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Ramadan is a significant month for Muslims around the world, and Old Delhi is a great place for visitors to experience the observances of this month. The narrow lanes of Old Delhi draw visitors with the smoky aroma of kebabs, and the various food stalls and eateries offer an array of dishes for breaking the fast. Visitors can witness the sunset and break their fast with a meal called Iftar at Jama Masjid, the second-largest mosque in India. Matia Mahal is another popular spot for breaking the fast with Old Delhi's famous specialties. Additionally, Sehri, the meal eaten in the early hours before the first prayer of the day, can be enjoyed at the restaurant Karim's. The month of Ramadan culminates in Eid-al-Fitr, which is celebrated with special food and prayer.
For those looking to enjoy various dishes during Ramadan in Delhi, there are a number of eateries to choose from. Some of them are:
Al Jawahar
Our first stop on this Ramadan food journey, Al Jawahar’s extensive menu boasts a wide array of choices that are bound to impress every visitor. While their entire menu is mouthwatering, the Mutton Nihari paired with Khamiri Roti was a killer combination we experienced. The perfectly cooked mutton with the right amount of spices and hot rotis mesmerized us. We left thinking that we must return at the earliest, with Kaleji Gurda and Badami Pasanda on our minds.
Cuisine: North Indian
Types offered: Shami Kebab, Biryanis, Chicken Tikka, Chicken Mughlai
Location: Shop No. 8, Jama Masjid, Opposite Gate Number 1, Bazar Matia Mahal, Kalan Mehal, Ansari Nagar East, New Delhi 110006
Timings: 8:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M., Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 1100
Aslam Chicken
Like most meat eaters, we absolutely love our Butter Chicken. One quaint eatery in Old Delhi called Aslam Chicken is comparable to the King of Butter Chicken from Moti Mahal. With a recipe passed down through generations, Aslam Chicken’s Butter Chicken has a distinct taste and texture and does not involve any cashews or tomatoes. The succulent chicken pieces cooked on a sigri after being marinated in a secret spice mixture are quite something. Highly recommended!
Cuisine: North Indian
Types Offered: Butter Chicken, Tangdi Chicken, Firni, Chicken Kebab.
Location: 1129, Matia Mahal Road, Bazar Matia Mahal, Manohar Market, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi 110006
Timings: 8:00 A.M. to 8:00 P.M., Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 500
Kallu Nihari
When it comes to the best Nihari in Old Delhi, Kallu Mian or Kallu Ustaad is the name to seek. He is a household name in Old Delhi. With slow-cooked meat and Tandoori or Khamiri Roti, we devoured the Nihari and went in for seconds. The tender mutton with a perfect spice blend coupled with soft Khamiri Roti is a culinary delight. We recommend you pay this place a visit and make sure to sample the nihari here. You won’t regret it!
Cuisine: Mughlai
Types offered: Tandoori Roti, Khamiri Roti, Nihari,
Location: 180, Chatta Lal Main Road, Behind Delite Cinema, Bazar Chitli Qabar, Chatta Lal Miya, Chandni Mahal, Daryaganj, New Delhi 110002
Timings: 5:00 P.M. to 6:00 P.M. Closed on Sundays.
Cost for two: Rs. 200
Babu Bhai Kabab
In continuous operation for the last forty years, the secret spice mixture elevates the kebab’s flavor to a whole new level and makes the experience heavenly. We ordered the Seekh Kebab and were absolutely won over by its texture and spice blend. This place opens for very short periods of time and is a first-come, first serve type of deal. So make sure that you’re nice and early so that you aren’t left empty-handed.
Cuisine: North Indian
Types offered: Seekh Kabab, Chicken Tikka, Mutton Kabab.
Location: Kalan Mehal, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi 110002
Timings: 12:00 P.M. to 11:00 P.M., Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 200
Karim’s Hotel Pvt. Ltd.
Over a hundred years old, this restaurant has been serving Mughlai delicacies to generations of Delhites. The restaurant is famous for its succulent kebabs, biryanis, and curries, which are made using traditional recipes passed down through generations of the family. We had the Keema Matar with garlic naan. Simply amazing! We also tried the Chicken Mughlai with Garlic Naan. Delicious and succulent, the meat literally falls apart in your mouth. It’s so soft. We have a few other menu items on our mind and have resolved to return eventually.
Cuisine: Mughlai
Types offered: Murgh Tikka, Karim Roll, Nargisi Kofta, Firdausi Qorma.
Location: 16, Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid, New Delhi 110006
Timings: 10:00 A.M. to 1:00 A.M., Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 1600
Haji Mohd. Hussain
The fried chicken at this eatery might just give KFC a run for its money. Started by Haji Mohd more than forty years ago, this was one of the first eateries selling fried chicken in the area. Haji Mohd. fries every piece of chicken himself before serving his customers. When we had the fried chicken, the crispiness took us by surprise, and we were left flummoxed as to whether we should ever go back to KFC’s fried chicken. He also makes fried fish, which we also tried and found to be very delicious.
Cuisine: North Indian, Mughlai
Types offered: Chicken Changezi, Seekh Kabab, Chicken Lolypop.
Location: No.113, Matia Mahal Road, Bazar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi 110006
Timings: 2:00 P.M. to 11:30 P.M., Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 300
Shahi Tukda
Ideal for when one is fasting throughout the day, the warmth and sweetness of Shahi Tukda are bound to captivate your imagination. With ice cream, faludas, and lassis also populating the menu, this place is ideal for those with a sweet tooth. We had the Mango Ice Cream and Rabdi. The Mango Ice Cream felt like we were eating a real, ripe mango, and the rabdi was decadent. We recommend you give this place a shot and experience the sinful desserts this place has to offer.
Cuisine: North Indian
Types Offered: Shahi Tukda with Rabdi, Shahi Tukda with Ice Cream, Kheer, Kulfi Faluda.
Location: 4158, Urdu Bazar Road, Meena Bazaar, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi 110006
Timings: 3:00 P.M. to 3:00 A.M., Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 150
Rehmatullah Hotel
Rehmatullah Hotel in Jama Masjid, Delhi, is a popular restaurant known for its Mughlai cuisine. The owner of this establishment loves to feed people, and that too at very low prices. For about a hundred rupees, one can eat to their heart’s content. Also, for about twenty rupees, customers can also buy food packets that can be used to feed the poor and the underprivileged. We ordered the Mutton Qorma with the Rumali Roti and had no complaints. Absolutely worth giving a shot.
Cuisine: North Indian, Mughlai
Types offered: Anda Aloo, Chicken Biryani, Kaleji, Bheja.
Location: 105-110, Matia Mahal Road, opposite Gate Number-1, Bazar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, New Delhi 110006
Timings: Open 24 hours, Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 100
Haji Nadeem Shahi Sheermal
Sheermal is a traditional Indian bread that is popular in Mughlai cuisine. It is a slightly sweet and soft bread made with flour, milk, sugar, and saffron. The bread is baked in a tandoor or clay oven, giving it a slightly crisp exterior and a soft, fluffy interior. We tried the Desi Ghee Loaded Full Pista Badam Sheermal and boy, were we floored! The bread literally melted in our mouths, and the mild sweetness helped us along. Definitely a must try for any Delhite.
Cuisine: North Indian
Types offered: Plain Sheermal, Plain Nankhatai, Desi Ghee Shahi Sheermal.
Location: 73, Matia Mahal Road, Bazar Matia Mahal, Kalan Mehal, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi 110006
Timings: 09:00 A.M. to 12:00 A.M., Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 150
Sharbat-E-Mohabbat
Mohabbat Ka Sharbat is a popular drink in Old Delhi, especially during the summer season. It is a refreshing concoction made with watermelon juice, rose syrup, and sabja seeds (basil seeds). The drink is known for its sweet and tangy taste and is often served with chunks of watermelon or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Mohabbat ka Sharbat is commonly found at street vendors and small shops in the Jama Masjid area of Delhi, and it's definitely worth trying if you're looking to beat the heat and enjoy a delicious and unique drink. Its sweet and refreshing taste are hypnotizing, and at a nominal price of Rs. 20 (for a small glass) and Rs. 30 (for a big glass), they present a serious proposition to beat Delhi’s crazy summer heat.
Cuisine: North Indian
Types offered: Sharbat-E-Mohabbat.
Location: Jama Masjid, Shop No. 632, Matia Mahal Road, Bazar Matia Mahal, Kalan Mehal, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi 110006
Timings: 11:00 A.M. to 11:30 P.M., Monday to Sunday
Cost for two: Rs. 60
