In the heart of Delhi, as the winter chill sweeps through the city, there's a sweet, sticky delight that warms the soul and beckons you to indulge in its comforting embrace. "Gajar ka Halwa," is a cherished winter delicacy that enchants both locals and visitors with its rich history and irresistible allure. As the year comes to an end, you’re sure to see the local markets starting to fill up with the vibrant hues of red carrots, a sure sign that halwa season is incoming. And before long, everyone from five-star hotels to the streetside stalls has their iteration of this beloved dessert ready to dole out to hungry customers.
It’s believed that the concept of Halwa can be traced back to the Ottoman Empire – and even as far back as the Byzantine Empire, before the 12th century CE before making its way to India during the Delhi Sultanate (13th - 16th century). It has since become an integral part of the country’s dessert repertoire, especially in the north where the winters get chilly and this warm rich dessert is a balm for the soul.
Also Read: Gajar Ka Halwa- Dipped In History
The preparation of Gajar ka Halwa is a slow and laborious process, reflecting the patience and dedication of the artisans behind this dish. Grated carrots are cooked slowly in a pot, allowing them to absorb the flavours of cardamom, ghee, and fresh milk. While anyone can make gajar ka halwa, it takes a deal of practice and patience to make it well.
We caught up with some of Delhi’s Foodies to find out which spots are their Gajar Ka Halwa go-tos.
1. Aggarwal Sweets Corner Vijay Enclave - Palam, Recommended by @delhites_food_blogger
This unassuming spot near Jindal Public Schol has amassed a loyal following from locals in the area thanks to their commitment to quality sweets made in a traditional and timeless style. “This is the place where I am used to going every winter for their gajar halwa. Their halwa is soo mouth-melting and they make their gajar halwa in 100 % pure desi ghee. It’s really so tasty!”
Address: Rz F6 Shiv Main Market Vijay Enclave Near Jindal Public School, Delhi, India, Delhi
Timings: 9:00 am - 10:00 pm
Cost for two: ₹350 for two people (approx.)
2. Giani’s Di Hatti - Fatehpuri, Recommended by Sidharth Gupta (@letstripindiaofficial)
Started back in 1956 as a single shop, Giani’s has a well-known legacy for delicious and authentic food. Since opening, they’ve evolved into a multi-outlet operation pan-India but still continue the unique traditional dishes they’ve become known for. Although most people stop by for their Rabri Falooda, during winter they also offer up freshly made homestyle gajar halwa that can’t be missed and their moong dal halwa also makes the list of must-trys..
Address: M65F+67Q, Bagh Deewar, Katra Ghel, Fatehpuri, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006
Timings: 8:30 am - 11:00 pm (Open All Days)
Cost for two: ₹500 for two people (approx.)
3. Gopal Di Kulfi - Karol Bagh, Recommended by Sidharth Gupta (@letstripindiaofficial)
When temperatures in Delhi start dropping, it's a sign for Gopal Di Kulfi to put their famous Gajar Ka Halwa back on the menu. It may look like an inconspicuous hole-in-the-wall joint, but it has a fan following that spans decades. For just Rs. 70 you can get a plate of halwa, loaded with dry fruits and nuts, cooked in desi ghee and served either piping hot or cold as per your preference.
Address: Shop no 1, New Rohtak Rd, near Liberty Cinema, Block 21 B, Dev Nagar, Karol Bagh, New Delhi, Delhi 110005
Timings: 2 pm to 11:30 pm
Cost for two: ₹200 for two people (approx.)
4. Gopal Sweets Corner - Kamla Nagar, Recommended by @delhites_food_blogger
This pure vegetarian shop has been around for over 15 years and with each one that passes, finds new converts for their delicious fare. Although they have many savoury snacks and vadas that steal the show, their winter favourite is the gajar halwa. “I have always heard about this place so as a blogger one day I went to their and tried their Gajar Halwa it was really good and perfectly blended with dry fruits.” says @delhites_food_blogger.
Address: 43-A, Satyawati Marg, Block A, Kamla Nagar, Delhi, 110007
Timings: 7 am to 9 pm
Cost for two: ₹150 for two people (approx.)
Video Credits: Kunal Kapur/YouTube
5. Gupta Sweets - M Block, Connaught Place, Recommended by Sidharth Gupta (@letstripindiaofficial)
Some say that birds flying west is the sign of winter, for Delhiites, it’s when Sajan Lal Gupta starts serving Gajar ka Halwa. For over 40 years, this UP native has been doling out homemade halwa from a small streetside stall and has won the hearts of locals who eagerly await his melt-in-the-mouth creation.
Address: M Block (next to Chili's), Connaught Place, New Delhi
Cost for two: ₹150 for two people (approx.)
6. Megh Raj & Sons - Chandni Chowk, Recommended by Sidharth Gupta (@letstripindiaofficial)
Another old establishment of Chandni Chowk, this spot is known for its no-frills approach to good food. Though most people ply the stall for breakfast, come winter they also dole out a hot, sweet gajar ka halwa slow cooked in pure desi ghee which no visitors can resist.
Address: 292, Ground Floor, Chowk Fatehpuri, Khari Baoli Road, Opposite IDBI Bank, Chandni Chowk Chandni Chowk, New Delhi India
Timings:7:30 am to 9 pm
Cost for two: ₹200 for two people (approx.)
7. Shagun Sweets - Nirman Vihar, Recommended by @delhites_food_blogger
From the outside, Shagun Sweets may look like just another commercialised venture, but their commitment to flavour and quality standards has made it a fan favourite. “Though it’s not my top choice, if there had to be a second it would be Shagun Sweeta. I have tried their halwa it's so good and justifies the price and quality, they’ve been making it for a long time without any adulteration.”
Address: B 43, Gurunanak Pura, Veer Savarkar Block, Block B, Laxmi Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi, 110092
Timings: 8:30 am to 10:30 pm
Cost for two: ₹300 for two people (approx.)
8. Sheeren Bhawan - Old Delhi, Recommended by Yuvaan (@delhifoodlust) and Sidharth Gupta (@letstripindiaofficial)
With a history that began at the turn of the 19th century, this spot in Old Delhi has become a renowned Gajar ka Halwa destination. They began as ghee traders with a unique product prepared from camel milk that came from Rajasthan to Delhi (then Shahjahanabad) by camel caravan. Today they’ve harnessed that rich history into richer sweet treats and delight customers with their Safed Gajar ka Halwa, made from white carrots which are available for a very small window during the winter. “They slow cook this gazar ka halwa in Desi ghee for fantastic flavour and aroma. This is also famous for its safed gazar ka halwa. A must-try place.” adds Yuvaan.
Address: J6WM+QH7, Bazar Chitli Qabar, Sheesh Mahal, Old Delhi, Delhi, 110006
9. Shiv Misthan Bhandar - Chandni Chowk, Recommended by Yuvaan (@delhifoodlust)
Though this Old Delhi haunt is usually the most packed for its breakfast fare, come winter there are plenty of takers for their halwa too. Sice 1910 they’ve doled out a halwa that appeals to every taste. “They cool this gazar ka halwa on a low flame for around 8-9 hours and garnished with lots of exotic dry fruits and pure Desi ghee.” says Yuvaan.
Address: 375, Chandni Chowk Rd, Kucha Ghasiram, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Timings: 8 am to 9 pm
Cost for two: ₹250 for two people (approx.)
10. Shyam Sweets - Chandni Chowk, Recommended by Yuvaan (@delhifoodlust)
Their sign may advertise their matar kachori, but when it comes to whipping up a lip smacking halwa, they prove their mastery of the art. “They have been serving gazar ka halwa for decades and it is filled with plenty of Desi ghee and dry fruits,” says Yuvaan. After the halwa has been simmered on low heat for hours, it’s ready for you to dig into the sticky sweet creation.
Address: 112, Manohar Market, Chawri Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Delhi, 110006
Timings: 8:00 am to 9 pm
Cost for two: ₹150 for two people (approx.)
Note: All locations appear in alphabetical order.