Best of Indian Food. Old and New Delhi Food Tour.

Discover the Flavors of Delhi: Best of Indian Food. Old and New Delhi Food Tour.

When you think of Delhi, you probably picture bustling markets, historic monuments, and—let’s not forget—an incredible array of street food. For travelers eager to taste authentic Indian cuisine while exploring in comfort, the Best of Indian Food: Old and New Delhi Food Tour offers a balanced mix of culinary delights and cultural sights. Starting at just $59 per person, this guided experience lasts about four hours and can be tailored to visit either the Old Delhi or New Delhi sides of the city.

What we particularly like about this tour is the opportunity to sample 8-10 distinct dishes from storied food shops that have been in business for over a century—an authentic way to connect with Delhi’s gastronomic history. Plus, the use of various transportation modes, from cycle rickshaws to cabs, keeps the pace lively and gives you a taste of local life.

On the flip side, a possible drawback could be the vegetarian focus of many dishes, which may not appeal to all non-vegetarian travelers. Also, because the tour involves a fair amount of walking and busy market visits, it’s best suited for those comfortable with active, sometimes crowded environments.

This tour is ideal for food lovers, history buffs, and anyone wanting a practical, flavor-rich introduction to Delhi’s contrasting old-world charm and contemporary vibrancy.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

Authentic Culinary Experience: Tastes from historic shops with over 100 years of tradition.
Cultural Highlights: Visits to iconic markets, old streets, and monuments.
Flexible Tour Options: Choose between Old Delhi or New Delhi routes.
Inclusive Pricing: Food, transportation, and guide included for $59.
Local Transportation: Mix of metro, auto rickshaw, cycle rickshaw, and cabs.
Time of Year: Best visited from September to April, during festivals and wedding season.

A Deep Dive into the Delhi Food Tour Experience

The Starting Point and Overall Structure

Our journey begins with hotel pickup, which is a great perk for travelers who prefer to avoid the chaos of Delhi’s busy streets right from the start. Guide Ramesh, whose friendly demeanor and local insights made us feel like we were exploring with a knowledgeable friend, walks with us to the nearest metro station or arranges auto rickshaw rides—both vital modes of transport in Delhi.

The tour lasts about four hours, striking a good balance between immersive tasting and sightseeing. Transportation during the tour is included, whether it’s a cab, metro, cycle rickshaw, or auto rickshaw, giving us a real taste of Delhi’s hustle while avoiding fatigue.

Old Delhi Highlights

Starting in Old Delhi, we visited lively markets like Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazaar. Our guide led us through narrow lanes filled with vendors selling everything from spices to jewelry, offering an authentic glimpse into daily life. The first stop was at a centuries-old food shop, where we sampled paranthas—Indian flatbreads stuffed with various fillings—prepared right in front of us. We learned that such shops have been serving locals for over 100 years, making each bite a taste of history.

Next, we wandered toward the famous Jama Masjid and the impressive Red Fort, both of which add richness to the food experience. The tour includes stops at street food vendors with specialties like Bedmi Puri, Chole Bhature, Kachori, Aloo Chaat, and Jalebis—all vegetarian options that burst with flavor. Our guide emphasized that many dishes are vegetarian, but non-vegetarian options like Chicken Tikka, Mutton Korma, and Tandoori Chicken are also available for those who prefer meat.

Many reviews mention how insightful it was to sample food in shops that have thrived for over a century, adding a layer of cultural depth. One traveler shared, “Walking through the old markets and trying the local snacks made me feel like I was transported back in time.”

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New Delhi Highlights

The New Delhi route takes you from Connaught Place to bustling neighborhoods like Karol Bagh and Kamla Nagar. Here, the focus shifts to a more modern yet vibrant Delhi, with stops at popular outlets and street vendors. We loved the contrast between the historic Old Delhi and the lively buzz of New Delhi’s markets.

In Nizamuddin, for example, the tour visits cafes and street stalls offering regional specialties, along with vegetarian dishes like Aloo Chaat and Bedmi Puri. For the meat-eaters, there are options such as Butter Chicken and Tandoori Chicken—which are often prepared with traditional methods providing authentic flavors.

Throughout the tour, we encountered architectural marvels like India Gate and Parliament House, blending monuments with culinary stops. The guide pointed out how these landmarks reflect Delhi’s layered history, making the experience both tasty and educational.

The Food: Variety and Authenticity

One of the tour’s highlights is the diversity of dishes. The included food is vegetarian, showcasing Delhi’s rich tradition of vegetarian cuisine—like Chole Bhature, the spicy chickpea curry paired with fried bread that’s a street staple. We also sampled Bedmi Puri with Potato Curry, and enjoyed Lassi to cool down the spice.

For those interested in non-vegetarian fare, options like Chicken Tikka and Mutton Korma are available, making the tour flexible for different tastes. The quality and authenticity of the food are frequently praised, with travelers noting that many vendors have been serving the same dishes for decades.

What Sets This Tour Apart

Beyond just eating, we appreciated how the tour connects food to culture. Walking through old markets, hearing about the history behind each dish, and seeing local life unfold, added context to each bite. It’s not just about tasting but understanding what makes Delhi’s food unique.

The use of different transport modes keeps the experience dynamic. Cycling through spice markets, riding in auto rickshaws, and walking through bazaars make the tour lively and engaging, rather than a static sit-down meal.

Practical Details and Value

At $59, this all-inclusive tour offers great value—covering your food, transportation, and guidance. It’s especially appealing because you don’t need to worry about extra costs, which makes planning easier.

The tour is also flexible: you can reserve and pay later, and cancellation up to 24 hours in advance offers peace of mind. Since the tour operates in English, it’s accessible for most international travelers.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This experience suits foodies eager to taste authentic dishes and learn their origins, as well as history lovers interested in Delhi’s markets and monuments. It’s ideal for those comfortable with walking and active exploration, and who enjoy a casual, lively atmosphere.

Families, couples, and solo travelers alike will find it rewarding, especially if you want to get off the beaten path and see Delhi through its flavors.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For anyone visiting Delhi, this tour offers a practical, flavorful introduction to the city’s food and culture. The combination of historic markets, iconic landmarks, and delicious eats provides a well-rounded experience that’s both fun and educational.

The focus on authentic, longstanding food shops makes it more meaningful than a generic food tour. Plus, the opportunity to taste local vegetarian specialties alongside non-vegetarian options ensures that most visitors will find something to love.

While it’s best suited for those who enjoy active days and bold flavors, even casual travelers will appreciate the chance to experience Delhi’s culinary soul in just a few hours. For its price—offering food, transport, and guides—the value is undeniable.

FAQs about the Delhi Food Tour

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately four hours, including transport and stops at multiple food spots and landmarks.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the guided tour, food tastings at 6-8 different spots, and all transportation modes used during the tour, such as cabs, metro, and rickshaws.

Can I choose between Old Delhi and New Delhi?
Yes, you can opt for the Old Delhi or New Delhi route, depending on your interests—history and markets versus modern neighborhoods.

Are non-vegetarian dishes available?
Yes, although many included dishes are vegetarian, there are non-vegetarian options like Chicken Tikka and Mutton Korma available for those who prefer meat.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Generally yes, but it’s best for travelers comfortable with active walking and busy market environments.

Do I need to pay extra for entry to monuments?
No, entrance fees are not included and are paid separately if you wish to visit specific monuments like the Red Fort or Jama Masjid.

Is this tour family-friendly?
Yes, especially if your family enjoys exploring markets and trying local foods; just be aware of the crowds and walking involved.

Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can also reserve now and pay later, adding flexibility.

Is English spoken during the tour?
Absolutely, the guide speaks English fluently, making explanations and storytelling accessible.

This tour is a perfect way to turn a food-loving trip into a cultural adventure. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Delhi’s food scene offers enough surprises and flavors to make your visit memorable—one dish at a time.

You can check availability for your dates here: