Chandni Chowk is one of Delhi's most celebrated food destinations, where centuries-old recipes, traditional Indian sweets, spicy street food, and rich Mughlai dishes come together in the historic lanes of Old Delhi. Whether you are searching for crispy parathas, creamy dahi bhalla, freshly fried jalebis, or flavourful North Indian meals, Chandni Chowk offers something for almost every food lover.
From the legendary Paranthe Wali Gali to the bustling food lanes around Jama Masjid, the area is ideal for a dedicated food walk. This guide to the best restaurants in Chandni Chowk covers popular places to eat, what to order, approximate opening hours, contact numbers, locations, and practical tips for planning your visit.
Quick Guide to the Best Restaurants in Chandni Chowk
| Restaurant | Famous For | Cuisine | Approx. Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kake Di Hatti | Stuffed naan and North Indian meals | North Indian, Punjabi | 8 AM–1 AM |
| Pt. Gaya Prashad Shiv Charan | Traditional stuffed parathas | North Indian, Vegetarian | 7 AM–11 PM |
| Pt. Babu Ram Paranthe Wala | Classic parathas | North Indian, Vegetarian | 8:30 AM–10:30 PM |
| Natraj Dahi Bhalla Wala | Dahi bhalla and aloo tikki | Indian street food, Chaat | Around 10:30 AM–9:30 PM |
| Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala | Spicy kachori | Indian street food | Around 10:30 AM–8 PM |
| Karim's, Jama Masjid | Kebabs and Mughlai curries | Mughlai, North Indian | Check current branch hours |
| Hotel Maaidah | Changezi chicken | Mughlai, Non-vegetarian | Around 4 PM–midnight |
| Old Famous Jalebi Wala | Hot jalebis | Indian sweets | Check current shop hours |
Opening hours are indicative, not guaranteed. Confirm the schedule of the specific outlet before travelling, especially on Sundays and public holidays.
1. Kake Di Hatti – Famous for Stuffed Naan and Punjabi Food
Kake Di Hatti is a popular choice for people looking for a satisfying North Indian meal in Chandni Chowk. Located near the Khari Baoli and Church Mission Road area, the restaurant is known for its large stuffed naans, rich gravies, and hearty vegetarian dishes.
Its traditional Punjabi-style food makes it suitable for families, groups, and shoppers who want to sit down for a proper meal after exploring Old Delhi.
What to try: Stuffed naan, paneer dishes, dal, chole, and seasonal North Indian specialities.
Cuisine: North Indian, Punjabi, vegetarian options
Address: Church Mission Road, Cloth Market, Katra Ghel, Khari Baoli, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006
Phone: +91 98109 09754
Approx. timings: 8 AM–1 AM
Best for: Family meals, lunch, dinner, and sharing dishes
2. Pt. Gaya Prashad Shiv Charan – A Traditional Stop in Paranthe Wali Gali
Paranthe Wali Gali is among the most recognisable food lanes in Old Delhi, attracting visitors who want to experience traditional stuffed parathas. Pt. Gaya Prashad Shiv Charan is one of the established names associated with this culinary tradition.
Unlike everyday homemade parathas, the varieties here are prepared in a traditional style and served with accompaniments that make a plate a filling meal. It is an appealing stop for visitors interested in the food culture of Old Delhi.
What to try: Aloo paratha, paneer paratha, gobhi paratha, and other available stuffed varieties.
Cuisine: North Indian, vegetarian
Address: 34, Paranthe Wali Gali, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006
Phone: +91 98736 82978
Approx. timings: 7 AM–11 PM
Best for: Traditional breakfast, lunch, and a heritage food walk
3. Pt. Babu Ram Paranthe Wala – A Popular Paratha Destination
Another well-known name in Paranthe Wali Gali, Pt. Babu Ram Paranthe Wala attracts people looking for classic stuffed parathas in the heart of Old Delhi.
The narrow lanes and busy surroundings are part of the experience. Visitors can explore several traditional food shops in the same area, making it easy to compare different fillings and accompaniments.
What to try: Potato-stuffed parathas, paneer parathas, and seasonal varieties available on the menu.
Cuisine: North Indian, vegetarian
Address: 1984–1985, Gali Paranthewali, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006
Phone: +91 93137 73576
Approx. timings: 8:30 AM–10:30 PM
Best for: Vegetarian food lovers and traditional Delhi food experiences
4. Natraj Dahi Bhalla Wala – Famous for Delhi-Style Chaat
Natraj Dahi Bhalla Wala is a must-consider stop for anyone exploring Chandni Chowk's street food scene. Rather than an elaborate restaurant menu, the outlet is famous for a small selection of much-loved snacks.
Its dahi bhalla combines soft lentil dumplings with yoghurt, chutneys, and spices, while aloo tikki offers a savoury potato-based alternative. Both are convenient options for a short food stop between shopping and sightseeing.
What to try: Dahi bhalla and aloo tikki.
Cuisine: Indian street food, chaat
Address: 1396, Main Road, near Central Bank, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006
Phone: +91 98112 08811
Approx. timings: 10:30 AM–9:30 PM
Best for: Quick snacks, street-food enthusiasts, and first-time visitors
Delhi Tourism also features Natraj Dahi Bhalla Wala in its food guide. Its listed specialities include dahi bhalla and aloo tikki.
5. Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala – A Stop for Spicy Kachori
For travellers who enjoy savoury Indian snacks, Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala is worth considering during a Chandni Chowk food walk. Kachori is a crisp, deep-fried pastry generally filled with spiced ingredients and commonly served with chutney or a savoury accompaniment.
This is a good option for those who want to sample several small dishes rather than sit down for a full restaurant meal.
What to try: Kachori and the accompanying chutneys or preparations available that day.
Cuisine: Indian street food, fast food
Address: 1104, Gali Bhojpura Road, Old Delhi, Chandni Chowk, Delhi 110006
Phone: +91 98916 98995
Approx. timings: 10:30 AM–8 PM; Sunday hours may differ
Best for: Breakfast, late-morning snacks, and food walks
6. Karim's, Jama Masjid – A Landmark for Mughlai Food
Karim's near Jama Masjid is one of Old Delhi's best-known destinations for traditional Mughlai cooking. Its food is a natural contrast to Chandni Chowk's vegetarian paratha shops and chaat stalls, offering a more substantial meal built around meat preparations, gravies, and kebabs.
The Jama Masjid area is particularly popular with visitors exploring Old Delhi's historic streets and food culture. Check the exact outlet and its current operating hours before visiting.
What to try: Seek out the restaurant's available kebabs, mutton preparations, chicken dishes, and traditional Mughlai gravies.
Cuisine: Mughlai, North Indian
Location: Jama Masjid area, Old Delhi
Phone: Confirm the current number for the intended branch
Timings: Verify directly before your visit
Best for: Mughlai meals, meat dishes, and a traditional Old Delhi dining experience
7. Hotel Maaidah – Known for Changezi Chicken
Hotel Maaidah is a useful option for visitors exploring the Jama Masjid side of Old Delhi and looking for non-vegetarian food. The outlet is associated with Changezi chicken, a rich chicken preparation popular in the city's Mughlai-influenced food culture.
Its location on Choori Walan Road makes it a separate stop from the main paratha and chaat lanes. Plan your route accordingly if you want to sample food from both parts of the neighbourhood.
What to try: Changezi chicken and other available chicken or curry preparations.
Cuisine: Mughlai, non-vegetarian
Address: 2614, Choori Walan Road, Manohar Market, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, Delhi 110006
Phone: +91 98103 55301
Approx. timings: 4 PM–midnight
Best for: Evening meals and visitors exploring the Jama Masjid food area
8. Old Famous Jalebi Wala – A Classic Sweet Shop
No food guide to Chandni Chowk feels complete without mentioning its famous jalebis. Old Famous Jalebi Wala is associated with hot, freshly prepared jalebis that are crisp on the outside and syrupy within.
A freshly cooked portion makes a convenient dessert after chaat or a sweet break during a walk through the market. As the shop is a quick-stop destination rather than a full-service restaurant, it fits best into a multi-stop food itinerary.
What to try: Fresh jalebis; ask about other sweets available when you visit.
Cuisine: Indian sweets and desserts
Location: Dariba Kalan crossing, near Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib, Chandni Chowk
Phone: Confirm locally before visiting
Timings: Check the current shop schedule
Best for: Dessert, sweet snacks, and a traditional Old Delhi food walk
How to Plan a Chandni Chowk Food Walk
The easiest way to explore the area is to divide your visit into smaller stops rather than trying to eat a full meal at every restaurant.
Morning: Parathas and Kachori
Start with Paranthe Wali Gali and choose one paratha shop. If you still have room, visit Jung Bahadur Kachori Wala for a savoury snack.
Afternoon: Chaat and Market Exploration
Head to Natraj Dahi Bhalla Wala for dahi bhalla or aloo tikki. Explore the surrounding market and Dariba Kalan before stopping for jalebis.
Evening: Mughlai Food Around Jama Masjid
Finish with a sit-down meal in the Jama Masjid area. Karim's and Hotel Maaidah are options to investigate if you prefer kebabs, chicken, or traditional Mughlai gravies.
Travel between the two food areas can take time in crowded lanes, so allow extra time and avoid ordering too much at every stop.
Best Time to Visit Chandni Chowk for Food
Morning: A good choice for breakfast, kachori, and parathas.
Late morning to afternoon: Convenient for chaat, sweets, and exploring the market.
Evening: Better suited to visitors planning a meal around Jama Masjid.
Weekdays: Often easier to navigate than the busiest weekend periods, although crowds vary.
Chandni Chowk is a busy market, so comfortable walking shoes, cash for small purchases, and a flexible itinerary can make the visit easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which are the best restaurants in Chandni Chowk?
Popular options include Kake Di Hatti for North Indian food, Pt. Gaya Prashad Shiv Charan for traditional parathas, Natraj Dahi Bhalla Wala for chaat, and Karim's near Jama Masjid for Mughlai food.
Where can I find the best parathas in Chandni Chowk?
Paranthe Wali Gali is the most recognised destination for traditional stuffed parathas. Pt. Gaya Prashad Shiv Charan and Pt. Babu Ram Paranthe Wala are two established shops to explore.
Which place is famous for dahi bhalla in Chandni Chowk?
Natraj Dahi Bhalla Wala is well known for its dahi bhalla and aloo tikki.
Where should I go for non-vegetarian food near Chandni Chowk?
The Jama Masjid food area is a popular choice for Mughlai dishes, kebabs, and chicken preparations. Karim's and Hotel Maaidah are options worth checking.
What is the best time for a food tour in Chandni Chowk?
Late morning is a convenient starting point for a food walk focused on parathas, chaat, and sweets. Visitors wanting a Mughlai dinner can continue towards Jama Masjid in the evening.
Are restaurants in Chandni Chowk open every day?
Many established food shops operate on most days, but hours and weekly closures vary. Confirm the specific restaurant's timings before travelling.
Final Thoughts
Chandni Chowk is more than a collection of restaurants; it is a food destination shaped by generations of Delhi's culinary traditions. From stuffed parathas and spicy kachori to dahi bhalla, jalebi, and Mughlai curries, its famous food stops offer a varied introduction to Old Delhi.
For a first visit, begin with Paranthe Wali Gali, sample chaat at Natraj, try a jalebi near Dariba Kalan, and finish with a meal around Jama Masjid. Keep the itinerary flexible, confirm restaurant timings, and enjoy the neighbourhood one dish at a time.
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