A Guide to the Best Cuisine in Delhi — Local Delights That You Can’t Miss.
Delhi is a hub for culture, food, and other attractions. As Delhi’s cultural diversity continues to grow, the city has become the perfect place for cuisines from all over the world. This guide will help you explore some of Delhi’s most delicious dishes while also discovering some hidden gems that are not on many traveler’s lists. From places to eat to things to do, Dine Guru India brought this list that has everything you need. Come take a bite out of our vast culinary landscape!
Why You Should Explore Delhi’s Local Cuisine
Delhi is a hub for culture, food, and other attractions. As Delhi’s cultural diversity continues to grow, the city has become the perfect place for cuisines from all over the world. For those traveling to Delhi, take a break from exploring the usual tourist routes and try some of these local dishes. You won’t regret it!
Himachali Thali:
A dish that represents India’s diverse culture, Himachali Thali is made up of dal (lentil soup) with rice and curries from different regions in India.
Punjabi Tandoori Chicken:
Punjabi tandoori chicken is a dish with distinct flavors that you can’t miss out on if you’re visiting Delhi. The meat is marinated in yogurt with spices like garlic, ginger, red pepper, salt, and garam masala before being grilled in an earthen oven called “tandoor.” It’s served with naan (traditional flatbread), which is cooked in the tandoor as well!
Chaats:
If you can handle your spice level, chaats are an amazing way to experience Indian cuisine. Chaats are fast food dishes that are often prepared on the streets of Delhi using fresh ingredients like chutney (a sauce), potatoes, onion rings, coriander leaves (cilantro), yogurt or buttermilk, sev (chickpea noodles).
Best Places to Eat in Delhi
There’s a saying that states, “A man who doesn’t know his way around a kitchen isn’t a real man.” However, for those of us who don’t have the time or skill to cook up a storm in the kitchen, there are plenty of restaurants around Delhi to try. Whether you want traditional Indian dishes or western cuisine, Delhi has it all.
One of the most popular ways to eat in Delhi is street food. These traditional dishes can be found on nearly every corner and they offer an unparalleled experience. Some of the most popular things to eat include samosas, chaats, pani puri, and gol guppa. Another great option is having lunch at one of Delhi’s many dhabas or roadside eateries. These establishments serve some of Delhi’s best-known dishes like butter chicken and naan breads with curries and chutneys. If you’re looking for something more upscale but still authentic, try one of the many new age Indian restaurants opening up around town. They offer an interesting twist on traditional dishes while still staying true to its roots.
If you want something different than the expected Indian fare, head over to The Royal Thai Embassy Restaurant in South Extension Part I for some mouthwatering Thai food! This restaurant offers authentic Thai food which makes it not just good but also educational! It also offers an outdoor setting — perfect for any traveler wanting to enjoy some sunshine and culture with their meal!
Budget Friendly Eats:
If you’re on a tight budget, there are plenty of affordable eats to be found in Delhi. One popular restaurant is the Punjab Grill. The prices here are very low and the food is delicious. If you want something more upscale, I recommend Jaipur Golden Palace or Bukhara. Both places offer great Indian food at an affordable price and offer an intimate setting for a date night. Prices range from $5-$10 per person depending on what you order and where you eat it.
Hidden Gems of Delhi:
Delhi is home to some of the most delicious food in the world. Here are some places you have to hit when in Delhi.
Raita Restaurant:
Located in Karol Bagh, Delhi, Raita is a popular Pakistani restaurant that offers authentic dishes with a taste for everyone. The naan breads are served fresh and made with love. There are also lots of seafood options on the menu that can’t be found anywhere else in Delhi. Try out the Hyderabad Fish if you want something different.
Haandi:
Head to Haandi in West Patel Nagar for authentic North Indian cuisine. The menu is full of variety, so if you’re looking for something spicy, try out their fiery Lamb Rogan Josh dish. If you’re not feeling like too much heat, their Chicken Tikki Masala is a crowd favorite and has been perfected over time.
La Piazza Defence Colony:
If you’re craving pizza but don’t want to travel too far from central Delhi, head to La Piazza at Defence Colony and indulge your taste buds with one of their delectable pizzas — like the Cheese and Tomato Pizza or the La Piazza Special Pizza (which comes loaded). They also serve pasta dishes at this Italian restaurant which will satisfy your carbs craving without breaking the bank.
Ambala Sweets:
One more hidden gem we recommend checking out is Ambala Sweets at Daryaganj Market near Asaf Ali Road — this place serves up some of the best traditional sweets in all of Delhi! They’ve been around.
Conclusion:
When visiting a place, it’s always best to explore the local culture. Delhi is one of India’s most vibrant cities, with food that reflects this. You can’t go wrong with the traditional Indian fare, but if you’re looking for something different, there are plenty of eateries that will delight your taste buds.
You’ll find plenty of budget friendly restaurants that will give you a taste of the city’s most famous dishes, not to mention hidden gems that are off the beaten path. With so much to explore, it’s easy to find delicious food in Delhi.