Best Traditional Sweets in Delhi: Old Delhi Shops to Try
Jalebi at Dariba, fruit kulfi in Chawri Bazar, Sindhi halwa near Fatehpuri and winter daulat ki chaat: where to find Delhi's classic sweets and what to buy.
For traditional sweets in Delhi, head to Old Delhi: Old Famous Jalebi Wala at the corner of Dariba Kalan (since 1884) for hot jalebis, Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi in Chawri Bazar for fruit-stuffed kulfi, and Chaina Ram near Fatehpuri Masjid (since 1901) for Sindhi sweets like Karachi halwa. In winter, look for daulat ki chaat, a delicate milk foam sold only on cold mornings. For boxed mithai to take home, the big sweet-shop chains such as Haldiram's and Bikanervala are reliable and found across the city.
Delhi's sweets reflect its history: Mughal-era milk desserts, Punjabi halwai classics and Sindhi and Bengali shops opened after 1947.
Old Delhi's classic sweet shops
| Shop | Where | What to order |
|---|---|---|
| Old Famous Jalebi Wala | Corner of Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk | Thick jalebis fried in ghee, eaten hot; add rabri if you like it richer |
| Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi | Chawri Bazar | Kulfi stuffed inside whole fruit (mango, orange, pomegranate) and classic kesar-pista; a family business dating to 1906 |
| Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwai | Near Fatehpuri Masjid | Karachi halwa, sohan halwa and other Sindhi sweets; established 1901 |
| Daulat ki chaat sellers | Chandni Chowk lanes, winter mornings only | A cloud-like milk foam with saffron and sugar, made overnight and sold from about November to February |
The famous Ghantewala sweet shop in Chandni Chowk, which dated back to the 18th century, closed in 2015. You may still see its name on older lists.
Delhi sweets to try
| Sweet | What it is | Best season |
|---|---|---|
| Jalebi | Spirals of fermented batter, fried and soaked in syrup | All year; especially good in winter |
| Rabri | Thickened, sweetened milk with layers of cream | All year |
| Kulfi | Dense frozen milk dessert, often with nuts or saffron | Summer |
| Gajar ka halwa | Carrot halwa made with milk and ghee | Winter, when red Delhi carrots are in season |
| Moong dal halwa | Rich lentil halwa | Winter and weddings |
| Sohan halwa | Crisp, brittle-like halwa with nuts | All year; travels well |
| Rasmalai and rasgulla | Soft cottage-cheese balls in sweet milk or syrup | All year |
| Ghewar | Disc-shaped fried sweet with syrup and cream | Monsoon (the Teej season) |
Buying sweets as gifts
- Choose dry sweets for travel: sohan halwa, Karachi halwa, kaju katli, besan laddoo and soan papdi keep for days. Milk sweets like rasmalai do not travel.
- Ask for the shelf life and a sealed box.
- Chains for convenience: Haldiram's, Bikanervala and similar chains have branches in most markets, airports and malls, with fixed prices and good packaging.
- Check your home country's rules on bringing in dairy products.
Plan a sweet walk
Start at Chandni Chowk metro (Gate No. 5), have jalebi at the Dariba corner, walk west to Chaina Ram near Fatehpuri Masjid, then finish with kulfi in Chawri Bazar near Chawri Bazar metro. The Old Delhi food walk adds savoury stops, and the Chandni Chowk guide explains the lanes and the Sunday closure.
“I want to try traditional Delhi sweets in Old Delhi tomorrow afternoon. Which shops should I visit and in what order?”
FAQ
Where can I get the best jalebi in Delhi?
Old Famous Jalebi Wala at the corner of Dariba Kalan in Chandni Chowk, running since 1884, is the best-known place.
What is daulat ki chaat?
A light, airy dessert of whipped milk foam flavoured with saffron and sugar, sold in Old Delhi on winter mornings only.
Which Delhi sweets are good to take home?
Dry sweets such as sohan halwa, Karachi halwa, kaju katli and besan laddoo travel well. Avoid milk-based sweets for long journeys.
Is Ghantewala still open?
The original Ghantewala shop in Chandni Chowk closed in 2015.
Sources and verification
Checked on 26 October 2026.
- Holidify: famous street food places in Old Delhi – Old Famous Jalebi Wala and Kuremal
- So.City: iconic mithai shops in Delhi – Chaina Ram and other shops
- Wikipedia: Ghantewala – closure in 2015
- Wikipedia: Daulat ki chaat – the winter dessert
Shop hours and prices change. Most Old Delhi shops are busiest on weekends and many lanes close on Sundays.