Delhi, India’s capital, is a city that combines history and modernity, and its cuisine reflects this complex blend. From royal Mughlai meals, street-side chaats to desi Chinese food, Delhi’s culinary scene is a colourful tapestry of flavours influenced by centuries of culture, migration, and creativity.
Desi Chinese cuisine has established itself as a distinct and popular staple in Delhi’s culinary scene. It’s not “authentic” Chinese by international standards, but rather a robust, spicy, and distinctively Indian take on Chinese cuisine. Desi Chinese is one of Delhi’s most popular comfort cuisines, with locations ranging from roadside stalls to sophisticated restaurants.
Desi Chinese is a cuisine that combines Chinese techniques and ingredients (such as soy sauce, garlic, ginger, vinegar, and cornstarch) with Indian flavors and cooking methods. It’s quick, spicy, and full of flavor.
Honey Chilli Potato
Honey Chilli Potato is a well-loved snack from Indo-Chinese cuisine, featuring crunchy fried potato sticks coated in a sauce that is sweet, spicy, and tangy, made from honey, chili sauce, garlic, and soy sauce. It’s crispy, delicious, and typically topped with sesame seeds and chopped spring onions.
Crunchy, sugary, and zesty—Honey Chilli Potato is a beloved Indo-Chinese snack in Delhi. This dish beautifully combines intense flavors, making it a favorite among residents. Whether purchased from a food stall or a restaurant, it provides an unforgettable experience of the city’s lively culinary scene.
- Delicious sweet-spicy crunch.
- A top vegetarian street food favorite.
- Widely available across Delhi.
Chili Paneer
Chili Paneer is a beloved dish from Indo-Chinese cuisine, featuring paneer (Indian cottage cheese) prepared in a zesty, spicy, and mildly sweet sauce. It combines the technique of Chinese stir-frying with Indian spices and is adored throughout India, particularly in cities such as Delhi.
- Chili Paneer is a street food icon in Delhi.
- Chili Paneer gives vegetarians something exciting, spicy, and satisfying—not bland or boring.
- Served hot, spicy, and fast — exactly how Delhiites like it and go-to dish for people who want something indulgent but meat-free.
Hakka Noodles
A common Indo-Chinese cuisine, hakka noodles are produced by stir-frying noodles with sauces, veggies, and occasionally tofu or meat on a high flame for the signature smoky wok hei taste. This tasty meal, which comes from the Hakka Chinese minority, blends Indian spices with Chinese cooking methods to create a tangy, spicy, and savory street food staple that is frequently served hot in street stalls or upscale eateries.
- Great street food option that’s budget-friendly and satisfying, available with different protein options.
- Perfect for a fast, delicious meal on the go.
Chilli Chicken
Chilli Chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese dish, originated from the Chinese community in Kolkata, India with fried chicken pieces tossed in a spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce. It’s known for its bold flavors and is often served as a starter or main dish in Indian Chinese cuisine.
- The smoky wok-tossed chicken with desi spices creates a unique taste that’s hard to find elsewhere.
- chilli chicken is a street food favorite. It’s quick, flavorful, and affordable — a must-have for food lovers exploring the city.
- Delhi offers chilli chicken in countless variations — dry, gravy and extra spicy. No matter your preference, you’ll find a version that hits the spot.
Spring Rolls
A thin pastry (or rice paper) is wrapped around a mixture of veggies, noodles, and occasionally meat (such as chicken) to create a spring roll, which can then be fried or served fresh.
- Delhi gives spring rolls a unique spin by using strong masalas, acidic sauces, and spicy chutneys. Classic Chinese-style rolls as well as Desi variations filled with paneer, mutton, egg or even tandoori chicken are available.
- A plate of spring rolls in Delhi is usually budget-friendly and surprisingly filling — ideal for students, workers, or anyone looking for a quick hunger fix.
Chinese Bhel
Crispy fried noodles are combined with chopped veggies, acidic sauces such soy and schezwan, and spices to make the well-known Indo-Chinese street food known as Chinese Bhel. It blends Chinese ingredients with Indian chaat style and is crispy, spicy, and tasty. It’s popular among fans of street cuisine and can be served cold or warm.
- Delhi adds its own spicy twist to Chinese Bhel, blending crispy noodles with local masalas, chutneys, and Indo-Chinese sauces for an unforgettable street snack.
- It’s a quick, affordable, and flavorful treat that reflects Delhi’s vibrant street food culture.
- From veggie-loaded versions to ones with paneer or chicken, Delhi vendors offer endless variations to suit every taste — crunchy, tangy, spicy, and totally satisfying.
Tandoori Mo:Mo
Tandoori Momo is a spicy, smokey take on conventional momos. The dumplings are marinated in a tangy tandoori masala before grilling or roasting in a tandoor oven, resulting in a crispy, charred outside and juicy interior. It’s a popular Indo-Tibetan street meal known for its vibrant flavours.
- Delhi is the origin of the tandoori momo craze. It combines Tibetan momos with North Indian tandoori spices to create a smokey, spicy, and flavourful snack exclusive to the city.
- From vegetarian and paneer to chicken and even Afghani-style or cheesy varieties, Delhi’s momo vendors have a creative spin to meet every craving and spice level.
- Tandoori momos, served sizzling with mint chutney and mayo, are a street food staple that are ideal for a quick bite, especially on chilly evenings in Delhi.
Burnt Garlic Noodles
Burnt Garlic Noodles are a flavourful Indo-Chinese meal that consists of stir-frying noodles with vegetables, soy sauce, and aromatic burned garlic. The garlic is briefly roasted in oil to generate a deep, smoky flavour, which gives the dish its distinct flavour. It’s a savoury, soothing, and aromatic noodle dish popular throughout India.
- Delhi gives this classic dish a spicy, desi twist with added sauces, chilies, and local flair — making it a must-try for noodle lovers.
- Delhi’s variations are bursting with the deep, smokey aroma of burnt garlic, along with flawlessly stir-fried noodles and vegetables for a flavourful comfort food experience.
- Whether at a roadside stall in Karol Bagh or a trendy café in Hauz Khas, you’ll find delicious variations of burnt garlic noodles to suit any budget.
Manchow Soup
Manchow Soup is a spicy, flavourful Indo-Chinese soup made with mixed vegetables (or chicken), garlic, ginger, soy sauce, and chilli, and lightly thickened with cornflour. It is recognised for its robust, acidic flavour and is usually served hot with a topping of crispy fried noodles. Ideal for a cosy, spicy beginning.
- It’s a staple on every Delhi Chinese menu. The mix of garlic, soy, chilies, and crunchy noodles delivers the perfect Indo-Chinese kick in every spoonful.
- From roadside carts to elite Asian restaurants, Manchow Soup is everywhere in Delhi, customisable with veg or chicken, and always satisfying.
- Delhi’s version of Manchow Soup is hot and robust, making it ideal for cold nights or monsoon seasons. It comes hot with crunchy noodles and is flavourful and rich.
Chicken Lolipop
Chicken Lollipop is a famous Indo-Chinese appetiser made from chicken wings, with the meat pressed down to one end of the bone to form a lollipop. Marinated in spicy seasonings, it is deep-fried till crispy and frequently served with schezwan or chilli sauce. It’s juicy, crisp, and packed with flavour.
- Juicy inside, crispy outside, and packed with flavor — it’s an ideal appetizer to kick off any Delhi food adventure, especially if you love spicy finger foods.
- Whether you like it mildly spiced or fiery hot, Delhi vendors and restaurants offer variations to match your taste — including Schezwan, tandoori, or even stuffed versions.
- Chicken Lollipop is a universally loved starter, you’ll find this crunchy treat across Delhi, priced to fit every budget.
M0:M0
Momo are soft, juicy dumplings originally from Tibet and Nepal, but they’ve become an irreplaceable part of Delhi’s street food scene. They’re typically made with a wheat flour wrapper stuffed with a savory filling-veg or non-veg- and served with a spicy red-chili-garlic chutney.
- Delhi has taken the traditional momo and turned into a flavor explosion. Whether you like them steamed, fried, tandoori or stuffed with chicken, paneer, or veggies there’s momo for everyone.
- Momos are everywhere in Delhi — from roadside stalls to cafes — offering quick, affordable, and delicious bites perfect for any time of day.
Hot & Sour Soup
Hot and sour soup is a popular Chinese meal recognised for its robust, acidic, and spicy flavour. It is made with mushrooms, tofu, bamboo shoots, vinegar, white pepper, and occasionally pork or chicken, and has a wonderful combination of heat and acidity. It is often thickened with cornflour and topped with egg ribbons.
- Delhi puts its own spin on hot and sour soup with bold spices, chili oil, soy sauce, and vinegar — creating a tangy, spicy, and addictive flavor that’s different from traditional Chinese versions.
- Hot and sour soup is easily accessible and inexpensive, with flavourful bowls available practically anyplace in the city, from street booths to fine dining places.
- Whether you prefer veg, chicken, or tofu, Delhi’s soup joints offer endless variations. You can also adjust the spice level to suit your taste — mild to extra hot.
Manchurian
Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese dish made by deep-frying vegetable or meat balls (like chicken or cauliflower) and tossing them in a spicy, tangy sauce with soy, garlic, and chili. It comes in dry or gravy versions and is often served with fried rice or noodles.
- Delhi’s Manchurian is spicier and more flavorful than traditional Chinese versions, thanks to local twists like extra garlic, chili, and tangy sauces.
- With its crispy texture, spicy sauce, and savory flavor, Manchurian is a go-to comfort food — especially satisfying during Delhi’s cool evenings.
Szechuan Chicken
Szechuan Chicken is a spicy, flavourful meal from China’s Sichuan province, distinguished by its aggressive use of chilli peppers, garlic, and Sichuan peppercorns. The Indian-Chinese variant popular in Delhi consists of marinated chicken stir-fried with onions, bell peppers, and a spicy Szechuan sauce. It’s spicy, aromatic, and typically served with noodles or fried rice.
- Delhi’s version of Szechuan Chicken amps up the heat with red chilies, garlic, and tangy sauces — perfect for spice lovers looking for a flavor-packed dish.
- You’ll find different takes on the dish — dry, semi-gravy, or full gravy — plus versions with crispy fried chicken or stir-fried tender pieces.
Singapuri Noodles
Singapuri noodles are a famous Indo-Chinese meal that includes thin noodles stir-fried with vegetables, eggs, and spicy sauces. These noodles, known for their robust, acidic, and somewhat sweet flavours, are frequently served with chilli, garlic, and soy sauce, resulting in a bright, flavourful dish.
- Served with veggies, eggs, or chicken, Singapuri Noodles work great as a quick meal or snack, perfect for busy Delhi foodies looking for budget-friendly and delicious choice to satisfy cravings any time.
- Singapuri Noodles offer a distinctive blend of spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors that reflect Delhi’s vibrant Indo-Chinese fusion style.
American Chopsuey
American Chopsuey is a popular Indo-Chinese dish made with stir-fried noodles or rice tossed with mixed vegetables, eggs, and a tangy, sweet-savory sauce. Despite its name, it’s an Indian creation inspired by Chinese flavors, known for its colorful veggies and mildly spicy, flavorful taste.
- Unlike spicier Indo-Chinese dishes, American Chopsuey offers a milder, sweet-savory taste that appeals to all palates, including kids and those new to Indo-Chinese food.
- Found in almost every Indo-Chinese restaurant and street stall in Delhi, it’s a budget-friendly, crowd-pleasing option for any meal.
- Loaded with crunchy veggies, eggs, and sometimes chicken, it’s both flavorful and wholesome — perfect for a satisfying meal.
Schezwan Fried Rice
Schezwan Fried Rice is a spicy Indo-Chinese dish made by stir-frying cooked rice with vegetables, garlic, soy sauce, and fiery Schezwan chili sauce. Known for its bold, tangy, and smoky flavors, it’s a popular accompaniment to dishes like Manchurian and Szechuan Chicken, widely loved in Delhi’s street food scene.
- Delhi’s Schezwan Fried Rice packs a punch with bold chili, garlic, and smoky flavors, perfect for spice lovers.
- It’s a fast, hearty meal-available with just veggies or loaded with chicken, shrimp, or eggs, catering to all dietary preferences.
Delhi’s Indo-Chinese cuisine offers a bold fusion of flavors that food lovers shouldn’t miss. From crispy chili potatoes to spicy Schezwan noodles, each dish tells a story of cultural blend. Explore the city’s vibrant street stalls and eateries to savor the best Indo-Chinese dishes that truly excite the palate.
