Eat Your Way Through Delhi
India’s Largest Metropolis Showcases A Diverse Heritage
Delhi is the capital and largest city in India - and the second largest metropolitan area in the world. It’s crowded, loud, chaotic, polluted, and always on the go. When you first arrive, if you haven’t been before, it will almost certainly shock your nervous system. But - once you adjust, the city is brimming with excitement and things to do.
As India’s capital city, Delhi is multicultural - bringing in Indians from all over the country. You’ll get to see aspects of the local cultures from all over - and this is most true when exploring Delhi’s endless, incredible street food scene. Grab momos from the Northeast, a dosa from the south and then a masala thali from the north. Don’t stop there, of course; eat everything that looks good to you as this is your best chance to sample quality Indian food from each region.
My best advice as you eat is to avoid meat because Delhi Belly is real - and a lot of tourists get food poisoning; your risk is much much lower if you stick to plant-based foods, especially for street food.
As much as I love walking, I did not love walking in Delhi; you’ll often find yourself walking alongside or between an endless stream of cars, rickshaws, bikes and livestock - and crosswalks are anywhere you’re brave enough to step in front of the traffic. To get around, the Metro system is really solid - and you can always use Uber to grab a car at a fair price. Learn from my hard-fought lesson: go the easy route and get a ride wherever you’re going. Your nervous system will thank you.
Also, Delhi is full of friendly people who speak great English - and they’re often eager to strike up a conversation with a white person. I formed both a (very strange) romance and a (fine for a day) friendship with locals - and spending time with them was my favorite part of exploring Delhi. They were eager to show me their food, homes, schools, and culture - and their hospitality was incredible. Countries like India can be tough because the salespeople are relentless - and some days they can leave a sour taste in your mouth for the country (or even its people). Make sure to counteract those inevitable bad interaction by just chatting with ordinary people - who are overwhelmingly lovely.
Last, Delhi has some incredible architectural sites - and they’re actually relatively quiet and peaceful to explore. So get yourself out of the bustle and see the sites! The ones I recommend most strongly are below.
Observe or Worship at the Most Famous Temples
On the east bank of the Yamuna River is one of the most stunning religious sites I’ve seen - and one I’ll never be able to show you. Akshardham Temple is one of the largest Hindu temples in the world - and is simply breathtaking inside and out. Photography is prohibited -as is bringing your phone or camera anywhere near the temple - so I can’t provide you with any picture. However, not having the distraction of taking photos only makes the visit more wonderful - allowing it to be a truly religious site for the Hindi visitors. In my opinion, it is the only must-see destination of New Delhi (at least of those I saw).
On the other bank of the Yamuna River is an incredible multi-faith place of worship: the Lotus Temple. It is an architectural delight made entirely out of marble. While photography is limited inside, you are able to take photos of the impressive structure outside.
Marvel at Humayum’s Tomb
The first enormous domed tomb of its kind built by the Mughal Empire - and an inspiration for the Taj Mahal - Humayum’s Tomb is an impressive display of Persian / Punjabi / Mughal architecture. One of three UNESCO world heritage sites in Delhi, the tomb was one of my favorite things I visited in the city.
Explore the Massive Red Fort
Another of Delhi’s three UNESCO World Heritage site, the Red Fort is also stunning example of Persian / Punjabi / Mughal architecture. Built of red marble, the fort surrounds an ancient city - and its color and style are breathtaking.
Other Things to Do
Delhi is a massive, sprawling metropolis - so you can get up to almost literally anything. Googling the best things to do in Delhi will provide more answers than you probably have time to read - from escape rooms to a doll museum. I think if you wander through areas of Delhi, you will inevitably find spaces that strike your fancy. These are the other most commonly recommended sites to visit:
Head to Qutub Minar: A UNESCO World Heritage site, Qutub Minar is a minaret built on the outskirts of the city by the first ruler of Delhi. Even 1,000 years later, it is still the tallest minaret in India.
Shop in Old Delhi: Near the Red Fort, there’s a sprawling area of markets in Old Delhi: Chandni Chowk. The area can be one of the more chaotic places in Delhi, so you may find it more enjoyable to visit on a tour, or to be shown around by a local rickshaw driver.
Eat at the Tibetan Market: There’s a sizable population of refugees living in North Delhi - and they have a market with delicious Tibetan foods and goods including prayer flags.
Enjoy the Lights at India Gate: In Central Delhi, India Gate is a monument to the soldiers lost in the Afghan War. Surrounded by gardens and fountains, the entire area comes alive at night with locals and is entirely lit up.
View the Presidential Palace: The second largest executive housing in the world, Rashtrapati Bhavan is visible from the exterior and occasionally lets visitors into its garden complex.
People in Delhi are incredibly friendly and largely speak good English. Take your time to strike up conversations with locals. They’ll be able to offer you recommendations, and more likely than not will invite you to have tea.
