From Japanese Samosas to 25 Varieties in Masala Chai, Indulge in Old Delhi’s Street Food
India offers a variety of street food options for food lovers, and Old Delhi is not so far behind. The glory of Old Delhi is still the same as it was in the time of the Mughals when the daughter of Shahjahan, Jnanaara had made the streets of Chandni Chowk a market and also the Moon Light Square, which people call the Moon Light opposite the Town Hall. The old Delhi is popular for its narrow streets, its street foods, market. People from all around the corner visit Old Delhi to explore more and more and to indulge in the food. In spite of such crowds and noisy things, there is always a rush in the small shops of food.
From Yummy Japanese Samosas to 25 Varieties in Masala tea here are some street snacks you must try on your next visit to the Capital.
Japanese Samosa Shop
Yes, we are talking about a Japani samosa, but it is, in fact, neither Japanese nor really a samosa. Yet that’s the name of this roadside dish. There is an 80-year-old shop in Old Delhi which is famous for its Japanese samosa. It’s to be found in a small eatery called Manohar Dhaba in Old Delhi, between the Old Lajpat Rai Market and Moti Cinema on Diwan Hall Road. Now let me tell you what a Japani samosa is all about. It’s actually a kind of a puff pastry or a layered samosa. Like a samosa, it’s filled with potatoes and served with chholey. This Samosa is quite different from all other Samosas, even in taste and in appearance.
25 Varieties in Masala Chai
But if you are in Chandni Chowk, also make a point to visit Kailash Chandra Jain tea shop. Our next stop at a distance of less than a kilometer was the Kailashchand Jain tea shop. This shop is located in Chandni Chowk, on the main road which is just opposite to Red Fort. Still, this shop is serving hundreds of tea lovers in Delhi. The tea stall is mainly famous for Golden Chai which is made up of 25 Masalas. The shop is 70+ years old.
This tea is offered in kulhad for 20 rs. Milky with the flavor of cardamom and topped with almonds & saffron. And they serve freshly made mathi with chai. And the cost of Golden Chai is Rs 30. So whenever around Old Delhi, move to Jain tea shop for a kulhad of tea.
100-year-old sweet shop
Founded at the turn of the 20th century, Shyam sweet house is a much loved Old Delhi institution that’s made into onto many of the walled city’s famous food walks. The shop is being run since 1910, is not just famous for sweets, but also for its Mutter Kachodi and Dal Kachodi. The original store, founded by Shri Lala Babu Ram Ji in 1910, can be found at 112, Chawri Bazar, Chowk Barshahbulla.
A simple shop names Jain Coffee House
Jain Coffee House is located in Chawri Bazar, but away from the chaotic and bustling roads. This coffee house isn’t easy to spot, as it is hidden inside the labyrinth alleys of Old Delhi. This popular coffee house which is mainly famous for its Fruit Sandwich is running for 69 years. Jain Coffee House has a vast array of sandwiches on their menu like Fruit Sandwich – in which they combine pieces of different seasonal fruits, Individual Fruit Sandwich of five varieties, Malai Toast, Paneer Toast, and Samosa Sandwich. You can gulp down these carefully prepared sandwiches with the variety of thick frothy shakes, spiced tea or coffee (hot and cold) that they offer. During summers you can quench your thirst by guzzling down luscious Mango Shake.
Saifi Mian’s 129-year-old Kheer shop
A sliver of a shop, Bade Mian’s kheer in Old Delhi is worthy of a king’s feast. Bade Mian’s Kheer is a sliver of a shop tucked between several houses in the Gali. There are two wooden sets of dining tables posted inside and Siddique sits near the entrance with his treasure trove. Without an exchange of words, his younger brother Mohammad Shafi fetches us bowlfuls of the sweet delight.
At Rs 15 per serving, the kheer — slow-cooked for several hours over a wood fire — offers a supple smokey flavor. The shop was set up by Siddique’s great-grandfather Azim Baksh in 1880.
