Hit then, hit now

Delhi is home to eateries that have been around from the pre-independence era. These food joints are still quite popular with Delhiites, with some of them considered a must visit by tourists. On the 66th Independence Day, we take a look at some such eateries that started even before India became independent and are still popular.

Delhi is home to eateries that have been around from the pre-independence era. These food joints are still quite popular with Delhiites, with some of them considered a must visit by tourists. On the 66th Independence Day, we take a look at some such eateries that started even before India became independent and are still popular.

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Paranthewali Gali
1872
One of the most popular lanes in the country, this gali in Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk has four or five parantha shops that came into existence in the 19th century and are still running. One of the oldest shops here is the Pandit Gaya Prasad Shiv Charan Paranthewala.

“The shop was started in 1872. At that time, we used to serve variations of stuffings of paranthas — alloo, gobhi, dal and matar, priced at 75paise each. Now, we serve around 25 varieties such as paneer, papad, rabri, khurchan, priced between Rs.35 to Rs.50 each,” says Rajeev Sharma, owner of the shop.
Where: Chandni Chowk

Ghantewala
1790
Ghantewala was established in the year 1790 in Chandni Chowk and is still counted among the most celebrated sweet shops in Delhi. It is being run by members of the same family. Currently, the seventh generation of the family runs the shop. The bestseller here is the sohan halwa, for which, patrons visit the shop from across the world.
Where: Chandni Chowk

Karim’s Hotel
1913
Started in the year 1913, Karim’s has been every non-vegetarian lover’s favourite haunt in the city. This eatery, which will be completing its 100 years of existence next year, is renowned for its delicious Mughlai food. The tandoori murgh and tandoor burra are the two items that have been constant since the time the restaurant opened up.
Where: 16, Matia Mahal road, Gali Kababian, Jama Masjid

United Coffee House
1942
United Coffee House still retains the old world charm. “Our signature dishes have been the same since our inception. It was started as a causal eatery in the 1940s and for the first 10 years, it was a place where people could sit and relax. In the 60s, we started serving Continental food. Cheese balls, keema samosa and tomato fish are some of the delicacies that we have been selling since the beginning,” says Akash Kalra, director, United Coffee House.
Where: 15 E, Connaught Place

Metropolis Hotel
1928
This budget hotel is also one of the most popular eating destinations in Paharganj, and is known for its rooftop restaurant. This eatery was started in the year 1928 and was known as Shri Nand Lal Sharma Dhaba. It was later built into this hotel.
Where: 1634, Main Bazaar, Paharganj

Also in the pre-1947 league
* Old Delhi Railway station — Opened in the year 1864 near Chandni Chowk. The red coloured building that stands today was opened in the year 1903.
* New Delhi Railway Station — 1926
* Connaught Place — 1933
* Regal Cinema — 1932
* Maidens Hotel — 1903