Introduction:
Delhi is one of those cities that can be beautifully described through its cuisine. The city is a unique mixture of many different cultures and countries as depicted in the food. There exists a perfect synergy between Mughal’s influence, Indian local spices, and the street food culture of this area. From deliciously spicy street food to deliciously aromatic curry – there’s plenty for the food lover in you. Every region in Delhi has its own traditional cuisine that expresses its culture – here are five dishes to try if you ever visit the capital of India.
1. Chole Bhature: The Dilli Dwali’s most cherished breakfast
Description: Chole Bhature is not merely a dish rather it is a habit for many Delhiwalas. Being a Delhite, it is very hard to miss out on this delectable treat. One of the most heart breaks having a chole bhature would be if paying too much money is a concern for you This deliciously spicy dish can surely go with any kind of curry, but most will prefer the spicy chickpea curry, or better known as the Chole.
Where to Try: Paharganj’s Sitaram Diwan Chand or Kamla Nagar’s Chache Di Hatti do try out these some of the best chloe bhature in the city. Such eateries hold many great deals for the local and even the tourist.
Fun Fact: Chole Bhature is not officially a breakfast item across the Indian Sub Continent. However, in the case of Delhi, this is one cherished morning meal which staple just because of the hot and spicy flavor that it is adored at any time be it day or night.
2. Butter Chicken: Delhi’s Hot Favorite Curry
Description: Butter chicken is an Indian delicacy that the world has come to know because of Delhi. Its rich and mild buttery curry is said to have been first made by the Daryaganj restaurant’s chefs at Moti Mahal Restaurant. Marinated pieces of tender chicken are first roasted in a clay oven before being coated in a thick butter-tomato sauce to make Butter chicken. It’s a rich dish, but also homey. It has a unique flavour due to the mixture of heavy cream and kasoori methi (dried fenugreek leaves).
Where to Try: Moti Mahal in Daryaganj is the place where it was first made and even till this day it is the best place to have proper butter chicken at. An equally good butter chicken is served at Kake Da Hotel, Connaught Place.
Insider Tip: Butter chicken can go well with an order of naan or even some rice, however, if you want to keep it classic, have it with garlic naan which adds even more exquisite flavor, the way it’s traditionally served in Delhi.
3. Golgappa (Pani Puri): The King Of Chaat
Details: No visit to Delhi is valid if it has not included golgappa chaat which is known as one of the most popular street foods that is always a delight to taste. These hollow, round, crunchy wafers are stuffed with hot and sour tamarind water, mashed potatoes mixed with chickpeas and spices, and much more. Every taste accompanies crispy, spicy, sweet and sour flavors which are almost addictive. Golgappa is available on street carts throughout the city, with each vendor putting his own spin on the dish.
On What Places To Have It: A relatively cleaner variant can be found in Haldiram and Bikanervala, whereas if you are looking forward to a traditional taste, Bengali Market and Pandara Road is the place to go.
Trivia: If you alter the location, the name for golgappa changes too for example in certain parts of India, it can be referred to as ‘pani puri’ or even ‘puchka’; however, Delhi’s puris have always been on the thicker side while having plenty of taste to offer.
4. Aloo Tikki: The Incredible Spicy Potato Patties
Description: Aloo Tikki can be defined as spicy potato patties. This snack is such a common ting in Delhi along with starers. Aloo tikki can be served with a combination of tangy tamarind chutney and spicy green chutney. The tikkis are made from boiled seasoned potatoes. These are then made into patties and fried till brown and crispy. In some cases, tikkis are served with chickpeas or on top of yogurt along with a variety of chutneys, making every bite toany flavor combination delicate or overwhelming mistakes to be made.
Where to Try: If you are in delhi, aloo tikki can also be found in Bittoo Tikki Walan, or Prabhu Chaat Bhandarin-Khan Market locate in New Delhi.
Pro Tip: A mix of sweet and spicy chutneys should come with each Aloo Takki in order to make it a fun and tasty dish without getting bored of the flavoring.
5. Nihari: A Hearty Mughlai Delicacy
Description: Nihari has its roots in the kitchens of the Mughals. It is a breakfast stew made with meat, usually lamb or beef, and has many spices including cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Due to those spices, the whole meat broth provides a pleasure you just cannot express. And it’s best eaten with khameeri roti. Over the years, the dish has become a must-try in case people want something delicious and rich.
Where to Try: Nihari served in Karim’s near Jama Masjid is mouthwatering and is prepared with the same aroma since decades. Near Jama Masjid, another place to visit would be Al-Jawahar.
Fun Fact: The dish is eaten in the mornings because of its unique history where all the flavors come together, making the dish flavorful which is the real way to try it.
Conclusion:
Delhi has a variety of cuisines and it can be said that these five dishes reflect the spirit of its food culture. No matter if you are strolling around the bustling streets or stepping into an old fashioned cafe, every single dish epitomises the devotion and affection of Delhites for intense, thick and pleasing tastes. Spicy chole bhature to creamy butter chicken, these dishes define Delhi and should be eaten by every food fanatic who has came to visit this place. So the next time you are in Delhi allow yourself to indulge in the rich culinary history of the city and do not forget to try those dishes which have made people to fall in love with them all over the world.
