Chandni Chowk and the adjoining lanes of Old Delhi reward curious eaters with an extraordinary range of flavours. Historic sweet shops, compact counters and long-standing family businesses serve dishes that have become part of Delhi’s everyday food culture.
This guide brings together 10 well-known destinations for street food in Chandni Chowk and nearby Old Delhi. Because outlets, access routes and opening hours can change, check current details before travelling and plan a route that suits the part of the market you want to explore.
1. Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala
Signature: Dahi Bhalla / Aloo Tikki
Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala is a compact Chandni Chowk institution known for a focused menu. Its dahi bhalla combines soft lentil dumplings with chilled curd, spices and chutneys, while the aloo tikki delivers a crisp potato base with a tangy finish.
Delhi Tourism highlights both dishes, making this a practical first stop for visitors who want a classic introduction to Old Delhi chaat. The busy standing-service format is part of the experience, so expect a quick meal rather than a leisurely sit-down visit.
2. Old Famous Jalebi Wala
Signature: Desi-ghee Jalebi
At the Dariba Kalan corner, Old Famous Jalebi Wala is recognised for thick jalebis prepared in desi ghee. They arrive hot, with a crisp outer layer and a juicy, syrup-soaked centre that feels distinctly different from thinner everyday jalebi.
The shop’s live preparation adds to its appeal: watching spirals move from hot ghee into syrup is almost as memorable as eating them. Visit with an appetite, because these jalebis are substantial and best shared when you are sampling several stops.
3. Kake Di Hatti
Signature: Large stuffed naan and vegetarian North Indian food
Kake Di Hatti is an established vegetarian restaurant in Old Delhi, famous for generously sized naan baked in the tandoor. The official menu includes plain and stuffed options, with fillings such as potato, paneer, cauliflower, garlic and seasonal combinations.
A naan is best paired with one of the restaurant’s dals or paneer-based gravies. Portions can be large, so sharing helps if you plan to continue your food walk. The experience is more substantial than a quick snack and works well as the main meal on your route.
4. Lotan Ke Chole Kulche
Signature: Spicy Chole Kulche
Lotan Ke Chole Kulche, also known as Lotan Chole Wala, serves one of Old Delhi’s most assertive breakfast plates. The dish is chole kulche—not chole bhature: spicy chickpeas are served with soft kulcha and finished with a tangy amchur-based chutney.
Delhi Tourism describes the business as a multigenerational family operation. Spice levels can be intense, so first-time visitors may want to ask for a balanced serving. This is traditionally an early-day stop, making advance verification especially useful.
5. Pt. Babu Ram Devi Dayal Parathe Wale
Signature: Traditional and unusual stuffed parathas
Located in the celebrated Paranthe Wali Gali, Pt. Babu Ram Devi Dayal Parathe Wale offers a broad selection of stuffed parathas. Alongside familiar potato and paneer fillings, visitors may find more unusual combinations that reflect the lane’s playful approach to this traditional dish.
The parathas are rich and filling, commonly accompanied by chutney, vegetables or pickles. Order selectively if you are visiting several outlets; one shared plate provides enough flavour and texture without ending the food walk too early.
6. Shiv Misthan Bhandar
Signature: Bedmi Puri with Aloo Sabzi
Shiv Misthan Bhandar is associated with a hearty Old Delhi breakfast of bedmi puri and aloo sabzi. The puri is robust and crisp, while the spiced potato curry brings warmth and depth. Jalebi, lassi and traditional sweets round out the shop’s broader offering.
This is a useful breakfast-focused stop near the Fatehpuri side of Chandni Chowk. The combination is best enjoyed fresh, when the puri still contrasts cleanly with the soft, aromatic curry.
7. Kanwarji’s
Signature: Traditional sweets, namkeen and Dal Biji
Kanwarji’s is a long-standing Chandni Chowk confectioner known for sweets and savoury snacks. Dal Biji is a signature namkeen: a crunchy mixture built around lentils, sev and nuts, seasoned for a savoury, gently spicy finish.
Unlike dishes that must be eaten immediately, many of Kanwarji’s namkeen products travel well. This makes the shop a sensible stop for edible gifts or something to take home after your food walk. Check ingredient information directly if you have dietary restrictions.
8. Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale
Signature: Fruit and fruit-stuffed kulfi
Near Chawri Bazar, Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale is celebrated for kulfi that places fruit at the centre of the experience. Its fruit-stuffed versions use the fruit itself as the presentation, with kulfi returned to the hollowed shell before setting.
Availability can depend on the season, so mango, orange and other fruit options may vary. After the heat and spice of an Old Delhi food walk, the cool, dense dessert provides a welcome change of pace.
9. Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala
Signature: Kachori with spicy Aloo Sabzi
Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala is known for crisp dal kachori served with spicy aloo sabzi. Delhi Tourism identifies it as one of Chandni Chowk’s established kachori destinations, and the combination remains popular for its flaky shell, savoury filling and bold curry.
The dish is intense, warming and satisfying. Eat it soon after serving so the kachori retains some crunch against the curry, and keep water handy if you are sensitive to chilli.
10. Padam Chaat Corner
Signature: Papdi Chaat, Dahi Bhalla and Aloo Tikki
Padam Chaat Corner is a small street-side operation in Barf Wali Gali. Delhi Tourism particularly notes its dahi bhalla, finished with spices and tangy chutneys, while the counter also serves items such as bhalla papdi, kachori chaat and golgappa.
The appeal lies in the balance of creamy curd, crisp elements, spice and acidity. It is a fitting final savoury stop when you want the layered flavours of chaat without committing to another heavy meal.
Tips for Exploring Street Food in Chandni Chowk
- Visit early for breakfast-focused outlets.
- Carry drinking water.
- Try smaller portions when visiting multiple places.
- Carry some cash.
- Expect crowds on weekends.
- Check current opening hours before travelling.
- Use the nearest suitable Metro station depending on the outlet.
Comfortable footwear is essential, and a flexible route helps when lanes are crowded. Chandni Chowk, Lal Qila, Jama Masjid and Chawri Bazar Metro stations can each be useful depending on your starting point and chosen stops.
Final Thoughts
Chandni Chowk and Old Delhi offer more than a checklist of famous dishes. Their food culture is shaped by compact spaces, specialist menus, family knowledge and the rhythm of neighbourhood markets. From cooling dahi bhalla and kulfi to fiery chole kulche and kachori, every stop adds a different layer to the experience.
Approach the area patiently, share portions and leave room for the unexpected. Want to share your own travel, food or local expertise? Write for Guest Post India and explore more stories in our Travel category.
