Trip Info
Shahjahanabad, now popular as Purani Dilli , was originally a city established by the Mughal emperor Shahjahan in 1648. It was considered a gem of the empire, and continues being the heart of the Capital as well.
One of the major draws of Delhi, among other things, is its vibrant and eclectic food scene. The average middle class urban Delhi resident has acquired a global palate and is familiar with a range of cuisines from across the world. Yet, notwithstanding the profusion of European, Asian, American and Mediterranean food options, locals keep returning to Old Delhi aka ‘Purani Dilli’ for their fill of soul satisfying comfort street food.
While tastes might veer towards the exotic, food cravings continue to be satisfied by good ‘ol street fare. Not surprisingly, old Delhi street food enjoys considerable branding, so even posh restaurants now claim to offer authentic old Delhi street food. But this food is best enjoyed in its original setting, in the noisy labyrinthine bylanes of Chawri Bazaar and Chandni Chowk where golden gurudwaras share space with historic mosques.
The dishes one can savor in Old Delhi Food Walk are- large thick and juicy jalebis, orange and glistening with ghee; alu tikki chat—crisp fried potato cutlets dunked in a melange of chutneys and smattered with onions and spices ; varieties of stuffed paranthas— potato, onion, cottage cheese, cauliflower, radish, papad, dry fruits and even khoya. In non-vegetarian, one can taste tender and flavorful Kebabs, fried Chicken, Butter Chicken -fried chicken soaking in a yellow butter gravy served with Roomali Roti and Biryani. In Desserts, creamy and addictive phirni are served in earthen pots and we end the food walk with Kulfi- blackberry, pomegranate, mango, litchee, guava and more.
