Old Delhi Heritage Food Walk

Old Delhi Food Walk: Eat Where Mughals Ate

Old Delhi, the walled Mughal capital built by Shah Jahan in the 1640s, is one of the great food cities of Asia. Within a half-square-mile around the Jama Masjid, you'll find shops that have been making the same kababs, parathas, jalebis and biryanis for 200+ years — passed down through five and six generations of family. This 4-hour evening walking tour visits 8-10 stalls, hidden alleys, and family-run institutions that no first-time visitor ever finds alone.

What you'll eat

The route varies seasonally but typically includes: Karim's seekh kababs (since 1913, founded by the cook of the last Mughal emperor), Parathe Wali Gali's stuffed parathas (a 17th-century lane with 4-5 generational paratha shops), Natraj Dahi Bhalle (the city's best chaat since 1940), Old Famous Jalebi Wala (deep-fried saffron jalebis dipped in syrup), and Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfiwala (stuffed kulfis in seasonal flavours like rose-pomegranate, mango-saffron, and kesar-paan). Plus chai stops, lassi tastings, and a sit-down biryani at a 60-year-old eatery.

Beyond the food

You'll see the Jama Masjid (India's largest mosque), Chandni Chowk (the original Mughal silk market), the spice market at Khari Baoli (Asia's largest), the silver and copperware lanes of Dariba Kalan, and the bookbinders alley near Nai Sarak. Your guide is a 4th-generation Old Delhi resident who studied food history at the Mughal Archives.

Practicalities

Walking distance is 3-4 km on cobbled lanes — comfortable closed shoes essential. We provide bottled water, hand sanitiser, and stomach-friendly antacids. We use only well-cooked, freshly-prepared dishes from trusted vendors. Vegetarian and Jain options at every stop. The walk runs every evening (5pm-9pm) October to March; daytime in winter only. Group size capped at 8 for an intimate, conversational experience.