The mouth watering Delicacies of Delhi!

The mouth Watering Delicacies of Delhi!

                                      - Aishwarya Tiwari 

Delhi is aptly called a ‘foodie’s paradise' and for all the right reasons. If you have been born and brought up in Delhi, you might be well-versed in the rich food history of the capital. If you are someone who is not from Delhi, then you might have heard of the immense popularity of Delhi’s street foods. Delhi is packed with eateries and food stalls that are always hustling and bustling with customers. The city is also embedded with some legendary food shops that are more than 100 years old. From snacks and main dishes to desserts and beverages, Delhi is famous for anything and everything.

1. Parathe wali gali

If you are a foodie who lives in Delhi, it is almost impossible to have never visited the iconic Paranthe Wali Gali. As the name suggests, Paranthe Wali Gali is a whole street dedicated to the just parathas. The street is dotted with shops selling all types of parathas. From Aloo Paratha and Paneer Paratha to Gobhi Paratha and Cheese Paratha, you will get more than 50 varieties of parathas in this single food lane.

2. Pani Puri

As you wander the streets of Delhi, you will see carts stacked high with puri, a hollow, spherical crisp that is then filled with chutneys, chaats and yoghurts. Eating pani puri can be a difficult undertaking for non-Indians. The idea is to take the full, oozing ball into your mouth in one go without spilling its contents down both your chin and t-shirt.

3. Aloo chaat 

Chaat is available on practically every street in Delhi’s old town; mashed lentil dumplings smothered in sweet yoghurt and spicy chutneys, or crumbled samosas covered in the same heady mix of toppings. However, aloo chaat seems to be the most popular, at least from what I saw. Everywhere you look are men watching over vast, blackened skillets of smoking oil, pushing cubes of potato around until they are golden brown and crisp.

4. Chole bhature

A typical combination from the Punjabi cuisine of chana masala (zesty chickpea) and bhatura(fried bread made of maida flour) which has ever since been an integral part of Delhi and another star dish in its cuisine.

5. Pao bhaji

A dish that’s more synonymous with Mumbai than Delhi, it is still incredibly popular on the streets of India’s capital city. the bowl of brown mush may not be much to look at, but behind its sloppy veneer is a tantalising mix of sour, spicy and buttery tastes. Pao (or ‘pav’ and ‘pau’ as it is sometimes known) is the Portuguese word for bread and refers to the rolls that are often griddled with substantial amounts of ghee. The bhaji part of the name is the vegetables; a mix of anything that could include cauliflower, carrots, bell peppers, green peas and potatoes that are cooked with onions, tomatoes and a mix of spices before being beaten to a pulp with a potato masher. While that might not sound appetising, it is one of the best dishes you will eat in the whole of Delhi.

6. Kulfi

In a country that takes its desserts pretty seriously, Kulfi is most people’s go-to sweet snack. Often described as “traditional Indian ice cream”, it is denser and creamier than the ice-cream that we are used to in Europe and is normally found in pistachio, cardamom, saffron, and rose flavours. Kulfi vendors can be seen pushing their refrigerated karts around most of the city’s parks or streets, and Delhi certainly isn’t short of ice cream parlours dishing out the nation’s favourite desert.

7. Kebabs

A visit to old Delhi is incomplete without kebabs. Popularly known as the kebab town, the streets are full of shops and vendors selling all types of non-vegetarian delicacies. 

And there you have it, a taste of India’s rich and diverse cuisine. With its flavorful spices, aromatic herbs, and delectable ingredients, Indian food is a true celebration of taste and culture. From the rich and creamy curries, to the fluffy and fragrant rice dishes, there is something for everyone to enjoy. So go ahead and explore the flavors of India, and let your taste buds take you on a culinary journey. Enjoy!