Introduction
Eid is a festival celebrated with great enthusiasm and fervor by Muslims around the world. It marks the end of Ramadan, a month of fasting, prayer, and reflection. In Old Delhi, the streets come alive with the aroma of spices and the sizzle of delicious dishes being prepared for the grand Eid feast. While many traditional Eid dishes are centered around meat, Old Delhi has a hidden gem – its vegetarian delights. In this blog post, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through the narrow lanes and bustling markets of Old Delhi, where you can savor the most delectable vegetarian dishes during Eid.
- Chole Bhature at Sita Ram Diwan ChandOld Delhi’s iconic Sita Ram Diwan Chand is famous for its lip-smacking Chole Bhature, which can give any meat dish a run for its money. During Eid, the place is adorned with festive decorations, and locals and tourists alike flock here to relish their delicious Chole Bhature. The spicy, tangy chickpea curry served with puffed-up, golden-brown bhature is a match made in food heaven.
- Nihari at Karim’sWhile Karim’s is renowned for its succulent meat dishes, they also offer a vegetarian version of the traditional Nihari during Eid. The Vegetarian Nihari is a flavorful concoction of slow-cooked vegetables in aromatic spices, served with fluffy naan. It’s a must-try for vegetarians looking to savor the essence of Eid without the meat.
- Paneer Tikka at Aslam Chicken CornerAslam Chicken Corner is celebrated for its chicken dishes, but they also serve a mouthwatering Paneer Tikka during Eid. Succulent cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in spices and grilled to perfection make for a delectable treat. It’s a great option for vegetarians looking for a taste of Old Delhi’s culinary heritage.
- Stuffed Parathas at Paranthe Wali GaliParanthe Wali Gali is a historic alleyway in Old Delhi known for its stuffed parathas. During Eid, they prepare special parathas stuffed with a variety of vegetarian fillings like spiced potatoes, lentils, and cottage cheese. The parathas are fried to a golden crisp and served with tangy chutneys and pickles.
- Shahi Tukda at Gali Paranthe WaliGali Paranthe Wali not only excels in savory parathas but also offers a sweet delight called Shahi Tukda. It’s a rich dessert made from deep-fried bread soaked in flavored sugar syrup, topped with condensed milk and dry fruits. This decadent treat is a perfect way to end your vegetarian feast on a sweet note.
- Kheer at Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi WaleKuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale, famous for its kulfi (Indian ice cream), also serves a delightful Eid special – Kheer. This creamy rice pudding is flavored with cardamom and garnished with chopped nuts, making it a comforting and traditional Eid dessert.
Conclusion
While Old Delhi is renowned for its meat-centric culinary scene, it also offers a delightful array of vegetarian dishes during Eid. From spicy Chole Bhature to rich Shahi Tukda, there’s no shortage of vegetarian feasts to savor in the heart of Delhi during this festive season. So, the next time you’re in Old Delhi during Eid, be sure to explore these vegetarian delights and experience the magic of this vibrant and culturally rich part of the city. Eid Mubarak!
(Note: Make sure to check the local food stalls and shops for their Eid offerings, as menus may vary from year to year.)