Delhi’s Street Food: 7 Must-Try Street Foods in Delhi That Will Blow Your Mind
1. Chhole Bhature – The King of Breakfasts
Delhi’s Street Food-If there’s one dish that defines Delhi’s love for bold flavors and big portions, it’s Chhole Bhature. A staple breakfast that feels more like a feast, this iconic combo of spicy chickpeas (chhole) and deep-fried, fluffy bhature is a must-try for anyone exploring Delhi’s Street Food scene.
Served hot with pickled onions, green chutney, and sometimes a side of spicy aloo sabzi, every bite is bursting with flavor. Whether you grab it from a busy market stall or a hidden neighborhood gem, this dish is guaranteed to leave your hands oily and your heart full.
Some of the best places to try it?
- Sita Ram Diwan Chand, Paharganj
- Baba Nagpal Corner, Lajpat Nagar
- Om Corner, Karol Bagh
Pro Tip: Go early in the day — this dish is best enjoyed fresh off the tawa and usually sold out by afternoon!
2. Aslam’s Butter Chicken – A Mughlai Marvel
When you think of butter chicken,your mind may go straight to Delhi’s Street Food the rich, creamy gravy served in restaurants. But Delhi gives it a delicious twist — and Aslam’s Butter Chicken is proof of that.
Tucked away in the crowded lanes near Jama Masjid, Aslam’s version isn’t your typical curry dish. Instead, you get juicy, charcoal-grilled chicken pieces smothered in a secret blend of spices, cream, and dollops of melted butter. Served with hot rumali rotis and fresh mint chutney, this smoky, buttery creation is indulgent, bold, and unlike any butter chicken you’ve had before.
What makes it truly special is the street-style Mughlai experience — you’re not dining in a fancy restaurant, but the flavours are absolutely royal.
3. Golgappe / Pani Puri – The Tangy Tease
Crispy, tangy, spicy, and utterly addictive — Golgappe, also known as Pani Puri, are a cornerstone of Delhi’s Street Food culture. These bite-sized flavor bombs consist of hollow, crunchy puris filled with spicy potato masala and dunked into tangy mint-flavoured water, often served with a hint of tamarind chutney for that perfect balance.
In Delhi, eating golgappe is more than just a snack — it’s a challenge of spice tolerance and speed. Most vendors serve them one by one, fresh and fast, as you stand by their cart eagerly asking for “ek aur!”
The best part? Everyone has their favourite stall. Some prefer extra teekha (spicy), others like it meetha (sweet). The customization and freshness are what make this snack unforgettable.
📍 Popular Golgappa Hotspots:
- Rajouri Garden Market
- Bengali Market, CP
- Lajpat Nagar Central Market
🥄 Pro Tip: Don’t forget to ask for the sookha golgappa at the end — a dry one with masala and chutney to finish your plate on a high note
4. Aloo Tikki Chaat – Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy
Aloo Tikki Chaat of Delhi’s Street Food at its amazingly best — a beautiful mess of crispy potato patties smashed on a hot tawa, topped generously with sweet tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, whipped curd, chopped onions, and chaat masala.
The outer layer is golden and crunchy, while the inside remains soft and flavorful. Every bite is a perfect blend of hot and cold, spicy and sweet, crispy and creamy — a true rollercoaster for your taste buds.
This chaat is not just a snack; it’s a nostalgic treat that reminds many Delhiites of after-school stops, college canteens, and evening market strolls.
📍Didn’t you try yet:
- Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner, Chandni Chowk
- Bittoo Tikki Wala (BTW), multiple outlets
- Janpath Market & Lajpat Nagar stalls
✨ Pro Tip: Ask for an extra sprinkle of masala and a generous drizzle of curd — it elevates the whole experience.
5. Kebabs – Incredible Mughlai Roots
From juicy seekh kebabs to melt-in-your-mouth galouti kebabs, Delhi’s street food scene is a paradise for non-veg lovers. Must-visit: Karim’s, Qureshi Kebab Corner, and street stalls around Nizamuddin.
6. Rajma Chawal, Kadhi Chawal – Soul Food in a Steel Plate
Not all street food has to be spicy or fried — sometimes, the heart craves something comforting, homely, and soulful. That’s where Rajma Chawal and Kadhi Chawal come in — Delhi’s Street Food answer to warm, filling, and affordable soul food.
Rajma Chawal, with its rich red kidney bean curry served over steamed rice, is a North Indian classic loved across generations. And then there’s Kadhi Chawal, featuring a tangy yogurt-based curry with soft pakoras, poured generously over rice. Both dishes are simple yet deeply satisfying — the kind of meal that reminds you of home.
These dishes are most popular during lunch hours, served hot and fresh by street vendors from big steel containers onto equally humble steel plates. They’re especially loved by office-goers, college students, and anyone seeking a hearty, pocket-friendly meal.
📍 Where to Try It:
- Shankar Market, Connaught Place
- Karol Bagh & Kamla Nagar street stalls
- Near Delhi University Campuses (North & South)
🍛 Pro Tip: Ask for a side of pickle and onions — it completes the thali experience!
7. Ram Ladoo – The Underrated Gem
Street Food of Delhi has Crispy lentil fritters topped with grated radish and tangy chutneys — Ram Ladoo is light, zesty, and a true Delhi street classic. Found mostly in Central and South Delhi markets.
Why Delhi’s Street Food Is So Special
Delhi isn’t just the capital of India — it’s the capital of flavor, variety, and culinary heritage. From Mughlai delights to North Indian classics, chats to kebabs, the city’s street food tells stories passed down through generations.
What makes it truly special is the diversity. In one lane, you’ll find piping hot parathas and chhole bhature; in the next, spicy golgappas, tangy chaats, and grilled kebabs sizzling over open flames. This vibrant mix is a reflection of the people of Delhi — a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and tastes.
But it’s not just about the food. It’s the energy — the chaos of the markets, the laughter of Delhi’s Street Food vendors, the aroma of spices hanging in the air, and the joy of eating while standing under the open sky. Street food in Delhi isn’t just a meal — it’s an experience.
Whether you’re a local or a tourist, every bite on the streets of Delhi brings you closer to the soul of the city. And that’s what makes it unforgettable.
Final Bite
Exploring the street food of Delhi isn’t just about eating — it’s about experiencing a living tradition passed down through generations. So the next time you’re in the capital, skip the fancy restaurants and dive into the chaotic, colorful, and utterly delicious world of Delhi’s Street Food.
Your tastebuds will thank you.
- 1. Chhole Bhature – The King of Breakfasts
- 2. Aslam’s Butter Chicken – A Mughlai Marvel
- 3. Golgappe / Pani Puri – The Tangy Tease
- 4. Aloo Tikki Chaat – Crispy, Sweet, and Spicy
- 5. Kebabs – Incredible Mughlai Roots
- 6. Rajma Chawal, Kadhi Chawal – Soul Food in a Steel Plate
- 7. Ram Ladoo – The Underrated Gem