The festival of Ramadan commenced the previous week. During this time, Old Delhi or Purnai Dilli changes into a sensory festival. Streets that appear chaotic by day start to shine with meaning by the evening. Charcoal fires are lit, huge pots are simmered, and the aroma of slow-cooked meats and warm spices floats through the air. Around the area of Jama Masjid, food is not just eaten here, but to share a moment of pause after the day-long fast. This is the place where recipes are not just trends but also traditions and customs that have been passed down through the years and have been perfected over decades.
Every corner has something unique to offer, cooked with time, age-old, and intuition rather than rushing. Exploring these food spots in Old Delhi during Ramadan is not just about enjoying the food, but it’s about participating in a living culinary culture that comes to life after sunset.
Aslam Chicken
Ramadan evenings here are full of energy, with the sounds of food resonating through the narrow lane. Loved for its butter-loaded, spice-crusted grilled chicken, this food joint does not chase elegance, but it celebrates pure indulgence. The chicken is slowly roasted over charcoal, then soaked in a creamy marinade that melts into every bite. It is messy, feels incredibly satisfying in every bite, and feels particularly amazing to have after iftar when the crowd spills onto the street. People here also swear by the spicy chicken pakoras, which are fried fresh and dusted with a secret masala that depends heavily on black pepper and dried chillies. The chicken roll here is also a love dish, covered in roomali roti, which is another favourite.
Location: Matia Mahal Lane, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
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Al Jawahar
Just steps from Jama Masjid, Al Jawahar is steeped in Mughlai tradition, especially during Ramadan when massive kadhais simmer for hours. The mutton korma is slow-cooked to a rich, balanced gravy, and is best enjoyed with soft, pillowy khamiri roti. Nihari, that is prepared overnight. It is silky and deeply comforting, whereas chicken changezi adds a gentle tang with warming spices. Even dishes such as dal gosht feel fully layered and wholesome. Portions here are generous and meant for sharing, making the meal feel like a true iftar gathering rather than just dining out.
Location: Near Jama Masjid, Matia Mahal, Old Delhi
Haji Mohd. Hussain Fried Chicken
It is a small stall that can be easily missed, so you have to be keen to spot it. This place changes into a frenzy of food activity during Ramadan nights. Unlike the basic fried chicken, this place has a deeply spiced, freshly battered version, and then fried in small batches. It is crispy from outside, juicy from inside, with flavours representing unmistakably Old Delhi, which is peppery, bold, and nostalgic. Pair it with roomali roti for pure indulgence, and you will know why it is a hit.
Location: Opposite Gate No. 1, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
(Image credit: Freepik)
Qureshi Kabab Corner
As the evening settles, smoke coils up above the grills as the skewers cook over open flames. This is not the regular shiny kebab that you experience in restaurants. It is full of flavour and extremely satisfying in every bite. The seekh kebabs here have coarse-texture, are juicy from within, and full of spices. Enjoy it hot off the skewer with a squeeze of lime from the top. The festival of Ramadan brings an added buzz to this place, with families gathering around to enjoy every bite. Apart from this, the boti kebab is a standout loved for its rich marinade prepared of yoghurt, garlic, and hand-ground spices. The kaleji (liver) kebabs are particularly popular because they are cooked quickly over high heat to maintain a soft texture and intense flavour.
Location: Near Chitli Qabar, Jama Masjid Area, Old Delhi
Kallu Nihari
Loved for its early-morning gatherings, this legendary place becomes particularly significant during the Ramadan festivities. The nihari here is slow-cooked throughout the night, until the meat almost dissolves into the gravy. It is not too spicy but extremely warming, with a silky texture gained through patience rather than using shortcut methods to prepare it. Pair with fresh tandoori roti, and it feels like culinary refreshment after a day-long fast. Apart from just the nihari, their paya is equally loved. The khameeri roti with maghaz (brain curry) is another classic pairing that is loved by many. These dishes reflect patience-driven cooking, where time charms out flavour rather than just the heavy seasoning.
Gali Qasim Jaan, Ballimaran, Old Delhi - give more dishes
(Image credit: Freepik)