Delhi’s Top 10 Food Stalls: A Culinary Journey Through the Capital

Alex Lew, CFA
3 min readApr 21, 2024

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References:

  • Food Blogs and Reviews on Zomato and TripAdvisor
  • Local Culinary Tours and Personal Visits
  • Interviews and Publications from Renowned Food Critics
  • Direct Testimonials from Regular Patrons and Celebrity Chefs

The choices made in this article reflect a deep dive into the culinary scene of Delhi, offering a guide that is as useful to a first-time visitor as it is to a seasoned local foodie. By highlighting the unique aspects and historical significance of each stall, this comparison not only guides but educates the reader, enhancing their dining experience in one of the world’s most vibrant food capitals.

1. Aslam Chicken Corner:
Nestled in the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, Aslam Chicken Corner is famed for its Butter Chicken. The dish, richly marinated and cooked in heaps of butter and cream, offers a velvety texture that justifies its slightly premium price compared to other local offerings. The stall stands out not just for its food quality but for maintaining consistency in taste over the years, making it a beloved spot among locals and tourists alike.

2. Lotan Chole Wala:
A morning visit to Lotan Chole Wala can redefine your palate’s understanding of Chole Kulche. The cost is modest, reflecting the typical street food pricing, but the flavors are anything but ordinary. The chole (spicy chickpeas) are perfectly spiced and the kulchas are freshly prepared on-site, offering a satisfying crunch. Sustainability practices are notable here, with efforts made to minimize waste.

3. Bishan Swaroop:
Tucked away in a corner of Chandni Chowk, Bishan Swaroop offers an array of fruit chaats and aloo kulla (potatoes stuffed with chickpeas and spices). The stall’s emphasis on fresh, local produce at a reasonable price, along with its dedication to a no-frills presentation, underscores its commitment to quality over spectacle.

4. Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale:
Renowned for its wide variety of kulfis, this stall uses traditional recipes that have been in the family for generations. The kulfis, ranging from creamy mango to innovative tamarind flavors, are moderately priced. They are made using natural ingredients, ensuring a rich, authentic taste that has earned them a stellar reputation.

5. Prince’s Paan & Chaat Corner:
Prince’s offers a modern twist on the traditional paan alongside a selection of chaat. While slightly pricier, the hygiene and innovative flavor combinations, such as chocolate and strawberry paan, provide a unique experience that appeals to a younger demographic and tourists looking for a safe, yet authentic taste of Delhi’s street food scene.

6. Al Jawahar:
Moments away from the famous Jama Masjid, Al Jawahar serves a riveting range of Mughlai dishes. Their Mutton Korma stands out for its authentic flavor, rooted in age-old cooking techniques. The price points reflect the premium ingredients used, but the portion sizes and the depth of flavor offer good value for money.

7. Shree Balaji Chaat Bhandar:
Another gem in Chandni Chowk, this stall is famed for its papdi chaat and bhalla. The cost is competitive, offering a filling experience with top-notch ingredients. The stall scores high on food safety, an important factor given the typical concerns around street food.

8. Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala:
Specializing in kachoris, this stall offers a crunchy, spicy treat filled with a mix of daal and spices. The affordability of the kachoris makes this stall particularly popular among students and budget travelers. The stall’s long-standing reputation in the area speaks to its consistency and quality.

9. Roshan Di Kulfi:
Located in Karol Bagh, this stall is a go-to for both kulfi and North Indian snacks. Roshan Di Kulfi balances cost and quality effectively, making it a favored choice for families. The kulfi here is noted for its dense, creamy texture and traditional flavor, a testament to the stall’s adherence to classic kulfi-making methods.

10. Khan Chacha:
Khan Chacha is synonymous with kebabs in Delhi. The pricing is on the higher end, reflecting its upscale market positioning and prime locations. However, the quality and flavor of the kebabs, made from meticulously chosen ingredients, justify the premium, making it a must-visit for kebab connoisseurs.

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