Street food is a universal language, and nowhere is that more true than on the streets of Delhi. With its rich history, diverse culture and bustling markets, Delhi also has some of the best street food in the world. From the crunch of golgappas to the smoke of kebabs and the melt in your mouth of chaats, Delhi is a foodie’s paradise. But here is the thing: finding the best street food in Delhi isn’t just about stumbling upon a vendor – it’s about finding hidden gems that are famous for specific things, packed with authentic flavours that locals swear by.
So, are you ready to dive into the Delhi street food guide? We have curated this list after exploring all over Delhi, read out the expert's tips on where to find them, how much they will cost and how to enjoy them to the fullest. When you are travelling in a group the best way to experience the city life and the mouth watering delicious foods is by hiring a Tempo Traveller on Rent in Delhi and get the best possible comfort on the go.
As soon as you put a golgappa in your mouth you’re hit with tangy, spicy and slightly sweet all at once. These little water filled wonders are a Delhi street food staple, with crunchy thin semolina or wheat puris and a mix of tamarind water, spicy mashed potatoes and chickpeas.
Golgappas have a special place in Delhiites hearts, every region of the city has its own version of this street food. Some serve it with spicy mint water, some with sweeter tamarind based one. It’s this versatility that has kept golgappas at the top of Delhi’s food chain for generations.
Best Spot: Prabhu Chaat Bhandar at Connaught Place
Cost: ₹30-₹50 per plate
Tip: Ask for a mix of flavoured waters to truly experience the full spectrum of tastes. And don’t forget to finish your plate with a ‘sukha puri,’ which is a dry, spiced puri without water.
Aloo Tikki is more than just a potato patty; it’s a texture and flavour symphony that defines Delhi’s love for street food. Crispy on the outside and soft spicy potato filling inside, Aloo Tikki is topped with tangy tamarind chutney, refreshing yoghurt and a sprinkle of chaat masala. The combination of these layers is an explosion of flavours in every bite and the cool yoghurt balances out the spicy aloo.
Aloo Tikki is most popular during winter when the warmth of the freshly fried patties is perfect for the cold Delhi evenings. The street vendors fry these tikkis to golden perfection and fill the streets with an irresistible aroma.
Best Spot: Natraj Dahi Bhalla in Chandni Chowk
Cost: ₹50-₹70 per plate.
Tip: Don’t just eat it plain! To have the ultimate experience have your tikki doused in yogurt and chutney to turn it into a dahi-tikki chaat which is a richer, creamier variant.
Few things are as Delhi as Chhole Bhature. It’s more than just a street food; it’s a celebration of flavours and textures that have been perfected over time. This dish is spicy chickpea curry (chole) with soft, fluffy and slightly crispy deep fried bread (bhature). It’s garnished with sliced onions, green chilies and a wedge of lemon to balance out the rich and heavy dish.
Delhi comes alive in the morning as the vendors start prepping their chhole bhature for the breakfast rush. Whether you’re grabbing a quick bite from a roadside stall or having it from one of the many iconic eateries. It’s heavy enough to fill even the biggest of appetites making it a perfect option for a full meal.
Best Spot: Sita Ram Diwan Chand in Paharganj
Cost: ₹70-₹100 per plate.
Tip: Always accompany your Chole Bhature with a glass of lassi or sweetened curd to help balance out the spices. And make sure you enjoy it fresh and hot.
For ages, paranthas have been a Delhi staple, especially in Paranthe Wali Gali of Chandni Chowk where you can find endless varieties of this stuffed, pan fried bread. Made with dough filled with mashed potatoes, cauliflower or even paneer, each parantha is fried to a crisp in generous amounts of ghee and is oh-so indulgent.
While the classic aloo parantha is a favourite, many new versions have emerged - rabri (sweetened condensed milk) and even banana paranthas. The parantha is a favourite for breakfast, lunch or even a midnight snack and with every bite you feel warm and delicious.
Best Spot: The narrow lanes of Paranthe Wali Gali
Cost: ₹40-₹80 per parantha
Tip: Try the more unconventional fillings like kaju (cashew) or khoya (sweetened milk). And don’t forget the side of spicy pickles and mint chutney that come with it!
Delhi’s Mughal legacy is best seen in its kebabs where chunks of meat are marinated in aromatic spices, skewered and grilled over charcoal. From the melt in your mouth Galouti Kebabs to the tender and spicy seekh kebabs, the smoky flavour and juicy texture are a treat you can’t resist.
Whether you are eating them at a night market or a roadside stall, kebabs give you a glimpse into Delhi’s rich culinary history. Each vendor has their own secret marinade recipe passed down through generations which adds to the variety of flavours you can find in Delhi’s best street food. Find Best Places in Delhi to Visit with Friends for a dayout.
Best Spot: Khan Chacha in Khan Market
Cost: ₹150-₹300 for a plate.
Tip: If you're a night owl then kebabs are among the best street food in Delhi at night especially when paired with fresh naan and a squeeze of lime.
Flaky, golden and filled with spiced lentils or potatoes, kachoris are a street food favourite that has been winning hearts in Delhi for years. The crispy outside gives way to a flavourful filling, where every bite will give you a satisfying experience. They are often served with a spicy aloo sabzi or tamarind chutney to give it an extra zing.
Kachoris are more popular during festivals and winters but you can find them any time of the year. Vendors serve them straight from the fryer so they are hot and super satisfying on a cold evening.
Best Spot: Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala in Chandni Chowk
Cost: ₹40-₹60 per plate.
Tip: You should take the full flavour with some extra chutney or aloo sabzi
One of Delhi’s most fascinating street foods, Daulat ki Chaat is a frothy, airy dessert made from churned milk cream that’s left overnight to settle in the winter chill. The light, fluffy texture, topped with saffron, dry fruits, and sugar, creates a delicate balance of sweetness that melts in your mouth.
This dish is only available during the cold winter months, making it a rare delicacy that’s well worth seeking out. The labour-intensive process and the short window of availability make Daulat ki Chaat one of the city’s most unique and cherished street foods.
Best Spot: Street vendors in Chandni Chowk
Cost: ₹40-₹100 per plate.
Tip: Enjoy this dish fresh, as it tends to lose its texture and flavour if kept for too long.
Soft on the inside, crispy on the outside and topped with radish and green chutney, Ram Ladoos are a must try when you are in Delhi street food. These deep fried lentil fritters are so light and flavorful that you can have them any time of the day.
Although they look simple, Ram Ladoos are full of flavour because of the generous green chutney and grated radish on top. They are usually served as a roadside snack, especially in markets where you can grab a plate as you shop.
Best Spot: Tilak Nagar Market is renowned for its Ram Ladoos
Cost: ₹30-₹50 per plate.
Tip: Don’t be shy to ask for extra chutney! The spicy, tangy flavours are what make Ram Ladoos such a hit.
Creamy, cool and tangy, Dahi Bhalla is a refreshing street food snack that’s a respite from the spiciness of Delhi’s street food. The bhallas (lentil dumplings) are soaked in yoghurt and topped with various chutneys, that create a balancing taste of sweet, sour and spicy.
Dahi Bhalla is a summer favourite, because of its cooling properties and the yoghurt that helps to temper the heat of other spicy snacks. It’s light, flavorful and a must try when you are looking to try famous food of Delhi.
Best Spot: Natraj Dahi Bhalla in Chandni Chowk
Cost: ₹50-₹70 per plate.
Tip: Pair this with a spicy dish like Aloo Tikki to create the ultimate balance of flavors on your plate.
No Delhi street food guide is complete without jalebi. These golden, crispy spirals soaked in sugar syrup are a luxury and the perfect dessert after a day of spicy street food. Whether you eat them hot and fresh or let them soak up more syrup for a chewier texture, jalebi is a favorite among locals and tourists.
The simplicity of jalebi is what makes it so attractive, with just a few ingredients to make such a wonderful dessert. Although a traditional dish, jalebis are very common on Delhi streets, especially during festivals when the demand shoots up.
Best Spot: Old Famous Jalebi Wala in Chandni Chowk
Cost: ₹40-₹80 per plate.
Tip: Pair your jalebi with rabri (sweetened condensed milk) for the ultimate indulgence.
Steet foods in Delhi is not just a meal it is an experience. The combination of flavours, texture, mouth watering taste and aromas found in these culinary delights is a window into the city’s cultural diversity and food heritage. Now with this Delhi Street Food Guide in hand you’re ready to dive into the by lanes and markets and taste everything from spicy snacks to sweet treats.
This is more than just a list of foods — it’s your key to finding the best street food in Delhi, from the heart of Chandni Chowk to the posh markets of South Delhi. So pack your appetite, indulge and let Delhi’s street food leave you wanting more. Read this Travel Guide to know more about sightseeing places and things to do in Delhi.
