If you’ve landed in Ghaziabad, rest assured that you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to comfort foods. The city offers a number of options and has some unmissable local delicacies which are not easily available in any other parts of the country. If you’re in Old Ghaziabad, you can explore the shops around the Jawahar Gate near Ghanta Ghar for the various kinds of chaats and tikkis.
If you move towards Nehru Nagar, you’ll find a number of breakfast spots and snack centres which serve all the cult classics, be it Dahi Bhalle, Bedmi Poori, malai Lassi, Rasmalai and a number of other local delicacies. Here are the very best Ghaziabad treats you shouldn’t miss out on.
Gujjiya Chaat
Chaat is a street food staple in Ghaziabad. The popular gujjiya chaat features a mildly sweet, crispy fried dough topped with tangy tamarind chutney, spicy mint chutney, yoghurt, potatoes, chickpeas, and an assortment of spices. The explosion of flavours and textures in every bite is what makes this street food a big favourite among locals. The best place to savour this chaat is the area around Sadar Bazaar or RDC Raj Nagar.
Recommendation: Ratan Chat Bhandar
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 50-80
Muradabadi Biryani
In Ghaziabad, Muradabadi Biryani reigns supreme as one of the most famous variants of this beloved dish. Originating from the neighbouring city of Muradabad, this biryani features tender chunks of meat, usually mutton or chicken, marinated in a flavorful blend of spices and layered with fragrant long-grain rice. Cooked to perfection in a sealed pot, Muradabadi Biryani is an unforgettable delicacy which is hard to find in other cities.
Recommendation: Zaika Muradabadi Chicken Corner
Type: Non-vegetarian
Price: Rs 200-350
Bedmi Puri Aloo Sabzi
Bedmi Puri Aloo Sabzi is a traditional North Indian dish that has found its way into almost every Ghaziabad lane. This flavorful dish consists of deep-fried bread (puri) made from urad dal flour, served with a spicy aloo sabzi. The crispy texture of the puris combined with the robust flavours of the potato curry creates the perfect mouthfeel. You can head to any local eatery and street vendors in Ghaziabad to savour the authentic taste of Bedmi Puri Aloo Sabzi.
Recommendation: Subash Poori And Sweets
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 70-100
Moonglet
One of the best street foods you’ll find in Ghaziabad is the moonglet, which are essentially omelettes made using moong dal batter instead of eggs. The batter is seasoned with spices such as cumin, chilli, and coriander, and then cooked on a griddle until it’s golden and crispy. Moonglet is often served with chutneys or accompanied by bread; though it’s usually served during the breakfast rush, there’s also a demand for this snack during evenings.
Recommendation: Lalaji Moonglet
Type: Non-vegetarian
Price: Rs 50-100
Egg Lolo Popo
The Lolo Popo omelette is an irresistible tea-time speciality in Ghaziabad; it’s a clever and effortless take on the French toast. It’s essentially a pan-fried egg dish made with bread slices and whipped eggs, mixed with chillies, onions and coriander. It’s made in a way that has a crispy, airy exterior but it’s soft and fluffy on the inside. It’s the perfect tiffin number as it doesn’t need any accompaniments except chutneys.
Recommendation: Rakesh Egg Place
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 50-100
Kulcha And Bengali Nihari
A popular pairing in Ghaziabad, you'll find some irresistible kulcha nihari in the older parts of town. It features a soft and fluffy, herb-topped kulcha served alongside the rich and flavourful Bengal-style Nihari curry. Nihari is a slow-cooked stew made with tender meat (usually lamb) and a blend of spices; it's a particular hot-seller during Ramadan.
Recommendation: Haji Nihari Point
Type: Non-vegetarian
Price: Rs 150-250
Malai Kulfi
No food crawl through Ghaziabad is complete without indulging in the creamy goodness of Malai Kulfi. This traditional Indian ice cream is made by simmering milk until it thickens, then sweetened and flavoured with cardamom, saffron, and chopped nuts. The mixture is poured into moulds and frozen until set, resulting in a rich and creamy dessert that is the perfect antidote to the sweltering heat. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with falooda, Ghaizaiabad’s Malai Kulfi is a must-have.
Recommendation: Lalaji Kulfi & Spl.Rabdi Faluda
Type: Vegetarian
Price: Rs 50-100