This Old Delhi Kebab Has Locals Queuing Every Evening

New Delhi — Is it even a real Delhi evening without the sound of sizzling meat, the sharp hit of masala in the air, and a line of die-hard foodies waiting in anticipation? Ask any true local and they’ll tell you: a proper seekh kebab isn’t just food—it’s faith. Lately, one Old Delhi kebab stall has caught global attention, courtesy of Bon Appétit’s “Street Eats,” calling it Delhi’s holy grail of street food. And honestly? Locals say it’s about time someone recognized what Dilliwalas have known for decades.

The Kebab That Made It to Bon Appétit

In the maze-like streets behind Jama Masjid, there’s a small, no-frills counter that’s become Delhi legend—Bhaijaan’s Seekh Kebab. The vibes are unmistakable: smoky grills working overtime, a mix of Urdu and Punjabi being shouted as orders fly in, and skewers flipped with rhythm like it’s choreography. Recently, Bon Appétit’s YouTube series “Street Eats” zeroed in on this joint, dubbing it ‘Delhi’s holy grail of street food,’ and it’s easy to see why.

Unlike overhyped fusion joints, Bhaijaan’s keeps it old-school. Their kebab recipe hasn’t changed in over 40 years, and it’s still Rs 60 a plate. The meat is hand-ground daily, marinated in a spice mix that locals say includes black pepper, cinnamon, and green chili, and char-grilled on open flames until just crisp at the edges. Served with rumali roti, a squeeze of lime, and raw onion, it hits harder than any food delivery app combo. For many, it’s the ultimate comfort meal, the post-office-hour pick-me-up, or a nostalgic return to teenage gallivanting in the lanes of Chandni Chowk. Bon Appétit may have just caught on, but the queue outside has been long since the ’80s.

Why Dilliwallahs Swear by It

For locals, this ain’t just food—it’s ritual. Students from Jamia and DU college campuses often head there after evening lectures. Auto drivers from Jama Masjid Chowk say it’s the only meal that keeps them fuelled through the night shift. Even office clerks from Daryaganj squeeze in a quick bite and chai before heading home on the Violet Line.

“At 7 PM, you’ll see a line of people that wraps around the corner,” said a paanwala who sits just two shops away. “They don’t even mind waiting 30 minutes. This is asli Dilli food.” Residents report that weekends get so crowded it’s standing-only and it’s best to go with cash—the stall has no QR code, no Zomato tie-up, no frills. The smoke hits you before you even see the shop, and it’s not uncommon to overhear casual debates over whether this is truly Delhi’s best kebab (every neighborhood has their guy, after all). But foodies from Lajpat Nagar to Karol Bagh seem to agree: when in doubt, go Old Delhi.

From Galli to Global: How We Got Here

Delhi has always had a love affair with meat-on-skewers. From the Mughal courts to nehruvian-era university canteens, kebabs have been a unifier. In the past, big names like Karim’s, Al Jawahar, and Biryani Blues have made the headlines. But this latest spotlight on a modest, generations-old vendor speaks to a larger shift: recognition of grassroots street food culture.

Compare this with kebab scenes elsewhere—Mumbai leans on frankies, Lucknow boasts kakori, but Delhi’s strength lies in its unapologetically smoky seekhs. In the ’90s, this stall was popular mostly with local families out for evening walks near the Jama Masjid. But with social media food reels and now international attention, it’s become a pilgrimage stop for anyone chasing ‘the real Dilli bite.’ The fame is deserved, but locals warn: “Expect long lines, and bring patience.”

Planning Your Kebab Run? Do This First

Go after 6 PM for peak flavor; the grill gets seasoned as the evening rolls on, but expect longer queues too.
Bring exact change. This isn’t your Scan-&-Go joint—cash works best, and it speeds up your order.
Pair it with a chilled glass of Shikanji from the vendor just past Gate 3 of Jama Masjid. Locals swear it cuts through the richness.

📍 Spot Check: Nearest metro station is Jama Masjid on the Violet Line. The kebab stall is a 5-minute walk past Karim’s, tucked in a galli near Gate 1. Landmark? Follow the scent of grilled meat and you’ll know you’re close.

The Final Word

In a city bursting with options from butter chicken in Rajouri Garden to momo alleys in North Campus, it’s a humble kebab stall in Old Delhi that’s winning hearts across the globe. And that says something. Sure, the fame might bring more crowds and cameras, but locals hope it never loses that old charm—the smoke, the chatter, the elbow-to-elbow experience.