Paranthe Wali Gali

Paranthe Wali Gali (Gali Paranthe Wali) is a historic narrow lane off Chandni Chowk in Old Delhi, famous since the 1870s for family-run shops deep-frying stuffed parathas in cast-iron kadhais. It is one of India's oldest surviving street-food destinations and a must-visit culinary landmark.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

How much does a meal cost at Paranthe Wali Gali?

Individual parathas are priced from ₹60 to ₹90 each depending on the filling. An average meal for two typically costs ₹150–200. Most visitors eat 2–3 parathas per sitting, as they are quite filling and rich.

Do the shops accept cards or only cash?

Both cash and cards are accepted at Paranthe Wali Gali. That said, carrying some cash is advisable as a backup, since connectivity in the narrow lane can be inconsistent and some smaller stalls may prefer cash transactions.

What exactly is Paranthe Wali Gali and why is it famous?

Paranthe Wali Gali is a narrow historic lane in Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi, lined with family-run shops that have been deep-frying stuffed parathas since the 1870s. It is famous for its unusual fillings — from classic aloo and gobhi to exotic khoya, rabri, kaju, and badam — and for frying parathas in cast-iron kadhais rather than flat tawas, giving them a distinctive crispy texture.

What is the best time of year to visit Paranthe Wali Gali?

October through December is ideal — Delhi's weather is mild, making it comfortable to navigate the crowded lanes and enjoy hot, rich parathas without the summer heat or monsoon rains. Weekday mornings are less crowded than weekend lunchtimes.

What fillings can I expect in the parathas?

Beyond everyday aloo (potato) and gobhi (cauliflower), the gali is known for unusual fillings like khoya (dried milk), rabri (condensed milk), kaju (cashew), badam (almond), matar (peas), paneer, and bitter gourd. Each paratha is served with tamarind chutney, mint chutney, mixed pickle, and potato or pumpkin curry on the side.

How do I get to Paranthe Wali Gali by metro?

Take the Delhi Metro Yellow Line to Chandni Chowk station, which is approximately 0.38 km (about a 4-minute walk) from the gali. Exit the station, head east along Chandni Chowk Road, and look for Kanwarji's sweets shop — the lane entrance is right there.

What are the opening hours of Paranthe Wali Gali?

Shops generally open at 9:00 AM and serve until 11:00 PM daily. However, a few shops stop taking new orders by 10:00 PM, so plan to arrive well before closing time if you want a full meal.

Is the food at Paranthe Wali Gali vegetarian?

Yes, the traditional shops in Paranthe Wali Gali are strictly vegetarian. Dishes also exclude onion and garlic, as the shop owners are Brahmins and their historic clientele has included Jains from the surrounding neighbourhood.

Nearby in Ask Delhi

• An Old Delhi Food WalkAttraction0.13 km · 2 min walk
• Natraj Dahi Bhalle WalaRestaurant0.13 km · 2 min walk
• Chandni ChowkNeighborhood0.13 km · 2 min walk
• Jama MasjidAttraction0.67 km · 8 min walk
• Karim'sRestaurant0.88 km · 11 min walk