Aloo Tikki, Afghani Street Bites, Chaat, Kebabs, Kachori Aloo, Chhole Bhature, Rajma Chawal, Parathas – these are reasons enough to call the Capital Delhi-Belly.

Delhi has always been a diverse city with people coming from all over India to settle and start a new life here. Many people know Delhi to be a city of rich cultural heritage. But Delhi, as a city, is so much more than that. And one aspect of this is the food in Delhi that makes it a great tourist place. The people of different cultures and traditions have brought with them their unique tastes to Delhi too.

It is not a hidden fact that Delhi has no particular food culture; the city acquires the identity of all types of people living here in its food preferences. The maze-like alleyways and marketplaces of Delhi are known to lure foodies with their curbside kiosks serving rich in taste street food while the studded restaurants add their own charm and elegance to the cuisine of the city.

Being an amalgamation of several cultures, Delhi is among the few places where you can find a South Indian devouring a serving of Butter Chicken and a Bengali enjoying Idli Sambhar, and it is not even astonishing anymore. The best part about this is that all these recipes are age-old, being handed down from generations after generations, helping them stay true to their original flavors.

Here’s what Delhi has to offer, apart from the traditional cuisine from all the states:

• Mughlai Cuisine: One of the oldest cuisines being served to the Delhiites is the Mughlai cuisine. Even today the taste of the Mughal era can be felt in the Kebabs from the time of Delhi Sultanate while Nihari and Biryani have become a household name. The delicious fruit-flavored sorbets or Kulfi as we know them today were originally served in the Mughal kitchens. Karim’s and Ghantewala, famous for their Kebabs and Karachi Halwa respectively, have also served many of the Mughal emperors in the past.

• Street Food: Another group of delicacies bringing the people together is the street food available in almost every lane of the city. Names like Sita Ram Diwan Chand, Bittu Tikki Wala, Nataraj Dahi Bhalla, Daulat Ki Chaat, and Al Jawahar have been churning out some of the country’s best street grub. There is a street named Parathe Wali Gali in Chandni Chowk which in itself is enough to show the love people of this city have for Parathas.

• International Cuisine: Along with the traditional dishes, Delhiites have also truly embraced the authentic International cuisines which means there is no trouble finding Chinese, Thai, Italian, and French cuisine to name a few. The Churros with chocolate sauce at La Bodega, the Glass Noodles at Gung, and the Cheese Kunafa at Zizo are gradually making their way into the hearts of Delhiites.

The diversity that Delhi shows in its food culture is a mere reflection of the people who have lived here in the past and the people who call it their home in the present. It is this diversity that brings the people together and makes Delhi a better tourist spot.