Delhi, India’s vibrant capital, is a melting pot of cultures, and its cuisine reflects this incredible diversity. From the Mughal-era delicacies passed down through generations to the street food inventions that tantalize taste buds, Delhi is a food lover’s paradise. Let’s embark on a gastronomic adventure, uncovering the most iconic traditional dishes Delhi has to offer.
1. Butter Chicken
Description:
This creamy, tomato-laden curry is an absolute must-try! Chunks of marinated chicken, cooked to perfection in a tandoor (clay oven), are simmered in a velvety sauce of butter, tomatoes, cream, and a fragrant blend of spices. It’s a dish that embodies Delhi’s love affair with rich flavors.
Recipe:
https://cafedelites.com/butter-chicken/
Key Ingredients:
Chicken, butter, tomato puree, cream, cashew nuts, garam masala, fenugreek leaves (kasuri methi).
Most Popular Restaurant:
Moti Mahal Delux, Daryaganj (highly-rated on Google)
2. Rogan Josh
Description:
A dish hailing from Kashmir, Rogan Josh is a staple in Delhi as well. Tender lamb pieces braised in a rich, aromatic gravy of yogurt, onions, and a symphony of whole spices. The deep red color hints at the fiery flavors infused into the meat.
Recipe:
https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/rogan-josh/
Key Ingredients:
Lamb, yogurt, onions, ginger, garlic, whole spices (cloves, cinnamon, cardamom), Kashmiri red chili powder.
Most Popular Restaurant:
Karim’s, near Jama Masjid (a legendary establishment with excellent Google reviews)
3. Chole Bhature
Description:
A street food superstar! Chole Bhature is a combination of spicy chickpea curry (chole) and fluffy, deep-fried bread (bhature). Talk about a flavor explosion! The tangy, slightly sour bhature perfectly complements the robust and spicy chole masala.
Recipe:
https://www.spiceupthecurry.com/chole-bhature-recipe/
Key Ingredients:
Chickpeas, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, spices (coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder), bhature dough (all-purpose flour, yogurt, semolina).
Most Popular Restaurant:
Sita Ram Diwan Chand, Paharganj (a Delhi institution, highly-rated on Google)
4. Biryani (Delhi style)
Description:
Biryani is a true celebration of flavors, and Delhi boasts its own unique take. Layers of fragrant basmati rice and perfectly cooked meat (traditionally mutton) are infused with aromatic spices, saffron, and sometimes rosewater. A dish fit for royalty!
Recipe:
https://www.masala.tv/delhi-biryani-recipe-mehboob-khan/
Key Ingredients:
Basmati rice, mutton (can be substituted with chicken), onions, yogurt, spices (saffron, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon), rosewater (optional).
Most Popular Restaurant:
Al Jawahar, near Jama Masjid (highly-rated, serving classic Delhi biryani)
5. Nihari
Description:
Nihari is a slow-cooked meat stew with roots in Old Delhi’s Mughal cuisine. Traditionally made with buffalo meat, but lamb or beef variations exist. It has a rich, velvety broth brimming with flavors from ginger, spices, and hours of tender cooking. A true labor of love!
Recipe:
https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/nihari/
Key Ingredients:
Buffalo meat (or lamb, beef), bone marrow, onions, ginger, garlic, whole spices, wheat flour (for thickening)
Most Popular Restaurant:
Kallu Nihari, near Jama Masjid (legendary for Nihari, excellent Google reviews)
6. Dal Makhani
Description:
A North Indian classic, Dal Makhani is the ultimate comfort food. Whole black lentils and kidney beans are slow-cooked with a medley of spices until they transform into a rich, creamy texture. Loads of butter and cream finish it off – true indulgence!
Recipe:
https://www.cookwithmanali.com/dal-makhani/
Key Ingredients:
Black lentils (whole urad dal), kidney beans (rajma), butter, cream, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, spices.
Most Popular Restaurant:
Bukhara, ITC Maurya (world-famous for Dal Makhani, high-end but excellent reviews)
7. Shahi Paneer
Description:
This dish is vegetarian royalty! Cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) swim in a creamy sauce of tomatoes, onions, cashews, and a fragrant blend of spices. It’s a rich and flavorful option that’s perfect for those who love a little spice and a whole lot of creaminess.
Recipe:
https://www.indianhealthyrecipes.com/shahi-paneer-recipe/
Key Ingredients:
Paneer, tomatoes, onions, cashew nuts, cream, spices (coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder, garam masala)
Most Popular Restaurant:
Havemore, Pandara Road Market (highly-rated, known for classic North Indian cuisine)
8. Keema Matar
Description:
Get ready for a down-to-earth, flavor-packed dish! Keema Matar features minced meat (usually lamb) cooked with green peas in a spicy tomato-onion base. The perfect balance of rich savory flavors, this pairs perfectly with naan or roti.
Recipe:
https://www.teaforturmeric.com/keema-matar/
Key Ingredients:
Minced meat, green peas, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, spices (coriander powder, cumin powder, chili powder, garam masala)
Most Popular Restaurant:
Khan Chacha, Khan Market (popular for Mughlai cuisine, great reviews)
9. Kadhi Pakora
Description:
Comfort food at its finest! Kadhi is a yogurt-based gravy, thickened with gram flour (besan) and flavored with spices. Pakoras, which are deep-fried fritters made with gram flour and veggies, are added in. It’s tangy, comforting, and satisfying.
Recipe:
https://www.vegrecipesofindia.com/punjabi-kadhi-recipe-punjabi-kadhi-pakora/
Key Ingredients:
Yogurt, gram flour, onions, spices (turmeric, chili powder), pakoras (gram flour, vegetables, spices)
Most Popular Restaurant:
Khandani Pakodewala, Sarojini Nagar (legendary street food stall, high ratings)
10. Rajma Chawal
Description:
The simple things are sometimes the best. Rajma Chawal is a staple in North Indian homes. Kidney beans cooked into a spicy curry and served with steaming basmati rice – nothing short of satisfying soul food.
Recipe:
https://indishious.com/en/recipes/rajma-chawal/
Key Ingredients:
Kidney beans (rajma), onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, spices, basmati rice.
Most Popular Restaurant:
While found in humble local shops, try Rajinder Da Dhaba, Safdarjung Enclave (unpretentious, known for excellent North Indian food)
Conclusion:
That concludes this culinary tour of Delhi’s traditional dishes! Let me know if you have any other cuisines, dishes, or areas of Delhi’s food scene you’d like to explore!
