From Mughal kitchens to Partition: 5 Delhi restaurants older than Independent India

As India celebrates 79 years of independence, the capital’s food scene continues to tell stories that go far beyond recipes. From kitchens that once catered to royals and colonial officers to bustling stalls that fed everyday workers and travellers, these places have witnessed the city’s transformation while holding on to their original flavours. They are living reminders that in Delhi, food is not just about taste — it is about memory, resilience, and the shared spirit of a nation.

Karim’s – The mughlai legacy (established 1913)

Tucked in the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, Karim’s was established in 1913 by Haji Karimuddin, a cook from the royal Mughal kitchens. Its rich curries, kebabs, and biryanis still draw long queues of food lovers. Over the decades, Karim’s has preserved the same recipes and slow-cooking techniques passed down from the Mughal era, making it a living connection to Delhi’s royal past.

Moti Mahal – The birthplace of butter chicken (founded 1920, relocated 1947)

Founded in 1920 in Peshawar and relocated to Delhi in 1947 after Partition, Moti Mahal in Daryaganj became famous for introducing butter chicken and dal makhani to the world. Its founders, Kundan Lal Jaggi, Kundan Lal Gujral, and Thakur Dass, turned leftover tandoori chicken into a creamy tomato-based curry — a creation that became an international sensation. Moti Mahal remains a symbol of culinary innovation during one of India’s most important historical moments.

Wenger’s – The taste of colonial Delhi (established 1926)

Opened in 1926 in Connaught Place by Swiss couple Wenger and his wife, Wenger’s quickly became a favourite among British officers and Delhi’s elite. Known for its bakery items, savoury rolls, and pastries, it introduced the city to Swiss and continental delicacies at a time when such treats were a novelty. Even today, Wenger’s remains a beloved spot, drawing loyal patrons who come for its signature chicken patties, rum balls, and perfectly baked breads — a sweet connection to Delhi’s pre-independence cosmopolitan charm.

Jalebiwala – syrupy tradition since 1884

Nestled in the heart of Chandni Chowk, Jalebiwala has been serving piping-hot, crisp jalebis dripping with saffron-scented syrup since 1884. For generations, locals and visitors alike have flocked to this tiny shop for its irresistibly rich and crunchy sweets, fried in pure ghee. Its enduring popularity proves that simple, well-made treats can stand the test of time, and every bite is a reminder of the Old Delhi charm that has outlived empires and eras.

Kwality Restaurant — Bringing continental to Connaught Place (established 1940)

Kwality Restaurant opened in 1940 in Connaught Place and introduced Delhiites to continental and North Indian dishes in a sophisticated setting. Its mutton curry, chana bhatura, and ice cream sundaes remain popular, drawing families who have been visiting for generations. The colonial-era interiors and attentive service give diners a glimpse of pre-independence Delhi’s dining culture.

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Delhi gained its independence on August 15, 1947, after a long struggle against British rule, and these eateries have witnessed that transformation firsthand. They have fed freedom fighters, seen the Partition migrations, and adapted to a changing city while holding on to their original recipes and traditions. Visiting these places is like stepping into a time capsule — a reminder that while political eras change, the love for good food remains timeless.