Delhi shares an interesting love-hate relationship with winters. The temperature begins to dip right after Diwali, post which, we are too occupied fighting the smog, then we get busy pulling out the 'right clothes' for the weather in transition, and by the time we settle down, it is already December. December, more often than not, is the chilliest month of the year for the capital, and yet it is nothing short of a dream. The weather, the festivities, the year-end excitement, there's so much that makes the month so special for Delhiites.
And now that some of movies are also capitalising on 'Dilli Ki Sardi', we have found yet another excuse to get out of our quilts and witness the city in all its glory, replete with a few stopovers for some 'essential' munching.
(Also Read: 7 Foods And Drinks To Avoid In Winters For A Healthy, Infection-Free Body)
Here's the ultimate foodie's guide to spend winters in Delhi:
Gajar Ka Halwa
Red, sweet and crunchy carrots are back in season, and gajar ka halwa is the hot-selling dessert across all halwai shops you visit in the capital. If you feel like making this melt-in-mouth dessert at home, here's a fabulous recipe.
Winter desserts: Gajar ka halwa is the most popular Indian winter dessert
Daulat Ki Chaat
To make this dessert, milk is kept out to soak in the dew drops overnight. This is done to obtain the characteristic light and foamy texture we identify Daulat ki chaat with. The 'chaat' is then laced with nuts and dry fruits making it all the more wholesome and yummier. You can find various thelas selling the same across Chandni Chowk.
(Also Read: Winter Street Food Of North India: Gajak, Daulat Ki Chaat And More)
Piping Hot Parathas
Devour some stuffed parathas at either Paranthe wali gali or at Moolchand Parathe Wala. The astounding options like chicken paratha, dal paratha, mixed veg paratha, served with equally interesting accompaniments like pumpkin chutney, will certainly make your day.
Chole Bhature and Lassi
Purely because anything hot, greasy and good are always welcome. Our picks for best choley bhature in Delhi would be Sita Ram Diwan Chand and Nagpal Chole Bhature at Lajpat Nagar.
Chole Bhature is a popular Punjabi dish which combines goodness of spicy chickpeas and maida flat-bread
Doodh Jalebi or Jalebi-Rabri
If you enjoy all things 'meetha' then crispy jalebis, with rabri or plain glass of milk will make for an ideal breakfast on a cold winter-y morning.
Jalebis paired with rabri is a delish combination
Chai and Chaat
There is no dearth of chai-lovers or chai stalls in the capital, but the joy of sneaking out for a glass of masala chai and palak patta chaat at Triveni Cafe; is truly incomparable, right?
Tandoori Momos
When QD's popularised the idea of Tandoori momos, very few were left untouched by the sensation caused by the new dish. The hype refuses to die down, still. Stuffed momos cooked in tandoor served with pudina chutney and chilli chutney - how can you not like something so ingenious?
Tandoori momos are a hit among youth
Nihari
The word 'Nihari' originates from the Arabic word "Nahar" which means "morning". The stew made with mutton pieces and oodles of butter is often paired with khamiri roti, and continues to be one of the most beloved breakfasts of Old Delhi.
Chikki-Gajak-Moongphali
Sitting out in the sun with a plate of moongphali (groundnuts) gajak and chikki (sweet, brittle treat made with jaggery, sesame seeds and peanuts) continues to be one of our favourite afternoon activities. You can try making peanut chikki at home with this recipe.
Peanut chikki is a popular winter treat
Hot Chocolate
Feel like snuggling with a warm cup of hot chocolate in one cozy corner? The capital offers great options. We really like the hot chocolates at Cafe; Dori, Colocal, Diggin, Caara and Brew Room.
These are some of our recommendations to make winters wonderful, feel free to add more. We can always make room in our tummy for some good food.