Old Delhi: Food Walk, Spice Market & Gurudwara Tour

Old Delhi’s tangled alleys, wedding markets and the warmth of Sikh kitchens

You’ll wind through Old Delhi’s wildest corners—sip chai on Chandni Chowk, breathe in clouds of spice at Asia’s largest market, join Sikh volunteers at Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib’s kitchen, and taste fresh paranthas on Paranthe Wali Gali. Expect laughter, color, maybe a little chaos—and plenty of stories to bring home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Delhi's markets and culture

• Hear stories at Chandni Chowk
• Walk through the food market
• Visit Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib
• Explore the colourful wedding market
• Learn about making Paranthas

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the clatter — wheels on stone, voices bouncing off old walls in Chandni Chowk. Our guide, Priya, waved us over to a chai stall tucked behind a cart selling marigolds. She handed me a tiny clay cup; the tea was sweet and smoky, and I could feel the steam on my face as scooters zipped past. I tried not to spill any on my shirt (failed). There’s this constant hum in Old Delhi that gets under your skin — not loud exactly, just… alive.

We ducked into the spice market next. It hit me right away — that sharp tickle in my nose from sacks of red chili, turmeric dust floating in the air like gold mist. Priya pointed out fenugreek seeds and something called kalonji (I still can’t pronounce it). The shopkeeper grinned when I sneezed for the third time. That smell clings to you all day; even now, my backpack still smells faintly of cardamom weeks later.

I didn’t expect to be invited into Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib’s kitchen. We tied scarves around our heads and watched volunteers flipping mountains of bread for anyone who came through the door — no questions asked. Someone pressed a steel plate into my hands and showed me how to ladle dal without making a mess (sort of managed). It was quiet in there except for soft laughter and the scrape of metal plates. For a moment I forgot about the city outside.

Afterwards we wandered through the wedding market — all sequins and colors I don’t have names for — then squeezed down Paranthe Wali Gali for fried bread stuffed with potato and paneer. Li laughed when I tried to say “parantha” properly; probably butchered it. The day trip through Old Delhi with our local guide felt messy and honest in all the best ways. Sometimes I catch myself missing that chaos.

Top questions

Is this Old Delhi tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No, it’s not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health due to walking and crowded areas.

Does this day trip include food tastings?

You’ll try local tea and paranthas during stops like Paranthe Wali Gali; lunch is not specifically included but there are food experiences.

What is included in the Old Delhi tour?

The tour includes a rickshaw ride, metro ride, professional guide, bottled water, and local tea.

How many people are allowed per booking?

A maximum of 5 people can book together for this Old Delhi experience.

Will we visit Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib?

Yes, you’ll visit Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib and can help in the community kitchen if you wish.

Are infants allowed on this tour?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport portions like rickshaw rides.

Is pickup from my hotel included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transportation options are available nearby for joining the group.

What’s included

Your day includes a metro ride through Delhi’s veins, rickshaw weaving through Chandni Chowk’s crowds, guidance from a local expert who knows every shortcut, bottled water to keep you going, stops for hot chai along the way—and time inside Gurudwara Sis Ganj Sahib where you’re welcome to help cook if you like before heading out for paranthas on Paranthe Wali Gali.