Delhi is often referred to as “India’s Food Capital.” The city’s cuisine and cultural melting pot have long been popular draws. Delhi cuisine is an amalgamation of historical bits and parts.
If you imagine Old Delhi, you would imagine the famous restaurants of Jama Masjid and Chandni Chowk. Alleys brim with paranthas, biryani, juicy kebabs, chaat, Dahi Bhalla, and sweets; the cuisine is unlike anything you’ve ever seen. This is the pinnacle of Indian street fare.
The cuisine of Matia Mahal provides a glimpse into its illustrious heritage. A night spent eating here would be well spent since the street is home to various delicious options. When the holy month of Ramadan rolls around, the road takes on a festive air, and vendors line it with all sorts of tasty treats.
In front of Jama Masjid Gate 1, you’ll find the beginning of Matia Mahal Street. You’ve arrived at the starting point of the well-known eating district. So many beautiful surprises await you.
It’s well known that some of the top restaurants in all of Delhi can be found in Old Delhi. People are always willing to come because of the delicious and fragrant biryanis, kababs, chole bhature, and desserts like gulab jamun, Shahi Tukda, and highly unusual paneer jalebi.
Some of the best restaurants around Jama Masjid Delhi are listed here.
Karim Restaurant
Karim’s, known for its mouthwatering Mughlai cuisine, is a no-brainer choice among the many excellent eateries in Matia Mahal. Enjoy some of their renowned Mutton Korma with khamiri flatbread or rumble roti.
The Pulao, biryani, sheer maal, and chicken Kebab are to die for. The one at Jama Masjid is the real one, while there are several more locations across the city. Not only do locals frequent this location, but so do visitors. The restaurant is conveniently located, offers “Take Away” and “Have It In” service, and is easy to get to.
Qureshi Kabab
It has been 72 years since the first kebab was sold at Abdul Ghani Qureshi Kebab Corner. The success of their kebabs is due to their exclusive, top-secret recipe. For five generations, the Qureshi brothers have been at the helm, and the quality of their kebabs has only increased.
Seekh and boti kebabs made their names here. Chicken, mutton, buff kebabs slathered in butter, onions, and spicy chutney are some of their specialties.
When it opens in the evening, it’s always bustling with customers. Everyone should try at least one of their kababs. Single travelers should expect to pay close to 300 Indian rupees.
Kallan Sweets
If you’re looking for an alternative to meat and are sick of hamburgers and hot dogs, this restaurant has a wide selection of samosas and pakoras. Regarding Delhi’s desserts, Kallan’s shop is a household name. For the last seventy-five years, customers have indulged in a wide variety of desserts at this restaurant.
You have to try the paneer jalebi and the various halwa. During the holy month of Ramadan, their Gajar ka Halwa sells like hotcakes, along with their other Ramadan specialties like khoya samosa, keema samosa, and paneer ke pakode.
AL Jawahar
The most excellent non-vegetarian food can be found at this restaurant; try the mutton korma, mutton stew, and chicken changes, all of which cost just Rs 8 and pair well with Khamenei roti. If you’re craving something sweet, try some pure maal. The restaurant starts serving customers at 7 a.m. and doesn’t stop until midnight, making it open for almost the whole day. No of the time of day, the restaurant will likely be quite busy.
Cool Point
Zohaib, Muhammad Zahid’s son, now runs the business his father started 25 years ago. Shahi tukda (bread deep fried in pure ghee and then coated in thick cream and sugar syrup) and phirni (a kind of Indian pastry) are its most well-known specialties. Mango and vanilla ice cream, as well as Kesar milk and badam milk, are other popular desserts here.
Nawab Qureshi’s Watermelon Shake
You may have a glass of their renowned “Mohabbat ka sharbat,” a drink loaded with love and laughter, for just 10 rupees. The drink’s delicate pink hue comes from fresh Amul milk with Rooh Afza, a popular summertime beverage. They change things using chunks of freshly cut watermelon for texture and flavor.
Pehalwaan Biryaniwale
A popular Haveli Azam Khan eatery, Pehalwaan Biryaniwale (or Biryani Mirch Masala), can be found just across from Ameer Sweet House. Haji Mohd. Anwar, the proprietor, starts selling his biryani at 5 p.m. and continues until 2 a.m. He also spends an hour each night sitting on the sidewalk near Chitli Qabar Chowk.
The meat, marinated in salt and chilies, is prepared independently of the rice and then mixed in. After adding the masala, the meal is cooked in a large tub covered with a cloth over a low heat source (on dum). The aroma of this biryani alone will make your tummy rumble, and there’s no need for side dishes like raita.