Discover the royal flavors of Mughal emperors in Delhi’s legendary restaurants and hidden culinary treasures
Delhi, the heart of India’s Mughal heritage, serves as the ultimate destination for authentic Mughlai cuisine. From the legendary Karim’s near Jama Masjid to tucked-away gems in narrow gullies, the capital city offers an unparalleled journey through the rich culinary legacy of the Mughal empire. This comprehensive guide will take you through Delhi’s best Mughlai restaurants, signature dishes, and insider tips for experiencing this royal cuisine like a true food connoisseur.
What Makes Mughlai Cuisine Special?
Mughlai cuisine represents the sophisticated culinary traditions brought to India by Mughal emperors from the 16th century onwards. Characterized by rich gravies, aromatic spices, tender meats, and elaborate cooking techniques, this cuisine blends Persian, Turkish, and Indian flavors into dishes fit for royalty.
Key characteristics of authentic Mughlai cuisine:
- Slow-cooked meats that fall off the bone
- Rich use of nuts, dried fruits, and cream
- Aromatic whole spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves
- Dum cooking technique (slow cooking in sealed pots)
- Liberal use of saffron and rose water
- Perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors
The Legendary Karim’s: Where It All Began
Karim’s Hotel – The Original (Est. 1913)
Location: Gali Kababian, Near Jama Masjid, Old Delhi
Must-try dishes: Mutton Korma, Seekh Kebab, Chicken Jahangiri, Mutton Burra
Karim’s isn’t just a restaurant; it’s a living piece of Delhi’s culinary history. Established in 1913 by Haji Karimuddin, a cook from the Mughal royal kitchen, this iconic eatery has been serving authentic Mughal recipes for over a century.
What makes Karim’s special:
- Original recipes passed down from Mughal royal cooks
- Traditional tandoor cooking methods
- Authentic flavors unchanged for generations
- Historical ambiance in the heart of Old Delhi
Pro tip: Visit during lunch hours (12 PM – 2 PM) to avoid crowds and experience the authentic local atmosphere.
Karim’s Nizamuddin Branch
Location: Nizamuddin West
Specialty: More spacious setting with the same authentic flavors
This newer branch offers a more comfortable dining experience while maintaining the same legendary taste and quality as the original.
Hidden Gems: Delhi’s Best-Kept Mughlai Secrets
Al Jawahar
Location: Opposite Red Fort, Chandni Chowk
Must-try: Chicken Changezi, Mutton Rogan Josh, Roomali Roti
Often overshadowed by its famous neighbor Karim’s, Al Jawahar has been quietly serving exceptional Mughlai cuisine since 1948. Their Chicken Changezi, named after Changez Khan, is a creamy tomato-based curry that rivals any dish in the city.
Aslam Chicken Corner
Location: Jama Masjid
Specialty: Butter Chicken, Roasted Chicken
This humble joint serves some of Delhi’s best butter chicken. The secret lies in their tandoor technique and the perfect blend of spices that creates an unforgettable smoky flavor.
Ghalib Kebab Corner
Location: Nizamuddin
Must-try: Galouti Kebab, Mutton Seekh Kebab
Named after the famous Urdu poet Mirza Ghalib, this small eatery specializes in melt-in-your-mouth kebabs that showcase the finesse of Mughlai cooking.
Changezi Chicken
Location: Zakir Nagar
Signature dish: Changezi Chicken
A local favorite known for their signature dish that perfectly balances cream, tomatoes, and aromatic spices in a rich, flavorful gravy.
Delhi Darbar
Location: Multiple locations (CP, Karol Bagh)
Specialty: Royal Thali, Biryani
Offering a more upscale dining experience, Delhi Darbar serves traditional Mughlai cuisine in elegant settings with consistently high quality.
Must-Try Mughlai Dishes in Delhi
Non-Vegetarian Specialties
1. Mutton Korma A rich, creamy curry made with tender mutton pieces slow-cooked in yogurt and aromatic spices. The perfect introduction to Mughlai cuisine.
2. Chicken Jahangiri Named after Emperor Jahangir, this dish features chicken cooked in a rich, creamy gravy with nuts and dried fruits.
3. Seekh Kebab Minced meat seasoned with spices and herbs, grilled to perfection on skewers in a tandoor.
4. Galouti Kebab Incredibly soft kebabs that literally melt in your mouth, traditionally made for toothless Nawabs of Lucknow.
5. Chicken Changezi A tomato-based creamy curry with a perfect balance of tanginess and richness.
6. Mutton Biryani Fragrant basmati rice layered with spiced mutton, cooked using the traditional dum method.
Vegetarian Options
1. Paneer Makhani Cottage cheese in a rich, creamy tomato gravy – a vegetarian adaptation of traditional Mughlai cooking.
2. Dal Makhani Slow-cooked black lentils in a creamy, buttery gravy that takes hours to perfect.
3. Vegetable Korma Mixed vegetables in a rich, creamy gravy with nuts and aromatic spices.
The Complete Mughlai Dining Experience
Essential Accompaniments
Roomali Roti: Paper-thin bread that’s perfect for scooping up rich gravies
Naan: Soft, leavened bread baked in tandoor
Basmati Rice: Long-grain aromatic rice, often flavored with whole spices
Raita: Cooling yogurt-based side dish to balance rich flavors
Traditional Beverages
Lassi: Sweet or salty yogurt drink
Kehwa: Kashmiri green tea with spices
Rooh Afza: Rose-flavored syrup drink
Neighborhood Guide: Where to Find the Best Mughlai Food
Old Delhi (Chandni Chowk Area)
Best for: Authentic, historical restaurants
Atmosphere: Bustling, traditional markets
Must-visit: Karim’s, Al Jawahar, Aslam Chicken Corner
Nizamuddin
Best for: Hidden gems and local favorites
Atmosphere: Spiritual, historical neighborhood
Must-visit: Ghalib Kebab Corner, Karim’s Nizamuddin
South Delhi
Best for: Upscale dining experiences
Atmosphere: Modern, comfortable settings
Must-visit: Various contemporary Mughlai restaurants
Central Delhi
Best for: Accessible location with good variety
Atmosphere: Commercial, convenient
Must-visit: Delhi Darbar and other established chains
Insider Tips for the Perfect Mughlai Food Experience
Best Time to Visit
- Lunch (12 PM – 2 PM): Less crowded, fresh preparations
- Evening (7 PM – 9 PM): Peak time, vibrant atmosphere
- Ramadan: Special iftar menus with authentic preparations
What to Expect
- Generous portions: Mughlai dishes are rich and filling
- Strong flavors: Bold spices and rich gravies
- Slow service: Authentic places take time to prepare dishes properly
- Cash payments: Many traditional places don’t accept cards
Dining Etiquette
- Share dishes: Order various items to share among the group
- Start light: Begin with kebabs before moving to gravies
- Save room: Don’t fill up on bread; save space for the main courses
- Stay hydrated: Keep water or lassi handy due to rich, spicy food
Health and Safety Tips
Food Safety
- Choose busy restaurants with high turnover
- Opt for freshly cooked items
- Drink bottled water
- Be cautious with street vendors if you have a sensitive stomach
Dietary Considerations
- Mughlai cuisine is rich and high in calories
- Many dishes contain dairy products
- Vegetarian options are available but limited
- Inform restaurants about allergies beforehand
Budget Guide: Mughlai Food for Every Pocket
Budget-Friendly (₹200-500 per person)
- Street-side kebab stalls
- Local dhabas
- Aslam Chicken Corner
Mid-Range (₹500-1000 per person)
- Karim’s
- Al Jawahar
- Ghalib Kebab Corner
Premium (₹1000+ per person)
- Delhi Darbar
- Hotel restaurants
- Modern Mughlai restaurants
Planning Your Mughlai Food Tour
Half-Day Old Delhi Tour
Morning: Start at Red Fort
Lunch: Karim’s for main course
Afternoon: Al Jawahar for dessert and tea
Evening: Aslam Chicken Corner for evening snacks
Full-Day Delhi Mughlai Experience
Morning: Nizamuddin area – Ghalib Kebab Corner
Afternoon: Old Delhi – Karim’s and Al Jawahar
Evening: Central Delhi – Delhi Darbar or contemporary restaurant
Conclusion: Savoring Delhi’s Mughlai Heritage
Delhi’s Mughlai cuisine scene offers an incredible journey through India’s royal culinary heritage. From the legendary Karim’s, where recipes have remained unchanged for over a century, to hidden gems tucked away in narrow lanes, each restaurant tells a unique story of Delhi’s rich gastronomic culture.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a longtime Delhi resident, exploring the city’s Mughlai restaurants provides insights into the sophisticated cooking techniques, premium ingredients, and cultural traditions that defined imperial Indian cuisine. The experience goes beyond just eating; it’s about connecting with centuries of culinary evolution and understanding how royal kitchens influenced modern Indian cooking.
Remember to come hungry, bring friends to share the generous portions, and most importantly, take your time to savor each bite of these dishes that once graced the tables of emperors. Delhi’s Mughlai cuisine isn’t just food—it’s edible history that continues to evolve while honoring its magnificent past.
Ready to embark on your Mughlai food adventure? Start with Karim’s for the full historical experience, then venture into the hidden gems to discover your own favorite spots in Delhi’s incredible Mughlai food landscape.
Have you tried any of these Mughlai restaurants in Delhi? Share your experiences and favorite dishes in the comments below!
