With Mughal-era recipes, old Delhi eateries still draw crowds

Even as the centuries-old Mughal era shop 'Ghantewala' downed its shutters recently in Chandni Chowk area here, other about as old eateries in the vicinity, continue to be favourites among tourists and locals alike.
Among them are names like Chaina Ram, Chaatwallah, Kanwarji Bhagirathmal, Dalbijiwallah and Dariba ki Jalebi that claim to sell 'mithais' with recipies dating back several decades to centuries, thus giving the Old Delhi market an unique identity.
Established in 1901, Chaina Ram has been serving a wide array of sweets that includes Sohan Halwa, Saeo Paak, Dhodha, Coconut Barfi, Kaju Barfi etc and are said to be early pioneers of the famous Karachi halwa being delivered on a pan-India basis.

The owner believes that a rise in prices has not affected the sales of the shop over the years and says quality, for them holds the key.
"Our sales have been consistent and we have transformed ourselves according to contemporary market condition. We have changed the packaging and also started 'Home Delivery' services for customers," says Pradeep Gidwani, one of the owners of Chaina Ram.
"For us quality is important and we have our regular customers inspite of the price hike," says Gidwani.

Started by Late Lala Kanwar Sen in the 18th century, Kanwarji's , as it is known today, is a household name selling namkeens and sweets prepared from desi ghee.

The USP of the place is 'DalBiji', an Indian snack that can be stored for months enabling tourists to take it abroad.
Among the other specialties 'Pista Lauj', 'Badaam Lauj' and 'Aloo ka Lachcha'.
The owner believes that the exclusivity of the products and the spices used to make them are special and is not available anywhere in the world
"Our products are exclusive and the spices are special. We have fixed customers who have been following the taste from several years and we make our products according to some norms which are not flouted.
Over the years the purity of ingredients have deteriorated but we make sure to test the ingredients before products are sold to the customers," says Gupta, son of Kanwarji's owner Rupnarayan Gupta.