Ask people who cherish non-vegetarian food to describe nalli nihari and they won’t be able to do without their mouth drooling while reminiscing the taste. The meat of lamb or goat shank is traditionally slow-cooked in a spiced stew so that it tenderises and boasts complex flavours. The aromatic gravy is best served with rice or naan (or any Indian flatbread).
With its roots in Mughlai and Awadhi cuisines, nalli nihari is widely consumed in Delhi and Lucknow. It takes hours and a blend of spices like cardamom, coriander, fennel, cumin, cloves, bay leaves, and cinnamon to make this scrumptious delight.
Video Credit: Chef Ranveer Brar/ YouTube
Sharing his experience of tasting the nalli nihari for the first time, food blogger Nikhil Kamath said, "The first time I had nihari was at Karim's back in 2014. It was quite a wonderful experience. I have heard a lot about it on TV Shows. So when I saw it on the menu, I knew I had to go for it."
Slurrp connected with city foodies to bring you recommendations across NCR to indulge in this meat-based delicacy.
Karim's, Jama Masjid
Recommended by Nikhil Kamath (@citizenkamath) and Bhumika (the.ultimatefoodie123)
Established in 1913 (way before India gained independence in 1947), Karim’s restaurant chain across India serves the best meat-based delicacies for non-vegetarians. It is an integral part of the capital's culinary scenes. From nalli nihari to butter chicken and Nargisi kofta, the food outlet in Jama Masjid is a one-stop solution to your hunger pangs. Order food here and you will end up licking the plate and cutlery.
Address: 16, Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Contact: 011-23269880
Timing: 9am-1am
Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai
USP Dishes: Mutton Qurma, Reshmi Seekh Kebab, Mutton Jahangiri, Karim Roll
Meal Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Price for Two: Rs 1600
Al-Jawahar, Jama Masjid
Recommended by Nikhil Kamath (@citizenkamath) and Bhumika (the.ultimatefoodie123)
Al-Jawahar was inaugurated in 1948 by none other than the first prime minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. They take pride in serving delicious meat dishes like chicken burra, nalli nihari, mutton masala, chicken tandoori, etc. They have options for vegetarians as well, including shahi paneer, dal fry, palak paneer, etc. It is another restaurant where you can savour the best of Mughlai and Awadhi cuisines.
Address: Shop no. 8, Jama Masjid, Opposite, Gate Number 1, Bazar Matia Mahal, Kalan Mehal, Ansari Nagar East, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Contact: 9821696018
Timing: 8am-12am
Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai
USP Dishes: Nalli Nihari, Chicken Tandoori, Mutton Masala
Meal Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Price for Two: Rs 1100
Nazeer Foods, NCR
Recommended by Nikhil Kamath (@citizenkamath)
When you talk about the food scenes of Delhi, especially non-vegetarian dishes, you cannot paint a picture without Nazeer Foods. With several outlets across Delhi-NCR, this place serves the best of Mughlai, North Indian, and Chinese delicacies. From tandoori snacks and meaty burgers to mutton nihari and chicken biryani, their spread is one of the most flavourful in the capital.
Address: No 25, Block B1, Shop, Sector 50, Main Market Rd, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201304
Contact: 8882288822
Timing: 11am-11pm
Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai, Chinese
USP Dishes: Mutton Nihari, Shahi Paneer, Chicken Biryani
Meal Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Price for Two: Rs 1000
Also Read: 10 Top Spots To Savour Parathas In Delhi-NCR
Khan Chacha, NCR
Recommended by Nikhil Kamath (@citizenkamath)
If there is a restaurant known for bringing the most sumptuous dishes from the Mughlai cuisine, it’s Khan Chacha and its outlets spread across NCR. Not just nalli nihari, their aloo tikka roll, butter chicken, chicken seekh kebab, mutton korma, butter chicken, paneer zaika, dal makhani, and soya tawa masala are equally flavoured and tasty. This budget-friendly joint is perfect for an outing with friends.
Address: Logix City Center Mall,3rd floor, Noida Rd, Wave City Center, Sector 32, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301
Contact: 9205500231
Timing: 11am-11pm
Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai
USP Dishes: Chicken Korma, Paneer Zaika, Rolls
Meal Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Price for Two: Rs 500
Aangan, Bhikaji Cama Place
Recommended by Mallikaaa (@imtoocheesyforyou)
Aangan Reloaded on the premises of Hyatt Regency is among a few luxurious joints to leave your taste buds tantalised with the Mughlai dishes. It is known for lasuni jheenga, bhuna gosht, mutton biryani, mutton nihari, aloo gobi methi, and more dishes from North Indian and Awadhi cuisines.
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/bUrBzUZoZZTVGqtw8
Address: Hyatt Regency 2 Hotel, Hyatt Regency Delhi, Bhikaiji Cama Place, Ring Road, New Delhi, Delhi 110607
Contact: NA
Timing: NA
Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai
USP Dishes: Mutton Nihari, Biryani, Bhuna Gosht
Meal Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Price for Two: Rs 1900
Javed Ki Famous Nahari, Okhla
Recommended by Mallikaaa (@imtoocheesyforyou) and Bhumika (the.ultimatefoodie123)
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Javed Ki Famous Nihari is the one-stop food joint for people craving nalli nihari. It also sells korma, different kinds of biryani, keema, sheermal roti, desi ghee niahri, and more. Many foodies swear by the authentic taste that the delicacies here boast. Once you try their dishes, you won’t be able to stop yourself from coming here again.
Address: Zakir Nagar Main Rd, Mehboob Nagar, Jogabai Extension, Zakir Nagar, Okhla, New Delhi, Delhi 110025
Contact: 9818538856
Timing: 12pm-11pm
Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai
USP Dishes: Nalli Nihari, Biryani, Chicken Korma
Meal Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Price for Two: Rs 400
Noora Nihari, Sadar Bazar
Recommended by Mallikaaa (@imtoocheesyforyou)
Noori Nihari in Delhi 6 is a small food joint where you can catch up with friends and indulge in a sumptuous meal. Apart from nalli nihari, you can try dishes like kaju keema, plain niahri, and special paya. They serve only tandoori naan and two kinds of biryani - plain chicken biryani and chicken masala biryani.
Address: M664+HQ5, Barahindu Roa Road, Gali Umrao, Pahari Dhiraj, Sadar Bazaar, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
Contact: 9953522481
Timing: 6am-9am; 5pm-9pm
Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai
USP Dishes: Nalli Nihari, Chicken Biryani, Kaju Keema
Meal Type: Non-Veg
Price for Two: Rs 500
Alkakori Alkauser, R K Puram
Recommended by Mallikaaa (@imtoocheesyforyou)
Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons
Alkakori Alkauser is another stop in the capital where you can indulge in your favourite non-vegetarian dishes like mutton barra, mutton kakori kebab, fish tikka, chicken stew, butter chicken, and mutton tikka kathi rolls. They also serve vegetarian dishes like paneer roll, Lucknowi dum veg biryani, tandoori platter, and paneer tikka.
Address: Vasant Place Market, 30, near Malai Temple, Sector 6, Rama Krishna Puram, New Delhi, Delhi 110022
Contact: 9015487786
Timing: 12pm-11pm
Cuisines: North Indian, Mughlai
USP Dishes: Paneer Tikka, Mutton Barra, Mutton Nihari, Chicken Biryani, Fish Tikka
Meal Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Price for Two: Rs 1200
Haji Shabrati Nihari Wale, Jama Masjid
Recommended by Bhumika (the.ultimatefoodie123)
This restaurant is a small joint near Jama Masjid where you might not find a comfortable seating area or private dining space but you will surely get a meal that will leave you licking your fingers. Their short menu features only nalli nihari and roti. This budget-friendly spot is a go-to joint for nihari lovers.
Address: 722, Gali Haveli Azam Khan, Bazar Chitli Qabar, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Contact: 9999045511
Timing: 6am-10:30am; 6pm-10:30pm
Cuisines: Mughlai
USP Dishes: Nalli Nihari
Meal Type: Non-Veg
Price for Two: Rs 300
Nizam's Kathi Kabab, CP
Recommended by Nikhil Kamath (@citizenkamath)
Nizam’s Kathi Kabab joint in CP is the best place to visit with your friends and family and enjoy a hearty meal. From chicken egg roll and mutton seekh kebab to mushroom masala roll and mutton nihari, the 2-page menu has many options for vegetarians and non-vegetarians to order and enjoy their favourite dishes in the heart of Delhi.
Address: PVR Cinema Plaza H-5&6, PVR Cinema Rd, Marg, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Contact: 011-23713078
Timing: 11am-11pm
Cuisines: Mughlai, North Indian
USP Dishes: Chicken Curry, Mutton Nihari, Tandoori Chicken
Meal Type: Veg and Non-Veg
Price for Two: Rs 1000