The best places in Delhi for Ramzan and Eid feasts

A file photo of Eid at Jama Masjid in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi. (Photo: Wikimedia Commons)

Jama Masjid, Old Delhi

If you wish to experience a Ramzan iftar or an Eid feast in all its colourful, flavourful glory, then the area around Jama Masjid is the place to be. Aslam Chicken entices with its butter-dipped Butter Chicken and succulent chicken lollipops, while Al Jawahar offers a delectable spread of biryanis, seekh kebabs, and tandoori dishes like raan and burrah. Haji Shabrati Nihari Wale serves up tender and juicy nihari specialties like bheja nihari, nalli nihari, and paya nihari, whereas Cool Point Shahi Tukda is a 25-year-old establishment that tempts with its indulgent shahi tukda drenched in sugar syrup and cream, alongside delightful phirni and gulab jamun.

Daryaganj, Old Delhi

Another neighbourhood in the vicinity that becomes a haven for foodies during Ramzan is Daryaganj. Changezi Chicken features a diverse menu of chicken stew and mutton nihari, but it’s the signature chicken changezi that steals the show, with its tender meat infused with a unique spice blend and enriched with desi ghee and cream. Discreetly located behind Delite Cinema, Kallu Nihari serves up a legendary nihari, slowly cooked to perfection in rich, flavorful gravy. Meanwhile, the iconic Moti Mahal that dates back to Independence, beckons with its historic charm and renowned dishes like the butter chicken, which is known to have originated here, although the claim is being disputed currently.

The G.T. Road, Connaught Place

Chef Sadaf Hussain (right), who has curated the 'Mandi Se Mex Tak' feast at The GT Road, Connaught Place, Delhi.

For a fine-dining take on Ramzan classics, embark on a tantalising journey of flavours and tales at the ‘Mandi se Mez Tak’ festival, on at The G.T. Road in Connaught Place till April 12. Curated by chef Sadaf Hussain, the Ramzan special menu immerses guests in the culinary legacy of Sher Shah Suri, the architect of the monumental Grand Trunk Road connecting Kabul to Chittagong through India.

Majlisi Kebab

The extensive menu echoes the diverse cultures and cuisines along the route, featuring traditional delicacies such as the Bihari Kebab, symbolising warrior food originally skewered on a sword with local ingredients like poppy seeds and sattu.

Mutton Guler Kebab.

Family recipes on the menu include the Guler Kebab with a grainy texture reminiscent of figs and the exquisite dessert called Lavang Latika, a sweet pastry filled with coconut, nuts, cardamom and sealed with a clove. The dishes are accompanied by engaging narratives associated with the historic route, making it an immersive experience.

Shaheen Bagh, Okhla

The newest entrant among must-visit places for food lovers, Shaheen Bagh hosts a vibrant trail of culinary delights from Mughlai, Afghani and Turkish cuisines. Be sure to try the melt-in-your-mouth kebabs from Haji Murad, the crispy samosas from Irfan Bhai ki Samosa, and the delectable desserts from Kureishi Bakery. For Afghani flavours, head to Naseeb Restaurant for their Afghani chicken samosas, whereas the Turkish kebab platters at Ata Turk come with grilled skewers of meat, rice, sauces, salad and bread. Save room for the sweet fluffy bread at Sikander Sheermal, and the stew made with wheat, barley, lentils, meat and spices at Lal Quila Hyderabadi Haleem Corner. Adventurous eaters can try Alfahm Chicken Mandi, a Yemeni dish with marinated chicken and fragrant rice at Hatim Tai, or Degi Paya Biryani that combines the flavours of traditional biryani with tender paya at The Grill.