Old Delhi: Food Tour, Temples & Spice Market with Rooftop View

Summary

Street food aromas, temple kitchens and the wild heart of Old Delhi

You’ll taste legendary street food in Old Delhi with a local guide who knows every shortcut—and every snack worth trying. Step inside the Sikh Gurdwara kitchen where thousands are fed daily, wander Asia’s largest spice market, ride a rickshaw through wild lanes, and catch rooftop views most visitors miss. If you want your senses—and maybe your heart—a little shaken up, this is it.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, you’ll get used to the noise,” our guide grinned as we squeezed out of the metro and into Chandni Chowk. He was right—after a few minutes, the honking and shouts faded into the background hum of Old Delhi. The air was thick with frying oil and cardamom. First stop was a samosa stall that’s apparently older than my parents; I burned my tongue but didn’t care. Our guide (Amit) knew everyone—he’d wave at chai vendors or call out to a kid balancing jalebi trays on his head. There’s something about eating in the street here that makes you feel both like an outsider and right in the middle of it all.

I didn’t expect to end up barefoot in a Sikh Gurdwara kitchen, rolling dough with strangers who smiled without saying much English. The place echoed with metal plates clattering and someone singing softly nearby. Amit explained how over fifteen thousand people eat free here every day—no questions asked. I tried stirring a massive pot (nearly lost my arm in there) and watched an old woman hand out rotis faster than I could blink. You can volunteer if you want; honestly, it felt good just to be part of it for a bit.

The spice market hit me like a wall—coriander, chili, turmeric everywhere, even in my hair by accident (don’t lean too close). We ducked into a crumbling mansion that smelled like cinnamon and dust, then climbed up to this “secret” rooftop for a view over tangled wires and domes. From up there, Old Delhi looked less chaotic somehow—almost peaceful if you squint past the monkeys on the next roof. On the way down Amit pointed out where to buy cheap saffron (I forgot immediately) and gave us tips on bargaining that actually worked later at Chandni Chowk bazaar.

I still think about that first bite of jalebi—sticky sweet fingers, sugar melting as traffic roared behind me. This wasn’t just a food tour or some checklist of temples; it felt more like being dropped into someone else’s daily life for an afternoon. Even now, certain smells bring me right back there.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Delhi food and culture

• Taste samosa and kachori street food
• Visit historic Sikh Gurdwara and kitchen
• Volunteer in Gurdwara kitchen (optional)
• Eat roti and daal rice at Gurdwara
• Visit Asia's largest spice market
• See 370-year-old mosque
• Visit secret spice mansion rooftop
• View Red Fort from outside
• Visit historic Jain temple
• Explore Chandni Chowk bazaar
• Enjoy rickshaw ride in Old Delhi market
• Taste jalebi dessert and seasonal lassi or chai

Top questions

How long does the Old Delhi food tour last?

The experience typically lasts around 4 hours from start to finish.

Is hotel pickup included for this Old Delhi tour?

No hotel pickup is included; guests meet at a central location near public transport.

What street foods are included on this tour?

You’ll try samosas, jalebi, kachori or aloo tikki/aloo chaat, chole bhature or bedmi poori aloo or parantha with sides, plus lassi or chai depending on season.

Can vegetarians join this Old Delhi food tour?

Yes—all dishes offered are vegetarian-friendly.

Are entry fees or extra costs required during the tour?

No extra fees; all tastings and experiences are included in your booking price.

Do we visit any religious sites during this experience?

Yes—the tour includes stops at a Sikh Gurdwara (with its mega kitchen) and a historic Jain temple.

Is walking involved? How physically demanding is it?

You’ll walk through crowded markets and climb stairs to rooftops; comfortable shoes are recommended.

Are infants or young children allowed on this tour?

Specialized infant seats are available but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health due to crowds and walking distance.

What’s included

Your day covers all street food tastings—from samosas to jalebi—as well as traditional drinks like lassi or chai depending on what’s fresh that day. You’ll join your local guide through temples, Asia’s largest spice market, secret rooftops for city views, plus enjoy WiFi onboard transport between stops and mineral water throughout. No extra fees needed once you’re there—it’s all included.