Old Delhi: Street Food Tour & Asia’s Largest Spice Market

Summary

Street eats, spice scents & rickshaw rides in Old Delhi

You’ll weave through Old Delhi’s wildest streets by foot and rickshaw, tasting chole bhature and jalebi from legendary stalls, breathing in spice clouds at Khari Baoli market, and catching glimpses of Jama Masjid’s grandeur—all with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story. Expect sticky fingers, new cravings, and moments that linger longer than the flavors do.

What’s the experience like?

We ducked off the main road and straight into a tangle of Old Delhi’s backstreets, following our guide—he just called himself “Singh”—as he waved us along. The air was thick with something frying (I guessed potatoes, but Singh grinned and said, “Wait, you’ll see”). I nearly tripped over a crate of limes. There was this constant soundtrack: bicycle bells, vendors shouting over each other, someone playing an old radio somewhere behind a curtain of marigolds. We stopped at a stall where chole bhature sizzled on a giant pan—hot oil popping up at my wrist. I’ve had chickpeas before but never like this; spicy, tangy, and somehow comforting in the middle of all that noise.

After maybe our third stop—I lost count between the dahi bhalla (cold yogurt with something crunchy) and the jalebis that left syrup on my fingers—we hopped onto a rickshaw. The driver winked at me when I tried to say “Chandni Chowk” in Hindi (I butchered it). Wind whipped past as we squeezed through lanes so narrow you could touch both sides if you stretched out your arms. Then came Khari Baoli—the spice market. It hit me before I even saw it: peppery air that made my nose itch, sacks spilling turmeric and cardamom everywhere. Singh handed me something to taste—I think it was fennel seed? Still not sure. My shirt smelled like cumin for hours after.

The last bit was near Jama Masjid, where everything seemed to slow down for a minute. We stood by a tiny stall selling fried chicken—Singh said it’s famous with locals breaking fast during Ramadan. I watched an old man hand his plate to a kid without saying anything; just a nod. That moment stuck with me more than any food did. So yeah, if you want polished or fancy, this isn’t it—but if you want to feel Delhi under your skin (and maybe under your fingernails), this street food tour is probably as close as you’ll get.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Old Delhi food and spice markets

• Visit Chandni Chowk food stalls
• Explore Khari Baoli spice market
• Try non-vegetarian food near Jama Masjid

Top questions

What foods are included on the Old Delhi street food tour?

The tour includes chole bhature, dahi bhalla, aloo chaat, parathas, lassi, jalebis, rice pudding, bread and butter pudding, and Indian fried chicken.

Does the Old Delhi food tour include meat options?

Yes—while most dishes are vegetarian, there’s also Indian fried chicken near Jama Masjid towards the end of the tour.

Is transportation provided during the street food tour?

You’ll travel between locations by rickshaw within Old Delhi; public transportation options are nearby but not included.

Are all tastings included in the price?

Yes—all street food tastings are included in the tour price.

How physically demanding is this Old Delhi street food tour?

You should have at least moderate fitness; walking through crowded markets is required.

Where does the Old Delhi street food tour take place?

The tour explores Chandni Chowk market area, Khari Baoli spice market, and streets near Jama Masjid in Old Delhi.

Is this food tour suitable for pregnant travelers?

No—it is not recommended for pregnant travelers due to health considerations.

Can people with poor cardiovascular health join this tour?

No—the tour is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day winds through Chandni Chowk’s famous stalls and Khari Baoli spice market by foot and rickshaw—with every street food tasting included from start to finish—and ends near Jama Masjid where even meat lovers get their fix before heading back out into modern Delhi again.