Winter Gourmet Affair: An Ode To The Winter Delicacies That Make 'Dilli Ki Sardiyan' Even More Special

As soon as the nip in the air is felt and the temperature falls, Delhiites know that it's time for them to indulge in some irresistibly delicious foods. The joy of relishing gobsmackingly delicious foods while snuggling in your warm comforter is at a different level altogether. Being a student of the Delhi University, winters bring with them ethereal excitement. The fest season, the quite popular ‘Dilli Ki Sardi Ka Mazaa’ and the vast array of delicacies waiting to be relished are some of the best things to look forward to while in Delhi. Needless to say, the Capital has just the right amount of sunshine, the best market to shop for winters and the iconic food places to go for winter delicacies. Long story short, if you want to have the perfect winter experience, Delhi is the place you need to visit. 

The National Capital is an abode to some of India’s most loved and desirable dishes. No matter what your taste preferences are, Delhi has something or the other to offer to everyone. From scrumptious and wholesome breakfast options to rich desserts, Delhi has it all. This article will take you on a winter culinary trip across the Capital for you to know what to relish if you visit Delhi during winters. 

When I was in Delhi, my mandatory breakfast was Bedmi Poori and Aloo Ki Sabzi. Unlike regular pooris, Bedmi Poori is made with coarse wheat flour and urad dal. The Aloo ki Sabzi has the right amount of savoury flavour to complement the pooris. One can also try the buttery parathas along with a cup of chai or the very famous Nagori Halwa in the streets of Old Delhi. 

I think for most Delhi University students, visiting Old Delhi or Sarojini Nagar is a mandatory weekend ritual. For a foodie gang like mine, Old Delhi is a paradise. The place zings with aromas of Mughlai food throughout the day and winters are the best time to visit Old Delhi. If you are planning to visit the area during the afternoon, don’t forget to get your hands on the delicious Roomali Rotis and Kebabs. The combo is served with green chutney and onion rings and is a hit during winters. One can also try the rich and flavourful Nalli Nihari along with Naan for lunch. 

Undoubtedly, Delhi is famous for its rich desserts for ages. The irresistibly delicious desserts are perfect to tantalize our sweet tooth. We used to know its time for some delicious winter desserts when our PG owner starts stacking the fridge with freshly grown carrots and khoya. The scrumptious and rich Gajar Ka Halwa is something we used to look forward to on Friday nights. How can I forget about Daulat Ki Chaat and Shahi Tukda while talking about desserts? The first aroma to hit upon arriving in Old Delhi is that of ghee and ‘chashni’. Old Delhi serves the best Daulat Ki Chaat and Shahi Tukda in Delhi. The hint of cardamom, the melt-in-mouth and creamy texture and the dry fruits are perfect for winter indulgence. 

Having Punjabi acquaintances in Delhi is something to be grateful for during winters. The ritual of preparing Pinnis, Chikkis and Gajaks in Punjabi households fills you up with the right warmth during winters. Even if you don’t have Punjabi acquaintances, you can always head to Old Delhi to get these delicacies. 

Now that you know the culinary specialties of Delhi winters, you have got another reason to visit the National Capital this winter. Even if you can’t, you can definitely try the embedded recipes at home.