Exploring Delhi's Top 10 Famous Dishes And Iconic Foods
Image Credit: Chole bhature and Delhi are synonymous at this point | Shutterstock

Delhi, the capital city of India, is a food paradise where history, culture, and diverse culinary traditions converge. From street food stalls to fine dining restaurants, Delhi offers a culinary journey that is sure to leave you happy, fulfilled and mesmerised by the sheer variety and quality of food that Delhi has to offer. So, for a quick round-up of the kind of foodie-heaven that Delhi is, here are top 10 famous and iconic foods, that will give you a taste of the city's rich and diverse food culture. From chole bhature to kulfi falooda - you can try them all.

Chole Bhature:

Credits - Spiceler

No trip to Delhi is complete without savouring a plate of chole bhature. This iconic dish consists of spicy chickpea curry paired with deep-fried hot and crispy, yet flaky bhature. It's a hearty and satisfying meal often accompanied by pickles and onions. You can find the best Chole Bhature joints in Old Delhi, such as Sita Ram Diwan Chand.

Butter Chicken:

Delhi is famous for its rich and creamy butter chicken, a beloved chicken dish. Tender pieces of chicken are marinated, roasted, and simmered in a luscious tomato and butter-based gravy. Pair it with buttery naan or tandoori roti for a classic Delhi dining experience. Havemore and Moti Mahal are legendary places to enjoy this dish.

Paranthas:

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Paranthe Wali Gali in Old Delhi is a legendary food street known for its stuffed paranthas. These crispy, flaky flatbreads come in a variety of flavours, from the classic potato and paneer to unique options like rabri and dry fruit parantha. A visit to Paranthe Wali Gali is a must for those seeking a truly authentic Delhi food experience.

Dahi Bhalla:

Delhi's street food scene is incomplete without mentioning its delectable dahi bhalla. This spicy and tangy snack includes ingredients like deep fried bhalle, potatoes, chickpeas, curd, and a medley of chutneys like dhaniya and imli. Try this lip-smacking treat at popular spots like Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala and Ashok Chaat Bhandar.

Aloo Tikki:

Aloo Tikki, a popular street food, features fried potato patties spiced with chillies, onions, coriander and ragda or matar. It's commonly served with chutneys, some sev and curd. You can find aloo tikki vendors all over the city, but the ones in Chandni Chowk are particularly famous.

Kebabs:

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In a small gali located near the Jama Masjid, you will find several shops renowned for their succulent kebabs. From the fragrant Galouti Kebabs to the smoky Seekh Kebabs, their offerings are a carnivore's dream come true. Pair them with fragrant roomali roti and some mint chutney for an unforgettable experience. Qureshi Kebabs is a great place to try out seekh kebabs.

Nihari:

Nihari, a slow-cooked stew of tender meat, spices, and a rich broth, is a must-try for meat lovers. Karim's and Al Jawahar in Old Delhi is famous for its delicious Nihari, typically enjoyed as a breakfast dish. It is served with naan or khameeri roti and is a truly satisfying dish with unique flavours.

Rajma Chawal:

Recipe - Delicious Khazzana

Rajma Chawal is a comforting combo meal featuring kidney bean curry served with basmati rice. While it may sound simple, the flavours are anything but that. Some of the best Rajma Chawal in Delhi can be found at local eateries like Baba Nagpal Corner and Jain Chawal waale.

Biryani:

Delhi is also celebrated for its flavourful biryanis.The long-grained rice is cooked with tender mutton or chicken, rich spices, and saffron, creating a dish that's soul-soothing. Muradabadi Biryani is pretty popular in small biryani corners and you can get a plate for as less as Rs 50! 

Kulfi Falooda:

Finish your culinary journey with a sweet note by indulging in kulfi falooda. This frozen dessert is a rich, creamy concoction of milk, sugar, and various fresh fruits like mango and pomegranate. It's often garnished with falooda soaked in rose or saffron syrup. Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale in Old Delhi is renowned for its wide range of unique kulfi falooda flavours.