delhi Food and Street Food
If you are a food lover, a visit to Old Delhi’s food street near Jama Masjid is an absolute must. This bustling street is a culinary paradise that showcases the essence of Indian food in all its glory. From savory street snacks in Chandni Chowk to mouthwatering kebabs of Matia Mahal, this vibrant hub is a haven for flavors that will tantalize your taste buds.
As you stroll through the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, the aroma of spices and the sizzling sounds coming from the food stalls will transport you to a different world. The street is lined with various eateries, each specializing in different delicacies. From the iconic Parathewali Gali, famous for its stuffed parathas, to Karim’s, known for its delectable Mughlai cuisine, you will find an array of options to indulge in.
Indulge in Street Snacks
One of the highlights of Old Delhi’s food street is the wide variety of street snacks available. From crispy samosas and spicy pakoras to tangy chaatChaat is a popular category of street foods of India, the uniqueness of which is a range of textures and burst of flavors in one small plate or bowl. It can be cold or hot. It can even have hot and cold components in the same dish, such as cold... More and sweet jalebis, there is something to satisfy every palate. Be sure to try the famous Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale, where you can relish the unique flavors of their stuffed kulfis, a traditional Indian dessert.
While exploring the street, make a stop at the legendary Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala. Their dahi bhalle, made from lentil dumplings smothered in yogurt and topped with tangy tamarind chutney, is a crowd favorite. The burst of flavors and textures in each bite is sure to leave you craving for more. While the dahi bhalle of Natraj are mildly flavored, you can choose many other options nearby with a bigger punch of chutney and masala on top.
Parathewali Gali is one of the best-known places for street food in Old Delhi. While the reviews of the parathas (stuffed flatbread, usually pan-fried but deep-fried in this street) here are mixed, the variety of parathas are is certainly unbeatable. Different streets, nooks, and corners are popular for different snacks. Stay connected with MatiaMahal.com for more details about specific dishes and eateries.
Sweets of Chandni Chowk
Chandni Chowk is well known for very traditional tastes and ingredients. Many stalls take pride in using the original ingredients and recipes from centuries earlier. Many vendors have been making these sweets in the same place since generations, while more came in from different parts of India over all these years to display their specialties. Many even came from what is now Pakistan, at the time of the separation with India, bringing the skills and dishes popular in the Indus Valley, including those inspired by Afghan and Persian cuisine. Try unique sweets such as Habshi Halwa (dark pudding, literally meaning Negro Pudding).
Savor the Delights of Mughlai Food
Mughlai food means the food of the Mughal kings. It is said that after the decline of the Mughal empire, many chefs of the royal kitchens either migrated to other nearby kingdoms, such as Rampur and Lucknow, or settled near Jama Masjid. Many owners of the eateries of Matia Mahal Street claim to be the descendants of the royal chefs.
No visit to Old Delhi’s food street is complete without indulging in the rich and aromatic Mughlai food of Matia Mahal. Karim’s, a culinary institution that has been serving mouthwatering kebabs and biryanis for generations, is a must-visit. Their succulent kebabs, made from tender meat marinated in a blend of spices, are cooked to perfection in a traditional tandoor. Pair them with freshly baked naans for the ultimate gastronomic experience.
For a taste of traditional Mughlai biryani, head to the iconic Al-Jawahar. Their fragrant rice layered with succulent pieces of meat and aromatic spices is a true delight for the senses. The flavors and textures of this royal dish will leave you wanting more.
Nearby you can also find eateries that have invented many popular dishes, such as butter chickenRoasted chicken pieces in tomato and cream gravy. Butter Chicken is a very popular chicken curry in India and Indian restaurants abroad. Butter Chicken is identified by the slight sweetness of the reddish gravy. The sweetness comes from the cream added to it, though a little amount of sugar can... More, dal makhni, and mutton burrah by Moti Mahal (in Daryaganj) and Changezi Chicken by Al-Maaidah (Choori Walan). Yes, you read it right. Butter chickenRoasted chicken pieces in tomato and cream gravy. Butter Chicken is a very popular chicken curry in India and Indian restaurants abroad. Butter Chicken is identified by the slight sweetness of the reddish gravy. The sweetness comes from the cream added to it, though a little amount of sugar can... More was invented in this place and so were many other iconic dishes that most consider the jewels of Indian food.
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