Delhi has finally moved from hot days and random rains to the most loved season of all—winter. And with this weather comes new cravings. Delhi’s winter food has a special charm: warm, cosy, nostalgic, and full of bold flavours. To understand what the city loves to eat in the cold months, we spoke to six well-known Delhi foodies, and they shared their favourite winter bites and places.
From daulat ki chaat in Old Delhi, to kebabs in every corner of the city, to hot momos and hearty nihari, here is your simple guide to what Delhiites love eating in winter.
Anubhav Sapra (Delhi Food Walks)
Anubhav says winter in Old Delhi is magical because of the many seasonal sweets and snacks.
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Try fresh peas stuffed kachoris and samosas at Shiv Misthan Bhandar.
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Don’t miss the gajar paak at Hemchand Ladli Prasad—soft, rich, and made from fresh carrots.
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At Giani’s Di Hatti, people line up for hot urad dal halwa loaded with ghee and nuts.
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Chaina Ram’s moong dal ka halwa is another classic winter favourite.
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Til bugga from Ram Parshad Makhan Lal is perfect for Lohri season.
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In Kinari Bazaar, a small winter-only shop sells amazing sesame and peanut brittle.
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And of course, daulat ki chaat, the famous milk-foam dessert available only for three months.
Sadaf Hussain (Author & Consultant Chef)
Sadaf believes the best way to enjoy winter is by exploring Old Delhi.
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Start with daulat ki chaat and nankhatai in Chawri Bazar.
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Try the special safed gajar ka halwa at Shereen Bhawan.
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Look out for habshi halwa, a blackish winter sweet.
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For nihari, visit Kallu Nihari or Noora Nihari early morning (6am).
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Dilli Haat is perfect for outdoor winter meals—he recommends Rajasthani and Maharashtrian stalls.
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In Khan Market, enjoy soft, flavour-packed kakori kebabs at Qureshi Kabab.
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For kebab lovers, Shaheen Bagh is the place: chapli kebab, pulao gosht, and galawati kebabs.
Sameer Bawa (Food Critic)
Sameer loves the comfort of small, hidden gems.
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In Chitli Qabar, Babu Bhai Kebab Wale serves one of the best seekh kebabs in the city.
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Bread tikki from Ram Ji Chat Bhandar is a simple but perfect winter snack.
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Shakarkandi ki chaat is a must—sweet potatoes with spices and lemon.
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Kakori kebab rolls from Aap Ki Khatir in SDA Market are always a hit.
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For dessert, he visits Shyam Sweets for nagori halwa with aloo sabzi.
Anubhuti Krishna (Food Writer)
For Anubhuti, winter begins with thukpa and momos.
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The Sikkim stall at Dilli Haat has her favourite momos and comforting thukpa.
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Early morning nihari and khamiri roti in Old Delhi is a must-do.
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She loves shakarkandi ki chaat, a smoky, warm winter treat.
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She also enjoys daulat ki chaat and winter favourites like rewari and gajak, perfect with coffee.
Rajan Sethi (Hospitality Expert)
Rajan’s winter food memories are full of nostalgia.
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Seekh kebabs at Qureshi Kabab Corner in Jama Masjid are a classic winter experience.
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Daulat ki chaat in Chandni Chowk is, to him, the most magical winter dessert.
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Gajar ka halwa from local halwai shops is his ultimate comfort food.
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Mutton stew with khameeri roti at Karim’s is another winter gem.
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For something sweet, he loves bun maska and rum balls from Wenger’s in Connaught Place—pure old-school Delhi charm.
Bani Nanda (Chef & Founder, Miam Pâtisserie)
For Bani, winter is all about kebabs and family traditions.
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She loves visiting Al Qureshi’s in Alaknanda for fresh, smoky kebabs.
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Her family always orders besan barfi from Sai Kutir Udara every winter.
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At home, they use black carrots to make kanji and prepare gajar-gobi-shalgam ka achar.
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