When visiting Delhi, you should eat a variety of dishes that reflect the city's rich culinary heritage, including popular items like Butter Chicken, Chole Bhature, and Tandoori Chicken.
Quick Facts
Food Culture Overview
Delhi's cuisine is a unique blend of different cultures and traditions, with influences from Mughal, Punjabi, and Street Food cultures. The city's location in the north of India means that it has been shaped by the culinary traditions of the region, with a focus on rich and flavorful sauces, naan bread, and tandoor-cooked meats. Delhi's cuisine is also known for its use of spices, with popular spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric adding depth and warmth to many dishes.
The city's food culture is also shaped by its history, with many dishes reflecting the Mughal Empire's love of rich and elaborate cuisine. This is evident in dishes like Biryani, which is made with basmati rice, meat or vegetables, and a blend of spices. Delhi's cuisine is also known for its street food, with popular items like Chaat and Kebabs available from vendors and stalls throughout the city.
Delhi's cuisine is also influenced by its regional variations, with different areas of the city specializing in different types of cuisine. For example, the Chandni Chowk area is known for its street food, while the Hauz Khas area is home to many high-end restaurants serving modern Indian cuisine.
Must-Try Dishes
| Dish | Type | Description | Where to Find |
|---|---|---|---|
| Butter Chicken | Main Course | Marinated chicken cooked in a rich tomato and butter sauce | Karim's, Delhi |
| Chole Bhature | Breakfast | Fried bread served with a spicy chickpea curry | Sita Ram Diwan Chand, Paharganj |
| Tandoori Chicken | Main Course | Marinated chicken cooked in a tandoor oven | Moti Mahal, Daryaganj |
| Palak Paneer | Main Course | Spinach and cheese curry | Saravana Bhavan, Connaught Place |
| Biryani | Main Course | Mixed rice dish made with basmati rice, meat or vegetables, and spices | Paradise Biryani, Hauz Khas |
| Jalebi | Dessert | Fried batter coated in syrup | Old Delhi |
| Gol Gappe | Snack | Crispy fried bread filled with spiced potatoes and chickpeas | Atul Chaat, Rajouri Garden |
| Kebabs | Snack | Skewers of marinated meat, usually chicken or lamb | Qureshi's, Khan Market |
| Rajma Chawal | Main Course | Kidney bean curry served with rice | Sitaram Diwan Chand, Paharganj |
| Dosa | Breakfast | Fermented rice and lentil crepe | Saravana Bhavan, Connaught Place |
Street Food & Snacks
- Chaat: a savory snack made with fried bread, yogurt, and spices, typically costing $1-2 USD
- Kebabs: skewers of marinated meat, usually chicken or lamb, typically costing $2-3 USD
- Gol Gappe: crispy fried bread filled with spiced potatoes and chickpeas, typically costing $1-2 USD
- Jalebi: fried batter coated in syrup, typically costing $1-2 USD
- Pani Puri: crispy fried bread filled with spiced potatoes and chickpeas, typically costing $1-2 USD
- Samosas: fried or baked pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas, typically costing $1-2 USD
Drinks
- Lassi: a yogurt-based drink, typically costing $1-2 USD
- Chai: a spiced tea, typically costing $0.50-1 USD
- Jal Jeera: a cumin-flavored drink, typically costing $1-2 USD
- Nimbu Pani: a lemonade made with fresh lime juice and spices, typically costing $1-2 USD
- Kingfisher Beer: a popular Indian beer, typically costing $3-5 USD
- Old Monk Rum: a popular Indian rum, typically costing $5-10 USD
Dining Customs
- Eating with your hands: it is common to eat with your hands in Delhi, especially when eating street food or traditional Indian cuisine
- Using your right hand: when eating with your hands, it is customary to use your right hand only
- Not finishing a meal: it is considered impolite to finish a meal completely, as it implies that the host did not provide enough food
- Tipping: 5-10% of the total bill is customary in restaurants
- Dress code: dress conservatively when dining in traditional Indian restaurants, with long sleeves and pants or a skirt
- Reservation: it is a good idea to make a reservation at popular restaurants, especially on weekends or during peak dining hours
Where to Eat
- Street food stalls: try popular street food items like Chaat and Kebabs from vendors and stalls throughout the city
- Traditional Indian restaurants: try traditional Indian cuisine at restaurants like Karim's and Moti Mahal
- Food courts: try a variety of cuisines at food courts like the ones at Select Citywalk and DLF Mall
- High-end restaurants: try modern Indian cuisine at high-end restaurants like Indian Accent and Varq
- Markets: try street food and local snacks at markets like Chandni Chowk and Sarojini Nagar
Food Markets & Food Experiences
- Chandni Chowk: a historic market in Old Delhi known for its street food and traditional Indian cuisine
- Sarojini Nagar: a popular market in South Delhi known for its street food and local snacks
- Khan Market: a upscale market in Central Delhi known for its high-end restaurants and cafes
- Hauz Khas Village: a popular area in South Delhi known for its restaurants, bars, and cafes
- Dilli Haat: a craft village in South Delhi that offers a variety of street food and local snacks from different regions of India