Historic food Junctions of Modern India: Delhi

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Written By Santana

Unveiling India's Treasures from the eyes of an insightful author

Five All-Time Historic Food Junctions of Modern India: Delhi

What if I tell you that some great places in Delhi have even crossed the age of our great grandparents and are still serving the best of all mouth-watering, taste – buds popping…umm…yummy yum…Indian food in Delhi can’t keep you waiting long; let us visit them from Morning to Evening.

01. Natraj Chaat Dahi Bhalle

Dahi Vadas (Dhai Bhalla)
Natraj Chaat Dahi Bhalle

Although Delhi’s Chandni Chowk is famous for wholesale goods, clothing, etc., what thought came to your mind when I said earlier?

One of the major reasons Chandni Chowk got into the limelight is because of ‘Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala,’ which is still a small shop in a tight Gali (narrow path) that has been running successfully since 1940. Yes, don’t be amazed. It is just 80 years old.

There is no doubt that you can find a damn high crowd waiting for their order. There is no sitting (take away or eat while standing as per tradition), and even if there is, people prefer eating like this only because of the habit.

You can reach the place through the metro to Chandni Chowk and take an auto-rickshaw by saying, ‘Take me to Natraj Bhalle Waley.’

02. Sita Ram Diwan Chand: The Infamous Breakfast

Chole Bhature
Sita Ram Diwan Chand – Chole Bhature

Whenever you go to Delhi, ask ‘what’s in the breakfast?’ and you will surely get the answer ‘Chole Bhature.’

Not from decades but from a generation as it opened in 1970. This 50-year-old shop has been serving the all-time favorite breakfast of almost every Delhite. Where? The name is ‘Paharganj,’ and you can reach Paharganj through the metro and take a rickshaw to the place. Avoid booking cabs due to tight roads.

03. Al Jawahar Restaurant

Delhi Street Food
Al Jawahar Restaurant

This place is the love of non-vegetarian lovers in Delhi, and if you are visiting Delhi and love non-vegetarian Mughlai food, this is the place you should visit.

It opened in 1947, and it is named after India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru.

The owner said, ‘Making all food in copper utensils, using traditional methods of making their spices and the water of that place is one of the secrets of their food making a difference.’

Their specialty is mutton korma and other Mughlai dishes. It is just a two-minute walk from Jama Masjid.

04. Karim: The Iconic

Karim's Hotel, Delhi
Karim: The Iconic

Will you be surprised if I tell you that there was a place in Delhi serving Indian and Mughlai food before the world war took place? Founded in 1913, The age is 107 years old and is still running… success is a small word.

The founder, Haji Karimudin, established this restaurant by saying that he would serve the royal food to the ordinary people and walk in his footsteps; today, his fourteenth generation is serving the common people.

It is one of the favorite places for foreigners to visit. The restaurant’s specialty is Seekh Kabab and Shahi Dastar Khwan. It is also within walking distance from Jama Masjid.

05. Old Famous Jalebi Wala

Jalebi - Closeup View of Jalebis
Old Famous Jalebi Wala

How can we forget one of India’s most famous desserts and the only candidate to stand in front of Gulab Jamun to be India’s national dessert? When it comes to getting old but becoming gold, what number comes to your mind? In the ’90s, then… this shop was founded in 1884, which means it is 136 years old.

It is located in Chandni Chowk, and many celebrities and ministers are fans of their Jalebis. One should visit there, and you will be surprised to see the maintained cleanliness in such a crowded area.

The Jalebi is a flour-based, deep-fried sweet dish soaked in sugar syrup. The Jalebi is prepared using desi ghee or Indian clarified butter.

The shops’ specialty uses traditional raw unprocessed sugar, known as Khandasari, for making the syrup.

Do visit Delhi and have a taste of Historic India’s food in this modern era.

Also Read: National Food of India

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