Food Review: PARANTHE GALLI @ CHANDNI CHOWK

Paranthe Galli @ Chandni Chowk

If you are a hygiene freak, then this place is definitely not for you. But what the hell, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience

I have heard of Chandni Chowk in Bollywood films. The one that I recall instantly is Kabhi Khushi Kabhi Gham – Kajol’s character lives at Chandni Chowk.

A variety of curries, chutneys & salad

Being quite fascinated with the idea of visiting Chandni Chowk, I went along with Vinitha as she took me to Paranthe Galli at Chandni Chowk that is quite famous for the parathas served.

What I saw of Chandni Chowk were narrow streets teeming with pedestrians, cycle rickshaws, hand-carts loaded with goods and some motor-bikes vying with the lot. I have been to similar areas at Kalbadevi in Mumbai and Kothavalchavadi in Chennai. The streets at Chandni Chowk are the narrowest of the lot.

Mattar filling

We managed to walk through a few of them before we reached Paranthe Galli. We crossed many wholesale shops selling wedding refinery, dress materials, saris and a whole lot of other things on our way.

The weather was extremely cold and we were glad to reach the small eateries that had stoves at their entrances where the parathas were being fried – yeah, you read right. They deep-fry the parathas here. There are a number of these paratha outlets next to each other. All are busy with a roaring business.

The parathas being made

We had to wait for a few minutes before a table got free. Tables and chairs were crammed into a tiny area and they were all continuously running full. I saw a number of office-goers and students eating at the outlet that we went to.

The deal here is that you are given a plate with three curries and two chutneys – theeka, meetha – along with salad. These are unlimited. It is compulsory that you order 2 parathas per plate. They don’t mind if two people share a plate.



There was a wide variety of parathas – mattar, mooli, hari-mirch, cauli-flower, cheese (this was actually cottage cheese aka paneer), mixed vegetable and many more options. The parathas ranged from Rs. 40 to Rs. 60 depending on the filling. There is no separate charge for the curries and chutneys that are served on the plate. The combo was unbeatable.

Delicious & Cool Sweet Lassi

Moreover, they are ready to serve a mudka full of cool sweet lassi from across the street. This was simply delicious.

The parathas came fast – yummy and hot in the cold weather. Vinitha and I managed to gobble five parathas between us as we were very hungry after walking around a lot.

We moved out fast as there were a few more people waiting to get inside.

On your next trip to Delhi, don’t miss a chance to taste the parathas at Paranthe Galli at Chandni Chowk.

A word of caution: The area is not considered very safe after sunset.