Where to eat in Delhi - 12 great eats for 100 rupees or less
Blog: 99 + 1 countries - 31 August 2009
By: merja
1. Nizam’s Kathi Kabab
Location: PVR Plaza, Middle Circle, Connaught Place
This place serves fantastic authentic Calcuttan Kathi Rolls (kebab wrapped in a paratha). Warning! These kababs are huge, so order only one at first. Like most of the cheaper eateries in Delhi this one doesn’t serve alcohol, so after dining head over to one of the many liqour shops of Connaught place and wash down your kabab with a cold 0,5L can of Kingfisher Strong (only 40 rupees!)
Protip: A liqour store is easily identified by the many rickshaws parked in front of it. In addition, rickshaw-wallahs make great beer buddies, at least if you’re a guy.
2. Khan Chacha’s
Location: Middle Lane, Khan Market
The Khan Market is an overpriced shopping enclave for Delhi’s financial elite that is of little for a tourist, save for what are possibly the best kebabs on the planet. There’s always a queue, but it’s worth it, and vegetarian’s can enjoy this one thanks to the splendid Paneer Tikka Roll.
Fun fact: This place is so popular, it even has a namesake in Hounslow.
3. Nathu’s Sweets and Bengali Sweet House
Location: Bengali Market, Connaught Place
Both these places serve great vegetarian food and excellent shingaras (Bengali samosas). The Bengali Sweet House’s thali deserves a special mention.
4. Rajinder Da Dhaba
Location: Kamal Complex, Safdarjung Enclave, South Delhi
If you’re on your way to see the Qutb Minar, stop here to satisfy carnivorous appetite with some of Delhi’s best tandoori chicken.
5. Multan Moth Bhandar
Location: Near Sheila Cinema, Desh Bhantu Gupta Road, Multani Dhanda, Paharganj
Situated in one of the side lanes behind the Sheila Cinema, this dhaba specializes in one thing: making the best kachori in the world.
Protip: To get the most out of a kachori you need to do the following:
-Purchase the world’s best kachori from Multan Moth Bhandar
-Acquire some curd
-Find some jalebis ( the Old & Famous Jalebi Wala in Chandni Chowk excels in this field)
-Break a hole on the top of the kachori
-Pour some curd in the hole
-Apply one or two kachoris on top of the curd filled jalebi
-Feast upon your creation, then repeat process
6. Frontier Samosa Shop
Location: Panchkuian Road, Connaught Place
If it’s the traditional potatoes-onion-green peas-samosa you’re craving for, look no further.
7. Sita Ram Diwan Chand
Location: Raignu Marg, Paharganj
Just off the Main Bazaar Road lies this fantastic little roadside eaterie. Assuming that you’re staying Paharganj, you should should start your day with Sitaram’s famed Chole Bhature.
8. Gali Paranthe Wali
Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
As the name suggests, this narrow bylane is devoted to making and selling parathas., and has been doing so since the late 19th century. Lined up are dozens of street stalls all making parathas with different and imaginative fillings. Most stalls are open until midnight, and they’re all “pure vegetarian” (i.e. no onions or garlic).
9. Lala Babu Chaat Bhandar
Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
Yet another great dhaba in Chandni Chowk . Especially popular are the gobi mutter samosas.
10. Natraj Café
Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
Allways full of Indian men making a deafening noise, the charming Natraj Café with it’s down-to-earth milieu is a great place for lunch. Grab a seat on the second floor balcony and gaze down on the frantic streets of Old Delhi while enjoying Natraj’s famous Aloo Tikki and Chaat.
Protip: To avoid embarrassment in front of Delhiites, remember that in the capital Pani Puris are called Gol Guppas.
11. Japani Samosa
Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
In one the many side streets of Chadni Chowk sit’s a man who is responsible for making what I consider the best samosa ever devised by man . The Japani Samosa doesn’t look anything like a samosa, nor did I get a proper explanation as to why it is called ‘Japani’, but that is all irrelevant once you bite into it. Filled with spicy potatoes, peas and awesomeness, and served with delicious choley and pickles, this is a must.
12. Ghantewala
Location: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
Set in the heart of Old Delhi, this iconic structure is one India’s oldest and most famous halwais. Although focusing primarily on sweets, the Ghantewala also does great salty snacks and their namkeens are the perfect treat for long train journeys. And if that didn’t convince you, get this: since 1790 this store has catered to the emperors and prime ministers of India. You think you know more about good food than the ruler of India?
This list was composed by Aleksi, a.k.a Toxic Waste Man
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