Look, we’ve been around the world a few times—probably more times than we can count on two hands—and let’s be real: the real magic of travel doesn’t come from following the glossy, over-hyped tourist traps or “Top 10 Things to Do” lists. It comes from getting the inside scoop—the kind of stuff that only locals know about. And when it comes to food, you’re not going to get the real flavor of a place from your average chain restaurant.
In a place like Delhi, where the food scene is as vibrant as the culture itself, your tastebuds are in for a ride, but only if you know where to go. So, this blog is your passport to authentic Indian food in Delhi—the kind you won’t find on TripAdvisor or Instagram influencers’ posts.
We’ve scoured the streets of Delhi, sampled some of the most mind-blowing dishes, and chatted with some of the coolest locals. We’re giving you the inside track on the five experiences that only locals know about. Plus, we’ve thrown in a few travel tips for those of you who care about sustainable and eco-friendly travel. Because at Cerca we believe eating great food shouldn’t mean trashing the planet.
Let’s dive in.
The Best Authentic Indian Food in Delhi: 5 Experiences You Won’t Find Anywhere Else
If you think you’ve had Indian food before, but haven’t eaten in Delhi, you haven’t really had Indian food. Trust us. Delhi is the birthplace of some of the country’s most iconic dishes, and it’s also a melting pot of culinary influences. Whether it’s Mughlai, Punjabi, or street food from every corner of India, the city is a living, breathing food market.
But we’re not talking about any run-of-the-mill food here. These five experiences go beyond what you’ll find in your typical guidebook, and give you a glimpse into the real, delicious soul of Delhi’s food scene.
1. Chandni Chowk: The Street Food Haven
No trip to Delhi is complete without a visit to Chandni Chowk, the historic heart of the city. If you’ve heard of it, you’ve probably heard of its crazy markets, rickshaws, and chaotic streets—but what you might not know is that it’s also the motherlode of Indian street food.
Must-Try Dish: Jalebi and Paratha
You’ll pass dozens of hawkers selling everything from spicy chaat to crispy samosas, but here’s the deal: the real street food legend here is the combination of crispy, sugary jalebi (deep-fried syrup-soaked dough) and paratha (flaky flatbread), stuffed with potatoes, cheese, or even paneer. If you’re feeling particularly adventurous, find a stall selling parathe wali gali (street of stuffed parathas)—it’s a greasy, messy, delicious experience you’ll remember.
Pro tip: Skip the shiny new food joints. Head for the small, family-run spots where the recipe’s been passed down for generations. Local spots are where you’ll find the best, and also the most sustainable practices when it comes to serving traditional food.
2. The Hidden Gem: Karim’s for Mughlai Food
No, it’s not a secret—Karim’s has been serving Mughlai cuisine in Delhi since 1913—but you have to know where to go if you want to skip the long lines and get the real experience. Nestled in the narrow lanes of Old Delhi, Karim’s is a legendary spot for anyone craving rich, flavorful Mughlai dishes like mutton korma, seekh kebabs, and biryani.
Must-Try Dish: Mutton Korma
This dish is a heavy hitter. Tender pieces of mutton cooked in a complex, aromatic gravy of spices and yogurt. Karim’s does it best. It’s not just food—it’s an experience, a taste of history.
Pro tip: Don’t overthink it—just order whatever looks most “vintage” on the menu and trust the locals. They’ll steer you in the right direction.
3. Chole Bhature at Sitaram Diwan Chand
If there’s one dish that defines the Delhi food scene, it’s chole bhature—a combination of spicy chickpea curry served with massive, deep-fried bread. You’ll find it all over the city, but to really taste the magic, you have to hit Sitaram Diwan Chand in the Paharganj area.
Must-Try Dish: Chole Bhature
The bhature (bread) is ridiculously fluffy and light, and the chole (spiced chickpeas) packs a punch with flavors that range from tangy to spicy, making it the perfect street snack. We’re not talking fast food here—this is an institution, and it’s got soul.
Pro tip: This is a breakfast dish, so show up early to avoid the crowds. Trust us, it’s worth it to see the owners dish out the goods with an almost mystical level of expertise.
4. Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Indian Food: A Growing Trend
We’ve been preaching sustainable travel for years, and it’s no surprise that the Delhi food scene is catching on. Many traditional family-run restaurants are now making efforts to source ingredients locally and reduce waste. If you’re looking for a way to enjoy some amazing, eco-friendly Indian food, here’s your stop.
Must-Try Dish: Seasonal Vegetable Thali
A thali is a multi-course platter that offers a variety of dishes in small portions. At eco-conscious restaurants like Saravana Bhavan (a family-owned vegetarian chain) and Tera Swaad, you can sample locally sourced, seasonal veggies in a variety of preparations. Whether it’s stir-fried, pickled, or in a curry, it’s all super fresh and mindful of the environment.
Pro tip: Look for eateries that promote zero-waste initiatives, where food scraps are composted, and meals are made with locally grown, organic produce.
5. Kebab Tour: From Shwarma to Seekh Kebabs
Let’s be real—no one does grilled meat like Delhi. From hole-in-the-wall joints to massive roadside tandoors, the city knows how to char up some seriously delicious skewers. But the real star here is the seekh kebab—minced meat rolled onto a skewer and grilled to juicy, charred perfection.
Must-Try Dish: Seekh Kebab at Al-Naaz
If you want to get the juiciest, crispiest kebabs in town, go straight to Al-Naaz Kebab, a tiny place that’s been grilling meat since the 1970s. Pair it with some rumali roti (thin flatbread) and mint chutney, and you’ve got yourself a perfect Delhi meal.
Pro tip: These kebabs are best enjoyed with a cold bottle of local Kingfisher beer or a sweet lassi (yogurt drink). Go all-in for the authentic experience.
Where to Eat Real Authentic Indian Food in Delhi: Local Family Restaurants You Need to Visit
In Delhi, the food scene isn’t just about trendy new spots. It’s about long-standing family-run restaurants, where recipes have been passed down from generation to generation. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Chandni Chowk’s Parathe Wali Gali: A hidden gem for stuffed parathas. Family-owned for decades. Go early before the crowds.
Karim’s: This 100+ year-old restaurant is an institution. The mutton korma is a classic.
Sitaram Diwan Chand: Best chole bhature in the city, hands down. Get there before the rush.
And don’t forget: the best experiences are often those that are shared with locals who know their city inside and out.
