As the calendar turns to October, the withering heat of Delhi begins to make way for the much-awaited pleasant evenings, reminding us of winter's awaited arrival. Of the many fantastic winter experiences that the city promises—think picnics in Sunder Nursery and long walks in Lodhi Garden—a food tour in Delhi is hands down among the top ones. From the ambrosial kebabs found in the narrow lanes of Jama Masjid to the bright orange and fresh-off-the-heat jalebis in Chandni Chowk, Delhi brims with flavours that will make you feel warm in bone-chilling temperatures. Here is our list of the best food places in Delhi you must explore this upcoming winter:
There's no other dish that says breakfast is the most important meal of the day like a plateful of nalli nihari. Derived from the Arabic word "nahaar," meaning morning, this dish of mutton shanks slow-cooked on low heat till the spices seep deep into every crevice of the meat has been a popular breakfast item since the time of the Mughals. In the bylanes of old Delhi, this dish is still devoured as the first meal of the day, accompanied with cloud-like khameeri rotis that perfectly soak up the deep-red, redolent gravy. For a bite of the best nihari in Delhi, head to the Jama Masjid area and manoeuvre the crowd till you reach Haji Shabrati Nihari Wale or Al Jawahar. Reach early to secure a plate of nihari before they run out.
Address: Haji Shabrati Nihari Wale: 722, Gali Haveli Azam Khan, Bazar Chitli Qabar, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006; Al Jawahar: Shop no. 8, Jama Masjid, Opposite, Gate Number 1, Bazar Matia Mahal, Kalan Mehal, Ansari Nagar East, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Enter any local market in Delhi one of these months, and you will spot a big cauldron filled with simmering milk. This glass of thickened, spiced milk that is brewed for hours is every Delhiite's magic potion for surviving the winter and is one of the best street food in Delhi. Although it is delicious on its own, ditch the guilt and order a plate of fresh jalebi from the adjoining mithai shop to dunk in. While kulhad ka doodh is ubiquitous in winter months, make an excursion to the Old Famous Jalebi Wala in Chandni Chowk for the real deal.
Address: 1795, Dariba Corner, opp. Bank of Maharashtra, Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
This elusive winter-special is unique not just for how it tastes but also for how it's made, making it one of the best street foods in Delhi during winters. Thick, creamy milk is churned, and then the foam is scooped and kept separately. This process is continued until the thick, foamy froth forms a heap, after which sugar and dry fruits are added. Since daulat ki chaat can only be prepared during winters (as it is difficult to achieve the right texture in high temperatures), this is a must-have Delhi street food. While every mithai shop in the city serves this iconic dish, Chandni Chowk boasts the best scoops—especially Khemchand, who sets up his stall right between Kinaari Bazaar and Paranthe Wali Galli.
Address: Gali Paranthe Wali Inside the Street Kinari Bazaar Chandni Chowk, near Ram Chandra Krishan Chandra Sarees Shop, Old Delhi, Delhi, 110006
The queen of winter desserts certainly needs no introduction. This dish of carrots cooked down with ghee and sugar is on every north Indian's radar when November comes around. Come winter, this indulgent dish becomes a must-have on the Delhi street food list. With a thriving Punjabi population, the city becomes home to some of the best gajar ka halwa you can taste. Although it finds its way in every small or big mithai shop, the best is found at Kaleva Sweets in Gole Market, Chaina Ram in Chandni Chowk, and Shyam Sweets in Chawri Bazaar. Considered to be among the best food places in Delhi, these shops also serve other must-have Delhi street food like chaats and rabri.
Address: Kaleva Sweets: 109, Bangla Sahib Rd, Sector 4, Gole Market, New Delhi, Delhi 110001; Chaina Ram: Ground Floor, Fatehpuri Masjid, 6499, Katra Bariyan, Fatehpuri, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006; Shyam Sweets: 112, Manohar Market, Chawri Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006
Although chikki (peanut and jaggery brittles) and gajak (jaggery and sesame brittles) now come packaged, the taste of the fresh ones made with pure jaggery and sold on thelas (carts) remains unparalleled, making it one of the best street food in Delhi. Almost every lane in Delhi's residential area has a seller standing with his thela offering choices of mungfali (peanuts), gajak, chikki. However, if you cannot spot them, head to Meerut Wale in Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk.
Address: 2684, Kinari Bazar Rd, Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006
While one never needs an excuse to devour a plate of kebabs fresh off the tandoor, it hits differently in Delhi winters. The low temperatures not only make it easier to brave the large crowds but create a perfect vibe to down melt-in-the-mouth seekh kebabs with rumaali rotis. It is indeed the perfect time to venture deep into the narrow lanes in the quest for some of the city's best. Undoubtedly, Jama Masjid's Qureshi Kebab ranks high on the list, but Nizamuddin also hides one of the best food places in Delhi for kebabs. In fact, you can also make a day out of it: visit the Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah on Friday evening for Juma, followed by a hearty meal at Ghalib Kebab Corner in the lane leading to the Dargah.
Address: Qureshi Kebab: Opposite Gate 1, Jama Masjid, New Delhi; Ghalib Kebab Corner: Markzi masjid, Nizamuddin, Nizammudin West Slum, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi, Delhi 110013
Although you can now relish this popular Delhi street food all year long, winter is when this fried treat is enjoyed the best. Prepared with a mix of various daals made into a thick batter, which is then deep-fried and served with grated radish, mint and tamarind chutneys, Ram laddoo makes for a perfect wintertime treat. While every neighbourhood has its own favourite spot, one of the best food places in Delhi that is known to serve its best variation is Ram Laddoo Food Corner in Lajpat Nagar.
Address: D 35, Shree Krishna Mandir, Central Market, Lajpat Nagar 2, New Delh