As the sun sets over Delhi, the city awakens to the sights, sounds and irresistible aromas of Ramadan. From the bustling lanes of Jama Masjid to the vibrant streets of Okhla, food lovers and devotees alike come together to celebrate the holy month with flavors that tell stories of tradition, culture and community. This is the time when age-old eateries and hidden gems serve up their most beloved dishes. From succulent kebabs, slow-cooked nihari to fragrant biryanis and buttery delights, all prepared to take your tastebuds on a joyride.
Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or a curious explorer, Delhi’s Ramadan food scene promises an experience that’s as enriching as it is delicious. Let’s take a stroll through the must-visit spots where every bite is a celebration in itself:
The streets around Old Delhi’s Jama Masjid are beautifully decorated, with colorful fringes waving in the air and the delicious aroma of food filling the atmosphere. There are several great food spots you can visit, such as:
Al Jawahar Restaurant (Jama Masjid)
One of the oldest and most famous restaurants in the area, this place has had many well-known visitors, including Sanjay Gandhi, Dilip Kumar and even underworld don Haji Mastan. The eatery opens at 7 am and stays open until midnight, serving more than a thousand customers daily. Its consistent taste and quality have kept people coming back for years.
Karim’s (Jama Masjid)
Karim’s Hotel, established in 1913, is renowned for its rich, tender and flavorful mutton nihari, making it a cherished spot for North Indian cuisine enthusiasts. Adding to the experience, the restaurant’s hot tandoori rotis are incredibly soft and fluffy, enhancing the flavors of the gravy and making every bite even more delightful. Beyond nihari, the menu features an array of delectable dishes, including chicken jahangir, mutton korma, reshmi seekh kebab, mutton biryani, badam pasanda, ishtew and a variety of rolls.
Jahangir’s (Daryaganj)
This lesser-known place in Daryaganj is a great option if you want to avoid the rush of Jama Masjid’s streets. Located on the main road, approximately 1 km away from Jama Masjid, Jahangir’s offers a more relaxed dining experience. The restaurant serves a variety of mouthwatering dishes, including qorma, kebabs, nihari and fish. Every dish at Jahangir’s is worth savoring, as they boast a perfect balance of spices, delivering an authentic and flavorful culinary experience.
Gumbad Cafe (Jama Masjid)
Gumbad Cafe is the perfect spot for iftar, offering a mesmerising view of Jama Masjid that enhances the dining experience. The cafe provides complimentary fruits for those observing the fast, adding a thoughtful touch to their service. With delicious food and a pleasant ambiance, it creates an inviting atmosphere for a memorable meal.
Aslam Chicken (Jama Masjid)
This place is famous for its butter chicken malai tikka, served in a shallow pan called “Aslam ka Tashla.” Aslam Chicken is located on the street right in front of the main entrance of Jama Masjid. You can visit and enjoy their food, as they offer a few other dishes as well. However, the place is usually very crowded, even on regular days, and during Ramadan, the rush is even bigger.
Qureshi Kebab Corner (Jama Masjid)
If you have a special place for kebabs in your heart and stomach, you can’t miss the seekh kebabs at Qureshi’s. They serve tempting hot kebabs with rumali roti, garnished with green chutney and chopped onion rings, making it a must-have at Jama Masjid.
Pahalwan Ki Dukan (Jama Masjid)
Talking about non-vegetarian food without mentioning biryani would be truly unjust. For all the biryani lovers, Pahalwan Biryani-wale is here to the rescue. A little ahead of Al Jawahar, on your left, this small shop awaits. Here, the biryani is infused with the distinct aroma of yellow chili, giving it a unique flavor. It has a subtle hint of achar spices and yellow chili, complemented by tender pieces of chicken. This distinctive combination sets it apart from other biryani varieties.
Apart from Jama Masjid, another great place in Delhi to enjoy delicious food and experience the spirit of Ramadan is Okhla—specifically Shaheen Bagh’s Chaalis Futa (40-Foot Road) and Zakir Nagar. These areas have become a popular spot for food lovers. They offer a variety of dishes, including Indian, Turkish, and Afghan snacks, along with delicious desserts and refreshing drinks, making them great places for everyone to enjoy Ramadan.
Javed Famous Nihari (Okhla)
This restaurant is well-known for its nihari. It has two branches in Okhla—one on 40-Futa Road in Shaheen Bagh and the other in Zakir Nagar. Along with nihari, they also serve dishes like chicken biryani. The nihari here is slow-cooked and full of flavor. It is made with mutton or chicken and cooked overnight with bone marrow and spices. This long cooking time makes the meat very tender. Nihari is usually topped with fresh coriander, ginger, and green chilies and is best enjoyed with naan or kulcha.
Afghan Delights (Okhla)
Experience authentic Afghan flavors at the Afghan Chicken Samosa and Shawarma Shop, run entirely by Afghan chefs. This place serves delicious treats like Afghan chicken samosas, Afghan chicken shawarma, and chapli kababs, all at affordable prices starting from just Rs 40.
As Ramadan continues, the streets of Delhi stay full of life, food, and festivity. From the busy lanes of Jama Masjid to the lively markets of Okhla, the city offers a special experience for everyone. Whether you’re enjoying the famous nihari at Karim’s, the delicious kebabs at Qureshi’s, or the unique Afghan dishes in Zakir Nagar, every meal brings people together. These places welcome everyone with warmth and joy, making Ramadan a time of togetherness, celebration, and great food.