Best Places to Eat A One-Day Food Trail in Old Delhi
Old Delhi, also known as Shahjahanabad, is a paradise for food lovers. Known for its vibrant streets, Mughlai aromas, and heritage delicacies, Old Delhi offers an unforgettable culinary journey. A one-day food trail in Old Delhi gives you a chance to experience the best local flavors, indulge in legendary dishes, and learn about the cultural history of the city.
Whether you’re a first-time traveler or a seasoned foodie, exploring Old Delhi’s street food will leave you craving for more. This guide highlights where and what to eat along with useful tips for making the most of your food trail.
Best Places to Eat on a One-Day Old Delhi Tour
🕒 Best Time for a One-Day Food Trail in Old Delhi
The best time to embark on a food trail is:
✅ Morning (9 AM – 12 PM): Ideal for breakfast treats like Nagori Halwa and Chole Kulcha (YouTube link for visual reference).
✅ Evening (5 PM – 9 PM): Perfect for savoring kebabs, chaats, and desserts.
👉 Tip: Avoid visiting during peak afternoon hours, especially in summer, as the streets get crowded and temperatures soar.
📍 Morning Delight – Start Your Trail with Iconic Breakfast
1. Nagori Halwa & Bedmi Poori at Shyam Sweets
- Location: Chawri Bazar, Near Jama Masjid
- Price: ₹100–₹150 per plate
Start your day with a plate of warm, crispy Bedmi Poori served with spicy aloo sabzi and sweet Nagori Halwa. Shyam Sweets (Instagram) has been serving this dish for over 80 years and remains a favorite among locals.
👉 Pro Tip: Arrive before 9 AM to avoid the long queues.
2. Lotan Ke Chole Kulche – Spice it Up!
- Location: Chatta Shahji, Chandni Chowk
- Price: ₹60–₹80 per plate
Lotan Ke Chole Kulche is a fiery, flavorful delight you can’t miss. The soft kulchas are paired with hot, spicy chole, garnished with green chilies and onions. Watch a YouTube video for a sneak peek of their cooking magic.
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👉 Pro Tip: Carry a bottle of water – this dish is fiery!
🍲 Afternoon Feast – Savor Traditional Mughlai Dishes
3. Karim’s – The King of Mughlai Cuisine
- Location: Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
- Price: ₹400–₹600 per person
No food trail in Old Delhi is complete without a visit to Karim’s (Facebook), a legendary establishment serving Mughlai delicacies since 1913. Don’t miss their Mutton Korma, Chicken Jahangiri, and Seekh Kebabs.
👉 Pro Tip: Arrive early to avoid waiting, especially on weekends.
4. Al Jawahar – For Authentic Nihari and Biryani
- Location: Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid
- Price: ₹300–₹500 per person
For an authentic taste of Nihari (slow-cooked meat curry) and fragrant Biryani, head to Al Jawahar (Instagram). The melt-in-your-mouth meat, combined with the richness of spices, makes this place a true gem.
👉 Pro Tip: Pair Nihari with Khameeri Roti for the ultimate experience.
🍡 Evening Snacks – Indulge in Sweet & Spicy Treats
5. Daulat Ki Chaat – A Cloud of Sweetness
- Location: Chandni Chowk (Seasonal: Winter Only)
- Price: ₹50 per plate
Daulat Ki Chaat is a unique delicacy available only during the winter months. This frothy, melt-in-your-mouth dessert is a combination of milk foam, saffron, and sugar. Check out a YouTube video for an inside look at how it’s made.
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👉 Pro Tip: Look for local vendors in narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk for the freshest servings.
6. Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi – Best Stuffed Kulfis
- Location: Sitaram Bazaar, Old Delhi
- Price: ₹60–₹150 per kulfi
End your food trail with a refreshing stuffed kulfi from Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi (Instagram). Their mango-stuffed kulfi and pomegranate kulfi are top choices.
👉 Pro Tip: Opt for the stuffed kulfis for a burst of natural fruit flavors.
🌆 Night Food Walk – Wrap Up with Evening Delights
7. Paranthe Wali Gali – Iconic Parathas
- Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
- Price: ₹60–₹100 per paratha
Try a variety of stuffed parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, where you can taste everything from aloo to rabri-filled parathas, served with tangy pickles and mint chutney.
👉 Pro Tip: Go for mixed stuffing parathas for a combination of flavors.
8. Aslam’s Butter Chicken – End with a Bang!
- Location: Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid
- Price: ₹300–₹500 per person
Finish your food walk with the famous Butter Chicken at Aslam’s (Facebook), where the smoky tandoori chicken is drenched in buttery goodness.
👉 Pro Tip: Try their signature Roomali Roti with Butter Chicken for a complete meal.
💡 Tips for a Memorable One-Day Food Trail in Old Delhi
✅ Stay Hydrated: The spices can get intense, so carry a bottle of water.
✅ Start Early: Begin the food walk by 9 AM to avoid crowds.
✅ Travel Light: Old Delhi’s lanes are narrow, so avoid carrying heavy bags.
✅ Be Adventurous: Try dishes you haven’t heard of before – surprise your taste buds!
✅ Opt for a Guide: For a deeper cultural understanding, opt for a food tour with experts like Delhi Food Walks.
🎟️ Recommended Food Tours & Their Price Range
- Delhi Food Walks – Heritage Food Tour – ₹2,500 to ₹3,500 per person.
- Old Delhi Night Food Walk – Local Experiences – ₹1,800 to ₹2,500 per person.
- Customized Food Tour with Anubhav Sapra – ₹3,000 to ₹5,000 depending on group size.
🎯 Conclusion – Taste the Essence of Old Delhi in One Day
Embarking on a one-day food trail in Old Delhi is an unforgettable journey through flavors, aromas, and history. From Mughlai feasts to sweet indulgences, Old Delhi has something to offer for every palate. Plan your food trail wisely, explore the hidden gems, and savor the best of Delhi’s culinary heritage.
❓ FAQs – One-Day Food Trail in Old Delhi
1. Is the Old Delhi Food Walk Safe for Tourists?
✅ Yes, the food walk is safe. Stick to popular vendors and maintain hygiene precautions.
2. How Much Does a Food Trail in Old Delhi Cost?
✅ A self-guided trail may cost ₹500–₹1,000, while guided tours range from ₹2,000 to ₹5,000.
3. Can Vegetarians Enjoy a Food Trail in Old Delhi?
✅ Absolutely! Old Delhi offers a wide variety of vegetarian dishes like chole bhature, stuffed parathas, and sweets.
4. What Should I Wear for a Food Walk in Old Delhi?
✅ Wear comfortable shoes and light clothing. Old Delhi’s narrow lanes can get crowded, so dress accordingly.
