The Best Kebabs in all of Delhi, Ranked
A comprehensive guide to eating Kebabs in Delhi
When I first arrived in Delhi, I almost immediately became obsessed with the kebab - minced meat that is typically roasted over a skewer, but in other cases, can be shallow-fried or cooked in a tandoor as well. They caught my attention as I found out that the flavour profiles of Mughlai fare suit my tongue, and kebabs are typically cheaper and lighter than other Mughlai dishes. For someone who was new to Delhi, and wanted to try as many dishes and food spots as possible, the kebab soon became a go-to order on my trips to Old Delhi. Here is the results of my extensive research of trying as many kebab spots as I could in approximately 20 months of living in Delhi.
Long-form reviews that I have written on these places have been linked in the text for your reference.
General disclaimer - While this is quite the comprehensive thread of Kebabs in Delhi, there are a lot of places that I haven't tried, some popular (Al Jawahar), other less known (the various Afghani spots in Delhi). Do let me know if I've missed one of your favourite spots!
1. Galawati Kebabs at Lucknowi Galawati, Okhla
The spicy, melt-in-mouth galawati kebabs they serve are stupendously good, they're easily the most underrated kebabs in the city. Have it with their Ulte Tawe ke Paranthe and some Thums Up on the side are you're golden.
Rating : 9.75 / 10
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/VEVnHYaA1Vv9HrXk9
2. Seekh Kebabs at Sangam Kebab Corner, Lal Kuan
This is one of the best-kept secrets of Old Delhi. It was known as Moinuddin Kebab for years, operated by Ustad Moinuddin, till his demise. Now, his descendants run it, serving juicy, succulent, Seekh Kebabs at night.
Rating : 9.5 / 10
Location: Shop No. 1612, Gali Qasim Khan, Ballimaran Rd, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
3. Sutli Kebabs at Kaley Baba Kabab Waley, Chitli Qabr
Another underrated Old Delhi spot, do have their unique Sutli Kebabs, where chunks of tender meat are wrapped in string, to ensure they don't fall apart. Their Bheja and Tikkas are wonderful too.
Rating : 9.5 / 10
Location: 789, Sui Walan, Chitli Qabar, Daryaganj, Chandni Mahal, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi 110006
4. Kakori Kebabs at Al Kauser, RKP
These simple, intensely aromatic, feathery soft Kakori Kebabs are amazing, to the point where this is the one spot I make sure to visit whenever a friend is in town.
Rating : 9.5 / 10
5. Galawati Kebabs at Al Kuresh, Chanakyapuri
Al Kuresh's Galawati Kebabs have a darker flavour than the more lively spices of Lucknowi Galawati or Al Kauser, but they're still incredibly meaty and soft. Worth the trek here.
Rating : 9.5 / 10
6. Shami Kebabs at Bhaijaan, Old Delhi
This shop only serves one item - Chicken Shami Kebabs, and they do it perfectly. Their stringy, inexpensive shami should be on the list of every person visiting Old Delhi.
Rating : 9 / 10
Location: 2202, Wali Baig St, Pahari Bhojla, Sheesh Mahal, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
7. Shami Kebabs at Ghalib Kebab Corner, Nizamuddin
The first "well-known" spot on this list, Ghalib's Shami Kebabs are incredibly good. They're very well spiced, they're very meaty, and they're probably the only spot on this list that warrants the hype they get from influencers.
Rating : 9 / 10
Location: Opposite Markazi Masjid, Nizammudin West Slum, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi, Delhi 110013
8. Seekh Kebabs at Talib Kabab, Okhla
This spot in Okhla serves incredibly juicy, tender Seekh Kebabs, with a wonderfully spicy chutney that you must try. Their tikkas are incredibly tender and are worth checking out as well.
Rating : 9 / 10
Location: 143, Zakir Nagar Main Rd, Jogabai Extension, Zakir Nagar, Okhla, New Delhi, Delhi 110025
9. Galawati Kebabs at Al Kauser, RKP
Al Kauser features on this list for the second time. Their Galawatis aren't as good as their Kakoris, but they're still really, really good and worth having.
Rating : 9 / 10
10. Kakori Kebabs at Aap Ki Khatir, Hauz Khas
Aap Ki Khatir's Kakori Kebabs are really close to the ones that Al Kauser serves in terms of quality. They're just as soft and smokey, and the quality of Mutton used is pretty good across the board. I think Al Kauser’s blend of masalas is superior - more vibrant and aromatic, but Aap Ki Khatir is still amazing, a close second that I absolutely recommend to everyone.
Rating : 9 / 10
11. Kakori Kebabs at Al Kuresh, Chanakyapuri
Al Kuresh's Kakori Kebabs are slightly inferior to their Galawati Kebabs. I find the crispy exterior that is imparted on the Galawati by virtue of frying it doesn’t exist here, and the texture to be slightly inferior. But they're still incredibly tasty, with the soft texture and scrumdiddlyumptious masalas carrying over from the Galawati.
Rating : 8.75 / 10
12. Chopaan Kebabs at Mazaar
Granted that I have not sampled Afghani kebabs as much as I should have during my stay in Delhi, and hence, they are under-represented on this list, but Mazaar's Chopaan Kebabs are the ultimate meat-lover's dream. These huge chunks of succulent, roasted mutton are extremely juicy and tender. Very lightly spiced, allows the flavours of the GOAT to shine. Expensive. But wonderful.
Rating : 8.75 / 10
13. Seekh Kebabs at Ghalib Kebab Corner, Nizamuddin
Ghalib's Seekh Kebabs do not carry the same charm as their Shami Kebabs do, and they're slightly smaller in size as well, but they're still incredibly juicy, meaty and well-spiced.
Rating : 8.75 / 10
Location: Opposite Markazi Masjid, Nizammudin West Slum, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi, Delhi 110013
14. Galawati Kebabs at Rajinder Da Dhaba in Safdarjung
Rajinder's Galawatis are different from the usual kebabs you find in Delhi - they use Punjabi masalas more, spices such as black pepper are more prominent.
Rating : 8.75 / 10
Location: AB-14B, Nauroji Nagar Marg, opposite Safdarjung Enclave, New Delhi, Delhi 110029
15. Kalmi Kebabs at Al Nawaz in Okhla
Chicken Legs are marinated and cooked in a tandoor, then served on a hot tray akin to a sizzler. Rather unique.
Rating : 8.75 / 10
16. Butter Seekh Kebabs at Bismillah in Matia Mahal
Butter seekh kebabs have risen in popularity in Old Delhi in the past few years. My favourite place to have them at is Bismillah in Matia Mahal. Their kebabs are very juicy, and are spicy enough that they don't get drowned out by the butter. Incredible.
Rating : 8.25 / 10
Location: 1127, Bazar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
17. Seekh Kebabs at Babu Bhai in Chitli Qabar
Babu Bhai in Chitli Qabar is a literal hole-in-the-wall place that serves meaty Seekh Kebabs. They're a league below the ones mentioned above, but still, quite good.
Rating : 8.25 / 10
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/fxaDPVMBY5ZUCG3cA
18. Seekh Kebabs at MI Food Center in Lodhi Colony
MI Foods' Mutton Seekh Kebabs are quite tasty. If you visit the place, I'd recommend you try out their Mutton Nihari and Changezi Chicken as well.
Rating : 8 / 10
Location: 43, Lodhi Road, Meharchand Market, Lodhi Colony, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
19. Shami Kebabs at Wenger’s in Connaught Place
Wenger's Shami Kebabs are on the pricier side, so I can't say they're worth your buck, but they're quite decent, though a bit on the drier side.
Rating : 7.5 / 10
Location: Shop No: A/16 Near, Road, Rajiv Chowk, Block A, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
20. Seekh Kebabs at Al Nisar in Urdu Bazaar
Al Nisar serves decent Seekh Kebabs. You can go here if you don't want to make the trip to the gullies deep inside Chitli Qabar where the better kebab spots are located. Its an upgrade over Qureshi, and not that expensive either.
Rating : 7 / 10
Location: 4075, Urdu Bazar Rd, Urdu bazar, Meena Bazaar, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, Delhi, 110006
21. Seekh Kebabs at Lalu Kebabi in Urdu Bazaar
In the same range of quality as Al Nisar. Nothing mindblowing, but slightly costlier.
Rating : 7 / 10
Location: Urdu Bazar Rd, Jama Masjid, Old Delhi, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006
22. Pasinda and Galawati at Zaika-e-Awadh in Okhla
This Awadhi eatery brings the flavours of East UP to Delhi, though, I find their fare frankly quite average, as the quality of the meat feels sub-par, and the blend of masalas is not exactly the most enjoyable.
Rating : 7 / 10
Location: Shop no B-16 C-84 , Lower Ground Floor , Tikona Park, New Delhi, Delhi 110025
23. Kakori Kebabs at Qureshi in Khan Market
Not to be confused with the Qureshi of Jama Masjid. Their Kakori Kebabs are quite unique. They use a lot of yellow chilli in the masala blend, which gives it a rather pungent taste that I'm not much of a fan of, but others may enjoy.
Rating : 6 / 10
24. Shami and Seekh Kebabs at Changezi Chicken in Daryaganj
I like Changezi's gravy dishes a lot (their Afghani, Changezi, Kali Mirch are great), but their kebabs and grilled items are just bad. Dry, unappetizing, chewy, not worth it.
Rating : 5 / 10
Location: 3614, Netaji Subhash Marg, Kucha Alam, Khabas Pura, Daryaganj, New Delhi, Delhi, 110002
25. Seekh Kebabs at Qureshi Kabab Corner in Urdu Bazaar
This is easily the most overhyped spot for kebabs on Instagram and its honestly quite mid. The kebabs are very thin, they're priced too high, and the spices don't penetrate the butter. Don't go here, and don't listen to Insta influencers. You might enjoy them if its your first time having kebabs, but there are just so many better places to eat at in the area.
Rating : 5 / 10
Location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/iYBmHmqMkyo1hjBF7
26. Kakori Kebabs at Azam’s Mughlai in Khan Market
Below-average offerings. Their Kakori kebabs are not as soft as a kakori kebab is supposed to be, and the blend of masalas is just OK, nothing worth going out of your way to try.
Rating : 5 / 10
Location: 1-B, Middle Lane, Khan Market, Rabindra Nagar, New Delhi, Delhi 110003
27. Sab Ke Khatir at Nizamuddin
This is where you bridge the gap between average to bad. They do have some interesting takes on kebab, such as the Ghilafi Kebab where they add capsicum pieces in the meat, but overall, the taste is just okay.
Rating : 3 / 10
Location: T-395/2D, Dildar Nagar, Nizamuddin West, New Delhi, Delhi 110013
28. Mutton Kebabs at Karim in Matia Mahal
I didn't like Karim on the only occasion I went there. It's a tourist trap for all I’m concerned. The meat doesn't hold well together, its not very tender, and I didn't enjoy the masalas. Easily the worst kebabs I've had in the city.
Rating : 2 / 10
Location: 955, Shyam Lal Rd, Bazar Matia Mahal, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, Delhi, 110006