When it comes to street foods, Delhi is in a league of its own. The bustling streets of the capital city are a treasure trove of culinary delights, offering a feast for the senses around every corner and twist and turn. From spicy chaat to crispy pakoras, Delhi’s street food scene is as diverse as it is delicious. Join me on this journey as we explore famous street foods of Delhi.
1. Golgappe/ Pani Puri
Golgappe or Pani puri which originated from Delhi Streets has had an impact in hearts (and mouths) of many people making it one of the most popular street foods ever. They come as crispy, hollow spheres that hold a sour-and-spicy mix made up of tamarind water, chickpeas, potatoes and so many other spices you can think about. It’s truly difficult to find something else that will beat the taste explosion in your mouth with every bite you take. Some variants are Dahi-puri where Golgappe which are filled with curd or Sukha puri where it’s filled with dry ingredients like spices and chutneys.
2. Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature from the streets of Delhi is another infamous combination that will leave you wanting more. Bhature is served hot out of oil alongside tangy/spicy chole would make anyone fall for them at first sight. The Bhature are crisp with the rich flavoursome chole served alongside them perfectly well. And sometimes paneer or potato may be added too.
3. Kathi Rolls:
A snack food that is very popular among Delhi streets, the Kathi rolls are originally from the alleyways of Kolkata to the streets of Delhi. These rolls contain a crispy paratha or roti filled with spicy marinated meat (chicken, mutton or paneer), onions and chutneys. By combining the softness of a paratha with juicy stuffing inside it, one experiences a mix of different flavours in a single item. Normally, cheese and eggs are other additives used in the filling to make it more special.
4. Aloo Tikki:
Everywhere in Delhi Aloo Tikkis can be found as they are present literally everywhere from corners to nooks of this city as street snacks. They are golden-brown Tikkis prepared by shallow frying mashed potatoes that have been seasoned with spices and herbs. When bitten into, the exterior crunches while the interior is light and fluffy with great taste. It tastes even better when served with tangy imli chutney or green chutney.
5. Parathas:
Parathas form a very significant part of Delhi’s street food culture giving people on-the-go something heavy and fulfilling for their stomachs. The inside has different types of fillings such as potatoes, paneer, vegetables or even minced meat depending on preferences and served hot off the grill until cooked well; each mouthful seems to be bursting out in your mouth at once like you would never expect such difference in taste of food which may look similar but then trust me it does not matter because they always come out unique from one another. Parathas are beloved Delhi comfort food that is served hot off the tawa with butter on top or alongside a pack of yogurt and pickle.
6. Samosa:
The Samosa, springing from Central Asia to make Delhi’s street food its permanent home, is an appetizer with a crispy outside and a savoury inside that will leave your taste buds tingling. These triangular pastries have a spicy filling made of peas, potatoes and spices which are deep fried until they become golden brown and crispy. The crunchiness of the crust contrasts with the smoothness and flavour of the filling resulting in this as one of the favourite snacks for anyone anywhere.
7. Dahi Bhalla:
Dahi Vada also known as Dahi Bhalla is another Indian street food dish that combines luscious curd (yoghurt) with tangy flavours of chutneys and spices. Soft spongy lentil cakes are immersed into cool yogurt and garnished with sweetened tamarind chutney, fiery green mint chutney, or just roasted cumin powder. Creamy yoghurt; soft dumplings; crunchy toppings—this gives Dahi Bhalla its unique texture; making it very refreshing and satisfying snack especially during hot summer days.
8. Jalebi:
Delhiites have always loved Jalebi, characterised by its spiral shape made of batter and deep fried in oil then soaked in sugar syrup that are not easy to describe. These crispy and sticky delicacies are commonly accompanied with hot chai during festivals and other celebrations. The mixture of hard jalebi covering and sweet syrup makes it a mouthwatering experience that one cannot refuse.
9. Ram Ladoo:
Ram Ladoo is a popular street food snack which are also called moong dal pakoras found only in the streets of Delhi. They are very small dumplings that are prepared from dough made up of ground split green gram (moong dal), spices, herbs, which are then deep-fried until they become brownish-golden colour and crisp. This very crunchy treat has an amazing taste when served hot together with radish and sour chutney.
10. Kulfi:
Kulfi is rich ice cream for desert which is a common street food in Delhi since ages; it is the most delicious thing one can hope for on a sweltering summer day. It comes as frozen treat made from simmered milk, sugar plus cardamom or saffron or pistachio flavourings. For denseness as well as creamy textures, Kulfi has got this process where it is poured into moulds or else matkas (earthenware cooking pots) before freezing takes place. To make it tastier with some extra texture, chopped nuts or even rose petals can be used as toppings besides being served on stick or bowl like any other usual ice cream varieties.
Of the thousands of street foods in Delhi, these are just ten that have become very popular. The streets offer more than enough delicacies from Puchka, Rasmalai for sweets to Golgappe and Chole Bhature for tangy taste. Each recipe has a story of preservation, novelty and enthusiasm that describes Delhi’s streets. Whenever visiting New Delhi, it is imperative to embark on a food tour and try out some of these well-known street foods served here.