Delhi Chandni Chowk Food Tour: 15+ Tastings & Sikh Temple

Summary

Old Delhi’s tangled lanes, flavors I never expected, laughter with locals

You’ll wander Old Delhi’s wildest lanes tasting over 15 different street foods — from sweet jalebi to fiery pani puri — alongside a local guide who knows every shortcut and stall owner by name. Step inside a Sikh temple kitchen where thousands are fed daily and try your hand at rolling chapattis before finishing off with secret curries and spice market scents still clinging to your clothes.

What’s the experience like?

I landed outside La Quila metro station in Chandni Chowk feeling a bit lost and honestly, kind of hungry already. The air was thick with something spicy-sweet — I couldn’t place it at first, but our guide, Ankit, grinned and handed me this bowl of vadas drowning in creamy yogurt and dotted with pomegranate seeds. He joked it was “breakfast dessert.” I tried not to drop anything on my shirt (failed). People everywhere — rickshaws weaving past, chai sellers shouting over the noise. It’s loud but somehow you just fall into the rhythm after a few minutes.

We ducked into a side street for jalebi — hot, sticky spirals straight from the fryer. My fingers were coated in syrup before I knew it. Ankit kept us moving; he said if we stopped too long we’d fill up before half the tour was done. At the Sikh temple kitchen, everything changed: suddenly quiet except for the soft thud of dough being slapped into chapattis by women who barely looked up as we watched. The smell of ghee hung in the air. They let me roll one chapatti (mine was more like an amoeba). There’s something about seeing so many people fed together that sticks with you.

Back out on the street, we squeezed through alleys barely wide enough for two people — cows didn’t care though, they took their time. We tried pani puris (I definitely dripped water down my chin), pakoras that burned my tongue just a little, and parathas from this family-run shop that’s older than most countries. If you’re here in winter, there’s this fluffy saffron thing — I can’t remember what Ankit called it — that tastes like cold sweet air.

The last stop was this unmarked spot for paneer masala curry. No sign outside; just locals eating fast and talking even faster. We washed it down with masala lime soda that made my eyes water (in a good way). The spice market hit me with every smell at once — cardamom, chili, something earthy I still can’t name. On the way back Ankit handed out paan wrapped in betel leaf; I hesitated but chewed anyway. Not sure I loved it but hey, when in Delhi…

The rickshaw ride at the end felt like floating after all that food and noise and color. I still think about those tiny moments — sticky fingers, laughter when I butchered “jalebi” in Hindi, or just watching Delhi move around us like we were part of its story for an afternoon.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Delhi food and culture

• Meet outside La Quila metro station
• Eat soaked vadas with yogurt and pomegranate
• Drink sweet frothy lassi
• Taste North India's finest jalebi
• Tour Sikh temple kitchen
• Try making chapattis and stirring pots
• Walk Old Delhi maze with guide
• Sample pani puris, pakoras, and stuffed parathas
• Taste winter specialty saffron mousse (seasonal)
• Eat paneer masala curry at secret restaurant
• Drink masala lime soda
• Visit fragrant spice market
• Try carrot halva and Mughal vermicelli dessert
• Enjoy paan betel leaf treat
• End with rickshaw ride and local hospitality

Top questions

How many tastings are included on this Chandni Chowk food tour?

This tour includes more than 15 different tastings along Old Delhi’s streets.

Is this Delhi food tour suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, the tour is suitable for vegetarians.

Does the tour include visiting a Sikh temple kitchen?

Yes, you’ll visit a Sikh temple kitchen and see how they feed thousands daily.

Where does the Chandni Chowk food tour start?

The tour starts outside Gate 1 of La Quila metro station in central Delhi.

Are drinks included during the food tour?

Bottled water is included; you’ll also try drinks like lassi and masala lime soda during stops.

How big is each group on this Old Delhi food tour?

The group size is limited to 8 guests for a more personal experience.

Do I need to bring anything special for the temple visit?

You’ll need to cover shoulders and knees; fabrics can be rented at the temple if needed.

Is hotel pickup included on this Chandni Chowk food tour?

No hotel pickup; you meet your guide at La Quila metro station Gate 1.

What’s included

Your afternoon includes over 15 street food tastings across Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk area — think jalebi hot from the pan, creamy paneer curry in hidden spots, plus drinks like frothy lassi and tangy masala soda along the way. You’ll also step inside a working Sikh temple kitchen to help roll chapattis if you want to try your hand at it. Bottled water is provided throughout and your small group will be led by a licensed local guide obsessed with sharing every flavor he loves best.