If you’re a true foodie visiting Delhi for the first time, forget the five-star brunches and Insta-famous cafés—this city’s soul is best savoured in its age-old culinary institutions. In the chaotic, fragrant lanes of Chandni Chowk or the colonial heart of Connaught Place, lie food landmarks that have stood the test of time, feeding generations with flavours that refuse to fade. From century-old bakeries dishing out cream rolls and patties to jalebis dripping with khandsari syrup and kheer slow-cooked for hours over coal, these heritage food spots are your first real taste of Delhi.
Wenger’s, Connaught Place
Not belonging to the capital, I have still been to Wenger’s over a dozen times. Each visit to the century-old bakery in Connaught Place has been met with waiting in a long beeline that sometimes even stretches outside its doors. The place is almost always spilling with patrons who have had generations drooling over the bakery’s pastries and patties.
It was set up in 1924 by a Swiss couple as a catering outfit for the British troops in Delhi. Their shami kebabs, chicken and mutton patty, ham and pineapple are absolute must-tries. My most favourite is their cream roll and nutella waffle. The pineapple pastry, caramel custard, and mango pudding are a treat to those with a sweet tooth. I can assure you that you will step out of the bakery feeling satiated. It is definitely worth all the wait.
Address: Shop No: A, 16 Near Road, Rajiv Chowk, Block A, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Price for two: INR 500
Pandit Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan Paranthe Wale, Chandni Chowk
Every time I visit the Paranthe Wali Gully in Chandni Chowk, I am confronted with the same question: “Which is the best shop among the many here?”
The oldest is Pandit Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan Paranthe Wale that came up in 1872 and is presently run by the sixth generation of the founders. Try their almond, dry fruit, rabri, and papad paratha. Pair it with a silky lassi that will make it for a great meal before you continue your shopping spree in the market.
Address: 34, Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Price for two: INR 500
Old Kheer Shop, Chawri Bazaar
The Old Kheer shop in Chawri Bazaar is popularly called Bade Miyan Kheer Shop. Occupying a small place in the market, the shop is currently run by Jamaluddin Siddique. Siddique’s great-grandfather, who was a jeweller, started the shop in 1880. From the extra milk produced by the buffaloes, the ladies of the Siddique household made some kheer that laid the foundation of this tiny shop and transformed a jeweller into a kheer wala.
The kheer that was once also enjoyed by the actress Madhubala is creamy and unlike anything you would have ever tasted. It is slow-cooked for 6-88 hours over a charcoal fire that renders a smoky flavour and a rich, caramelised colour to it. Served in an aluminium bowl, every bite is totally worth it.
Address: 2867, Bazar Sirkiwalan, Chawri Bazar, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Price for two: INR 150
Old Famous Jalebi Wala, Chandni Chowk
One of the oldest sweet shops in Delhi is the Old Famous Jalebi Wala that is situated in Chandni Chowk. Known for the piping hot, crispy spirals called Jalebas (bigger and thicker version of the familiar jalebis), the 141-year-old shop was started by Lala Nem Chand Jain who arrived in Delhi from Agra.
What sets their jalebi apart is its preparation in desi ghee and khandsari sugar syrup that drips from the crispy spirals. They also prepare fresh khameer (batter) that prevents their jalebis from tasting sour. You can also choose to top the piping hot, off-the-stove jalebis with a hearty dollop of rabri. The shop also has great samosas that you should consider pairing with the jalebis.
Address: 1795, Dariba Corner, opp. Bank of Maharashtra, Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
Price for two: INR 200
Ameer Sweets House, Jama Masjid
Located near the popular Jama Masjid, the Ameer Sweets House is a popular destination for Iftar during Ramzan. The shop has a century-old history and is known for its desserts.
Their balushahi, besan ke laddu, cham cham, gulab jamun, and paneer ki jalebis are considered to be among the best being served in the city. Street-food enthusiasts are head over heels for their keema and khoya samosas and aloo and paneer pakoras too.
Address: 958, Haveli Azam Khan, Chitli Qabar, Jama Masjid, New Delhi
Price for two: INR 150
