Chandni Chowk is one of the oldest markets of India with a rich history. It was built in the 17th Century by Jahanara Begum, the daughter of Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan.
However, it is more than just a mere market. For many, it is a food haven where you get to savour a variety of dishes in shops and stalls that have had a legacy of their own. A paradise for the food lovers, Chandni Chowk has shops selling street food at every nook and corner. Apart from food shops, there are shops selling beautiful earrings, bangles and other gold and silver jewellery, sarees etc.
With the beauty of the Old Delhi, everyone is compelled to explore and get lost in the labyrinth of its lanes that hide hundreds of culinary secrets.The narrow-winding lanes of Old Delhi, plethora of food items, antique looking houses, monuments and the ambience attracts not only food lovers but also photographers, history enthusiasts or just about anyone who wants to discover the heritage and beauty of this place.
Famously referred to as Dilli 6, this place traces its origin to the Mughal Dynasty. The food recipes have been passed down through several generations and with the food item, you get a taste of the rich history.
The sizzling Parantha with a hearty slice of butter smeared on it, the crispy samosas, sweet and juicy Jalebis swirling in hot oil, there’s no end to the mouth-watering food you get here! A food walk at Old Delhi is truly a gastronomic adventure. Shops like Nataraj Dahi Bhalla Wala, the Old Jalebi wala, Karim’s and the immensely famous Paranthe wali Gali are some of the places we’ll be stopping at in the food walk. Each shop has a story of its own and culinary secrets that make Chandni Chowk an ideal place for a food walk.
Credit: Delhi Belly
To see just one example to describe the beautiful history associated with these shops, Karim’s was opened in 1913 by the son of a royal cook in the court of the Mughal Emperor. It’s more than a hundred years old! People from far-off places visit this restaurant to enjoy the delicious kebabs, Butter chicken and other meat treats.
Relishing the delicacies at Old Delhi is a must-do for all food lovers!
