On A Chaat Trail Through Delhi With Chef Sadaf Hussain

“Chaat and Delhi are inseparable,” said author and chef Sadaf Hussain in a conversation with Outlook Traveller Eats. “What stands apart in Delhi’s chaat is the vendor’s addition of an exclusive surprise element like achaar  (pickle) in aloo chaat,” added the MasterChef-famed foodie. He also mentioned that this nature of Delhi’s chaat is quite reflective of the city’s nature of surprising people with who she is. 

For Hussain, food is not only something that allows him to bond with people but also a way to explore the culture, ethics, politics, and economics of a place. “Food tells the story of a city and its people,” added Hussain. 

For him, chaat is not only intrinsic to Delhi but also defines it. “Delhiites are spicy people; they love socialising and spending an after-work evening chatting with friends. Chaat gives you an opportunity to do just that,” said Hussain.

It is only natural, then, that Hussain would have the best recommendations up his sleeve—and we’re here to find them out for you. From hole-in-the-wall shops in Old Delhi to spots in South Delhi that go unexplored, here’s Hussain’s pick for the best places to visit in Delhi for chaat:

Padam Chaat Corner, Kinari Bazar, Old Delhi

At the top of Hussain’s list is Padam Chaat Corner in Old Delhi’s Kinari Bazaar. According to him, it is one of Delhi’s most underrated chaat spots, and one has to walk slightly longer to reach it. “It is not a very fancy shop, but the chaatwala is a gem of a person,” said Hussain. He recommends that one must not miss their paani puri, among other things. 

The chaatwala is open to suggestions and will customise the paani puri and chaat as you like them. “Do not give him money before eating. He follows the Old Delhi tradition of eating first and then paying,” suggested Hussain. He also mentioned that there are multiple occasions when he would let kids eat for free. 

His aloo chaat has a surprise element in the form of an achaar or pickle. Their kanji ka vada and dahi bhalle are also quite popular among patrons. 

Address: 2011/1, Kinari Bazar Gali Baraf Wali, Delhi, India 110006

Price for two: INR 200 

Hira Lal Chaat Corner, Chawri Bazaar, Old Delhi

If you prefer a healthy chaat option, head to Hira Lal Chaat Corner in Chawri Bazaar. Another gem in Old Delhi, the shop is easy to spot as soon as you enter the bazaar. “It was on one of my visits to Lal Quilla (Red Fort) for the Ravana Dahan during Dussehra that I first encountered Hira Lal and have been a fan ever since,” reminisced Hussain. 

Their kulle ki chaat is quite a hit. It includes fruits and vegetables like watermelon, pineapple, or cucumber, which count as star ingredients. A hollow is created in them, filled with anardana, boiled potato, peas, and topped with a chaat masala. The chaat is healthy and comes with very clean flavours. 

“If you visit his shop during Durga Puja, be prepared to encounter a beeline of loyalists. But rest assured that the chaat will be worth every bit of your patience,” said Hussain. 

Address: Shop No 3636 Gali Lohe Wali, Hira Lal Chat Wale, Chat, Goode Wali Gali, Chawri Bazar, Delhi, 110006

Price for two: INR 200 

Bishan Swaroop Chaat Bhandar, Chandani Chowk 

“If I have to recommend one place that serves the best aloo tikki chaat, it has to be Vishan Swaroop Chaat Bhandar in Chandni Chowk,” claimed Hussain. He suggested that everyone who is a fan of aloo tikki chaat or wants to try a good one must try Vishan Swaroop’s chote aloo ki chaat. 

“While it has the right amount of chaat masala and crispiness on the outside, the mousse-like texture on the inside is to die for,” added Hussain. “Chandni Chowk is a goldmine for chaat lovers, and I encountered Bishan Swaroop while walking through the market. Now I can’t miss it when I am in Old Delhi,” Hussain added. 

Address: 1421, Near Ashish Medicos, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi

Price for two: INR 200 

Bittoo Tikki Wala (BTW), Janakpuri 

If you thought Delhi’s chaat was restricted to the old part of the city, Hussain proves you quite wrong. Bittoo Tikki Wala (popularly called BTW) in Janakpuri, which has a very loyal fan club, is another great spot for aloo tikki chaat. 

“If you are in Janakpuri, you should not miss BTW ki chaat. It is almost a crime,” said Hussain. He also mentioned that while the shop owner puts up stalls across various events in Delhi, their shop is always crowded with BTW lovers. “If a BTW fan hears the name, they will flock around like honey bees flocking to honey,” laughed Hussain. 

Now the shop offers a host of other dishes too, including raj kachori, dal kachori, samosa and kachori chaat. This is paired with a South Indian and Chinese section in the menu too. Hussain recommends you try their aloo chaat. 

Address: G-1/2, West End Mall, Near District Centre, Janakpuri, New Delhi

Price for two: INR 400 

Raju Chaat Corner, CR Park, Market 1 

“Everyone has that one chaat vendor named Raju in their lives. For me, the Raju at the Raju Chaat Corner in CR Park was one of them,” said Hussain. As he recommended, the Bengali-style puchka at the stall is a must-try. 

If you are visiting during peak hours (evenings), then you will be met with a beeline of puchka fans who would be waiting to get their hands on their favourite chaat. “Many times, it feels exciting to eat puchka at the moment; however, there is a burning sensation that persists for a while after eating it. That is not the case at this stall,” assured Hussain. 

He claimed that he likes the spot because it is light and easy to eat, even after gobbling down a dozen of these puchkas. 

Address: Shop 156, CR Park Market 01, Chittaranjan Park, New Delhi

Price for two: INR 100