The streets of Delhi are famous for their several lip-smacking delicacies, relished by generations for their unique taste. As the festive season approaches, there is no better time to indulge in the traditional flavours of the capital. With Ramadan and Eid just around the corner, now is the ideal time to try out the best Nihari in Delhi.
Originating from the heart of Old Delhi, Nihari is a slow-cooked, meaty gravy traditionally enjoyed for breakfast. Paired with naans or khamiri rotis, this Mughali dish is a flavour bomb renowned for its rich texture, aromatic spices and tender meat. To satisfy your craving for spicy and velvety curry, we have curated a list of the best places in Delhi serving authentic nihari.
Relish the best nihari at these ten popular spots in Delhi
Kallu Nihari
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When inquiring about the best nihari in Delhi, locals often point to Kallu Nihari. This bustling eatery opens in the evening for a small window, attracting a hungry crowd that quickly devours its flavourful nihari, served with freshly baked khamiri rotis.
Address: 180, Chatta Lal Main Rd, behind Delite Cinema, Bazar Chitli Qabar, Chatta lal Miya, Chandni Mahal, Daryaganj, New Delhi, Delhi, 110002
Timings: 5 pm onwards
Haji Shabrati Nihari Wale
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One of the oldest nihari places in Delhi, Haji Shabrati Nihari Wale is an iconic joint in the Chitli Qabar locality. Opening early in the morning, it offers a hearty breakfast of nihari with khamiri roti. True aficionados can even purchase their nihari spice mix to recreate this delicacy at home.
Address: 722, Gali Haveli Azam Khan, Bazar Chitli Qabar, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Timings: 6 am-10 am and 6 pm-10 pm
Al Jawahar
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Situated opposite Jama Masjid, Al Jawahar is famous for its succulent mutton nihari, alongside juicy kebabs and delectable curries. Specialising in Mughali cuisine, this establishment preserves authentic flavours and spices, offering dishes like mutton korma, changezi chicken, mutton burra, sheermal and khamiri roti.
Address: Shop no. 8, Jama Masjid, Opposite, Gate Number 1, Bazar Matia Mahal, Kalan Mehal, Ansari Nagar East, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Timings: 8 am-12 pm
Karim’s Hotel Pvt Ltd
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Karim’s Hotel Pvt. Ltd., located in Jama Masjid, is known for its tender, spicy and smooth mutton nihari. Founded in 1913, it has been a beloved destination for lovers of North Indian cuisine. Apart from nihari, their menu boasts delicacies like chicken jahangir, mutton korma, reshmi seekh kebab, mutton biryani, badam pasanda, ishtew and rolls.
Address: 16, Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, Delhi, 110006
Timings: 9 am-1 am
Javed Famous Nahari
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Javed Famous Nahari, particularly its Okhla branch, is famous for its evening nihari, which is accompanied by other delectable Mughali dishes like chicken biryani, mutton korma, and bakarkhani.
Address: Zakir Nagar Main Rd, Mehboob Nagar, Jogabai Extension, Zakir Nagar, Okhla, New Delhi, Delhi 110025
Timings: 1:30 pm-10:30 pm
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Haji Noora Nihari Wale
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Another gem in Old Delhi, Noora Nihari is a heritage eatery serving authentic breakfast nihari paired with khamiri roti for years. While nihari is enjoyed with a dollop of butter/ghee, locals relish this spicy delicacy without the garnish.
Address: M664+HQ5, Barahindu Roa Road, Gali Umrao, Pahari Dhiraj, Sadar Bazaar, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
Timings: 6 am-9 am and 5 pm-8 pm
Ballimaran Nahari
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Hidden away in Okhla, Ballimaran Nihari is famous for its Delhi-style nihari, often paired with a special lavasa or kulcha.
Address: F10 lower ground floor, Al habib Masjid, 40 Feet Rd, opposite al habib masjid, Shaheen Bagh, Okhla, New Delhi, Delhi 110025
Timings: 12 pm-11 pm
Jahangeer Food
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The famous Jahangeer Food of Daryaganj specialises in Mughlai cuisine, especially its mouthwatering mutton nihari. The extensive menu offers tantalising options like tandoori chicken, mutton burra, malai tikka, kebabs and more. The nihari here is prepared with a milder spice level, catering to a wider range of palates, and is served with khamiri roti.
Address: Shop No: 5035, Netaji Subhash Marg, Daryaganj, New Delhi, Delhi, 110002
Timings: 1 pm-11 pm
Ghalib Kabab Corner Nizamuddin
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Situated near the iconic Nizamuddin Dargah, Ghalib Kaba Corner is a renowned destination for lip-smacking Mughlai delicacies, including flavourful kebabs and nihari. This family-run restaurant serves mutton seekh kebab, sheermal, chicken seekh kebab, rumali roti, mutton shami, mutton biryani and mutton nihari.
Address: Markzi masjid, Nizamuddin, Nizammudin West Slum, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi, Delhi 110013
Timing: 12 pm-12 am
M I Food Center
M I Food Center, located right in the heart of Mehar Chand market, is a popular destination for authentic nihari and other halal meat-based delicacies. Indulge in their nihari served with khamiri roti, or explore their menu featuring various tikkas and kebabs to have your fill of delicious, flavourful meat.
Address: 43, Mehar Chand Market, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi
Timings: 4 pm-11 pm
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(Feature image credit: ahmer shahid/Shutterstock)
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
– Is Nihari suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Authentic nihari is a meat-based curry and is not suitable for vegetarians or vegans.
– What are the best restaurants that deliver Nihari online?
Several of these restaurants offer online delivery of Nihari; you can search for them across your choice of online food delivery websites.
– Can I find Nihari during specific times of the day?
Typically, nihari is served early in the morning or in the evening at the best nihari places in Delhi.
– What are the typical accompaniments to Nihari?
Nihari is commonly garnished with ginger, green chillies, and butter or ghee.
– Is Nihari only available with beef or lamb?
Authentic nihari is traditionally prepared with beef or lamb.
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