Delhi, India’s bustling capital, is a melting pot of cultures—and nowhere is this more evident than in its street food scene. From the spicy aroma of chaat stalls in Old Delhi to sizzling parathas in the bylanes of Chandni Chowk, the city offers a sensory overload of taste and tradition. For culinary travelers and food enthusiasts, here are the top 5 street foods to try in Delhi, each with a distinct history and flavor profile.
1. Daulat Ki Chaat in Chandni Chowk – Delhi’s Elusive Winter Dessert
Not your typical chaat, Daulat Ki Chaat is a seasonal delight found only in the winter months. This ethereal, frothy dessert is made by churning milk and cream overnight, then aerating it early in the morning with dew, saffron, and sugar. Vendors from Old Delhi, especially around Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazaar, serve it with a sprinkle of khoya (dried milk solids), powdered sugar, and slivered pistachios.
What makes Daulat Ki Chaat unique is its fleeting nature—it’s available only from November to February, vanishing as the weather warms. It’s not just food, it’s Delhi’s edible cloud, capturing the city’s Mughal heritage and seasonal rhythm in every bite.
2. Kuremal Kulfi in Chawri Bazaar – Stuffed Fruit Kulfi That Redefines Ice Cream
No visit to Delhi is complete without tasting the legendary Kuremal Kulfi, a 100-year-old kulfi shop in Chawri Bazaar. While kulfi is available across India, what sets Kuremal apart is its innovation—real fruits like mango, orange, or pomegranate are hollowed out and filled with flavored kulfi before being frozen.
This stuffed fruit kulfi in Delhi is as much a visual treat as a flavorful one. The texture is dense, creamy, and refreshingly natural, offering an unbeatable alternative to processed desserts. With more than 50 flavors on offer, Kuremal’s kulfis are a nostalgic and artisanal take on traditional Indian ice cream.
3. Ram Ladoo at Lajpat Nagar – Delhi’s Spiced Lentil Fritters with Radish and Green Chutney
Ram Ladoo isn’t a sweet dish, as the name might suggest, but a savory snack made of moong dal (yellow lentils) and chana dal (split chickpeas). These deep-fried balls are crunchy on the outside and soft inside, served with grated radish, green chili chutney, and sometimes tamarind sauce.
Found widely in Lajpat Nagar, Karol Bagh, and Kamla Nagar, these lentil fritters are a perfect example of Delhi’s love for spice and texture. The fresh radish topping adds a cooling crunch, contrasting the warm, crispy laddoos and zesty chutney. Ram Ladoo is a monsoon favorite, but you’ll find devoted fans lining up year-round.
4. Mutton Korma at Karim’s Jama Masjid – Delhi’s Iconic Mughlai Street Meat Dish
For meat lovers, Mutton Korma at Karim’s, near Jama Masjid, is an absolute must-try. Established in 1913 by Haji Karimuddin, this place has become synonymous with authentic Mughlai street food in Delhi. The mutton is slow-cooked with yogurt, spices, and fried onions to achieve a rich, velvety texture that melts in your mouth.
Served with hot tandoori rotis or khamiri naan, Karim’s Mutton Korma embodies the grandeur of Delhi’s Islamic culinary roots. It’s not just food—it’s a living piece of culinary history served from the narrow lanes of Old Delhi.
5. Paranthe Wali Gali’s Stuffed Parathas – Deep-Fried North Indian Flatbreads with a Twist
In the heart of Chandni Chowk lies Paranthe Wali Gali, a historic lane dedicated to stuffed parathas. These aren’t your typical pan-fried parathas—they’re deep-fried in ghee and stuffed with everything from potatoes, cauliflower, and paneer to banana, khoya, and dry fruits.
Established over a century ago, this street is a shrine to Delhi’s vegetarian indulgence. A plate usually includes paratha, tangy banana chutney, spicy pickles, and aloo sabzi. Whether you’re a curious tourist or a local foodie, eating at Paranthe Wali Gali is an experience you’ll remember for its bold flavors and old-world charm.
Delhi’s street food isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s about storytelling. Each dish is a reflection of the city’s rich history, regional diversity, and evolving tastes. From frothy desserts to spicy snacks and royal meats, these top 5 street foods in Delhi showcase why the capital remains India’s culinary heartbeat.