Delhi is a paradise for food lovers. It’s all about bold flavors, late-night cravings, and street-food discoveries that turn into lifelong favorites.
Every corner has its own story—Punjabi in one lane, Tibetan Momos the next. It’s a swirl of old-school dhabas, shiny new restaurants, and hidden gems where families and friends crowd in. If you’re traveling to eat, welcome home!
What to Eat in Delhi
Butter Chicken
This is basically Delhi’s superstar. It’s rich, creamy, tomatoey, and loaded with tender chicken. You’ll find everyone fighting over naan to soak up the sauce. Moti Mahal is the birthplace, but tons of local spots do their own take too.
Chole Bhature
No Delhi breakfast is complete without this combo. Fluffy, deep-fried bread with spicy chickpeas—usually served with tangy pickles and onions. Sitaram Diwan Chand near Paharganj is classic, but plenty of local joints nail it.
Golgappa
Little crispy puffs filled with spicy water, potatoes, and chickpeas. People here take their golgappa water very seriously! Hit up any street vendor in Chandni Chowk or Lajpat Nagar Market for the real deal.
Panner Tikka
Char-grilled cubes of cottage cheese, coated in spicy marinade. It’s perfect for vegetarians (and everyone else honestly). QD’s in Hudson Lane is kind of a legend for their version.
Daulat ki Chaat
This is more dessert than chaat—think fluffy, creamy clouds topped with saffron and pistachio. It’s a winter treat and vendors usually sell out early in Chandni Chowk.
Foodie Neighbourhoods in Delhi
Chandni Chowk
This is street food central: parathas, jalebi, kulfi, and of course all the chaat. It’s crowded, noisy, and an absolute must if you want real Delhi flavor. Also, home to Daulat ki Chaat for extra sweetness.
Connaught Place
Iconic for its classic cafes, budget eats, and surprisingly, some of the best chole bhature around. Tons of fast food and modern Indian fusion restaurants too. You’ll find shoppers and work crowds all day.
Hauz Khas Village
The go-to for hip cafes, bars, and fusion menus. Check it out for brunch, cocktails, and great people watching. Don’t skip the lakeside ruins if you need a breather.
Majnu Ka Tila
Tibetan food, momo stalls, quirky cafes, and tons of street snacks. It’s a student-half and foodies’ dream at once, famous for Tee Dee and Ama Café.
Karol Bagh
Beloved for kulfi, chole bhature, and street-side eats. Wander into the market and you’ll stumble on Roshan di Kulfi and loads of legendary sweet and snack joints.
Budget Restaurants in Delhi
Tee Dee (Majnu Ka Tila)
Super casual, friendly vibes. Try the momos, thukpa, and the Tibetan noodles. It’s kind on your wallet and gets busy with students and backpackers every night.
Kake Da Hotel
A Delhi legend for classic North Indian fare, especially the chicken curries and roti. Rustic, old-school, and always packed. Bring cash and patience—the line moves fast.
Roshan di Kulfi
Known for their kulfi falooda—sweet, cold, perfect after all that street food. The snacks here (chaat, samosas) are super affordable too.
State Bhawans
If you want to sample regional Indian food at budget prices, this is your place. Cafeteria vibes, generous plates, tons of variety. Lunch gets packed.
Haldiram’s (Connaught Place)
Always reliable and clean for snacks, thalis, and sweets, especially chaats and dosas. Expect lots of families and a fast-casual feel.
Mid-Range Restaurants in Delhi
Cactus Lily
Modern takes on Indian sandwiches and snacks. Super chill for coffee or lunch. Always photogenic, with fun plating and colorful drinks.
Inja
A cool Indian-Japanese fusion joint doing inventive plates. Sit-down only, booking recommended for dinner. The sushi/Indian mashups? Surprisingly awesome.
Raag
Pan-Indian with a fancy twist. Menu is packed with originals you won’t see anywhere else. Simple interiors, but big on flavor and friendly staff.
Kebab House (Basant Lok)
Grilled kebabs, fusion chaats (try the “jaleba chaat”), and a packed-out dining room every night. Not formal, but super lively.
P.F. Chang’s India
Famous for Asian plates with a crowd-pleasing spin. Great service, lively crowd, easy to hit with family or friends.
Luxury Restaurants in Delhi
Bukhara
Big, rustic, and famous for tandoori meats and dal Bukhara. If you want to eat like a visiting dignitary, this is where they’d bring you. Top-notch service, comes with a price tag.
Indian Accent (The Lodhi)
This place is modern Indian done right—playful, creative, and so worth splurging on. Book ahead and let them tell you what’s good; the team here loves to surprise.
P.F. Chang’s India
Yep, they’ve become a go-to for luxury Pan-Asian. Good for groups, world-class interiors, and the dessert menu is killer.
Raag
Indian fine dining that isn’t stuffy. Expect sleek decor and many pretty plates. Definitely wine-pairing territory. You’ll want to linger over dessert.
Cactus Lily
Known for luxe takes on Indian comfort food. Fancy but not intimidating. Attentive staff, creative cocktails, and a cool crowd make it feel special.
Best Coffee Shops in Delhi
The Grammar Room
Top marks for coffee, chill factor, and their famous avocado toast. Small, glassy, a little hidden—bring a book and just hang out.
Quick Brown Fox Coffee
Great little indie spot with seriously quality beans (the baristas are obsessed). They do cold brew, flat whites, and fun snacks. Expect more students than families.
Café Dori
Café meets concept store—coffee, pastries, and shopping in one stop. Light, bright, stylish, and a dog-friendly vibe if your furry friend’s tagging along.
Lavonne (Defence Colony)
Petite, friendly, and always busy for coffee and croissants. It’s kind of where locals meet for dessert and a chat. Grab a seat fast, it fills up quick.
Blue Tokai
The local roaster with tons of locations now. Always reliable iced coffee, friendly staff, and lots of freelancers hunched over laptops. You’ll spot them everywhere from Saket to CP.
Markets in Delhi
Lajpat Nagar (Central Market)
Totally packed—tons of street food, momos, chaat, and South Indian snacks. Bargain shopping and a snack in each hand is basically a requirement.
Sadar Bazaar
Massive, old, and always a little chaotic. Street food stalls are everywhere: samosas, jalebi, golgappa. Wander, snack, repeat.
Majnu Ka Tila Market
Home to Tibetan bakeries, momos on every corner, and laid-back tea houses. It’s perfect if you want to graze and people-watch.
Karol Bagh Market
Great for sweets and snacks—don’t miss out on kulfi and chaat here. The market gets busy in the evenings, but that’s part of the fun.
Chandni Chowk
The original food market—parathas, jalebi, sweets, and more than a century of snacking history packed into these crowded lanes.
Budget Accommodation in Delhi
Colonel’s Retreat
Safe, has a homey vibe, and includes breakfast. Located in a nice South Delhi neighborhood. Rooms are simple but super clean, and staff are really friendly. Prices are usually $60–$100 US/night.
Hotel Silver Place Near IGI Airport
Handy if you want airport access, basic clean rooms, good WiFi, and friendly service. Affordable for quick overnighters or early flights.
Pacefic Suites
Decent value for business or leisure travelers. Clean, modern rooms with AC and flat-screen TVs. Near sights but quiet enough for good sleep.
CP Villa
Great spot in Connaught Place, easy walk to shops/food. Rooms are simple but the staff are always helpful. Good for short city breaks.
YWCA International Guest House
Basic, centrally located, and an affordable option for solo travelers. Includes breakfast and WiFi. Rooms are basic but safe and clean.
Mid-Range Accommodation in Delhi
Hotel Palace Heights
Right in Connaught Place and perfect for travelers who want comfort and a little elegance. Rooms have nice views and comfy beds. Walking distance to tons of food and attractions.
The Imperial New Delhi
Historic with a royal vibe, cool colonial architecture, and lush gardens. It’s a big step up from budget but prices are still reasonable for all the amenities you get.
Meidens Hotel
Known for great service and well-kept rooms. On-site dining and a beautiful pool. Quick to get into city center by car or cab.
CP Villa
Mid-range rooms in the heart of Delhi. Good for couples or small groups, walkable to big attractions. Still offers that “home away from home” vibe.
The Hans Hotel
Another solid mid-range option near Connaught Place. Good breakfast spread, business amenities, and free WiFi. Spacious, clean rooms.
Luxury Accommodation in Delhi
ITC Grand Bharat
Grand resort vibes just outside the city, with a golf course and major spa setup. Awesome pool, standout service, and a famed Sunday brunch.
The Leela Palace
Five-star everything—opulent decor, huge rooms, and rooftop pool. Multiple restaurants if you want true fine dining on-site. A splurge, but it doesn’t disappoint.
The Lodhi
Modern luxury, beautiful architecture, and private balconies. Rooms are massive and have soaking tubs. Spa and restaurant worth a trip alone.
Northern Palace
Modern luxury close to central Delhi. Plush rooms, city views, and everything feels new and bright. Excellent for families and groups wanting modern comforts.
Ambience Suites
Super comfortable, contemporary, just a short taxi from IGI Airport. It’s a bit quieter than the main drag so you can really relax after a day out exploring.
