A major food festival in Delhi celebrating the culinary heritage of Old Delhi began on 16th Feb 2026 and runs until March 1. Festival highlight are iconic flavours of old Delhi like Nihari, Kebabs, and Daulat Ki Chaat, presenting a rotating menu of over 100 dishes best enjoyed in this late-winter weather.
Event Snapshot : Food Festival in Delhi
The 16th edition of the “Dilli 6: Ishq-e-Dilli” food festival is taking place in Delhi.
- Venue: Edesia, within Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla.
- Festival Dates: From February 16 to March 1, 2026.
- Timing: 7 PM to 11 PM
- Theme 2026 : Romance of timeless flavours
- Costs: approximately INR 2,899 + taxes per person.
- Highlights: Authentic, traditional street food from Old Delhi, including chaats.
- Recommendation: Do advance reservations if planning to visit.
Highlights of the 16th Food Festival in Delhi
The theme for the 16th edition of the festival (2026) is “Ishq-e-Dilli: A Sensory Journey of Memories & Flavours.”
This year’s theme focuses on the “romance of timeless flavours” and aims to evoke nostalgia through storytelling elements that highlight the bustling bazaars, spice markets, and traditional kitchens of Old Delhi.
- Narrative Focus: The festival is designed as an “emotional journey” and a “love letter” to the city’s gastronomic heritage, where every dish tells a story of love, culture, and history.
- Visual Recreations: The venue features thematic decor inspired by the vibrant lanes and iconic marketplaces (Bazaars) of Purani Dilli.
- Curated Experience: Beyond just a buffet, it incorporates “storytelling elements” to connect generations through age-old recipes passed down through families.
Menu Highlights
The festival features a vast spread of over 100 dishes inspired by the lanes of Chandni Chowk:
- Welcome Drinks: Traditional Dilli-6 style Bunta, Shikanjis, and the iconic Mohabbat Ka Sherbet.
- Street Food Carts: Live counters for Golgappas, Kalmi Vada, Aloo Tikkis, Fruit Kulia, and Dahi Gujhiya.
- Kebabs & Grills: Specialized options like Noorani Kebabs, Reshami Kebabs, Bhutta Seekh Kebabs, and Murgh Malai Tikkas.
- Main Course: Signature Mughlai preparations including Jahangiri Mutton Quorma, Nihari, Murgh Begum Bahar, and various Biryanis served with Sheermal.
- Desserts: Traditional sweets such as Daulat Ki Chaat, Karachi Halwa, Habshi Halwa, and live Jalebis.
- Unique Features: A recreated Paranthe Wali Gali and thematic decor reflecting the “Bazaars” of Old Delhi.
Participating Khansamas & Culinary Partners
The hotel’s culinary team, led by their Executive Chef, collaborates with legendary “khansamas” (traditional cooks) and street food vendors including:
- Sanjay Kumar: Famous for the iconic Daulat Ki Chaat.
- Paranthe Wali Gali Masters: Traditional cooks roped in to recreate the deep-fried, stuffed paranthas of the legendary Chandni Chowk lane.
- Street Hawkers: Live counters are managed by actual street vendors for authentic Bunta, Chuski, and Ram Ladoo.
- Specialist Partners: The event often features iconic recipes sourced through culinary hunts from hubs like Aslam’s Chicken (Jama Masjid) and Lotan Ke Chole Kulche.
Ticket Prices & Booking
While official 2026 pricing is typically confirmed at the venue or via reservation, current estimates for this premium buffet are as follows:
- Estimated Price: Approximately INR 1599 to INR 2,999 + taxes per person
- Timing: Dinner service from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
- Reservations: Highly recommended. You can contact the hotel at +91 11 4646 2000.
- Discounts: Platforms like Zomato and Swiggy often offer 25%–30% off on total bills or buffet prices for pre-bookings.
Parking & Venue Logistics Facilities:
- On-site Parking: The hotel provides ample on-site parking for guests.
- Valet Service: Complimentary valet parking is available at the main entrance for all dining guests.
- Accessibility: There is dedicated wheelchair-accessible parking and elevator access to the restaurant level.
- Nearby Options: If the main lot is full during peak hours, there are covered parking spaces available at the nearby Community Center.
History of the “Dilli 6: Ishq-e-Dilli” Food Festival in Delhi
The festival, which began 16 years ago to celebrate Old Delhi’s culinary heritage in a hygienic setting, runs nightly. The first edition of the Dilli 6: Ishq-e-Dilli food festival in Delhi was held in 2011.
Since its inception, the festival has become a signature annual event hosted by the Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla, typically taking place in February or March.
Key Details of the Festival:
- Organizer: Crowne Plaza Today New Delhi Okhla.
- Venue: Usually held at Edesia, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant.
- Concept: It aims to recreate the culinary heritage and bustling atmosphere of Old Delhi (PIN code 110006) using authentic recipes and Delhi street food “khansamas” (traditional cooks) from the area.
- Themes: Each edition often features a specific theme, such as “Bazaar-E-Purani” (2023), “Noor-e-Khawateen” (2022), and “Dahleej-e-Dilli” (2025).
- Signature Dishes: The festival is known for serving iconic items like Mutton Nihari, Chicken Changezi, Daulat Ki Chaat, and various types of paranthas.
If you love Old Delhi cultural heritage and street food, you must experience Old Delhi’s rich heritage and diverse flavors at Dilli 6 Food Fest at Crowne Plaza New Delhi Okhla’s Edesia. Indulge in authentic dishes and cocktails amidst an ambiance that transports you back in time.
Be First to Comment