By Shikha Gautam
Quite honestly, the parathas in Old Delhi’s Parathe Wali Gali are the dish’s obnoxious version, deep-fried in oil and too rich to be called parathas. But then, these 10 famous dishes of Old Delhi reveal why the place is such a food haven.
Situated in Dariba Kalan, this legendary shop opens everyday at 8 AM. It was established in 1884! Jalebis are served with fresh rabri here.
The dahi bhalla at Natraj is even better than the halwai-specials in weddings! This is close to the more famous parathe wali gali and is a recommended stop.
Kuremal’s set shop in 1960 and has been the great love of Dilliwallas every summer. Its stuffed mango kulfi is the stuff every dessert lover’s dreams are made of.
It would be a sin to visit Old Delhi and not order yourself a plate of bedmi puris and kaddu ki sabzi. You might have to order more!
While I am a vegetarian, Chicken changezi from Al Jawahar is what my non-vegetarian friends visit Jama Masjid area for even in the infamous Delhi winter nights.
Light, fluffy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert that is not sickly sweet—that’s the famous Daulat ki chaat of Delhi. Head to Khemchand for this winter delicacy that comes garnished with khurchan.
Another hole in the wall, Jung Bahadur is where you should head for urad dal kachoris, served with hot aloo sabzi and freshly-cut coriander leaves. A classic Old Delhi dish that I highly recommend.
Those with a sweet tooth cannot skip Giani’s Faluda in Old Delhi. It’s a riot of rich flavours and great taste if you like your desserts outrightly sweet.
If spicy is what you dig, head to Chawri Bazar’s Lotan Ji Chole Wale for a hearty plate of piping hot chole-kulche. Chole (chickpea) here is topped with spicy potatoes, ginger slivers, a screaming hot mix of spices! This shack sort of arrangement is more than a century old.
Karim is one of those legendary places to eat in Old Delhi that makes it to every guide book. Lovers of Mughlai food dote over it, wolfing down its legendary burra kebabs with me as a witness! Avoid going on weekends to avoid big crowds.