The summers in Delhi are brutal. As the mercury soars, even the slightest movement can leave you drenched in sweat. But Delhiites are seasoned warriors when it comes to beating the heat, and one of their greatest weapons is food. The city offers a treasure trove of icy delights.
While air-conditioned cafés and fancy gelato bars have popped up across the Capital, some timeless favourites have graced Delhi’s food scene for decades. These are the old-school snacks that evoke nostalgia and a shared cultural rhythm.
From kulfi makers to humble kiosks that serve chilled drinks, these iconic stops are part of the city’s identity. Here’s a list of five such iconic summer treats that bring much needed coolness to Delhiites every year.
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Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale
Tucked away in the labyrinthine alleys of Old Delhi’s Chawri Bazaar, Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale is a landmark. Run by generations of the same family since 1906, this small outlet is best known for its inventive approach to traditional kulfi. Their stuffed kulfis are a unique marvel, where fresh fruits like mangoes, oranges, and apples are hollowed out and filled with flavoured, frozen kulfi.
The result is a dessert that’s as much a conversation starter as it is a palate pleaser. Flavours like jamun, paan, and anaar are favourites. Whether you’re visiting for the first time or the fiftieth, Kuremal’s icy creations never disappoint.
Depaul’s Cold Coffee – Shah Rukh Khan’s favourite
If Delhi had to elect a king of cold coffee, Depaul’s in Janpath would win by a landslide. Operating since the 1950s, this little kiosk serves a drink that has stood the test of time. Served in traditional glass bottles, Depaul’s cold coffee is frothy, thick, unapologetically sweet, and brings instant comfort.
Depaul’s is also famously loved by none other than Bollywood superstar Shah Rukh Khan, who has mentioned it among his favourites from his Delhi days. They’ve added variations over the years like hazelnut, Irish cream, and vanilla, but the original still rules hearts. A favourite hangout for students, shoppers, and nostalgic professionals alike, Depaul’s is where Delhi comes to cool down.
Natural Ice Cream
While not native to Delhi, Natural Ice Cream has carved a strong niche among the city’s summer snackers. Known for its commitment to real ingredients and seasonal fruits, Natural offers a rotating menu of frozen flavours that are refreshingly simple and satisfying.
Think sitaphal (custard apple), lychee, tender coconut, fig, and of course, the king of fruits, Alphonso mango. Their no-fuss approach to ice cream—no preservatives and no synthetic colours—has struck a chord with both the health-conscious and traditional dessert lovers. It’s the perfect fusion of nature and indulgence.
Roshan Di Kulfi
A name that echoes across Delhi’s culinary circles, Roshan Di Kulfi has been delighting dessert lovers since the 1950s. Located in Karol Bagh, this eatery is best known for its signature kulfi falooda—a plateful of creamy kulfi topped with silky vermicelli noodles and drizzled with rose syrup. It’s a full sensory experience: cool, floral, slightly chewy, and incredibly satisfying. Roshan Di Kulfi’s offering is the kind of treat that lingers on your tongue and in your memory.
Giani’s Falooda
Old Delhi’s Giani’s Di Hatti, around since 1956, is a household name when it comes to traditional Indian sweets and cold treats. But their falooda is something special. Thick and layered with rose syrup, sabja (basil) seeds, vermicelli, rabri, and topped with a scoop of rich ice cream, it’s an indulgence that feels almost regal.
Perfectly chilled and bursting with texture and flavour, this drink-dessert hybrid is a great way to end a meal or simply enjoy as a standalone cooler.
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More than just cold snacks, they’re Delhi’s heartbeat
These eateries represent the flavours of generations, the comfort of familiarity, and the joy of community. In a city that’s constantly evolving, they remind us of the timeless charm of a well-made summer snack.
So this summer, stop at these heritage joints, and let Delhi’s coolest treats help you chill.
