It would be unfair to speak about Delhi food without mentioning an iconic plate of chole bhature. While people in Delhi are big time foodies, if you ask them, most of them would list chole bhature in their top five favourite dishes. The city is home to some iconic street vendors and stalls that you should most visit if you want to experience the charm of these piping hot golden bhaturas and spicy chole paired with a tangy pickle. Outlook Traveller has picked some of the best street shops for chole bhature in Delhi.

　　Famous Chole Bhature Shops in Delhi

　　Sitaram Diwan Chand, Paharganj

　　If there is one name that no chole bhature lover can miss in Delhi, it is Sitaram Diwan Chand in Paharganj. The shop was once a street-side cart started by a 16-year-old Sitaram at Chuna Mandir in Paharganj. Today, it is currently run by Pran Nath Kohli and his son.

　　The shop never has a dull moment. It is flocked by loyal diners who can't stop praising the beloved dish.

　　A standout for most is the boiled potatoes that elevate the taste of chole. The chole itself is not very spicy, but it has the same blend of masalas that it did when the shop first opened. The dish is topped with a coriander chutney. The accompanying soft bhaturas are thick, but not oily. A pickle, spiced onions and chilli accompany the legendary plate.

　　A full plate costs INR 130, while a half plate costs INR 60.

　　Bhogal Chole Bhature Walla, Janpath

　　After spending a long day thrift shopping in Janpath, stop by at Bhogal Chole Bhature Walla, nestled in one of the many gullies of the market. The non-pretentious food joint comes closest to balancing the flavours of home-cooked chole.

　　Instead of black-coloured chole, this street side shop in Delhi serves the yellow coloured chole. The bhature is crispy, slightly heavy, but everyone's favourite. The standout, though, is the methi pakode—something that is rare in variations of this elsewhere.

　　Sliced onions, green chillies, and a pickle serve as the perfect accompaniments to the dish. Take a lassi to go along with the chole bhature; the paan flavoured one is a cult favourite.

　　A plateful of chole bhature will cost you INR 115.

　　Chache Di Hatti, Kamla Nagar

　　Some claim that Chache Di Hatti in Kamla Nagar serves the best chole bhature of North Delhi. No wonder, then, it is a favourite spot for shoppers and students alike. The simplicity of the chole makes it stands out. Made without onion, garlic or even tomato, these choles are accompanied with soft, fluffy, and light bhature. The masala is tempered in the oil separately, post which boiled chola is added to the mix.

　　The star of the plate is the coriander, mint, green chilies, and tamarind water chutney. However, you might have to wait to get your plate—but the wait is worth it!

　　A meal for two will cost you INR 100.

　　Anandji Ke Chole Bhature, Lajpat Nagar

　　Anandji Ke Chole Bhature is a must-visit when in Lajpat Nagar. You can always spot a cluster of chole bhature lovers here. My colleague, a former resident of Lajpat Nagar, claims that a trip to the market is incomplete without stopping by at the shop.

　　While their chole appears quite the same like others, the taste is quite unique. It is probably the proportion of masalas that makes all the difference. The bhaturas are crispy yet cushiony. Pro tip: pair it with pickle and spiced onions and green chilli.

　　Nand Di Hatti, Sadar Bazaar

　　Another spot in Old Delhi to enjoy a lip-smacking plate of chole bhatura is Sadar Bazaar’s Nand Di Hatti. The chole served balances spice well, and is served with tangy pickles and a fluffy bhatura. The best part? The shop sells packets of chola masala, so you can attempt to replicate the dish at home. Bear in mind that a full plate of chole bhature by Nand Di Hatti can make you feel stuffed, so order accordingly.

　　A plateful of chole bhature will cost you INR 150.