3 Days in Old Delhi for Food Lovers

Old Delhi is a food paradise where every alley smells like spices and sizzling kebabs. I've spent countless hours here, eating my way through narrow lanes and discovering hidden gems. This itinerary covers the must-try spots while leaving room for spontaneous bites along the way.

Delhi, delhi
3 Days
Food
Custom Trip

Trip Highlights

Breakfast at Paranthe Wali Gali with crispy, buttery parathas
Chandni Chowk street food crawl with jalebis, chaat, and kebabs
Late-night butter chicken at Aslam Chicken near Jama Masjid

Best Time to Visit

OctoberNovemberFebruaryMarch

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Day 1

Day 1 in Old Delhi

Dive into the chaotic charm of Old Delhi, where history and flavors collide. Start with the iconic Red Fort, then lose yourself in the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk, sampling legendary street food along the way.

Activities

Red Fort & Jama Masjid
Red Fort & Jama Masjid

Begin your day at the majestic Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that tells tales of Mughal grandeur. After soaking in the history, take a short rickshaw ride to Jama Masjid, India's largest mosque. Climb the minaret for a breathtaking view of Old Delhi's rooftops.

Red Fort, Netaji Subhash Marg; Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk9:30 AM - 12:30 PM (Red Fort opens at 9:30 AM; avoid Fridays for Jama Masjid due to prayers)Red Fort: ₹35 for Indians, ₹500 for foreigners; Jama Masjid: Free (₹300 for camera)
Tips:
  • Wear comfortable shoes—there's a lot of walking inside Red Fort
  • Cover your head and remove shoes before entering Jama Masjid
Chandni Chowk Food Crawl
Chandni Chowk Food Crawl

No visit to Old Delhi is complete without a food crawl through Chandni Chowk. Start with crispy jalebis at Old Famous Jalebi Wala, then head to Paranthe Wali Gali for stuffed parathas fried in pure ghee. End with a refreshing glass of kanji vada at Chaina Ram Sindhi Confectioners.

Chandni Chowk main street and lanes1:00 PM - 3:00 PM (most shops close by 4 PM)₹200-400 per person
Tips:
  • Go hungry—portions are generous
  • Carry cash—most stalls don't accept cards

Must Try Foods

Butter-laden parathas
Crispy jalebis
Chandni Chowk's famous chaat
Rabri falooda

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Old Delhi Railway Station (1 km, 10 mins by rickshaw)
Nearest Bus Stop
Red Fort Bus Stop (frequent buses from all over Delhi)
Metro Station
Chandni Chowk Metro Station (Yellow Line, 5 mins walk to Red Fort)
Cab Availability
Easy to find, but auto-rickshaws are faster in narrow lanes

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Day 2

Day 2 in Old Delhi

Dive deeper into Old Delhi's rich history and flavors, exploring hidden lanes, historic markets, and iconic eateries that define the city's soul.

Activities

Heritage Walk Through Kinari Bazaar

Start your morning with a stroll through Kinari Bazaar, a dazzling market known for its wedding decorations, fabrics, and trinkets. The narrow lanes are packed with shops selling everything from zardozi embroidery to tinsel garlands. It’s a visual feast and a great place to pick up unique souvenirs. The market is less touristy than Chandni Chowk, so you’ll get a more authentic feel of Old Delhi’s hustle.

Kinari Bazaar, near Jama Masjid9:30 AM - 11:00 AM (shops open by 10 AM)Free to explore (shopping varies)
Tips:
  • Wear comfortable shoes—the lanes can be uneven.
  • Bargain politely; it’s part of the experience.
Breakfast at Paranthe Wali Gali

Head to the legendary Paranthe Wali Gali for a breakfast of crispy, stuffed paranthas. This narrow lane has been serving these buttery flatbreads for over a century. Try the aloo (potato), paneer (cottage cheese), or the sweet mewa (dry fruits) paranthas, served with tangy pickles and curd. The shops here are tiny, so be prepared to squeeze in with locals.

Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk11:15 AM - 12:00 PM₹100-₹300 per person
Tips:
  • Go early to avoid the lunch rush.
  • Try the mint chutney—it’s a game-changer.
Explore the Spice Market at Khari Baoli

No visit to Old Delhi is complete without a sensory overload at Asia’s largest spice market, Khari Baoli. The air is thick with the aroma of cardamom, cinnamon, and dried chilies. Wander through the stacks of sacks filled with spices, nuts, and dried fruits. It’s chaotic but fascinating—just watch out for handcarts zipping by!

Khari Baoli, near Fatehpuri Masjid12:30 PM - 1:30 PMFree to explore (spices are cheap if you buy)
Tips:
  • Cover your nose if you’re sensitive to strong smells.
  • Buy small quantities—spices here are fresher than supermarkets.

Must Try Foods

Mewa Parantha at Paranthe Wali Gali
Kulfi Faluda at Gianni di Hatti
Chole Bhature at Sita Ram Diwan Chand

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Delhi Junction (2 km, 10-15 mins by auto)
Nearest Bus Stop
Red Fort Bus Stand (frequent buses to Kinari Bazaar)
Metro Station
Chawri Bazaar (Yellow Line, 10-min walk to Khari Baoli)
Cab Availability
Autos and cycle rickshaws are best for short distances; cabs can get stuck in narrow lanes.

Day 3

Hidden Gems of Old Delhi

Dive deeper into Old Delhi's lesser-known spots, from historic havelis to hidden food joints, and wrap up with a sweet ending at a legendary dessert shop.

Activities

Explore Naughara Gali & Havelis

Step into the quiet, narrow lanes of Naughara Gali, a hidden gem lined with beautifully preserved havelis (traditional mansions). Unlike the chaos of Chandni Chowk, this lane feels like a step back in time with its intricate carvings and old-world charm. Peek into the Jain temples here, which are surprisingly serene amidst the bustling city.

Naughara Gali, near Kinari BazaarMorning, around 9-10 AM, when the light is soft and the lane is peacefulFree (donations welcome at temples)
Tips:
  • Wear comfortable shoes—the lane is narrow and uneven
  • Ask locals about the history—many are happy to share stories
Late Breakfast at Gali Paranthe Wali (Again, But Different!)

Yes, we’re back at Paranthe Wali Gali, but this time, skip the usual spots and head to the lesser-known shops at the far end. Try the rare 'rabri parantha' or 'paneer-methi' versions—locals swear by them. The vibe here is more relaxed, and you’ll often see families running these joints for generations.

Far end of Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk10:30-11:30 AM, before the lunch rush₹100-200 per person
Tips:
  • Carry cash—most places don’t accept cards
  • Ask for 'gur wali chai' (jaggery tea) to pair with your parantha
Sweet Ending at Ghantewala Halwai

Wrap up your Old Delhi food journey at Ghantewala, one of the city’s oldest sweet shops (dating back to 1790!). Their 'sohan halwa' and 'badam barfi' are legendary. The shop’s faded grandeur adds to the charm—it’s like tasting history.

Ghantewala Halwai, near Chandni Chowk MetroEarly afternoon, around 1-2 PM₹200-400 for a box of sweets
Tips:
  • Try the 'kaju katli' if you prefer less sweetness
  • They pack sweets well for travel—great for gifts

Must Try Foods

Rabri Parantha
Sohan Halwa
Badam Barfi

Transportation

Nearest Railway Station
Old Delhi Railway Station (2 km, 10-15 mins by rickshaw)
Nearest Bus Stop
Red Fort Bus Stop (frequent buses, 5-10 mins walk to Naughara Gali)
Metro Station
Chandni Chowk Metro (Yellow Line, 5 mins walk to Paranthe Wali Gali)
Cab Availability
Easy to find, but rickshaws are faster for short distances in crowded areas

Travel Tips

Start early - many famous shops sell out by afternoon
Carry cash - most places don't accept cards
Wear comfortable shoes - you'll be walking through crowded lanes
Try sharing dishes so you can sample more variety

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