Delhi doesn't do subtle, and I love it for that. Everything is a bit richer, a bit louder. Pace yourself — a mistake I have personally made many, many times.
Old Delhi, the main event
Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk for stuffed, deep-fried parathas is the classic breakfast chaos. Nearby, Karim's by the Jama Masjid has been doing mutton and kebabs since basically forever; go hungry. Somewhere in there, get golgappe (pani puri) from a busy cart and let the guy keep going until you tap out.
The North Indian heavyweights
Butter chicken and dal makhani more or less got famous in this city — Moti Mahal claims the origin story. True or not, a good butter chicken with hot naan in Delhi is a rite of passage, and worth breaking your diet for.
Sweet finish + notes
Finish with jalebi and rabri, or a thick kulfi. Spice runs medium here — flavour-forward more than fiery. Same street rules as anywhere: busy stall, moving oil, small cash. If a place I named has closed, tell me in the comments; Old Delhi turns over fast and I try to keep this honest.
