Best Food & Restaurants in Delhi: History, Culture & Tips | Homejourney

Best Food and Restaurants in Delhi: Quick Guide for Singapore Travelers

If you want to experience the best food and restaurants in Delhi: history, food and culture, start in Old Delhi for Mughal-era dishes and legendary street food, then explore New Delhi for refined North Indian, Pan-Asian and modern Indian dining – all while following simple safety, hygiene and transport tips similar to what Singapore travelers already practice at home.[1][5][7]

This focused guide is a cluster article that supports our main Delhi pillar guide: Delhi Travel Guide: History, Food & Culture | Homejourney Delhi Travel Guide: History, Food & Culture | Homejourney . Here, we zoom in specifically on food, restaurants and culinary history – with practical advice tailored for Singapore residents, expats and investors who may also be exploring Singapore property opportunities via Homejourney.

How Delhi’s Food History Shapes What You’ll Eat Today

Delhi’s food identity was forged over centuries of rule by the Delhi Sultanate and the Mughals, which gave birth to rich Mughlai cuisine – slow-cooked meats, aromatic biryanis, kebabs and creamy gravies that are still signature dishes today.[1][2][3][5]

In Old Delhi, narrow lanes function as a living archive of India’s culinary history, where vendors use recipes and spice blends passed down across four to five generations.[1][3] Many of the dishes you’ll try – such as nihari (slow-cooked beef or mutton stew), seekh and boti kebabs, and rich biryanis – can be traced directly back to royal kitchens.[1][2][3]

Over time, Delhi also absorbed influences from Punjab, Central Asia and across India, so today you’ll find everything from robust Punjabi curries to South Indian dosas and Indo-Chinese favourites in the same city.[3][5][8] This diversity is similar to Singapore’s mix of Chinese, Malay, Indian and international flavours – but with heavier use of ghee, cream, whole spices and tandoor cooking in Delhi.

Old Delhi vs New Delhi: Where to Eat and What to Expect

For Singapore travelers planning a Delhi India trip, the simplest way to plan meals is to split your food exploration into Old Delhi and New Delhi.

Old Delhi: Heritage Food, Street Eats and Mughlai Classics

Old Delhi, especially around Chandni Chowk and Jama Masjid, is the heart of historic food culture.[1][6] It can feel overwhelming at first – noisy, crowded and very different from Singapore – but this is where the most memorable meals often are.

Karim’s (near Jama Masjid) – Over a century-old Mughlai institution famous for mutton nihari, kebabs and biryanis.[3] Go for dinner, arrive early (by 7pm) to avoid long queues, and be prepared for basic seating but outstanding flavours.
Chandni Chowk chaat stalls – This area is renowned for chaats (crisp fried dough with tangy sauces), aloo tikki, and golgappa (pani puri), often cited as essential to Delhi street food culture.[2][6][7] For Singaporeans wary of hygiene, choose busy shops with fast turnover and avoid ice or tap water-based drinks.
Paranthewali Gali – Famous lane for stuffed parathas (paranthe) with fillings from potato to paneer and even nuts and dried fruits.[5][7] This is a good breakfast or early lunch stop when the lanes are less crowded.
Traditional sweets – Look for jalebi (deep-fried batter soaked in syrup), rabri falooda, and kulfi, many of which trace their roots to Mughal kitchens.[3][7]

Insider tip from a frequent Singapore–Delhi traveler: when I stay near Connaught Place, I usually take the Yellow Line metro to Chandni Chowk, then use the escalator exit towards the main road and transfer to a cycle rickshaw for the last 10 minutes into the alleys. This minimises time in traffic and helps you avoid tout-driven detours.

New Delhi: Modern Dining, Safer Options and International Choices

New Delhi, including Connaught Place, Khan Market, Aerocity and South Delhi neighbourhoods, offers a more controlled environment for those used to Singapore’s food safety standards.

Upscale North Indian & Mughlai – Look for classic butter chicken, kebabs and tandoori dishes at well-known sit-down restaurants; many claim heritage links to restaurants like Moti Mahal, which is widely associated with popularising tandoori chicken in Delhi.[4][7]
Multi-cuisine and Pan-Asian – In areas like Aerocity and Gurugram Cyberhub, you’ll find Japanese, Korean, Thai and "Asian fusion" restaurants that feel familiar to Singaporeans, with prices closer to mid-range Singapore dining.
Vegetarian-friendly cafés – Delhi has a strong vegetarian culture; you’ll find plenty of clean, air-conditioned spots for thali (set meals), dosas and chaats, which are often the safest and most comfortable choice for first-timers.

For families used to Singapore malls, Aerocity’s integrated hotel–mall cluster near the airport is a practical base: easy airport access, international chains, and restaurant hygiene standards that are generally comparable to mid-tier Singapore establishments.

Must-Try Delhi Dishes for Singapore Food Lovers

If you love food hall hopping at Jewel Changi or feasting at Little India’s Race Course Road, you’ll find Delhi’s offerings both familiar and excitingly different.

Butter chicken & naan – Creamy tomato-based chicken curry with soft tandoor-baked naan; Delhi is one of the heartlands of this style of North Indian cuisine.[4][7]
Kebabs (seekh, boti, shami, kathi rolls) – Grilled, skewered or wrapped meats that reflect Mughal and Central Asian influences.[2][3][8]
Nihari – Slow-cooked meat stew traditionally eaten for breakfast in Mughal courts, now a popular comfort food.[3]
Chole bhature – Spiced chickpeas with deep-fried bread, beloved as a hearty Delhi breakfast or lunch.[7]
Chaat – A family of tangy, crunchy, spicy snacks – think of it as the Indian cousin of Singapore rojak, but with yoghurt, tamarind and spice powders.[2][6][7]
Momos – Tibetan-style dumplings that have become a Delhi staple, great for quick, budget-friendly bites.[7]
Kulfi & rabri falooda – Dense traditional ice cream and vermicelli dessert, linked historically to Mughal kitchens.[3][7]

Insider tip: If you’re sensitive to spice (many Singaporeans are used to chilli but not heavy garam masala), ask for "less spicy" or "medium" – staff in tourist-frequented areas are used to adjusting flavours.

Safety, Hygiene and Practical Food Tips (Especially for Singaporeans)

Homejourney prioritises safety and trust, and that extends to how we advise you to eat in Delhi travel itineraries. Food in Delhi is generally safe if you choose wisely, but you will need to be more cautious than in Singapore.

Street food – Choose busy stalls with high turnover, and avoid raw salads, cut fruit and drinks with unknown water or ice. When in doubt, stick to cooked, piping hot items.
Water – Only drink sealed bottled water or reputable packaged drinks. Avoid brushing teeth with tap water if you have a sensitive stomach.
Timing – In peak summer (May–June), avoid the hottest midday hours for heavy meals; opt for lighter lunches and save rich Mughlai dinners for the cooler evenings.
Allergies – Nuts, ghee (clarified butter) and dairy are common. Clearly state any allergies; when unsure, favour simpler tandoor dishes and dry kebabs over rich gravies.

For those used to Singapore’s strict SFA standards, a good rule of thumb is to treat Old Delhi as an "adventure meal" and balance it with meals in malls, hotels or established restaurants elsewhere in the city.

Sample Food-Focused Itineraries: 3–5 Days in Delhi

3-Day Delhi Food & Culture Itinerary

Day 1 – New Delhi orientation
Morning: Light breakfast at hotel, then visit India Gate and nearby government buildings.
Lunch: North Indian set meal in Connaught Place (easy to reach by metro, walkable within 10–15 minutes between most blocks).
Evening: Early dinner at a reputable North Indian restaurant – try butter chicken, kebabs and naan.