Top 10 Winter Foods You Must Try in Delhi

Winter foods in Delhi are essential to the season, offering warmth, nutrition, and rich flavours that make the city’s culinary scene even more special. As temperatures drop, the demand for hearty, seasonal dishes rises, filling streets, markets, and restaurants with the aroma of ghee, slow-cooked stews, and freshly made sweets. From traditional recipes passed down through generations to popular street snacks that only appear in winter, these dishes highlight the city’s deep-rooted food culture. Whether enjoyed at a roadside stall or a well-known eatery, winter foods bring people together over comforting, flavorful meals.

Many of these winter specialities are about taste and keeping the body warm and energised. Ayurveda, India’s ancient wellness system, emphasises the importance of seasonal eating, and Delhi’s winter foods reflect this philosophy. Ingredients like jaggery, sesame, nuts, and root vegetables are packed with nutrients and maintain body heat during colder months. Every dish served in winter has a purpose—offering the right balance of warmth, nourishment, and indulgence to get through the season.

Which Winter Foods Do We Eat in Delhi? 

Delhi’s winter delicacies are a testament to the city’s rich culinary history and its ability to embrace seasonal changes. Influences from Mughal emperors, Punjabi refugees, and traders from across India have shaped a food culture that is as diverse as its people. Generations-old eateries serve dishes perfected over time, while street vendors bring fresh twists to traditional flavours. This fusion of cultures has made Delhi a paradise for food lovers, especially in winter, when the city’s kitchens come alive with hearty, warming meals. 

Winter Season Food List

Parathas With White Butter

Winter mornings in Delhi are incomplete without piping hot parathas, crisp on the outside, soft within, and drenched in a generous dollop of white butter. Whether it’s aloo, gobhi, or paneer, each bite melts in your mouth with pure, ghee-laden satisfaction. The legendary Paranthe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk is the ultimate stop for this comfort food. Pair it with a glass of lassi or cutting chai, and you have the perfect breakfast.

Nihari

Nihari is the undisputed king of Delhi’s winter delicacies. This rich, aromatic stew, infused with spices, is a dish that defines comfort on chilly mornings. Traditionally enjoyed as a breakfast meal by Mughal royals, today it remains a beloved winter staple. Karim’s and Kallu Nihari in Old Delhi serve some of the most legendary versions of this dish. Enjoy it with Khameeri roti, and you’ll understand why this dish is worth every spoonful.

Gajar Ka Halwa

Gajar Ka Halwa is a winter classic where humble carrots are turned into velvety delight. Simmered in milk and ghee, sweetened with sugar, and garnished with nuts, every bite serves rich flavours. The best versions are found in sweet shops like Annapurna Sweets or Gulab, where age-old recipes ensure perfection. Whether served hot on a chilly evening or eaten straight from the fridge the next morning, it never fails to comfort. 

Makke Di Roti and Sarson Ka Saag

This Punjabi staple is both rustic and nourishing. The earthy flavours of mustard greens, slow-cooked with spices, pair beautifully with coarse cornflour rotis slathered in white butter. Served with a side of jaggery and pickles, it’s a wholesome feast that warms the soul. Punjabi dhabas across Delhi, like Kesar Da Dhaba and Pind Balluchi, serve this winter delight with authenticity. 

Chikki and Gajak

Chikki (bars), made with peanuts, and gajak, crafted with sesame seeds, provide the perfect combination of warmth and nutrition. These nutty, jaggery-laden treats are winter’s answer to energy bars, crunchy, wholesome, and packed with natural sweetness. Head to Ghantewala or Meerut Wale Gajak in Chandni Chowk to get the best traditional varieties. The satisfying snap of breaking a piece and the lingering sweetness make it a must-have thing.

Paya Soup

A bowl of paya soup is like liquid gold on a cold winter night—rich, deeply spiced, and packed with nutrients. Made by slow-braising trotters until the marrow-infused broth turns into a gelatinous delight, this dish is a powerhouse of warmth. Often recommended for its medicinal benefits, it’s a favourite among those who swear by age-old remedies. Jama Masjid’s tiny stalls and eateries like Al Jawahar are known for serving authentic, soul-soothing versions. 

Daulat Ki Chaat

Winter mornings in Delhi’s old quarters bring a rare, airy delicacy that disappears with the first hint of spring—Daulat Ki Chaat. This ethereal, cloud-like dessert is made by whipping milk for hours and letting the winter air transform it into a frothy delight. Lightly sweetened and adorned with saffron and pistachios, it melts on your tongue like a whisper of winter. Only available in narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk and Daryaganj, it’s a dish you must chase before it vanishes.

Gond Ke Ladoo

These dense, energy-packed ladoos are a winter essential, packed with the goodness of edible gum, nuts, and whole wheat. Made using desi ghee, they are not only delicious but also known for their warming properties. Often prepared in homes, they are a seasonal delicacy that provides strength and immunity. If you’re looking for authentic flavours, Bikanervala and Haldiram offer some of the best ready-made versions. 

Shakarkand Ki Chaat

A simple yet flavorful winter snack, this chaat transforms humble sweet potatoes into something extraordinary. Charred over hot coals, then diced and tossed with chaat masala, lemon juice, and black salt, it’s the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and smoky flavours. Found at roadside stalls near Connaught Place and Karol Bagh, it’s a guilt-free snack option. 

Jalebi

Jalebi is a winter staple that brings warmth to every bite. Best enjoyed fresh off the kadhai, the contrast of the crunchy exterior and the gooey, saffron-infused syrup is pure indulgence. Old Delhi’s iconic Jalebi Wala and Hira Sweets serve some of the best versions, drawing crowds all season. Whether eaten with rabri or enjoyed on its own, it’s a dessert that defines winter. 

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Twinkle

As the Content and Social Media Manager at India Unbound, I turn journeys into stories that capture India’s essence—its colours, flavours, and traditions. I’m passionate about documenting the magic in everyday moments, helping travellers fall in love with India’s beauty and history over and over again.