Local Beverages




Masala Chai
Masala Chai is not just a drink; it's an emotion in Delhi. This aromatic spiced tea is a delightful blend of black tea, milk, sugar, and a variety of spices such as cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and cloves. It offers a warm, comforting taste with a spicy kick that dances on your tongue. Food bloggers and reviewers often hail Masala Chai as a must-try beverage, essential for experiencing the true essence of Delhi's bustling streets.
Best Place To Try It:
- Cha Bar, Connaught Place
- Street Vendors in Chandni Chowk
- The Tea Place by Manjushree, Saket



Banta Soda
A quintessential Delhi summer drink, providing a cool respite from the city's scorching heat. This fizzy beverage is sealed with a marble and opened with a pop, making it a beloved choice among locals and tourists alike. It combines lemon juice, soda, and a hint of black salt, offering a tangy and effervescent taste.
Best Place To Try It:
- Chandni Chowk, Numerous vendors
- INA Market
- Janpath Market



Kanji
A traditional North Indian fermented drink that has been part of Delhi's culinary scene for centuries. Made from black carrots, mustard seeds, and water, this probiotic-rich beverage is both refreshing and tangy. Kanji is typically prepared during the winter and spring months, especially around Holi, but you can find it year-round in some local eateries. Food bloggers often rave about Kanji for its unique taste and health benefits, labelling it a "must-try" for those looking to explore Delhi’s traditional drinks. Its sour and spicy notes might be an acquired taste for some.
Best Place To Try It:
- Karim’s, Jama Masjid
- Natraj Dahi Bhalla, Chandni Chowk
- Many street vendors in Chandni Chowk sell Kanji during winters



Bel Ka Sharbat
A traditional Indian drink made from the pulp of the Bael fruit (wood apple), this drink is sweet, aromatic, and has a distinctive taste that is both tangy and sweet. It's a perfect thirst-quencher, especially in the sweltering heat of Delhi. The Bael fruit is known for its medicinal properties. It is known to aid digestion, cool the body, and is rich in vitamins and minerals.
Best Place To Try It:
- Dilli Haat
- Chandni Chowk, Numerous stalls
- India Gate



Mohabbat Ka Sharbat
Also known as "Drink of Love," this delightful concoction is made with milk, rose syrup, and chunks of watermelon. This sweet and aromatic beverage is a perfect blend of creamy milk and the refreshing taste of watermelon, with a hint of floral rose flavour. It’s often enjoyed during the summer months for its cooling properties.
Best Place To Try It:
- Jama Masjid Area
- India Gate
- Old Delhi Streets



Lassi
A traditional yogurt-based drink that can be sweet or salty. It is a creamy and refreshing beverage made by blending yogurt with water, sugar or salt, and various spices. Sweet lassi often includes added fruits or flavours like mango, rose, or saffron. This drink is thick, frothy, and perfect for cooling down on a hot day.
Best Place To Try It:
- Amritsari Lassi Wala, Connaught Place
- Giani's di Hatti, Chandni Chowk
- Haldiram’s: Multiple outlets across Delhi



Badam Milk
A rich and creamy drink made with milk, almonds (badam), saffron, and cardamom. It is a nutritious and flavourful beverage that is enjoyed hot or cold. The blend of almonds and saffron gives it a distinct taste and aroma, making it a favourite among those who enjoy indulgent drinks.
Best Place To Try It:
- Keventers: Multiple outlets across
- Kuremal Mohan Lal Kulfi Wale, Chawri Bazar
- Roshan Di Kulfi, Karol Bagh


Pudina Chhach
Also known as mint buttermilk, this refreshing and tangy drink is made from churned yogurt, water, salt, and fresh mint leaves. This cool beverage is flavoured with spices like cumin and black salt, providing a light and zesty taste. It’s a perfect drink to beat the heat and aid digestion.
Best Place To Try It:
- Haldiram’s: Multiple outlets across
- Street vendors in Karol Bagh
- Bikanervala: Multiple outlets across






