Dwelling on the origins

Delhi is an ancient city that also serves as the capital of India. The city is rich in history and embraces the culture of multiple religions. As soon as you enter Old Delhi, you get a sense of the passage of time this city has experienced. Chandni Chowk is situated right at the heart of it all. This place may look a bit crowded and certainly needs some renovation and maintenance, but what caught my interest were the different eras the city has witnessed. If you ever set your gaze on the old and frail shop hoardings or the food menus, you’ll find that many of these establishments are 60 to 80 years old and still in operation. India and China are among the oldest civilizations in the world, and this is reflected in their major cities and rich cultural heritage.

Popular menu served

During our 8-day stay, we tried various food outlets around Chandni Chowk, Delhi. The most common items on the menu included paratha, chole bhature, pakora, samosa, rice, a variety of naan, and different types of curries.

We preferred chole bhature as our morning brunch. The locals really love this dish as well, which is evident from the large crowds that gather at these shops during the early hours. One thing to keep in mind is that most shops open around 11:30 a.m. or 12:00 p.m. and remain open until 11:00 p.m. or even 12:00 a.m.

Chole bhature is reasonably priced at around ₹100, which can keep you full for the entire day—at least if you're like me.

We had this particular dish at a place called Parmjeet Singh & Brothers, which was noticeably cleaner than many other local eateries in the area and tasted really good.

After finishing your chole bhature, you can enjoy a refreshing smoothie at a nearby shop called Gianis Di Hatti. We tried the popular falooda dessert but found it a bit too sweet for our liking, so we opted for a mango smoothie instead, which was excellent. The smoothie cost us about ₹100. If you're looking to save ₹20–₹30, you can find equally good smoothies about 100 meters ahead at a place called Super Falooda.

Exploring dinner options

While there are many obvious choices for dinner among the items mentioned earlier, one place stood out during our short visit—a culinary gem revered by both locals and non-vegetarian food lovers across India. The place is called Karim’s Hotel, a legendary establishment that has been serving fragrant, flavorful biryanis for generations. As described on their website and menu, Karim’s is more than just a restaurant—it's a legacy.

Tucked near the majestic Jama Masjid, Delhi’s oldest and grandest mosque, the eatery radiates history. The narrow lanes leading to it are filled with the rich aroma of slow-cooked meat, spices, and charcoal-grilled kebabs. The current owner traces his lineage directly to the royal chefs who once prepared lavish feasts in the courts of the Mughal emperors.

Despite its historical significance and renowned culinary heritage, the dishes are surprisingly affordable. Dining at Karim’s isn’t just a meal—it’s an experience steeped in tradition, flavor, and the soul of Old Delhi.

Our pick for the best eatery during our short visit

One place that truly stood out during our short visit was located right on the popular street of Chandni Chowk. It had a warm, family-friendly ambiance and served delicious food at reasonable prices. We ordered the usual favorites: butter naan, dal makhani, paneer butter masala, and aloo jeera. Each dish was flavorful and well-prepared, offering great value for the price. The welcoming atmosphere was clear from the many occupied tables filled with families enjoying their meals together.

The dinner for four cost us a total of about ₹720, which felt reasonable given the family-friendly ambiance and quality of the food. After dinner, you can enjoy a smoothie for ₹70 or ₹80 at Super Falooda, located just about 100 meters from the restaurant.

Overall verdict from a traveller

Old Delhi is a historic market brimming with delicious food waiting to be discovered. With proper maintenance and a bit of renovation, the old market and its eateries could truly shine and attract even more visitors.