New Delhi Restaurants

What & Where to Eat in New Delhi

While the capital of India is famous for its five-star restaurants there are equally famous eateries in town that do not cost the earth to dine at. In fact wholesome food at low rates is what locals appreciate and so the market has to cater to them. To get the true essence of Old Delhi you need to go to places where local food is served at its best.

This does not mean that you will be stuck for variety as the local cuisine can be quite varied and mouth watering. Depending on which part of Delhi you are located you can head for any of the following places and treat your tastebuds to a culinary delight.

Nirula’s

In the past, when no McDonald's or Pizza Hut existed in India, the only place to get a decent burger or pizza in New Delhi was the family-run Nirula’s at Connaught Place. The closest competitor then was Wimpy’s, but they have not been able to survive the onslaught of competition the way Nirula’s has. Over the years Nirula's have opened up a number of branches all over the city and are among the foremost fast food chains in Delhi. They have also expanded their menus and cater for home orders all over the city.

Location: The original Nirula’s Family Restaurant is at Connaught Place, outer circle, regarded as the heart of New Delhi.

Bengali Sweet House

From traditional Indian and especially Bengali sweets, to Indian fast food, to Indian-Chinese food, Bengali Sweet House serves it all. While they have branches all over Delhi the ones at Bengali Market and Greater Kailash are worth mentioning. It is a great place to get original 'Sandesh' mithai. The only trouble is these milk sweets have to be consumed within 24 hours or else they spoil. So you will not be able to take some home with you. However, you can still choose from a wider range of non-milk-based sweets and savories to take home.

Location: 27-37, Bengali Market, Connaught Place,at the heart of New Delhi, 15 minutes drive from New Delhi Railway Station.

Nathu Sweets

Another renowned name in Delhi Food circles, the cholle bhature (chick peas in gravy with flat bread) served here is said to be the best in all of Delhi. People come from miles and miles around to eat this dish here. They also have a wide range of north Indian sweets available. The jalebis (deep-fried batter), gulab jamuns (dough with milk solids) and pinni are all very good. If you are not looking for sweets, why not try their dhoklas (spongy chick pea spicy cake) kachoris (a flattened ball of spiced potatoes) and samosas. The best are in the Bengali Market and the Nathus outlet is right next to the Bengali Sweet House. Both eateries are crowded any time of the day.

Location: 23, 24, 25, Bangali Market, Connaught Place, in Central Delhi about 15 minutes away from the New Delhi Railway Station.

Chandini Chowk

If standardised fast food chains leave you cold here is where you need to be. In Paranthe Wali Gali the true foodie feels totally at ease. You can sample some piping-hot kebabs and parathas stuffed with any filling you can think of. You can drink frothy Lassi served in huge glasses. You'll maybe wish for a second stomach so that you are able to sample all the wonderful street food that the small food stalls serve up in Chandini Chowk. The shops have been handed down from generation to generation and the Ghantewala Halwai shop is said to be have been in existence since 1790. Mughlai, Tandoori and Frontier dishes are best tasted here rather than in a typical five-star hotel. The recipes here are handed down from generation to generation and guarded fiercely. If you head here without a guide you might get lost, so don’t go too deep into the meandering lanes of Chandini Chowk alone.

Location: Chandini Chowk is a 15-minute ride from Old Delhi Railway Station better known as Nizamuddin Station.

Others ...

Other popular eateries are BikanerWala and Haldirams. They also have chains all over the country and multiple outlets in the city itself. Have a glass of thandai or almond milk at Haldirams or a plate of rasmalai sweet at Bikanerwala and enjoy the flavours of North India.