10 Winter Foods In Delhi You Must Try

As the chilly winds of the Himalayas sweep into the Northern plains - Delhi experiences dropping temperatures. Early morning fogs, people air drying their heavy blankets and wearing sweaters, tea stalls experiencing sky-rocketing growth and the whole city seems to move a little slower. Although it may be more difficult to wake up in the morning to go to work. But it is definitely the optimum time to be tasting winter foods in Delhi.

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In the winter, the cuisine of the city experiences a revival. Many dishes and snacks that are not popular in the summer become rampant on the streets. Similarly, you often see vendors sell dishes that you didn't even know existed. One such thing is the delicious Daulat ki chaat, but more on that later. One of the best places to taste winter foods in Delhi is t he famous Chandni Chowk. From hot gulab jamuns packed with syrup to kadak chai for those cold winter evenings, Chandni Chowk offers a lot. Other hotspots include Majnu ka Tilla, Connaught Place, Chawri Bazar, Nizammudin, Amar Colony etc.

Here Is A List Of The Top 10 Winter Foods In Delhi You Must Taste!

1. Daulat ki chaat

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From its name, it might sound spicy but this is a unique and famous sweet dish. Particularly made only in the winter months, Daulat ki chaat is a milk-based concoction that is prepared by vendors with a lot of hard work. Once the milk is mixed with cream, it is left outside overnight to gather dew. It is then mixed thoroughly for hours. Then the foam at the top is collected to be served. In the end, this light airy milk foam is garnished with saffron flavour, pistachios, almond shavings and khoya crumbles. It makes one of the most perfect, melt-in-your-mouth winter foods in Delhi.

2. Shakarkandi 

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This yummy street food is one of the most well-known winter foods in Delhi. Surprisingly, Shakarkandi or sweet potato chaat vendors are found in almost all marketplaces during this season. Firstly, the sweet potatoes boiled to perfection and skinned are diced into bite-sized pieces. After that, the vendor sprinkles a variety of spices and a sizeable amount of lemon juice on it and mixes it up. Nevertheless, the result is the most delicious sweet and sour snack that is super healthy at the same time. This is not a snack you have to think twice about!

3. Nihari

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If there is one thing that feels seriously fulfilling on a winter day - it is a warm and spicy meat cooked the desi way. And this is where Old Delhi nihari becomes a scene stealer. Served with soft and fluffy khamiri roti, this delectable dish of slow-cooked buffalo or goat meat is slathered with royal spices and a good helping of fat. Additionally, traditionally a breakfast dish, nihari is one of those culinary delights that will stay on your palate long after you are done. In other words, you might sniffle and sneeze because of the spices but nihari is one of those winter foods in Delhi you just can't resist.

4. Paranthas

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Another gem of Old Delhi is the Paranthe Wali Gali. Filled to the brim with old shops selling paranthas of all sizes and stuffings. A parantha is a stuffed dough pancake that is either roasted or fried in oil. Though the fillings of the parantha typically include potato, peas, meat, cauliflower, radish, cottage cheese, egg etc. But the Paranthe Wali Gali offers a variety of options like khoya parantha, rabri parantha, green chilli parantha, Manchurian parantha etc. And in the winter a hot and toasty bite of a parantha with a rich potato curry really makes your day.

5. Momos

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Be it steamed, pan-fried, fried, tandoori or gravy - Delhi loves its momos. A taste of winter foods in Delhi is incomplete without these yummy balls of joy. Specifically, an Asian speciality but in Delhi, momos take a flavour of their own. Momos are essentially balls of dough filled with scrumptious fillings like cheese, potato and beans, mutton mince, pork shavings, cabbage, carrots etc. Both the vegetarian and meat options are equally satisfying.

6. Kanji

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Kanji is a cooling beverage and although this drink has nothing to do with beating the chill, it is particularly made and sold in winter because the vegetables used in this are seasonal. Here's how it's made - First, place the  carrots and beetroots in water. Then add spices like salt, rock salt, mustard powder, chilli powder etc to the mixture and leave it to ferment in the sun for 4 - 5 days. The water takes in the colour of the vegetables and the flavour of the spices to make a drink that is great for digestion, increases metabolism, promotes skin and hair health and is rich in essential nutrients for the body.

7. Halwa

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A lot of sweet Indian preparations are best enjoyed in the winter months because they are served hot. Halwa is a dense dessert sweetened with condensed milk or sugar syrups. It is made with a variety of base ingredients. Some common ones are gaajar (carrot) ka halwa, suji (semolina) ka halwa, moong dal (mung bean) ka halwa, badam (nuts) ka halwa etc. Moreover, the aromatic flavours, the rich ingredients, the sticky sweetness and the warmth of the desserts make them perfect for this cold season.

8. Pakode

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A staple in every Indian household - pakodas or fried fritters are a glue that hold winter gatherings together. Cups of steaming tea with crunchy, crispy fritters served with a sour green or tangy tamarind chutney can make anyone’s frown turn upside down! Typically, pakodas are made from vegetable pieces dipped in batter and fried. Chicken and mutton pakodas contain minced meat.  Egg pakodas, cheese pakodas, paneer (cottage cheese) pakodas and even ice cream pakodas are a few amongst them.

9. Tea

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Chai! Who does not know the warmth that spreads across the body as soon as you sip a cup of strong masala chai during the winters? Even though tea is stereotypically associated with the British, we doubt anyone enjoys milk tea as much as Indians do. It is often paired with biscuits, crisps, pakodas, samosas, kachori or even completely on its own. So next time you are out, don't forget to cosy up at the end of the street with a small kullad of delicious, aromatic masala chai.

10. Dudh Jalebi

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When the chilly weather takes over, the cravings for steaming hot dishes increase. As you stand next to the vendor in your sweaters, the streets of Delhi are filled with the aroma of freshly made jalebis fills the air. Furthermore, complement it with a cup of hot milk and your protein intake for the day is fulfilled too. Quite a healthy choice, right? Dunk those hot jalebis in the milk and take a bite of this heavenly saffron-coloured delicacy. The sweet crunch and an aftertaste that lingers on for a long time. What else does one need?