For those who decide to visit Jama Masjid in Delhi, recommendations from people usually include the usual suspects like Karim’s and Al Jawahar. However, there’s food in the area that goes beyond these two popular establishments. From tender kebabs to a cooling rose-flavoured drink, Jama Masjid is known for some tasty food and drinks. We recommend the five best places to visit in the area:
Qureshi Kabab Corner
Established by Abdul Ghani Qureshi, Qureshi Kabab Corner is known for its tender beef kebabs that are served with a spicy chutney and onions. The mutton kebabs are equally good. All kebabs can be enjoyed with roomali roti or tandoori roti, or as rolls. If you’re in the mood for something more filling, try the chicken fry or chicken nahari.
Location: Gate no. 1, Near Jama Masjid, Urdu Bazar, Old Delhi.
Timings: Daily, 5pm-midnight.
Cost for two: ₹400
Haji Mohd. Hussain
Known for its chicken and fish fry, Haji Mohd. Hussain has been around for over 40 years. Consistency in taste and service define the place. Pieces of chicken and fish are slit and marinated in spices, and then fried in hot oil. If you’re bored of KFC, give the fried chicken here a try and you won’t be disappointed.
Location: No.113, Matia Mahal Road, Bazar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi.
Timings: Daily, 2-11pm.
Cost for two: ₹400
Bilal Hotel
Bilal Hotel was established by Mohammed Bilal in 1990. The two-storeyed restaurant is known for its nalli nihari, which is slow-cooked for hours. It is believed that Bilal Hotel’s nihari uses 65 spices. The best times to visit are early in the morning or right after dusk. Other dishes worth trying here are mutton biryani, chicken korma and beef korma.
Location: 962, Bazar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi.
Timings: Daily, 6am-11pm.
Cost for two: ₹400
Kallan Sweets
Besides its sweet treats, Kallan Sweets is also known for its keema samosa and khoya samosa. Over 75 years old, the traditional sweet shop also makes paneer jalebi, different types of barfis and laddoos, rasbhari, rajbhog, gulab jamun and halwa. We recommend visiting Kallan Sweets for some tea and snacks in the evening.
Location: Gate No. 1, Shop No. 4 & 5, Matia Mahal Road, Opposite, Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi.
Timings: Daily, 7am-11.55pm.
Cost for two: ₹150
Nawab Qureshi
Nawab Qureshi’s stall in Jama Masjid popularised the now well-known Rooh Afza shake with chunks of watermelon floating in it. Qureshi called the drink ‘pyaar mohabbat mazaa’, and other stalls adopted it and named it ‘sharbat-e-mohabbat’. A glass of the bright pink drink is priced at just ₹10. Find it in huge cauldrons with blocks of ice floating in them.
Location: 1149, In Front of Matia Mahal, Near Jama Masjid, Old Delhi.
Cost for two: ₹20