To the foodies of the city, Old Delhi is a gift that keeps on giving. Replete with iconic food joints found on every alley, nook, and corner, Old Delhi is indeed a Mecca for the foodies. With a whiff of the fresh samosas here and the sweet scent of the crisp jalebis there, the by-lanes are bustling with food. Our agenda of the day is Kebabs and lucky for us Old Delhi is brimming with numerous tiny outlets serving authentic Mughlai food including delicious Kebabs. Just follow the enticing aroma of spices and grilled meat, and there's a good chance you will end up in one of the many narrow lanes crammed with legendary Kebab serving joints. To make things easier for you, here are our top picks of the best Kebab serving eateries in Old Delhi that you just can’t miss.
Qureshi Kabab Corner
One of the most popular street food shops in Old Delhi that serve juicy, tender, and savory Kebabs, Qureshi Kabab Corner was started by Haji Abdul Ghani Qureshi, who sold Kebabs on a stall near Jama Masjid. The place is currently run by five sons of the founder on the recipe handed down by the father. This small street food joint serves one of the juiciest Kebabs with spicy green chutney and raw onions. Famous all over Delhi for their amazing non-veg fare, Qureshi is a Delhi landmark!
Must-haves: Mutton Barra, and Mutton Seekh Kebab
Where: Gate no. 1, Near Jama Masjid, Urdu Bazar, Delhi
Karim’s Kebabs
This one's a no-brainer! When it comes to the best Kebabs, Karim’s is a household name, not just for the foodies of Delhi but in several other cities of the country. Karim's has many outlets in Delhi, however, the one in Old Delhi reigns supreme and offers the most authentic fare. It is known for its Mughlai food, especially its succulent Kebabs and delicious Korma preparations.
Must-haves:Chicken Seekh Kebab, Tandoori Chicken, and Chicken Tikka.
Affectionately named after the owner’s fathers’ nickname, this one has a fascinating story behind its existence. Bhaijaan, originally a contractor for painting work, used to invite his family and friends for 'daawat' back at home. His Kebabs were so delectable that the guests who tasted them convinced him to take his passion for cooking to the next level and open a Kebab shop. Taking the advice of friends & family, he opened up a small eatery that serves only Shami Kebabs and we thank our lucky stars every day that he did because no one does a mean Shami Kebab quite like Bhaijaan. A piece of Kebab costs Rs. 10 and a kg of keema for Shami Kebabs is ₹ 200. The Kebabs are half fried and kept in a glass box. On order, the Kebabs are deep-fried and are served with green chutney and onion in a 'dona'.
Must-have: Chicken Shami Kebabs
Where: 2202, Wali Baig St, Pahari Bhojla, Sheesh Mahal, Delhi
Babu Bhai Kebab Wale
A typical Old Delhi outlet, Babu Bhai's Kabab is a tiny shop tucked away in one of the narrow crevices in Chandni Chowk; it's so small that if you blink you might miss it and trust us when we say that you don't want to miss this one! Producing kilos of Kebabs every day the luscious taste of their Kebabs is quite popular and lures gourmands from far & wide. You’ve also gotta try their Seekh Kebabs served with fresh onions and a special chaat masala chutney that adds an extra layer of flavor to an already kickass preparation.
One taste and Ustad Moinuddin's Kebabs reaffirms your faith in the unparalleled gastronomic magic of Mughlai cuisine while simultaneously making you question really important issues in life like why would anyone pay thousands of rupees in fancy restaurants when you can enjoy what can easily be described as the best rendition of this delish preparation here. For melt in your mouth Seekh Kebabs, Ustad Moinuddin works his magic, evident in his perfectly spiced, fatted, minced meat. These Kebabs are served with onion rings, lemon and chutney.
Must-haves: Buff Seekh Kebabs
Where: Shop No, 1612, Gali Qasim Jan, Bazar Sirkiwalan, Tilak Nagar, Lal Kuan Bazar, Chandni Chowk, Delhi,
Ghalib Kebab Corner
The lanes of Nizamuddin come alive every evening with various street vendors offering the best meaty delicacies. One such unassuming place is the Ghalib Kabab Corner, known for whisking up the most delicious Kebabs and we surely can vouch for it! When here, do try their Mutton Shami Kebab to know what bliss tastes like!
Must-haves: Shami Kebabs, Tikkas and Seekh Kebabs
Where: Shop 57, Ghalib Road, Near Lal Mahal, Nizamuddin, New Delhi
Jama Masjid is swamped with Kebab joints and Lalu Kababee is one of those super popular places. You’d see people waiting here to get their hands on the famous and scrummy Boti Kebabs and Seekh Kebabs. Their Kebabs are cooked to perfection – soft in the center and crispy on the outside, just as we like them! You can also try their Chicken Reshmi and Mutton Seekh Kebab if you like your food to be extra spicy.
Gargi Bisht is an event copywriter/conceptualizer turned writer currently working with EazyDiner Pvt. Ltd. Compulsive eater, book hoarder, dog lover and pop culture enthusiast with an innate love for storytelling. Usually the quietest person in the room, Gargi is an introvert who loves her own company. When not eating, can be found in front of her laptop watching movies. Knows a thing or two about art and literature.
