Paranthe Wali Gali – Delhi’s World Famous Back Street of Deep Fried Paranthe

I'm one of those persons, who like to have a heavy breakfast and among all the breakfast items, parantha is my most favorite one. Well, paranthas are not just a breakfast item, people like to eat it as and when they like. From fancy hotels to Road side dhabas, it’s available everywhere. My love for paranthas is such that, in the heart of old Delhi there exists a street named after paranthas, and the street is famously called paranthe wali gali. I've been to paranthe vali gali several times and every time the experience was good. The shops have a long history and some of them are being run by the sixth generation of the family.

A walking distance from Chandni Chowk metro station, Paranthe wali Gali is a crowded lane adjacent to the famous kinari bazaar.

(Pic Source: Google Image)

The lane has several small restaurants selling deep fried paranthas. Yes, you read correct! The paranthas are deep fried. Take a deep breath my friends,the aroma of paranthas you feel. It is not as bad as it sounds. Although, deep friend, these paranthas are not as oily as you imagine. There is another surprise waiting for you here. Forget about conventional potato and onion filling, this letting sets out to leave a memory with their unconventional fillings of jaggery, sugar or chili.The whole experience of eating in this small lane could be overwhelming and the chaos in queues and heat around you could leave you in perspiration. But don’t worry, drown it with a glass of Lassi and enjoy the frenzied excitement of the lane.

(Pic source: Google Image)

This place is a must try for every foodie. Even if you have a hectic travel schedule, do find some time to do some binge eating here. The parathas are good and the atmosphere of the chaotic maze of Chandi Chowk is part of the fun! The food here is strictly vegetarian and the dishes do not even contain onion or garlic because their owners are Brahmins and traditionally their clientele includes Jains. Chandni Chowk has been a home for diverse religious and ethnic groups, so the Gali has seen its fair share of history. In the past, the Gali had over ten to twelve shops selling parantha , but today there are only five left.

There are quite a few different restaurants to choose from, all claiming to be the best and the original, and all equally busy with customers (I assume they are all actually quite similar, but if you know otherwise please let me know!).

I chose Babu Ram Paranthe Wale.

(Pic source: Google Image)

Though it appeared to be packed with customers waiting in line outside, somehow they managed to cram us in at a corner table without having to wait more than a few minutes.

At Babu Ram Paranthe Wale there are probably about 30 different kinds to order, but I had the mutter (green peas) and a couple of mixed parathas.

(Pic Source: Google Image)

They came on a metal saucer with pumpkin curry, a peas curry, and a red sauce that tasted just about like the American version of Chinese sweet and sour sauce (sour tomato sauce).

It’s disappointing when century-old restaurants succumb to the ever-changing modern palate. The future might seem bleak but Paranthe Wali Gali still holds its own and will always be reminiscent to our culinary heritage.

When you are in Delhi, take a few hours at least to treat your taste buds in Paranthe Wali Gali and surroundings.