There’s good news for Delhiites. Recently, the capital of India has got a global recognition after being included in the list of top 100 cities. Delhi has been ranked 74th in Euromonitor International’s Top 100 City Destinations Index for 2024. This distinction makes Delhi the only Indian city to feature in the list, contributing to its growing appeal as a global tourist destination.
The annual index, curated by the London-based data analytics company, evaluates cities worldwide based on 55 metrics spanning economic performance, tourism, infrastructure, sustainability and safety. Paris has retained the top position for the fourth consecutive year. While this year’s index highlighted a shift, with non-European cities increasingly joining the rankings, even as Europe dominated the top 10.
Tokyo, New York, Sydney and Singapore stood alongside iconic European destinations like Madrid, Rome, and Milan in the upper echelon of the list. The 2024 report also revealed significant trends in global tourism. International arrivals saw a remarkable 19% increase, reflecting a robust recovery in the travel sector. Europe led as the most popular region, welcoming 793 million international trips. Meanwhile, Bangkok has come up as the most visited city globally, hosting 32 million visitors, followed by Istanbul, London, Hong Kong and Mecca.
Now speaking about Delhi, the Indian capital gets tourists from across the world due to its iconic architecture, culture and delectable culinary affair. Its standout features is its street food that covers delicacies from different regions of the world. Visitors can savour flavours ranging from Mughal-inspired kebabs to Punjabi delicacies, making the city a haven for foodies. Here are eight best food areas in Delhi you must visit.
Chandni Chowk is an iconic food hub and is synonymous with Delhi’s culinary heritage. The renowned Parathe Wali Gali serves parathas stuffed with everything from potatoes to dry fruits, accompanied by pumpkin curry and tamarind chutney. Natraj Dahi Bhalla Corner offers soft, flavourful dahi bhallas, while Chaina Ram Sweets is the go-to spot for samosas and Indian mithais.
Dilli Haat is the place where food meets art and culture. This market showcases cuisines from every region of the country, with dedicated stalls offering regional specialties. Whether you want to eat crispy dosas, flavourful curries or appams, Dilli Haat has it all. Pair your meal with regional beverages like kahwa or chuski for a wholesome experience.
Majnu ka Tilla is a haven for lovers of Tibetan cuisine. Its narrow lanes are lined with eateries serving delicacies like steaming bowls of thukpa and momos paired with spicy red chutney. The buttery tingmo, a Tibetan steamed bread, paired with hearty stews, is a soul-warming combination. Don’t leave without trying laphing, a tangy pancake stuffed with soybeans, or shabaley, deep-fried pastries filled with meat. AMA’s Café and the Himalayan Restaurant are local favourites for a relaxed dining experience.
Nizamuddin is one of Delhi’s oldest neighborhoods and is a paradise for Mughlai food lovers. This locality is loved for iconic eateries like Karim’s, Ghalib Kabab Corner and Gulfam Kashmiri Wazwan. From succulent kebabs to hearty biryanis and rich curries, Nizamuddin offers an authentic taste of Mughlai cuisine.
For a touch of luxury, Pandara Road near India Gate offers some of Delhi’s finest restaurants. From North Indian delights at Have More and Gulati to Pan-Asian treats at Ichiban, the options are endless. Vegetarians can enjoy exquisite dishes at Veg Gulati. Whether you are in the mood for tandoori grills or rich curries, this upmarket location delivers a stellar culinary experience.
Yashwant Place, once home to Delhi’s first fast-food chains, is now loved for its pocket-friendly Indo-Tibetan fare. This hub is a go-to for piping hot bowls of thukpa, steamed momos and fiery chilli chicken. The street-style chow mein here is a perfect pick for a winter evening.
Paharganj is a famous area popular among locals and travellers alike for its vibrant street food scene. Chole Bhature at Sita Ram Diwan Chand is a must-try, with its dry, spice-infused chickpeas topped with secret gravy and served alongside fluffy bhature. Another gem is Chawla Ke Mashoor Special Naan, known for its chur-chur naan thalis with naans, chole, and raita. If you’re seeking unique flavours, Multani Geela Kulcha can be your go-to spot as they offer kulchas soaked in chole and topped with special chutneys. Sweet lovers will delight in the crisp samosas and melt-in-your-mouth gulab jamuns at Shri Baanke Bihari Samosa Wala.
CR Park, also known as Chittaranjan Park, is the epicenter of Bengali cuisine in Delhi. Its streets are lined with eateries serving classics like luchi-alur dom, fish fry and Kolkata-style biryani. For those with a sweet tooth, sandesh, rasgulla, and mishti doi are unmissable treats. Street food enthusiasts will relish Raju Puchka Wala’s pani puri and Kolkata Hot Kathi Rolls.
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