Delhi, India's sprawling capital territory, is a city where ancient monuments stand beside ultramodern malls and Mughal gardens shadow gleaming corporate towers. As one of the world's most populous cities, Delhi offers an intoxicating blend of history spanning 3,000 years, from Iron Age settlements to British colonial architecture. The city serves as the political, cultural, and commercial heart of India, drawing millions of visitors annually to its UNESCO World Heritage Sites, vibrant street food scene, and legendary bazaars.
Summary Delhi's food scene reflects its position as the crossroads of Indian civilization, offering cuisine from every Indian state alongside international options. The city's culinary identity is rooted in Mughal court cooking (tandoori meats, biryanis, kormas) and Punjabi dhaba food (butter chicken, dal makhani, parathas), with major influences from the Partition of 1947 when refugees from what is now Pakistan brought their culinary traditions to Delhi., Signature cuisines Mughlai, Punjabi, Awadhi, Rajasthani, South Indian, Kashmiri, Continental, Vegetarian scene Excellent. Delhi has a huge vegetarian population and exceptional vegetarian options across all price ranges. South Indian restaurants, Jain-friendly restaurants, and pure vegetarian institutions are abundant., Street food culture Street food is Delhi's heartbeat. From Old Delhi's kebab alleys to the chaat stalls of Connaught Place, eating on the street is both culturally essential and delicious.
Must-try dishes
Iconic dishes that define Delhi.
Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Invented in Delhi in the 1950s at Moti Mahal, this iconic curry of tandoori chicken in a rich tomato-cream-butter sauce is the most famous Indian dish worldwide
Dal Makhani
Slow-simmered black lentils and kidney beans with cream and butter, cooked overnight for a rich, velvety result - another Delhi invention
Chole Bhature
Spicy chickpea curry served with two deep-fried puffed flatbreads - Delhi's beloved breakfast and brunch dish
Aloo Paratha
Whole wheat flatbread stuffed with spiced mashed potato, cooked on a tawa with generous butter - quintessential Delhi breakfast
Kebabs
Delhi's kebab culture spans seekh kebab, galouti kebab, kakori kebab, reshmi kebab, and shammi kebab - each with distinct textures and spice profiles
Nihari
Slow-cooked shank stew traditionally eaten for breakfast in Old Delhi, rich with marrow and fragrant with whole spices
Biryani
Aromatic long-grain rice layered with meat and slow-cooked - Delhi's Mughlai biryani differs from Hyderabadi or Lucknowi styles
Aloo Tikki Chaat
Crispy spiced potato patties topped with chutneys, yogurt, sev, and pomegranate seeds - the quintessential Delhi street snack
Gulab Jamun
Soft milk-solid dumplings soaked in rose-flavored sugar syrup - Delhi's most beloved sweet
Rabri Jalebi
Crispy spiral-fried sweet soaked in sugar syrup, served with thickened condensed milk - Old Delhi's most indulgent breakfast treat
Pav Bhaji
Spiced mashed vegetable curry served with buttered bread rolls - a popular street snack across Delhi
Dahi Bhalla
Soft lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt and topped with tamarind chutney, chili, and spices - a cooling street snack
Top restaurants
Handpicked picks for the best dining experiences.
Indian Accent
Consistently ranked among Asia's 50 Best Restaurants, Indian Accent at The Lodhi hotel is Delhi's most celebrated fine dining establishment. Chef Manish Mehrotra reinvents Indian cuisine with global techniques and locally sourced ingredients, creating dishes like blue cheese naan, daulat ki chaat, and meetha achaar pork ribs. The warm, intimate dining room and impeccable service make every meal memorable.
Known for: Modern reinvention of Indian culinary heritage
The Lodhi, Lodhi Road, New Delhi 110003
Bukhara
Opened in 1978 at ITC Maurya hotel, Bukhara is one of Asia's most legendary restaurants, serving slow-cooked frontier cuisine with recipes virtually unchanged for 45 years. The restaurant is famous worldwide for its Dal Bukhara (black lentils simmered for 18 hours), Sikandari Raan (marinated leg of lamb), and spectacular tandoori preparations. US Presidents, the Clintons, and Obamas have dined here.
Known for: Legendary tandoori and slow-cooked frontier cuisine since 1978
ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi 110021
Dum Pukht
Dum Pukht at ITC Maurya is the definitive destination for Awadhi cuisine in Delhi, specializing in the ancient dum (sealed slow-cooking) technique where dishes are cooked in sealed pots over gentle heat. The gilded, regal dining room evokes the courts of Lucknow nawabs, and each dish on the menu is an heirloom recipe. The biryani, gosht dum pukht, and khameeri roti are extraordinary.
Known for: Authentic Awadhi dum-cooked cuisine in regal surroundings
ITC Maurya, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi 110021
Varq
Located in the Taj Mahal Hotel, Varq (meaning a thin leaf of precious metal used in Indian sweets) serves contemporary Indian cuisine in an elegant setting that draws on traditions from across the subcontinent. The menu changes seasonally to reflect the best local ingredients, with preparations spanning coastal seafood to Mughal-influenced meat dishes and innovative vegetarian offerings.
Known for: Seasonal contemporary Indian cuisine in an iconic hotel setting
Taj Mahal Hotel, 1 Mansingh Road, New Delhi 110011
Threesixtyone Degrees
Threesixtyone Degrees at The Oberoi New Delhi is a spectacular all-day dining restaurant with a theatrical open kitchen, in-house bakery, and a sweeping menu covering Indian, Continental, Japanese, and Mediterranean cuisines. The Sunday brunch at Threesixtyone is considered one of Delhi's finest, with live cooking stations, unlimited champagne, and an extraordinary spread of international cuisine.
Known for: Sunday brunch and theatrical open-kitchen dining at luxury level
The Oberoi, Dr. Zakir Hussain Marg, New Delhi 110003
Karim's
Established in 1913 near Jama Masjid, Karim's is arguably Old Delhi's most famous restaurant, serving authentic Mughal-era recipes passed down through generations of the Karim family, descendants of cooks who served the Mughal court. The no-frills establishment is legendary for its mutton korma, seekh kebabs, nihari, and nalli (marrow) curry, drawing locals and tourists from around the world.
Known for: Mughal-era recipes since 1913, near Jama Masjid
16 Jama Masjid, Gate 1, Matia Mahal Lane, Old Delhi, New Delhi 110006
Moti Mahal Delux
Moti Mahal Delux in Daryaganj holds an extraordinary place in culinary history as the birthplace of butter chicken (murgh makhani) and dal makhani, both invented here in the 1950s by the legendary chef Kundan Lal Gujral. The original Daryaganj location maintains the heritage recipes while other branches have proliferated across India and internationally. A pilgrimage for anyone who loves Indian food.
Known for: Birthplace of butter chicken and dal makhani
3703 Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, New Delhi 110002
Gulati Restaurant
A Delhi institution since 1959, Gulati on Pandara Road Market is famous for its rich North Indian curries, perfectly charred tandoori preparations, and generous portions. Pandara Road Market itself is a cluster of beloved restaurants that come alive at night and has been Delhi's premier restaurant row for decades. Gulati is particularly beloved for its butter chicken, mutton rogan josh, and breads.
Known for: Delhi institution since 1959, Pandara Road landmark
6 Pandara Road Market, New Delhi 110003
Restaurants by cuisine
Browse picks grouped by cuisine type.
Indian
Indian Accent
Varq
Moti Mahal Delux
Gulati Restaurant
Social
Paranthe Wali Gali
Saravana Bhavan
Andhra Bhavan Canteen
Farzi Cafe
Naivedyam
Haldiram's
Nathu's Sweets
Kake Da Hotel
Potbelly Rooftop Cafe
Carnatic Cafe
Diwan-e-Khas
Sagar Ratna
Coast
Zaffran
Continental
Smoke House Deli
Wenger's Deli
Delhi Club House
Cafe
Cafe Turtle
The Grammar Room
Italian
Big Chill
Jamie's Pizzeria
Mughlai
Karim's
Al-Jawahar
American
All American Diner
Awadhi
Dum Pukht
Chinese
China Kitchen
International
Threesixtyone Degrees
Kashmiri
Chor Bizarre
Mediterranean
Olive Bar and Kitchen
Modern Pan
PA PA YA
Mughlai Kebabs
Khan Chacha's
North
Bukhara
Punjabi Dhaba
Rajinder Da Dhaba
Tibetan
Majnu ka Tilla Tibetan Restaurants
Vegetarian
Burma Burma
Street food
Local flavours at affordable prices.
Old Famous Jalebi Wala
Find it at: Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk
Price: $1 per 100g
Paranthe Wali Gali Stalls
Find it at: Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
Price: $1.50-2.50 per paratha
Karim's Kebab Counter
Find it at: Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
Price: $2-3
Bengali Market Chaat Stalls
Find it at: Bengali Market, Central Delhi
Price: $1-2
Gol Gappa Stalls (Connaught Place)
Find it at: Various CP spots
Price: $0.50 for 6 pieces
Dilli 6 Kebab Trail
Find it at: Old Delhi near Red Fort
Price: $2-4
Sita Ram Diwan Chand
Find it at: Paharganj, Chuna Mandi
Price: $1.50
Kuremal Kulfi Shop
Find it at: Kucha Pati Ram, Chandni Chowk
Price: $1.50-3
Food markets
Where locals shop and graze.
Chandni Chowk Food Lane
The spine of Old Delhi's legendary food culture, with hundreds of years of culinary tradition packed into narrow lanes
Khan Market
Delhi's most upscale market, with excellent cafes, delis, and restaurants including Big Chill and Cafe Turtle
Bengali Market
Traditional market beloved by Delhiites for its sweet shops, chaat stalls, and Nathu's Sweets
Pandara Road Market
Delhi's most famous restaurant row with North Indian institutions like Gulati and Ichiban
Dilli Haat
Government-run crafts market with regional food stalls representing all Indian states
Hauz Khas Village
South Delhi's trendy village with upscale restaurants, rooftop cafes, and bars around a medieval lake
Dining etiquette & tips
Navigate the local food scene confidently.
Book fine dining restaurants like Indian Accent and Bukhara at least 2-4 weeks in advance - they fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
In Old Delhi, stick to busy, well-established restaurants like Karim's rather than street stalls if you have a sensitive stomach.
Restaurant bills in India typically do not include service charge but may add a 5% GST - check your bill carefully.
Most Delhi restaurants offer significant portion sizes - ordering two dishes for three people is usually sufficient.
Pandara Road Market restaurants often run until midnight or later and serve excellent late-night North Indian food.
During Ramadan (varies by year), Old Delhi's food scene comes alive at night with special iftar markets selling dozens of traditional dishes.
Alcohol is available at licensed restaurants in Delhi but is significantly more expensive than food. The excise tax is high.
Water at restaurants: always ask for bottled water (mineral water). A large 1L bottle costs ₹20-30 ($0.25-0.35).
- Vegetarian
- Excellent options everywhere. Delhi has a large vegetarian population, and most restaurants have extensive vegetarian menus. South Indian restaurants are almost entirely vegetarian.
- Vegan
- Growing availability, especially in upscale South Delhi restaurants and cafes. Specify 'no dairy' clearly as many vegetarian dishes contain ghee or paneer.
- Halal
- Very widely available in Old Delhi and Muslim neighborhoods. Most Mughlai restaurants are halal-certified.
- Jain
- Many restaurants offer Jain food (no onion, no garlic). Specify 'Jain' when ordering at any Indian restaurant.
- Gluten free
- Less common as a labeled option, but many Indian dishes are naturally gluten-free. Rice-based South Indian food is a safe choice.
- Nut allergies
- Mughlai cuisine uses nuts extensively. Inform restaurants clearly, as nuts are used in marinades, gravies, and garnishes across many dishes.
Food budget guide
What to expect at different price points.
| Level | Price | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Budget | $5-15/meal | Street food, local eateries, and simple restaurants. |
| Mid-range | $15-40/meal | Sit-down restaurants with good service and varied menus. |
| Upscale | $40+/meal | Fine dining, international cuisine, and premium experiences. |