Delhi, India's sprawling capital territory, is a city where ancient monuments stand beside ultramodern malls and Mughal gardens shadow gleaming corporate towers. As one of the world's most populous cities, Delhi offers an intoxicating blend of history spanning 3,000 years, from Iron Age settlements to British colonial architecture. The city serves as the political, cultural, and commercial heart of India, drawing millions of visitors annually to its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant street food scene, and legendary bazaars.
Summary Delhi's food scene reflects its position as the crossroads of Indian civilization, offering cuisine from every Indian state alongside international options. The city's culinary identity is rooted in Mughal court cooking (tandoori meats, biryanis, kormas) and Punjabi dhaba food (butter chicken, dal makhani, parathas), with major influences from the Partition of 1947 when refugees from what is now Pakistan brought their culinary traditions to Delhi., Signature cuisines Mughlai, Punjabi, Awadhi, Rajasthani, South Indian, Kashmiri, Continental, Vegetarian scene Excellent. Delhi has a huge vegetarian population and exceptional vegetarian options across all price ranges. South Indian restaurants, Jain-friendly restaurants, and pure vegetarian institutions are abundant., Street food culture Street food is Delhi's heartbeat. From Old Delhi's kebab alleys to the chaat stalls of Connaught Place, eating on the street is both culturally essential and delicious.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Delhi.
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Invented in Delhi in the 1950s at Moti Mahal, this iconic curry of tandoori chicken in a rich tomato-cream-butter sauce is the most famous Indian dish worldwide
Dal Makhani
Slow-simmered black lentils and kidney beans with cream and butter, cooked overnight for a rich, velvety result - another Delhi invention
Chole Bhature
Spicy chickpea curry served with two deep-fried puffed flatbreads - Delhi's beloved breakfast and brunch dish
Aloo Paratha
Whole wheat flatbread stuffed with spiced mashed potato, cooked on a tawa with generous butter - quintessential Delhi breakfast
Kebabs
Delhi's kebab culture spans seekh kebab, galouti kebab, kakori kebab, reshmi kebab, and shammi kebab - each with distinct textures and spice profiles
Nihari
Slow-cooked shank stew traditionally eaten for breakfast in Old Delhi, rich with marrow and fragrant with whole spices
Biryani
Aromatic long-grain rice layered with meat and slow-cooked - Delhi's Mughlai biryani differs from Hyderabadi or Lucknowi styles
Aloo Tikki Chaat
Crispy spiced potato patties topped with chutneys, yogurt, sev, and pomegranate seeds - the quintessential Delhi street snack
Gulab Jamun
Soft milk-solid dumplings soaked in rose-flavored sugar syrup - Delhi's most beloved sweet
Rabri Jalebi
Crispy spiral-fried sweet soaked in sugar syrup, served with thickened condensed milk - Old Delhi's most indulgent breakfast treat
Pav Bhaji
Spiced mashed vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls - a popular street snack across Delhi
Dahi Bhalla
Soft lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt and topped with tamarind chutney, chili, and spices - a cooling street snack
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Indian Accent
Consistently ranked among Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, Indian Accent at The Lodhi hotel is Delhi's most celebrated fine dining establishment. Chef Manish Mehrotra reinvents Indian cuisine with global techniques and locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes like blue cheese naan, daulat ki chaat, and meetha achaar pork ribs. The warm, intimate dining room and impeccable service make every meal memorable.
Known for: Modern reinvention of Indian culinary heritage
The Lodhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003
Bukhara
Opened in 1978 at ITC Maurya hotel, Bukhara is one of Asia's most legendary restaurants, serving slow-cooked frontier cuisine with recipes virtually unchanged for 45 years. The restaurant is famous worldwide for its Dal Bukhara (black lentils simmered for 18 hours), Sikandari Raan (marinated leg of lamb), and spectacular tandoori preparations. US Presidents, the Clintons, and Obamas have dined here.
Known for: Legendary tandoori and slow-cooked frontier cuisine since 1978
ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi 110021
Dum Pukht
Dum Pukht at ITC Maurya is the definitive destination for Awadhi cuisine in Delhi, specializing in the ancient dum (sealed slow-cooking) technique where dishes are cooked in sealed pots over gentle heat. The gilded, regal dining room evokes the courts of Lucknow nawabs, and each dish on the menu is an heirloom recipe. The biryani, gosht dum pukht, and khameeri roti are extraordinary.
Known for: Authentic Awadhi dum-cooked cuisine in regal surroundings
ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi 110021
Varq
Located in the Taj Mahal Hotel, Varq (meaning a thin leaf of precious metal used in Indian sweets) serves contemporary Indian cuisine in an elegant setting that draws on traditions from across the subcontinent. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the best local ingredients, with preparations spanning coastal seafood to Mughal-influenced meat dishes and innovative vegetarian offerings.
Known for: Seasonal contemporary Indian cuisine in an iconic hotel setting
Taj Mahal Hotel, 1 Mansingh Road, New Delhi 110011
Threesixtyone Degrees
Threesixtyone Degrees at The Oberoi New Delhi is a spectacular all-day dining restaurant with a theatrical open kitchen, in-house bakery, and a sweeping menu covering Indian, Continental, Japanese, and Mediterranean cuisines. The Sunday brunch at Threesixtyone is considered one of Delhi's finest, with live cooking stations, unlimited champagne, and an extraordinary spread of international cuisine.
Known for: Sunday brunch and theatrical open-kitchen dining at luxury level
The Oberoi, Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, New Delhi 110003
Karim's
Established in 1913 near Jama Masjid, Karim's is arguably Old Delhi's most famous restaurant, serving authentic Mughal-era recipes passed down through generations of the Karim family, descendants of cooks who served the Mughal court. The no-frills establishment is legendary for its mutton korma, seekh kebabs, nihari, and nalli (marrow) curry, drawing locals and tourists from around the world.
Known for: Mughal-era recipes since 1913, near Jama Masjid
16 Jama Masjid, Gate 1, Matia Mahal Lane, Old Delhi, New Delhi 110006
Moti Mahal Delux
Moti Mahal Delux in Daryaganj holds an extraordinary place in culinary history as the birthplace of butter chicken (murgh makhani) and dal makhani, both invented here in the 1950s by the legendary chef Kundan Lal Gujral. The original Daryaganj location maintains the heritage recipes while other branches have proliferated across India and internationally. A pilgrimage for anyone who loves Indian food.
Known for: Birthplace of butter chicken and dal makhani
3703 Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, New Delhi 110002
Gulati Restaurant
A Delhi institution since 1959, Gulati on Pandara Road Market is famous for its rich North Indian curries, perfectly charred tandoori preparations, and generous portions. Pandara Road Market itself is a cluster of beloved restaurants that come alive at night and has been Delhi's premier restaurant row for decades. Gulati is particularly beloved for its butter chicken, mutton rogan josh, and breads.
Known for: Delhi institution since 1959, Pandara Road landmark
6 Pandara Road Market, New Delhi 110003
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Indian
Social
Social is a co-working-bar-restaurant hybrid with branches in Hauz Khas Village and Connaught Place. The menu blends Continental and Indian street food with creative cocktails in a industrial-chic atmosphere. Social is the defining hangout of Delhi's young urban professional class and hosts live music events and open mic nights. The Hauz Khas branch has stunning lake views.
Known for: Co-working bar with creative cocktails and fusion bar food
9A & 12, Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016 (and multiple locations)
Paranthe Wali Gali
Paranthe Wali Gali (Lane of Stuffed Parathas) in Chandni Chowk is a legendary alley where shops have been making stuffed parathas (flatbreads) continuously since the 19th century. Each shop specializes in dozens of different fillings - potato, radish, fenugreek, paneer, rabri (sweet) - cooked on massive griddles and served with seasonal chutneys and creamy raitas. An unmissable Old Delhi food experience.
Known for: Old Delhi stuffed paratha tradition since the 19th century
Gali Paranthe Wali, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, New Delhi 110006
Saravana Bhavan
Saravana Bhavan is one of India's most beloved South Indian restaurant chains, founded in Chennai in 1981 and now a global institution. The Delhi branches serve impeccably fresh dosas, idlis, uttapams, sambar, and South Indian filter coffee at very reasonable prices. A popular destination for vegetarians seeking excellent value in a clean, reliable environment.
Known for: Reliable South Indian classics, excellent vegetarian options
46 Janpath, New Delhi 110001 (multiple locations)
Andhra Bhavan Canteen
The Andhra Bhavan Canteen in the Andhra Pradesh state guesthouse serves some of the most authentic and fiercely spicy Andhra cuisine in Delhi at prices so low they are barely believable. The all-you-can-eat thali served on banana leaves (and later metal plates) includes rice, rasam, sambar, several curries, pappad, and sweets. Beloved by Andhra expats, food journalists, and budget travelers.
Known for: Fiery authentic Andhra thali at extraordinarily low prices
1 Ashoka Road, New Delhi 110001
Farzi Cafe
Farzi Cafe at Connaught Place brings molecular gastronomy and modern Indian cuisine to a buzzy, accessible setting. Chef Zorawar Kalra's menu deconstructs classic Indian dishes into whimsical modern formats - pani puri shots, miniature butter chicken tacos, and deconstructed gulab jamun. The theatrical presentations and cocktail menu make it ideal for groups looking for a fun, creative dining experience.
Known for: Molecular gastronomy meets Indian street food in a theatrical setting
Connaught Place, Block J, New Delhi 110001
Naivedyam
Naivedyam in Hauz Khas Village is one of Delhi's finest South Indian vegetarian restaurants, serving Udupi-style cuisine and Tamil dishes in a peaceful, temple-like setting with natural stone and woodwork. The sattvic (no onion, no garlic) menu is particularly popular with those seeking pure, traditional South Indian cooking. The appam with coconut milk and the Kerala sadya meals are exceptional.
Known for: Temple-style pure vegetarian South Indian cuisine in Hauz Khas
1 Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016
Haldiram's
Haldiram's is India's most beloved snack and sweet brand, and its flagship Delhi restaurants serve the full range of chaat, sweets, and snacks alongside hot meals. The Connaught Place branch is particularly popular for its bhelpuri, aloo chaat, rasgullas, and lassi. Clean, air-conditioned, and extremely affordable, it is ideal for vegetarians and families.
Known for: India's most famous snack brand - chaat, sweets, and vegetarian meals
A-1, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001 (multiple locations)
Nathu's Sweets
Nathu's Sweets in Bengali Market is one of Delhi's most venerable sweet shops and snack counters, operating since 1939. The shop is famous for its rabri (thickened sweet milk), gulab jamun, halwa, and chaat. Bengali Market itself is a favorite haunt of Delhi's intellectual and political class. Nathu's chhole bhature are considered among the best in Delhi.
Known for: Heritage sweet shop since 1939, legendary chhole bhature
Bengali Market, Mandi House, New Delhi 110001
Kake Da Hotel
Kake Da Hotel near Connaught Place is one of Delhi's oldest and most beloved Punjabi restaurants, known for serving no-nonsense, hearty North Indian food since 1931. The menu is short and the quality is consistently excellent - butter chicken, dal makhani, tandoori rotis, and mutton curry. The simple, canteen-style setting is always full, and the food is exactly what Punjabi home cooking should taste like.
Known for: No-frills Punjabi classics since 1931, a true Delhi institution
74-75 Municipal Market, Connaught Circus, New Delhi 110001
Potbelly Rooftop Cafe
Potbelly Rooftop Cafe in Shahpur Jat is a unique restaurant dedicated to the cuisine of Bihar, one of India's least-known culinary traditions. From the rooftop terrace with neighborhood views, it serves litti chokha (wheat balls stuffed with sattu), dalcha, makhana kheer, and other Bihari specialties rarely found outside the state. A fascinating, delicious, and completely offbeat Delhi dining experience.
Known for: Rare Bihari cuisine on a rooftop in Delhi's creative Shahpur Jat
Shahpur Jat Village, New Delhi 110049
Carnatic Cafe
Carnatic Cafe is a beloved small South Indian restaurant in Hauz Khas specializing in Karnataka cuisine - Mangalorean seafood, Coorg pork curries, and traditional Udupi preparations. The intimate, no-frills setting and exceptional quality of cooking have earned it a loyal following among South Indians in Delhi and food writers. The neer dosa, Kane Rava Fry (ladyfish), and Coorg pork curries are outstanding.
Known for: Karnataka and Coorg cuisine rarely found elsewhere in Delhi
Hauz Khas Village, New Delhi 110016
Diwan-e-Khas
Diwan-e-Khas is an upscale Mughlai dining room in Connaught Place offering an elegant recreation of Mughal court cuisine with refined presentations, aromatic biryanis, and slow-cooked kormas. The regal decor with carved archways and traditional Indian textiles creates an atmospheric setting ideal for a special dinner. The dum biryani and murgh musallam (whole chicken curry) are the restaurant's signatures.
Known for: Mughal court-inspired dining in Connaught Place
N-Block, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001
Sagar Ratna
Founded in New Delhi in 1986, Sagar Ratna has grown into one of Delhi's most popular South Indian restaurant chains with dozens of branches across the city. The menu covers the full range of South Indian classics - masala dosa, uttapam, idli, vada, and thalis - prepared fresh and served quickly. An excellent choice for a reliable, affordable vegetarian South Indian meal anywhere in Delhi.
Known for: Reliable South Indian vegetarian chain across Delhi since 1986
15 Defence Colony Market, New Delhi 110024 (multiple locations)
Coast
Coast is a refined coastal Indian restaurant serving seafood-forward dishes from Goa, Kerala, Mangalore, and Bengal in a sophisticated nautical-themed setting. The restaurant sources fresh fish daily and prepares dishes with authentic regional spice blends. The Goan fish curry, Kerala prawn moilee, and Bengali mustard fish are particularly excellent.
Known for: Refined coastal Indian seafood from multiple regional traditions
The Connaught Hotel, 37 Shaheed Bhagat Singh Marg, New Delhi 110001
Zaffran
Zaffran in Connaught Place is one of Delhi's most consistent North Indian restaurants, offering refined Mughlai and Punjabi cuisine in an elegant setting. The menu covers all the classics - kebabs, biryanis, curries, and breads - with higher quality ingredients and more refined presentation than typical mid-range restaurants. Popular for business lunches and pre-theater dinners.
Known for: Refined North Indian and Mughlai classics in Connaught Place
H-Block, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001
Continental
Smoke House Deli
Smoke House Deli is a popular Delhi restaurant chain offering a relaxed all-day dining menu of Continental favorites, sandwiches, salads, pasta, and brunch dishes in a warm, rustic atmosphere. The Khan Market and Vasant Kunj branches are particularly popular with young professionals and expats. Known for excellent coffee, avocado toast, and the signature smoked salmon bagel.
Known for: All-day brunch and Continental dining, excellent coffee
Khan Market, New Delhi 110003 (also multiple locations)
Wenger's Deli
Wenger's Deli in Connaught Place is Delhi's oldest bakery and confectionery, established in 1926 by the Swiss Wenger family. The legendary deli counter sells freshly baked breads, pastries, cakes, and continental cold cuts. The small cafe counter serves coffee, sandwiches, and patties. A historic Delhi institution that has survived intact through independence and modernization.
Known for: Delhi's oldest bakery, established 1926, colonial heritage institution
A-16 Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001
Delhi Club House
Delhi Club House in Connaught Place is a sprawling multi-level gastropub and restaurant with live sports screening, a large craft beer selection, and a broad menu spanning burgers, pasta, pizza, and pub snacks. The billiards room, rooftop terrace, and regular DJ nights make it a popular after-work and weekend gathering spot for Delhi's young professional crowd.
Known for: Multi-level gastropub with sports screening and craft beers
D-23, Inner Circle, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001
Cafe
Cafe Turtle
Cafe Turtle in Khan Market is Delhi's most literary cafe, located above the Full Circle bookshop and a perennial favorite of the city's academic and creative class. The cafe serves good coffee, homemade cakes, quiches, sandwiches, and salads in a warm, book-filled atmosphere. The Khan Market branch has a lovely balcony overlooking the market below.
Known for: Delhi's most literary cafe above Khan Market's best bookshop
Full Circle Bookstore, 23 Khan Market, New Delhi 110003
The Grammar Room
The Grammar Room in Shahpur Jat is a charming neighborhood cafe in one of Delhi's most artsy villages, popular with designers, photographers, and creative professionals. The menu emphasizes healthy, fresh ingredients with great salads, grain bowls, and homemade cakes. The warm, indie atmosphere and excellent specialty coffee make it a favorite weekend brunch destination.
Known for: Artsy neighborhood cafe in Shahpur Jat's creative village
12B Shahpur Jat Village, New Delhi 110049
Italian
Big Chill
Big Chill in Khan Market is Delhi's most beloved casual Italian restaurant, famous for its cheesy pasta, wood-fired pizzas, generous portions, and legendary desserts. The walls are covered with Hollywood movie memorabilia, and the casual atmosphere draws families, students, and young couples alike. The tiramisu and banoffee pie are legendary among Delhi food lovers.
Known for: Delhi's favorite casual Italian restaurant since 1999
8 Khan Market, New Delhi 110003
Jamie's Pizzeria
Part of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver's global brand, Jamie's Pizzeria in DLF Mall of India and other Delhi locations serves rustic Italian pizza and pasta in a relaxed, family-friendly setting. The wood-fired pizzas use quality imported ingredients alongside local produce, and the pasta is made fresh in-house. A reliable choice for families and those craving genuine Italian food.
Known for: Wood-fired Italian pizza in a family-friendly Jamie Oliver setting
DLF Mall of India, Sector 18, Noida 201301
American
All American Diner
All American Diner at India Habitat Centre is a delightful piece of retro America transplanted to South Delhi, serving generous portions of American classics - burgers, milkshakes, waffles, and eggs Benedict - in a 1950s diner setting with red vinyl booths and a jukebox. Popular for weekend brunches and with Delhi's expat community.
Known for: 1950s American diner experience in South Delhi, great brunches
India Habitat Centre, 40 Max Mueller Marg, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003
Chinese
China Kitchen
China Kitchen at Hyatt Regency Delhi is consistently rated one of Delhi's best Chinese restaurants, serving authentic Cantonese cuisine prepared by skilled Chinese chefs. The elegant dining room with an open kitchen and private dining rooms is ideal for business dinners. The dim sum brunch on weekends is exceptional, and the Peking duck, steamed fish, and wok-tossed vegetables are restaurant highlights.
Known for: Delhi's finest Cantonese restaurant with authentic Chinese chefs
Hyatt Regency Delhi, Bhikaiji Cama Place, New Delhi 110066
Kashmiri
Chor Bizarre
Chor Bizarre (Thieves' Market) at Hotel Broadway is one of Delhi's most eclectic dining experiences, its interior filled with antiques, vintage cars, four-poster beds, and oddities - all of which are for sale. The cuisine is authentic Kashmiri, featuring wazwan multi-course meals, rogan josh, yakhni, and the famous Kashmiri noon chai. A quirky, memorable dining institution in Old Delhi.
Known for: Authentic Kashmiri wazwan cuisine in a remarkable antique-filled setting
Hotel Broadway, 4/15A Asaf Ali Road, New Delhi 110002
Mediterranean
Olive Bar and Kitchen
Olive Bar and Kitchen in Mehrauli, set in a beautiful white-washed colonial bungalow with a garden terrace, is considered the pioneer of Delhi's modern restaurant scene. The Mediterranean-inspired menu features excellent wood-fired flatbreads, mezze, wood-grilled proteins, and fresh salads. The whitewashed walls, bougainvillea, and candlelit evenings make it one of Delhi's most romantic dining spots.
Known for: Romantic Mediterranean dining in a colonial bungalow garden
One Style Mile, Mehrauli, New Delhi 110030
Modern Pan
PA PA YA
PA PA YA is Delhi's premier modern Pan-Asian restaurant, offering a theatrical dining experience with live cooking stations, dim sum carts, and a menu spanning Japanese, Thai, Vietnamese, Malaysian, and Chinese cuisines. The sushi, dim sum, and robata-grilled dishes are excellent. The stylish interior and energetic atmosphere make it a favorite for group dinners and special occasions.
Known for: Modern Pan-Asian cuisine with theatrical live cooking
DLF Promenade Mall, Nelson Mandela Road, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi 110070
Mughlai
Al-Jawahar
Directly opposite Karim's near Jama Masjid, Al-Jawahar has been feeding Old Delhi's Muslim quarter since 1947. The restaurant serves generous portions of Mughlai classics - nihari, mutton biryani, korma, and haleem - at prices even lower than Karim's. The ambiance is simple and bustling, with communal tables and the aroma of slow-cooked meats filling the air.
Known for: Old Delhi Mughlai classics since 1947 at even better value than Karim's
8 Jama Masjid, Near Gate 1, Old Delhi, New Delhi 110006
Mughlai Kebabs
Khan Chacha's
Khan Chacha's in Khan Market is the most famous kebab roll shop in Delhi, serving succulent mutton and chicken kebab rolls stuffed in flaky roomali roti with onions and chutney. The original Khan Market stall has been operating for decades and spawned multiple branches. The simple, unpretentious format delivers extraordinary flavor - a must for meat lovers visiting Khan Market.
Known for: Khan Market's legendary kebab roll institution
Khan Market, New Delhi 110003
Punjabi Dhaba
Rajinder Da Dhaba
Rajinder Da Dhaba near Safdarjung Hospital is Delhi's most legendary late-night dhaba, operating from early evening until the early hours of the morning and drawing an eclectic clientele of doctors, journalists, students, and night owls. The open-air seating, smoking tandoor, and glorious Punjabi curries have made it an institution. The mutton keema and paneer bhurji are classics.
Known for: Delhi's most beloved late-night dhaba, Safdarjung legend
Near Safdarjung Hospital, Safdarjung, New Delhi 110029
Tibetan
Majnu ka Tilla Tibetan Restaurants
Majnu ka Tilla is a Tibetan refugee colony on the Yamuna River bank in North Delhi that has evolved into a fascinating neighborhood of Tibetan monasteries, shops, and restaurants. A cluster of tiny eateries here serves steaming thukpa (noodle soup), momos (dumplings), tsampa, butter tea, and sha phaley (Tibetan bread stuffed with meat). An extraordinary off-the-beaten-path cultural and culinary experience.
Known for: Authentic Tibetan cuisine in Delhi's Tibetan refugee colony
Aruna Nagar, Near Vidhan Sabha, North Delhi, New Delhi 110054
Vegetarian
Burma Burma
Burma Burma in Connaught Place is a rare and wonderful discovery - a fully vegetarian restaurant dedicated entirely to the cuisine of Myanmar. The menu explores Burmese food traditions through dishes like tea leaf salad, coconut noodle soups, and fermented bean curd. The intimate, warmly-lit space is adorned with Burmese artifacts and offers a genuinely exotic dining experience completely unlike anything else in Delhi.
Known for: Delhi's only dedicated Burmese vegetarian restaurant
F-Block, Connaught Place, New Delhi 110001
Food tours & tastings in Delhi
Eat your way through Delhi with a guide.
Browse food experiences in DelhiWe may earn a commission from bookings made through these links.
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Old Famous Jalebi Wala
Find it at: Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk
Price: $1 per 100g
Paranthe Wali Gali Stalls
Find it at: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
Price: $1.50-2.50 per paratha
Karim's Kebab Counter
Find it at: Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
Price: $2-3
Bengali Market Chaat Stalls
Find it at: Bengali Market, Central Delhi
Price: $1-2
Gol Gappa Stalls (Connaught Place)
Find it at: Various CP spots
Price: $0.50 for 6 pieces
Dilli 6 Kebab Trail
Find it at: Old Delhi near Red Fort
Price: $2-4
Sita Ram Diwan Chand
Find it at: Paharganj, Chuna Mandi
Price: $1.50
Kuremal Kulfi Shop
Find it at: Kucha Pati Ram, Chandni Chowk
Price: $1.50-3
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Chandni Chowk Food Lane
The spine of Old Delhi's legendary food culture, with hundreds of years of culinary tradition packed into narrow lanes
Khan Market
Delhi's most upscale market, with excellent cafes, delis, and restaurants including Big Chill and Cafe Turtle
Bengali Market
Traditional market beloved by Delhiites for its sweet shops, chaat stalls, and Nathu's Sweets
Pandara Road Market
Delhi's most famous restaurant row with North Indian institutions like Gulati and Ichiban
Dilli Haat
Government-run crafts market with regional food stalls representing all Indian states
Hauz Khas Village
South Delhi's trendy village with upscale restaurants, rooftop cafes, and bars around a medieval lake
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Book fine dining restaurants like Indian Accent and Bukhara at least 2-4 weeks in advance - they fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
In Old Delhi, stick to busy, well-established restaurants like Karim's rather than street stalls if you have a sensitive stomach.
Restaurant bills in India typically do not include service charge but may add a 5% GST - check your bill carefully.
Most Delhi restaurants offer significant portion sizes - ordering two dishes for three people is usually sufficient.
Pandara Road Market restaurants often run until midnight or later and serve excellent late-night North Indian food.
During Ramadan (varies by year), Old Delhi's food scene comes alive at night with special iftar markets selling dozens of traditional dishes.
Alcohol is available at licensed restaurants in Delhi but is significantly more expensive than food. The excise tax is high.
Water at restaurants: always ask for bottled water (mineral water). A large 1L bottle costs ₹20-30 ($0.25-0.35).
- Vegetarian
- Excellent options everywhere. Delhi has a large vegetarian population, and most restaurants have extensive vegetarian menus. South Indian restaurants are almost entirely vegetarian.
- Vegan
- Growing availability, especially in upscale South Delhi restaurants and cafes. Specify 'no dairy' clearly as many vegetarian dishes contain ghee or paneer.
- Halal
- Very widely available in Old Delhi and Muslim neighborhoods. Most Mughlai restaurants are halal-certified.
- Jain
- Many restaurants offer Jain food (no onion, no garlic). Specify 'Jain' when ordering at any Indian restaurant.
- Gluten free
- Less common as a labeled option, but many Indian dishes are naturally gluten-free. Rice-based South Indian food is a safe choice.
- Nut allergies
- Mughlai cuisine uses nuts extensively. Inform restaurants clearly, as nuts are used in marinades, gravies, and garnishes across many dishes.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |