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Best Street Food in Delhi: A Local’s Ultimate Guide

Updated on : Sep 01, 2025 5:16 PM
Best Street Food in Delhi: A Local’s Ultimate Guide

Delhi’s street-food culture is as legendary and culturally diverse as the city itself.  From Dush till Dawn, you can hear the symphony of sizzling grills, bubbling curries, and heady aromas that haunt your senses even after you’ve walked past that particular gali. From the alleyways of Old Delhi to the hip lanes of South Delhi, the best street food in Delhi isn’t just food, it’s history, heart, and hustle on a plate. Venture out after the evening rush, and you'll find yourself in a delicious maze: Chaats, Kebabs, Chole Bhature, Parathas, Momos, and so much more. And if you're hunting for the best street food in Delhi at night, you're in the right place. This guide highlights the places that make Delhi's street bites unforgettable.


10 Best Places to Start Your Street Food Journey in Delhi


1] Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Paharganj)

When in Delhi, how is it not possible to start your day with a super heavy breakfast and if your taste buds scream Chole Bhature, then Sita Ram Diwan Chand is your holy ground. What started as a humble bicycle stall in 1947 by a refugee from Lahore became legendary, all thanks to one massive plate of paneer-stuffed bhature paired with creamy, spice-rich chole. The trade secret? The bhature mix has bits of cottage cheese, fenugreek, hing, and spices, while the chickpeas are simmered in a blend of more than 20 spices that is cooked freshly every day. This joint is where folklore meets flavor, and waiting in line is a small price for a profoundly Delhi breakfast.


2] Fateh Ki Kachori (Civil Lines)

A lighter option for breakfast, at least for Delhiites, is the puff and crunch Kachori nirvana called Fateh Ki Kachori. Still a small street side stall serving their signature crisp non-curry Kachoris with crisp, flaky shells bursting with richly spiced lentil filling that are perfectly paired with artisanally perfected tangy chutney and thick hot chole. This Civil Lines institution has been serving these golden delights for over 30 years, earning loyal fans who come back generation after generation and kilometers after kilometers. It’s street food at its unapologetically delicious best that is simple, satisfying, and unpretentious.


3] Paranthe Wali Gali (Chandni Chowk)

Of course, we have heard countless mentions of this place in movies or in general sayings when it comes to the best street food in Delhi. In the winding lanes of Chandni Chowk lies the holy grail of starch: Paranthe Wali Gali. A strip lined with small shops serving stuffed parathas with stuffings ranging from the general demand of the aloo, gobi, and pyaaz to more playful desires of cheese, rabri, or banana conspiracies. Each parantha is rolled right in front of you, then drowned in the oil-filled kadai, and delivered piping hot, ready to be devoured. These parathas cement the lane’s reputation as one of the best places to eat in Delhi's street food. A single bite here is a buttery ode to the fusion Punjabi home cooking that took birth in this old Delhi corner.


4] Delhi Haat (INA Market)

For those craving variety, Delhi Haat at INA Market is more than just a food court; this place is a cultural celebration of diverse India. With rotating stalls representing food from different states like Uttar Pradesh, Kerala, and Assam, this open-air market brings the diversity of Indian street food onto one sprawling canvas. Whether you’re here before a theater show or a casual day out, the aloo kulcha from Punjab, the dhoklas from Gujarat, and especially varieties of momos that represent their authentic origins from Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Sikkim and Manipur are the best street momos in Delhi and variety, that you'll ever come across in your life. Together, the food experience at Delhi Haat proves to be one of the best street food places in Delhi under one roof. It’s vibrant, lively, and permanently photogenic.


5] Kutty’s South Indian Food (Jantar Mantar)

Not many might know this lesser-known gem when we mention the South Indian authentic cuisine offerings in Delhi. Kutty’s South Indian Food near Jantar Mantar is pilgrimage territory and a nostalgic run for many dosa lovers. This hole-in-the-wall serves crisp neer dosas, soft masala dosas, and piping hot idlis with fiery chutney and sambar that stir up taste from home kitchens in Chennai and Bangalore. The place fills fast, especially in the morning, or a protest rally is held nearby, so if you're hunting the best street food in Delhi, this South Indian surprise is comfort food done right.


6] K B Chaat Wala (Karol Bagh)

Karol Bagh is mostly known for its electronics, sidewalk stalls, and their heavily discounted sales, but K B Chaat Wala is the spot to land when you're worn out of your bargaining tactics and your chaat cravings spike up. Their bharwa golgappas, spicy aloo chaat, and matar kulchas are burst-and-blend bites of sweet, tangy, spicy, and utterly addictive. Simple, no-frills, and eternally crowded for their special Double Butter Moonglet (a version of vegetarian omelet), this stall hands-down delivers the best street food in Karol Bagh that is locked and loaded with flavors in every crisp you bite.


7] Ram Laddu Food Corner (Lajpat Nagar)

When we talk about the best street food in South Delhi, Ram Laddu Food Corner is the undisputed king of this post-partition old Delhi, decades-old Punjabi munch. This purely vegetarian snack, with the same signature crispy moong dal fritters served with fresh grated radish and spicy green chutney, still holds a very holy space in every North Indian heart for combining both affordability and filling. It is simple yet addictive, loved by locals and visitors seeking the best street food in Lajpat Nagar. Since it's prepared fresh and is only available as an evening snack, it is perfect for those seeking the best street food in Delhi at night with a vegetarian twist. Though almost sold in every market street of Delhi, this corner stall, in particular, offers crunchy and comforting food that no one can.


8] Haldiram's (Multiple Outlets)

Though not a street-street food and comes under the commercial chain eatery now, Haldiram’s still manages to stay the local and hygienic choice for many, which captures the street-food vibe with quality and care. From thalis to single servings, the offering in the menu spans across state cuisines, especially their chaats that magnetize the crowd to revisit again and again. Their served pani puri, raj kachori, and bhalla papdi are some of the top reorders that deliver authentic flavors and are assembled with fresh ingredients. It’s an excellent choice if you’re on a hunt for the best fast food Delhi options that retain street credibility. From Connaught Place to Lajpat Nagar, and including 23 other cities, Haldiram’s is everywhere, and their consistency is unmatched.


9] Javed Famous Nahari (Okhla)

You know, we had to add a joint that served the best Mughlai, and for all the lovers of the best non-veg street food in Delhi, Javed Famous Nahari is a pilgrimage spot. Their rich and steeped in spices, Nihari is engulfed in slow-cooked flames, which serves up a dish that defines what meat dreams are made of. The offerings of their tender meat curries that usually fall off the bone are perfect when paired with the tandoor pulled khameeri rotis; this is a Sunday morning ritual for many nearby locals and a night feast for occasional visitors. It’s one of the best places to eat street food in Delhi when you’re craving something meaty and soul-satisfying.


10] Bhape Da Hotel (Connaught Place)

We had to save the best for the last, and yes, the mention is about the greatest Indian chicken curry; probably now of the world- Butter Chicken. In the city where this dish was conceived and birthed, there are more than enough outlets that you could count and that may serve the best butter chicken. But our job is to target the unique, and another heavyweight in Delhi’s non-veg street food culture, and Butter Chicken is Bhape Da Hotel. Located in Connaught Place, this place is famous for its creamy butter chicken and chicken saag that no one could compete with, yes, that's right, not even the beloved Moti Mahal. Though small in size, it punches well above its weight in flavor. It’s a top spot when you’re exploring the best street food in Delhi with a love for Delhi-style Punjabi curries.


The Final Bite: A Taste of the City You Can’t Forget

In Delhi, street food is more than just quick bites; when people munch on that amalgamation of flavours, it’s culture on the plate. Whether you're wandering through Chandni Chowk at twilight, tasting Kutty’s crisp dosa for a little or early brunch, or waiting up to sit in the compact room of Bappe to taste the best butter chicken of your life, you're tracing a food map inked by locals, chefs, and wanderers alike. Each place holds its own claim in the expansive gallery of the best street food places in Delhi, a certificate that every Delhiite holds dear.


So when the rooters vocal wake you or when the night falls and the street lights flicker on, this city’s hidden kitchens open up. The best street food in Delhi is waiting for you at every corner, from vegetarian gems like Ram Laddu Food Corner to non-veg legends like Javed famous Nahari, this city offers an adventure for every palate. So grab your napkins, bring your appetite, and get ready to experience Delhi through its food, one sizzling, aromatic, delicious bite at a time.

Frequently Asked Questions


What is the most famous street food in Delhi?

Delhi is renowned for its diverse and flavorful street food culture, with some dishes being particularly iconic. Some of the most famous include Chole Bhature, Golgappa (also known as Pani Puri), Aloo Tikki Chaat, and Ram Ladoo.

Which part of Delhi is best for food?

Delhi is a city known for its diverse and delicious food scene, and several areas that are highly recommended for food enthusiasts by the regular locals are Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Nagar, and Sarojini Nagar, known for their street shopping and especially their food. While Connaught Place and Saket offer a mix of dining options, including cafes and restaurants. 

Why is Delhi famous for its street food?

Delhi is a reflection of the city's rich culinary heritage and history. The city's street food is famous for its blend of traditional dishes, Mughal influences, and various regional specialties, creating a vibrant and exciting culinary experience. 

What is famous in Chandni Chowk to eat?

With many iconic dishes and eateries hailing from Chandni Chowk (Delhi), some of the most famous include parathas at Paranthe Wali Gali, chaat at Natraj or Ashok Chaat Bhandar, jalebis at Old Famous Jalebi Wala, kebabs at Karim's, and kulfi at Kuremal.

Where to eat street food in Delhi at night?

Not many might know, but Delhi too is famous for its late-night street food scene, and many places offer post midnight options, including Chandni Chowk, Lajpat Nagar, and Sarojini Nagar. Additionally, places like Murthal and (though a bit further) food stalls in areas like Noida Sec 62, 71, and 12-22 are known for staying open late to serve the best late-night offerings.

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