Top 10 Street Food in Delhi: A Culinary Adventure Through the Heart of India

Street Food Tours in Delhi, India - AFAR

Delhi, the capital city of India, is a melting pot of cultures, traditions, and of course, food. Known for its vibrant street food culture, the streets of Delhi are teeming with food vendors serving up tantalizing snacks that are an integral part of the city’s rich culinary heritage. Whether you're wandering through bustling markets or enjoying a quiet evening at one of the iconic food streets, Delhi's street food offerings are sure to captivate your taste buds.

In this blog, we'll take you on a culinary tour of Delhi's top 10 street food items you absolutely must try. Get ready for a journey filled with spices, sweetness, and textures that reflect the heart and soul of this magnificent city.

1. Chaat (Multiple Varieties)

Location: Connaught Place, Chandni Chowk, and almost every corner of Delhi
Overview:
Chaat is arguably the most popular and iconic street food in Delhi. A delightful combination of sweet, spicy, tangy, and crunchy, chaat comes in many varieties like Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, Aloo Tikki Chaat, and Papri Chaat. The base of these chaats is usually made from crispy puris, crispy wafers, mashed potatoes, and chutneys, making each bite a perfect balance of flavors.
Why Try:
- A burst of flavors in every bite
- Available at nearly every street corner
- A must-have for those who love spicy, tangy snacks

2. Paratha (Aloo, Paneer, or Mixed Paratha)

Location - Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk
Overview:
Parathas (stuffed flatbreads) are a staple in Delhi's street food culture. The famous Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk is a hub for those craving hot, crispy, and stuffed parathas. These parathas are served with tangy pickles, yogurt, and sometimes even sweet dishes. The fillings range from aloo (potato), paneer (cottage cheese), to gobhi (cauliflower) and more.
Why Try:
- Soft, crispy, and stuffed with a variety of fillings
- Rich in taste and perfect with yogurt or chutney
- A delicious breakfast or snack option

3. Kebabs (Seekh Kebab, Galouti Kebab)

Location: Karim's (Old Delhi), Jama Masjid Area
Overview:
Delhi is known for its Mughlai cuisine, and kebabs are a significant part of this rich heritage. Seekh kebabs and Galouti kebabs are some of the best street food options to try. These kebabs are juicy, tender, and bursting with flavor, often served with naan or paratha, along with a side of mint chutney.
Why Try:
- Succulent and tender kebabs packed with spices
- A must-try for meat lovers
- Often served with naan or crispy paratha

4. Chole Bhature

Location: Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Paharganj), Bangla Sahib Gurdwara
Overview:
Chole Bhature is a North Indian favorite, and Delhi serves it up in its most authentic form. The dish consists of spicy chole (chickpeas) paired with fluffy, deep-fried bhature (bread). It's a filling, flavorful street food enjoyed at any time of the day.
Why Try:
- Perfect combination of spicy and fried goodness
- Hearty and satisfying meal
- A popular dish for breakfast or lunch

5. Samosa

Location: Across Delhi, particularly near school markets and office areas
Overview:
A crisp, golden exterior and a flavorful filling of spiced potatoes and peas, samosas are the quintessential street snack of Delhi. They are often served with tangy tamarind chutney or spicy green chutney, making them irresistible to all snack lovers.
Why Try:
- Crunchy on the outside, soft and spicy on the inside
- Quick and easy snack option
- A favorite snack for all ages

6. Dahi Puri

Location: Connaught Place, Lajpat Nagar, and every local market
Overview:
Dahi Puri is a cooler and creamier alternative to the regular pani puri. Small, round puris are filled with yogurt, tamarind chutney, and spices, making them a refreshing treat. The tangy and sweet yogurt adds a rich texture to the crunchy puris, making it a perfect snack during the hot Delhi summer.
Why Try:
- Creamy, tangy, and spicy all in one
- Refreshing and light snack
- Ideal for cooling down during warm weather

7. Aloo Tikki

Location: Lajpat Nagar, Connaught Place, and many local street vendors
Overview:
Aloo Tikki is a spiced potato patty that is deep-fried until golden and crispy. Often served with chutneys or stuffed with peas, this snack can be enjoyed alone or as part of a larger chaat combination. It’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, providing a perfect balance of textures.
Why Try:
- Crispy on the outside, soft and flavorful inside
- A beloved vegetarian snack
- Quick and satisfying street food option

8. Pav Bhaji

Location: Ajmal Khan Road (Karol Bagh), M-block Market (Greater Kailash)
Overview:
A beloved Mumbai-origin dish, Pav Bhaji is a spicy vegetable mash served with buttered and toasted pav (bread rolls). The bhaji is a mix of mashed potatoes, peas, tomatoes, and a special blend of spices, making it rich in flavor. It’s a filling snack that’s perfect for satisfying those hunger pangs.
Why Try:
- Hearty and delicious
- Bursting with flavors of spiced vegetables
- Perfect for a filling street meal

9. Rolls (Kathi Rolls)

Location: Khan Market, CP, and around Delhi University
Overview:
Kathi Rolls are a type of wrap made with a soft paratha, filled with spicy marinated meat (chicken, mutton, or paneer), onions, and sauces. Rolled up and wrapped in paper, this is the ultimate on-the-go snack for those who want a filling meal in just a few bites.
Why Try:
- A great on-the-go snack
- Can be made with chicken, mutton, or vegetarian fillings
- Filling and flavorful with a good mix of spices

10. Kulfi (Traditional Indian Ice Cream)

Location: Chandni Chowk, Nizamuddin, and across markets
Overview:
Kulfi is India’s traditional ice cream, made from milk, sugar, and a variety of flavorings like pistachio, mango, and rose. It’s denser and creamier than regular ice cream, offering a delicious and cool treat, especially during the scorching summer months.
Why Try:
- Rich, creamy, and flavorful ice cream alternative
- Refreshing and satisfying during Delhi’s hot weather
- Available in a variety of flavors

Conclusion: A Taste of Delhi's Streets

Delhi's street food culture is a feast for the senses, offering a variety of flavors, textures, and experiences that reflect the diverse and rich culture of the city. Whether you're indulging in spicy chaats, savory kebabs, or sweet kulfi, these street foods are a must-try for anyone visiting the capital city. So, grab a bite, explore the food streets, and experience the vibrant culinary heart of Delhi!

4o mini

Blog