If you thought anyone could do kebabs, we’ll tell you otherwise. Originating from the Middle-East but popular worldwide today, the craze for kebabs is no longer restricted to one region or place. Apart from being the capital of the country, Delhi also serves as a food hub for us. The delectable range of cuisines and food options that you find here is fascinating. Be it Goa’s pork and chicken vindaloo or Rajasthan’s dal baati churma and gatte ki subzi, there is no dearth of the rich and diverse food scape of India. Kebabs, for the uninitiated, are pieces of meat or vegetables that are grilled and cooked on an open fire. Today, we’ve got sophisticated grill pans, electric tandoors and barbeques to prepare lip-smacking kebabs and tikkas.
Residing in Nizamuddin, one of the well-known heritage colonies of the city, I’ve been gorging on kebabs from Ghalib and Karims’ since a long time. Their biryanis and kebabs are definitely the star of the menu and along with that you can also try their curries. Soft, juicy kebabs became a major missing during the pandemic. After a lot of pestering, my mother finally agreed to make some for us at home. She picked a shammi kebab recipe one day and started prepping for the same. The kebabs, made from minced meat, were so soft and tender that they could be easily broken into pieces with just a gentle touch of the fingers. Dipping them in freshly made mint chutney, the taste reached a whole new level.
If you’ve been tempted for kebabs now, here are some of the best places to try kebabs in Delhi.
1. Qureshi Kebab Corner
Amidst the congested lanes of Chandni Chowk, this kebab corner is a hit. A small and humble establishment with age-old interiors, the kebab corner is the place to savour delectable kebabs when in Old Delhi. Pick any, chicken, mutton or the buff seekh kebabs and we guarantee you that you won’t be disappointed. Be ready for a long wait though.
Source: Qureshi Kebab Corner/Instagram
Where: Opposite Gate No.1, Near Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
Cost For Two: INR 400
2. Ghalib Kebab Corner
This has to be my childhood favourite. While we haven’t really dined in and usually ordered home, they do have a small seating capacity but you’ll have to grab your place in time. Don’t forget to order the mutton shammi kebabs which are a specialty here. Hidden away among the host of shack-shops in Nizamuddin, you’ll be able to spot this one from a distance because of the prominent signage.
Source: Cap Delhite/Instagram
Where: Shop 57, Ghalib Road, Near Lal Mahal, Nizamuddin, New Delhi
Cost For Two: INR 400
3. Al Kauser
The quiet and peaceful lanes of Malcha Marg make Al Kauser, one of the most sought-after kebab places in the city. The eatery earned their way to fame with the melt-in-your-mouth galouti kebabs with a spicy and tangy chutney.
Source: Al Kauser Foods/Instagram
Where: Kautilya Marg, Kriti Nagar, Block 10 Chanakyapuri, New Delhi
Cost For Two: INR 300
4. Babu Bhai Kebab Wale
This legendary kebab place resides in the heart of Old Delhi and has been doing amazing kebabs way before independence of India. Yes, you read that right. The silky soft dora kebabs, which are a specialty here, are held together by a thread because they are very delicate. Apart from that, you can also try their sutli and gola kebabs to have a full feast.
Source: The Drunken Pig/Instagram
Where: 1465 B,Near Masjid Sayed Rafai, Chitli Qabar, Jama Masjid, New Delhi
Cost For Two: INR 200
5. Majeed’s
Don’t want to step out of the car? Majeed’s should be your go-to place for kebab cravings then. Sit inside the car and wait while the kakori kebabs, flavoured with mint, get ready on the skewers to be served to you. You can always count on this place for spontaneous late night plans.
Source: Majeed's Takeaway
Where: Adjacent G Town Wines Shop, Sector 54 Crossing, Golf Course Road, Gurgaon
Cost For Two: INR 200
6. Karim’s
While the original Karim’s is housed near Jama Masjid in Chandni Chowk, they have several outlets across Delhi too. You can pick whichever one is convenient for you and head to the kebab fiesta that is waiting for you. From galouti to shammi, there are options galore.
Source: Bless My Belly/Instagram
Where: Multiple Outlets
Cost For Two: INR 300