Chandi Chowk, one of Delhi's oldest and busiest markets, is home to several historic food joints. Among these is the renowned Old Famous Jalebi Wala. Established in 1884, this iconic jalebi shop has won the hearts of locals and tourists alike with its juicy and freshly made jalebis. Prepared using traditional methods passed down through four generations, the shop has become a favourite stop for those who visit Chandni Chowk, especially those who have a sweet tooth.
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However, if you plan to visit Old Delhi, you can’t miss the sight and smell of hot, golden jalebis being fried in desi ghee right before your eyes at this small yet famous corner shop. But what makes these jalebis so special? Let’s find out in this guide.
The USP Of Old Famous Jalebi Wala
Every iconic place stands out because of its unique selling point, which attracts customers towards that shop. At Old Famous Jalebi Wala, the USP lies in their style of preparation technique and ingredients. Unlike regular jalebis, made using refined sugar, this shop uses desi khandsari sugar to make its syrup. Khandsari is an unrefined sugar made from sugarcane juice, which not only adds a rich taste but also gives the jalebis a distinctive flavour that sets them apart.
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The second USP of this iconic eatery is that the jalebis here are fried in pure desi ghee, which makes them extra crispy and gives them a rich, aromatic flavour. This cooking method adds a certain depth to the taste and texture, making each bite memorable. Additionally, the shop uses a coal fire to prepare the jalebis, giving them a slightly smoky flavour, which adds to their uniqueness.
History And Origin
The story of Old Famous Jalebi Wala began in 1884 when the Late Shri Lala Nem Chand Jain opened the shop in Chandni Chowk. Originally from Agra’s Hari Ki Garhi village, Lala Nem Chand moved to Delhi with just INR 2, which he received as a dowry gift during his marriage. With this small sum, he started his journey as a sweet maker.
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Lala Nem Chand experimented with several recipes before perfecting his signature jalebi recipe, which quickly gained popularity. His secret recipe has been passed down through four generations and remains the same to this day.
Other Specialities At This Iconic Eatery
Apart from their star attraction, jalebi, priced at Rs 600 per kg, Old Famous Jalebi Wala also offers a few other treats that are equally delightful. The items on the menu are rabri, aloo samosa and mattar samosa. Many customers enjoy the thick and creamy rabri as a perfect complement to jalebis. It’s priced at Rs 600 per kg. Aloo samosa, a crispy snack filled with spicy mashed potatoes, is perfect for those looking for something savoury before indulging in sweets. Each also samosa costs Rs 25. Their mattar samosa is similar to aloo samosa but filled with spiced green peas. This samosa offers a different flavour profile but is equally delicious. Each matar samosa is priced at Rs 25.
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Famous Personalities Who Visited Old Famous Jalebi Wala
Old Famous Jalebi Wala has served many famous people, from Bollywood stars to political leaders. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee loved their jalebis and even invited them to serve at his home. Other leaders like Pandit Nehru, Rajiv Gandhi, and H.D. Deve Gowda also enjoyed their sweets. The shop is famous worldwide, with customers from the USA, UK, Australia, Canada, and Germany coming to taste their delicious jalebis. Today, the current owner, Abhishek Jain, along with his father, Kailash Jain, continue to run the shop with the same dedication and passion as their ancestors.