Delhi is incomplete without its food walks and its numerous North Indian delights, and chole bhature is one of them. It’s a street food that is quick to fix and is perfect for breakfast and even an early snack, if you arrive on time. Because the iconic places? They are always a little too crowded and tend to sell out within hours.
Chole bhature resides in the heart and soul of every Delhi foodie. Originally a part of Punjabi cuisine, today Delhi has adapted the dish to an extent where Chole Bhature is as synonymous with Delhi as vada pao is with Mumbai. This iconic dish, featuring spicy chickpea masala paired with fluffy bhature, can be found across the city’s bustling streets and markets, each place offering its own unique version. From classic joints in Paharganj to hidden gems in Rajouri Garden, Delhi’s chole bhature scene reflects the city’s thriving food culture. Dig in to discover the best joints across the capital.
Established in the 1950s, Sita Ram Diwan Chand is renowned for its chole bhature. What started with peddling chole bhature on a cycle has today expanded to multiple joints in the city, ready-to-eat mixes, and a strong online presence. Beyond their signature chole bhature, they also offer a variety of North Indian dishes such as soya keema matar, soya chaap masala, and shahi paneer masala. They pride themselves on using 100% organic products. Despite its popularity, recent reviews indicate a decline in quality. However, the shop remains a staple for many, and it's advisable to visit early in the day (7-9 am) to ensure freshness and avoid peak-hour crowds.
A beloved joint among Delhi University students, Chache Di Hatti serves the iconic chole along with crowd favourites like aloo poori, chana masala, and lassi. This shop operates in a narrow alley, with queues forming early in the morning, and is known for its inexpensive fare. It's best to arrive before 10 am to avoid long waits. Visitors will tell you that the chole is served with a side of onions and green chillies, which adds to its North Indian appeal. Located in Kamla Nagar, it's a convenient stop for those in the area.
Known for its spicy chole and generous portions, Nagpal Chole Bhature has carved a niche in the hearts of West Delhi foodies. There are other branches, but this one is the most famous. Their menu highlights ‘Best Ever Chole Bhature’ plus a paneer chole bhature variant. They also offer chole chawal with palak paneer, rajma chawal, aloo puri, and kadi chawal, which are offered as set meals. Their chole plates are typically served with raw onions, pickles, and sometimes masala potatoes. The best time to visit is early morning, as many branches open around 7‑8 am, and they may run out later.
Offering a traditional take on chole, Nand Di Hatti in Old Delhi provides a unique no-onion, no-garlic recipe that has been perfected over decades, with their chole cooked in ghee. This style harks back to old Punjabi and North Indian cooking methods, that’s both wholesome and comforting. They offer chole (just the curry alone) and aloo sabji (a dry potato side) as separate items. Situated near the bustling markets of Old Delhi, it’s perfect to pair a chole bhature breakfast with some local shopping. The best time to stop here is mid‑morning to early afternoon (before 2-3 pm).
A hidden gem in Rajouri Garden, Prem Di Hatti, dating back to 1977, serves delicious chole bhature at affordable prices. Aside from chole bhature, they also offer rajma chawal, dal makhani rice meal, and thali options. The shop opens at 8 am and stays busy during breakfast and lunch hours, frequented mainly by locals. The best time to visit is before 6 pm for chole bhature and before 12 pm for puri chole, as these items are served until then. It's a great spot for those seeking authentic flavours without the crowds.
Located near New Delhi Railway Station, at Shop 7, Amrit Kaur Market, this spot is famed for its Amritsari-style chole bhature. Radheshyam Subhashkumar Chole Bhature also serves paneer chole bhature, lassi, and gulab jamun. The chole is prepared without onions and garlic, and cooked in desi ghee. The best time to visit is early morning (around 7-9 am) to enjoy freshly prepared dishes and avoid long queues. The shop is a favourite among locals and travellers due to its proximity to the railway station. The shop is known for its consistent quality and friendly service.
Situated near Janpath, Bhogal's Chhole-Bhature is a popular spot known for its spicy chole bhature, chole chawal, matar kulcha, and parathas. The chole is served with a generous portion of bhature and is complemented by chutneys. The best time to visit is between 11:00 am and 3:00 pm (closed on Sundays) to enjoy the freshest offerings. Despite its modest setup, the eatery attracts a steady stream of customers, making it one of the best street food joints in the capital.
These legendary chole bhature joints are more than just places to eat – they’re landmarks of Delhi’s food scene, each with its own story and flavour profile. Whether it’s the organic chole at Sita Ram Diwan Chand, or the no-onion, no-garlic ghee-cooked chole at Nand Di Hatti, there’s something to suit every palate. So, set your alarm early, skip the queues where you can, and dive into the iconic tastes that make Delhi’s chole bhature a must-try for every food lover.