Bringing Old Delhi to Your Table: 4 Iconic Dishes for a Memorable Iftar
Ankita Rai | Mon, 10 Mar 2025
Make your Iftar party unforgettable with these 5 must-try delicacies from Purani Dilli! From the rich, slow-cooked Nihari to the refreshing Sharbat-e-Mohabbat, these legendary dishes bring the authentic flavors of Old Delhi straight to your table. Elevate your Ramadan feast with these time-honored favorites and create cherished memories over food, love, and togetherness.
( Image credit : Pexels )
Photo:
Ramzan has arrived with a sense of spirituality, affection, and proximity. When sunset comes, kinship and relationships converge for the occasion of Iftar, or the breaking-fast meal. Eating isn't half of it, it's eating and celebrating the bond of love, sharing it with others and cherishing what stays with us for a lifetime. What greater way to treat your Iftar celebration like icing on the cake than by inserting essence directly from the heartland of Purani Dilli? Famous for its rich Mughlai heritage and mythical street food, Old Delhi has a treasure trove of dishes that are just right for your feast.
1.
No Iftar spread inspired by Purani Dilli is complete without Nihari, the mouth-melting slow-cooked stew. This dish, which was once a royal Mughal breakfast, is now a favorite of foodies who love deep, aromatic flavors. Prepared with loving meat and a mix of comforting spices, Nihari goes superbly with Khameeri Roti, which is a soft, slightly sour bread that absorbs every bit of rich gravy. Serve this at your Iftar, and the talk of the town for months to come shall be yours.
Iftar is incomplete without samosas, but instead of the usual potato filling, why not take it up a notch with Keema Samosas? These crispy golden triangles, packed with spicy minced meat, are a Ramadan favorite in Old Delhi’s bustling lanes. Each bite is a burst of flavors, perfectly crunchy on the outside and juicy inside. Pair them with tangy mint chutney, and watch as they disappear from the table within minutes!
Nothing quenches the soul after a day of fasting like Sharbat-e-Mohabbat, an Old Delhi favorite that's as dreamy to drink as it sounds. Think chilled milk with Rooh Afza, rose syrup, and watermelon chunks added to it—sweet, cooling, and absolutely divine! This wonderful pink sharbat is a Ramadan staple, providing an immediate cooling sensation and a hint of nostalgia. Serve it in tall glasses filled with ice, and have your guests sip on tradition and love.
4.
No meal is complete without a dessert, and what is more "Old Delhi" than a bowl of smooth Phirni? While regular rice pudding is made with cooked rice, Phirni is slow-cooked with ground rice, saffron, and cardamom, and served cold in clay pots. The outcome? A rich, fragrant, and silky-smooth dessert. Garnished with crushed pistachios and rose petals, Phirni is the ideal way to round off your Iftar on a sweet note.
Iftar is not just a meal—it's a moment of warmth, appreciation, and reunion. By including these Purani Dilli dishes in your celebration, you introduce centuries of heritage and true flavor to your gathering. Whether it's the homely Nihari, the crunchy Keema Samosas, or the soothing Sharbat-e-Mohabbat, every dish is a testament to tradition and love. So, get your family and friends together, lay the table with these symbolic treats, and let Ramadan magic make each bite even more extraordinary.
1. Nihari – The King of Slow-Cooked Goodness
Nihari
( Image credit : Pexels )
No Iftar spread inspired by Purani Dilli is complete without Nihari, the mouth-melting slow-cooked stew. This dish, which was once a royal Mughal breakfast, is now a favorite of foodies who love deep, aromatic flavors. Prepared with loving meat and a mix of comforting spices, Nihari goes superbly with Khameeri Roti, which is a soft, slightly sour bread that absorbs every bit of rich gravy. Serve this at your Iftar, and the talk of the town for months to come shall be yours.
2. Keema Samosa – The Crispy, Meaty Delight
Keema Samosa
( Image credit : Freepik )
Iftar is incomplete without samosas, but instead of the usual potato filling, why not take it up a notch with Keema Samosas? These crispy golden triangles, packed with spicy minced meat, are a Ramadan favorite in Old Delhi’s bustling lanes. Each bite is a burst of flavors, perfectly crunchy on the outside and juicy inside. Pair them with tangy mint chutney, and watch as they disappear from the table within minutes!
3. Sharbat-e-Mohabbat – The coolest drink for a warm night
Sharbat e Mohabbat
( Image credit : Freepik )
Nothing quenches the soul after a day of fasting like Sharbat-e-Mohabbat, an Old Delhi favorite that's as dreamy to drink as it sounds. Think chilled milk with Rooh Afza, rose syrup, and watermelon chunks added to it—sweet, cooling, and absolutely divine! This wonderful pink sharbat is a Ramadan staple, providing an immediate cooling sensation and a hint of nostalgia. Serve it in tall glasses filled with ice, and have your guests sip on tradition and love.
4. Phirni – The Sweet Finale to Your Feast
Phirni
( Image credit : Freepik )
No meal is complete without a dessert, and what is more "Old Delhi" than a bowl of smooth Phirni? While regular rice pudding is made with cooked rice, Phirni is slow-cooked with ground rice, saffron, and cardamom, and served cold in clay pots. The outcome? A rich, fragrant, and silky-smooth dessert. Garnished with crushed pistachios and rose petals, Phirni is the ideal way to round off your Iftar on a sweet note.
Bringing the Spirit of Purani Dilli to Your Iftar
Iftar is not just a meal—it's a moment of warmth, appreciation, and reunion. By including these Purani Dilli dishes in your celebration, you introduce centuries of heritage and true flavor to your gathering. Whether it's the homely Nihari, the crunchy Keema Samosas, or the soothing Sharbat-e-Mohabbat, every dish is a testament to tradition and love. So, get your family and friends together, lay the table with these symbolic treats, and let Ramadan magic make each bite even more extraordinary.
