Delhi Street Food Your Tummy Will Thank You For!

India is famous for its food. From rich coconut-based dishes in the south to spicy biryani in the north, there is a world of flavor to experience. Delhi, India's capital and largest city, is the best hub for street food.

Many Indian people have moved to Delhi over the years, helping the area flourish with their own food, flavor, and cooking style.

There's so much street food in Delhi that it takes time to decide what to look for and which dishes to try. This guide will help you learn what to look for in Delhi and how to avoid the dreaded Delhi belly at all costs. 

Why Delhi Street Food?

The food scene in India is incredible. Whether you are sipping chai or devouring whole pani puri, India has something for everyone and every spice level. 

Tasting Delhi street food is as authentically Indian as you can get. Many Indian locals leave work briefly for lunch and flock to these affordable street food stands for a bite. Dishes are prepared quickly and are easy on the wallet.

They also come in small bites making it easy to move around to other stands to try different things. 

Delhi is a diverse city and is home to people from all over India. This means that you can sample Mumbai Vada Pav without hopping on a Spice Jet flight to get there. Although, I do recommend visiting Mumbai and checking out its street food scene as well!

What Is the Best Street Food in Delhi?

Here's my list of must-try street foods while in Delhi:

1. Aloo Tikki
2. Jalebi
3. Ram Ladoo
4. Kebab
5. Aloo Chaat
6. Kulfi
7. Rolls
8. Golgappe
9. Chole Bhature

9. Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is a spicy and tangy chickpea curry that bursts with flavor. It's often served with leavened flatbread and red onions on the side. You can find this delicious Punjabi dish all over the streets of Delhi. 

Best area to find it in: Paharganj

Best street stall: Sita Ram Diwan Chand, Delhi 

8. Golgappe

Golgappe is a staple Delhi street food that pops with texture and flavor. Otherwise known as pani puri, this dish is made of a cracker-like hollow ball filled with masala spiced chickpeas and potatoes.

Once the water is added, there will be a spicy mint or sweet tamarind flavor. Don't be surprised when you go back to ask for seconds! 

Best area to find it in: Rajpath Area, Chandni Chowk

Best street stall: Prabhu Chaat Bhandaar 

7. Kathi Rolls

Kathi rolls originate from Kolkata but have become a popular street food in Delhi. These rolls are a skewer of minced chicken or red meat, with onions and shredded veggies. Then it's all wrapped up in a flaky, buttery Paratha. 

Best area to find it in: Connaught Place 

Best street stall: Nizam's Kathi Kabab

6. Kulfi

Kulfi is the most delicious sweet treat sure to delight the senses. Kulfi is a frozen milk-based dessert with unique flavors like pistachio, rose, mango, cardamom, and saffron. Grab a kulfi as you make your way to the next street stall! 

Best area to find it in: Rajouri Garden

Best street stall: Roshan Di Kulfi

5. Aloo Chaat

Dig into the layers of Aloo Chaat. Start off with a curried fried potato tossed in sweet tamarind chutney. Top it with crunchy sev, pomegranate seeds, and coriander. You'll need a spoon to shovel in this one!  

Best area to find it in: Punjabi Bagh

Best street stall: Gupta Sweets & Namkeen

4. Kebab

This famous Delhi street food is eaten all over the city and is one of the only meat-based dishes on the list. Indian kebabs are made of minced meat, usually lamb, chicken, or spices, all roasted over an open flame to get the perfect taste!

This dish is traditionally served with onions, tomatoes, and chutney.  

Best area to find it in: Chandni Chowk

Best street stall: Qureshi Kabab Corner

3. Ram Ladoo

The word ladoo may be misleading as it often refers to Indian sweets, but ram ladoo is something else altogether. Finely ground lentil batter is fried in oil to create balls.

These balls are then topped with onions, coriander, and shredded radish. Finish off the dish with some tamarind and mint chutney on the top, and you have one of the best snacks in Delhi! 

Best area to find it in: Laxmi Nagar Station

Best street stall: Ram Laddu Food Corner

2. Jalebi

Tesher and Jason Derulos's song, Jalebi Baby, made this famous street dessert even more popular. Try some Jalebi for yourself. But, be warned, it's extremely sweet.

A fermented flour batter is piped in spirals into hot oil and fried. The coils are then dipped in sugar syrup and ready to eat! 

Best area to find it in: Chandni Chowk

Best street stall: Old Famous Jalebi Wala

1. Aloo Tikki

This popular Diwali treat is a common food found in many street stalls throughout Delhi. It's a fried potato patty stuffed with savory green peas, paneer, or lentil filling. Of course, you'll find a delicious mint chutney on the side for dipping.  

Best area to find it in: Rajpath Area

Best street stall: Prabhu Chaat Bhandaar 

Tips for Eating Street Food in Delhi

Now that you know the best street foods that Delhi has to offer, let me give you some tips for your street food adventure in Delhi. 

Choose busy stalls. Unfortunately, this means you'll have to wait or butt in, but the constant crowd keeps the food fresh. This reduces your chance of getting sick on your trip. 

Eat vegetarian. India is such a hub for vegetarian food! Even if you aren't already vegetarian, the tasty food you find here might make you reconsider your options. Plus, less meat equals to less of a chance for Delhi belly. 

Be careful with your water. Only drink bottled water or tap water that's been filtered with a Sawyer filter or UV sterilization pen.  

Go on a tour! I highly recommend choosing a foodie tour of Delhi. Your tour guide can help you navigate the busy streets and stalls while finding good food to try. They also handle the payment so you can sit back and enjoy the experience. 

Dig In and Plan With Pilot

Now that the cravings are in full swing, it's time to plan your adventure in Delhi with Pilot.