10 Winter foods in Delhi you must try

As the chilly winds from the Himalayas sweep into the Northern plains, Delhi experiences a noticeable drop in temperatures. Early morning fogs become common, people start air-drying their heavy blankets and donning sweaters daily, tea stalls see a surge in customers, and the city seems to slow down a bit. It’s official—winter is here! While getting up for work may be harder, it's the perfect time to savour the best winter food Delhi has to offer.

In winter, Delhi's cuisine undergoes a revival, with many dishes and snacks that are less common in the summer becoming widely available on the streets. One such delicacy is the delicious Daulat ki Chaat in Delhi—more on that later. Delhi is perfect to go on a culinary journey with hotspots like Majnu ka Tilla, Chandni Chowk, Connaught Place, Chawri Bazar, Nizamuddin and Amar Colony that offer a diverse range of winter delights, covering all your foodie cravings.

If you are new to the city or just excited to explore the way Delhi populates its cuisine during the winter, here’s a list of the top 10 winter foods in Delhi that you must try:

Crispy goodness coming right up | Credits: fabhotels.com

1. Daulat ki chaat:

From its name, one might expect Daulat ki Chaat to be a spicy street food item. However, this is actually a sweet dish, renowned for its unique, melt-in-your-mouth texture, making it the perfect winter food in Delhi. Daulat ki Chaat in Delhi is a soft, cloudy dessert made by whipping milk and cream, which is then sweetened with sugar and garnished with saffron, cardamom, and pistachios.

The best places to eat Daulat ki Chaat in Delhi are Chandni Chowk, Sitaram Bazaar, Dariba Kalan and Chawri Bazaar. These spots are favourite picks of the locals and offer a delightful experience of this sweet winter delicacy.

Winter's desi delight | Credits: Unsplash 

2. Shakarkandi:

This yummy street food is one of the most well-known winter food in Delhi. Shakarkandi or sweet potato chaat can be found in almost all marketplaces during the colder months. The sweet potatoes are first boiled to perfection, peeled and diced into bite-sized pieces. Vendors then sprinkle a blend of spices and fresh lemon juice over it before mixing it all up. The result is the most delicious sweet and sour snack that is not just flavourful but also super healthy at the same time.

This is one of the best foods to eat in Delhi, especially at popular spots like Bishan Swaroop Chaat Corner in Chandni Chowk and Hira Lal Chaat Corner in Chawri Bazaar. However, you can enjoy this chaat from literally any street vendor, and it will taste equally divine. 

Delhi's signature street food | Credits: Unsplash 

3. Nihari:

If there's one thing that feels incredibly satisfying on a winter day, it's warm, spicy meat cooked in the traditional desi style. This is where Nihari in Old Delhi truly steals the show. Nihari is a flavourful dish which is made by slow-cooking buffalo or goat meat with a blend of royal spices and lots of fat. Traditionally served as a breakfast dish, it is accompanied by soft and fluffy khamiri roti, an Indian bread, offering a rich culinary experience.

Nihari in Old Delhi is particularly famous, and you can try it at places like Haji Shabrati Nihariwale, Karim’s or Kallu Nihari. Though the spices might make you sniffle and sneeze, nihari is one of those winter foods in Delhi that you won't be able to resist taking another mouthful of. 

The true essence of Mughlai cuisine | Credits: Blogspot

4. Parathas with butter:  

How can you not mention the famous Paranthe Wali Gali Old Delhi, when discussing winter food in Delhi? This iconic lane is packed with old shops offering parathas of all sizes and fillings. A parantha is simply a stuffed dough pancake, either roasted or fried, which has fillings like potato, meat, cauliflower, cottage cheese and egg.

But Paranthe Wali Gali Old Delhi stands out with its variety of unique options, such as Khoya parantha, Rabri parantha, green Chili parantha and Manchurian parantha. Many celebrities and notable figures, including Amitabh Bachchan, Akshay Kumar, Vidya Balan have enjoyed these parathas. Though paranthas can be enjoyed all year round, a hot and toasty parantha in the cold weather is truly one of the best foods to eat in Delhi. 

 Buttery aroma, crispy texture | Credits: Unsplash 

5. Momos:

No list of winter food in Delhi is complete without the delicious "Delhi ke momos." These delightful dumplings are filled with various scrumptious fillings, such as cheese, potato and beans, mutton mince, pork shavings, cabbage and carrots. Both the vegetarian and meat options are equally satisfying. Served with a side of mayonnaise or spicy red chutney, momos are a winter staple across the state.

The best places to have Delhi ke momos are Greater Kailash -1, Majnu ka Tila and Lajpat Nagar. These areas are renowned for their street food culture, offering a variety of flavours and styles that cater to every palate.

Dim sum delight | Credits: Unsplash 

6. Kale Gajar ka halwa: 

Many Indian sweets like Gulab jamun and Jalebis are best enjoyed during the winter months because they are served hot. But have you ever heard of Kale Gajar ka halwa? Kale gajar ka halwa is a delightful twist on the classic gajar ka halwa, made using black carrots that give it a unique flavour and deep colour. Prepared by slowly simmering grated black carrots in milk and ghee, and sweetened with sugar and aromatic cardamom, this dessert is a winter favorite.

In Delhi, you can savour this exquisite treat at places like Chaina Ram Sindhi Confectioners in Chandni Chowk and the iconic Bikanervala outlets, known for their authentic and mouth-watering sweets. Apart from these spots, one can stroll through the markets near Jama Masjid, Connaught Place and Delhi Haat to enjoy this unique winter food in Delhi.

Carrot cake with a desi twist | Credits- curlytales.com

7. Kanji: 

Kanji is a traditional Indian fermented drink made by soaking black carrots in water along with ground mustard seeds, salt, and spices. The mixture is left to ferment for a few days, resulting in a tangy, refreshing beverage. The water takes in the colour of the vegetables and the flavour of the spices to make a drink that is great for digestion, increases metabolism, promotes skin and hair health and is rich in essential nutrients for the body.

Although it is not too commonly found in stalls selling winter foods in Delhi, this refreshing sour and spicy drink is surely unlike any other. You can easily make Kanji at home with this simple recipe. Grab a glass when you can! 

Savour the goodness of fermented Kanji | Credits: onmanorama.com

8. Different types of Pakoras:

Sardi aur garma garam pakode is a match made in heaven! Pakode, or fried fritters, are a made staple in every Indian household, by dipping vegetable pieces in a spiced gram flour batter and deep-frying them to crispy perfection. They are best served with piping hot chai and a side of tangy tamarind chutney or sour green chutney. In Delhi, the variety of pakode is endless. This is one of the best food to eat in Delhi and has options like egg pakode, cheese pakode, paneer (cottage cheese) pakode and even ice cream pakode in a few eateries.

Some of the best places to eat pakode in Delhi are Khandani Pakodewala, Pakode ki dukan and if you want to try non-veg options then try Paramjeet Fish Pkodewala

Crispy, golden pakoras. A timeless delight | Credits: Unsplash 

9. Masala chai: 

After discussing pakode, we can't forget about chai. Who doesn't know the comforting warmth that spreads through the body with a sip of strong masala chai during winter? Chai is one of the most sought-after winter foods in Delhi. It pairs perfectly with biscuits, crisps, pakode, samosas, kachoris, or can be enjoyed on its own. So, the next time you're out anywhere in Delhi, be sure to cosy up with a small clay cup of delicious, aromatic masala chai at the end of the street.

Some of the fancy places to enjoy piping hot chai in Delhi include Mister Chai, Wagh Bakri Tea Lounge, and Jugmug Thela. However, you can find amazing tea at many of the small stalls scattered throughout the city, as they often serve some of the most authentic and flavorful brews. Whether you're in a chic lounge or a humble street-side stall, Delhi offers a fantastic chai experience.

Warming up with a cup of comfort | Credits: Unsplash 

10. Makke di Roti and Sarson ka Saag: 

Makke di Roti and Sarson da Saag is a quintessential Punjabi winter dish that has found a cherished place in Delhi's culinary scene. This hearty meal consists of makke di roti, which are flatbreads made from maize flour, and sarson da saag, a mustard greens curry that is slow-cooked with spices, garlic, and ginger, then enriched with dollops of ghee.

In Delhi, this traditional treat can be savoured at various places. Some of the best spots include Punjab Grill, Kake da hotel and Dhaba by Claridges. This is one of the most popular winter foods in Delhi that brings warmth and comfort during the chilly months.

The classic combo, Makki di roti and tangy green chutney | Credits: timesofindia.com

Conclusion 

Feeling tempted by all that hot, spicy, tangy, and sweet food? Why not take a food tour through Delhi's vibrant streets and savour the city’s delectable winter cuisine? Once you've enjoyed all the delicious treats, book your stay with us at The Hosteller Delhi, the perfect affordable accommodation option.

Indulge in our scrumptious in-house cafe offerings and explore Old Delhi’s charming lanes, brimming with vendors serving time-honoured recipes. Come and explore the magic of Delhi winter foods!

The Hosteller Delhi