The word Old Delhi already fills water to the mouth of many. Honestly speaking, I am not a foodie kind of person and have not been here all my life except two times when I had to buy my painting stuff. But now the coin has flipped its side, and I am now exploring all the gali-nukkad of Old Delhi. It wouldn’t be wrong to say that a part of me belongs to the streets of Purani Dilli now, post my wedding.
I have not yet explored all the streets in these six months but still, I have come to know about a few of them and tried their yumminess.
So here I present the paradise of food lovers, Purani Dilli.
1. Natraj Dahi Bhalla
They have the smallest menu, dahi bhalla, and aloo tikki, but they will leave you in the desire for more.
Cost for two: INR 100 (approx)
Address: Head towards Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib from Lal Quila Metro Station, go straight towards Haldiram, on the right-hand side you will see the Central Bank of India; Natraj Dahi Bhalla is adjacent to the Bank.
2. Old Famous Jalebi Wala
You can’t hold yourself when you see the making of these soft sweet twirls in front of you. These tedhe-medhe circles are fried in hot oil and then dipped in sugar syrup. They are more thick and crispy than the usual jalebi’s.
Cost for two: INR 100 (approx)
Address: Make your way towards Chandni Chowk’s main market from Lal Quila Metro Station; it is located on the corner of Dariba Kala.
3. Lotan Chole Wala
The people around usually say it as ‘Lotan ke Chole Kulche’. This street side vendor sells his chole in a different style. The cholas are served in a spicy red hot curry with the topping of potato, green chilies, and coriander.
Cost for two: 60 INR (approx)
Address: Walk from Chawri Bazaar Metro Station towards Jama Masjid, about 250 meters away you will find a path named Barshabulla Chowk. There is a lane next to the Barshabulla Chowk. Lotan Chole Wala is about 50 meters away from the lane starting.
4. Kakke di Hatti
Dal Makhani, Palak Paneer, Paneer Butter Masala, Shahi Paneer are the menu here but Soya Chaap with Rumali Rotis is the taste you will go crazy for.
Cost for two: INR 250 (approx)
Address: Make Chandni Chowk as your center point, now step towards Fatehpuri Chowk, take the right direction from there. Kakke di Hatti is about 50 steps away.
5. Asharam ke Parathe
If you are fond of parathas then you must try out this place. They make such awesome potato, cabbage, paneer, and other stuffed parathas that will make you speechless. By the way, I prefer Asharam ke Parathe more than what we get in Parathewali Gali.
Cost for two: 100 INR (approx)
Address: Take the exit from Chandni Chowk metro station, take right, walk towards Nai Sarak and ask for Townhall. Asharam Parathe is in Townhall, above Raymonds showroom on the first floor.
6. Kulle / Kulliye
Kulliye is like a fruit chaat but it is made differently. Hira Lal Chaat is a tiny street side vendor who makes this yummy kulliye. They cut a piece of fruit, make a big hole in it, and then add some boiled chickpeas (उबले हुए छोले), pomegranate grains (अनार के दाने) and some spices (मसाले).
Cost for two: 60 INR (approx)
Address: From Chawri Bazaar metro station, go straight towards Jama Masjid, around 200 meters walk from the metro station you will see a lane named ‘Lohe Wali Gali’, Hira Lal Chaat is at the corner of this lane.
7. Nagori Halwa / Aloo Bedmi
Poori made in desi ghee and served with suji halwa & spicy curried potatoes. This is the usual breakfast of Purani Dilli. Pooran Halwai is the famous one here.
Cost for two: 50 INR (approx)
Address: Take the exit from Chawri Bazaar metro station and walk towards Nai Sarak. About 300 meters of the walk, you will see a shop on the left side, Gujarat Namkeen Bhandaar. There is a lane on the left side of Gujarat Namkeen, walk for about 250 meters towards Charkhewalan Chowk. Pooran Halwai is on the right side on Charkhewalan Chowk.
8. Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfiwale
Kulfi stuffed with seasonal fruits like Mango, Java Plum (Jamun) or Lychee are the perfect swords for beating the heat. Head towards Sita Ram Bazaar and you will find the oldest shop for Kulfi here.
Cost for two: INR (approx)
Address: Head towards Sita Ram Bazaar from Chawri Bazaar metro station. Walk for about 50 meters and you will see Ashoka Sweets shop on the right side. There is a lane next to Ashoka Sweets, called Kucha Pati Ram. Walk for 100 meters and your destination will be on the right.
9. Chaina Ram Sweet Shop
This sweet shop is famous for its Karachi Halwa. But you must try Sew Paak as well. It is sweet made of Sew (Bhujia) and it is yummy to eat.
Cost for two: INR (approx)
Address: Take the right towards Fatehpuri Chowk from Chandni Chowk metro station. Go straight for about 600 meters. You will see a T-point there. Chaina Ram Sweet Shop is on the T-point.
10. Daulat ki Chaat
It does not have any link with salt or any spices. It is a creamy dessert made with milk and topped with khoya & kesar (saffron). You can taste this unique dessert only in the cold season because they sell it in winters only.
Cost for two: 40 INR (approx)
Address: Head towards Chandni Chowk from the metro station. Cross the road and you will see a lane there, called Parathe Wali Gali. Daulat ki Chaat is in the same lane.
