Karim's

The nearest metro stations are Jama Masjid and Chawri Bazar. From either, the last few minutes are on foot through market lanes. The original restaurant is a group of simple dining rooms around a small courtyard, noisy at meal times and quick to serve.

Haji Karimuddin founded the business as Karim Hotel. His family had cooked at the court of Bahadur Shah Zafar, the last Mughal emperor, and he opened a small eatery to bring royal-style food to ordinary customers. The first menu had two dishes, alu gosht (mutton with potato) and dal, served with rumali roti.

The menu is much longer now. Mutton is what most regulars order: nihari, korma, karahi gosht, seekh kebabs and keema. There are also biryani, chicken curries, breads and a small vegetarian list. A filling meal for two costs far less than a hotel restaurant.

The fourth generation of the family now runs Karim's, and there are many branches across Delhi NCR and beyond. The one by Jama Masjid is the one to visit.

According to Delhi Tourism, Karim's opens every day from 09:00 to 00:30. There is no need to book; tables turn over quickly. You can also order takeaway, and the phone number is +91 11 2326 4981.

Pair a meal with a visit to Jama Masjid. Friday midday prayers bring the heaviest crowds to the surrounding lanes, so a weekday lunch or an evening meal after sunset is the more comfortable choice.

Karimuddin's father, Mohammed Aziz, was also a court cook. Aivaz Asif runs the company today as Karim Hotels Pvt. Ltd., which has grown to more than 50 outlets in India and the United Arab Emirates, the first of them opened in Nizamuddin West in the 1990s. Save room for dessert: kheer benazir, shahi tukda and gajar ka halwa are on the menu, and baqarkhani joins the breads.

Sources: Wikipedia, Karim's. Facts checked November 2026.