In a city where every street has a story and every corner serves a flavor, Old Delhis culinary charm is getting a vibrant new destination. Foodies and tourists will soon be able to indulge in the rich, authentic street food of Shahjahanabad at the upcoming Khao Gali (Food Street)— a night market planned near the historic Salimgarh Fort, just a stones throw away from Red Fort and Jama Masjid. This unique food street, spearheaded by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), aims to blend gastronomy with heritage, giving tourists a delicious reason to stay longer after exploring the old citys architectural marvels. Planned as a nightly affair, Khao Gali will operate from 6 pm to 10 pm and offer vibrant food trucks and vans, no permanent structures, dishing out beloved street eats in a lively, open-air atmosphere. Positioned near the centuries-old Salimgarh Fort, built in 1546 AD by Salim Shah Suri, the food court will find itself nestled among Delhis most iconic heritage sites, including the Red Fort, Jama Masjid, old Hanuman Mandir, and the 150-year-old Lohe ka pul (Iron Bridge). This initiative is about bringing together culture, cuisine, and commerce, an MCD official explained. By setting up a food street with mobile food vans in a heritage zone, we are looking to create an experience that celebrates Delhis living history while supporting local entrepreneurs. According to officials, up to 30 food trucks or vans will be allowed each evening, with each applicant permitted a maximum of seven mobile units — each offering a different menu. The vehicles are expected to adhere to a color scheme of red, blue, or yellow, with a recommended size of approximately 7x5 feet, keeping the aesthetics lively yet uniform. What sets this initiative apart is its temporary and flexible model. Rather than building fixed stalls, the MCD has chosen to invite mobile food vendors, ensuring minimal environmental impact and operational agility. Vendors will roll in their food trucks during designated hours and vacate the premises afterward, keeping the space open and versatile. While the original plan was to involve local street vendors with Certificates of Vending (CoV), the response was underwhelming due to concerns over the temporary nature of the setup. In response, the civic body widened its net and has now included mobile food truck owners as eligible applicants to boost participation. A total of 50 vending spaces will be available, and if there are more eligible applicants than slots, the MCD plans to rotate vendors daily, giving more entrepreneurs an opportunity to be part of the venture. To elevate the experience, vendors will be allowed to place tables and chairs for customers, transforming the area into a social food court. The MCD also plans to provide critical infrastructure to support this venture — including adequate lighting, beautification of the surroundings, and essential amenities like public toilets, waste bins, and proper garbage disposal systems. This isnt just about food, its about reviving the old charm of Chandni Chowk with a modern twist, said an official involved in the project. We envision this as a place where history and hospitality meet — where a tourist can finish a tour of Red Fort, walk down to Salimgarh, and enjoy fresh kebabs, biryani, or kachoris under the evening lights. The project will be rolled out in phases, with the first signs of the bustling Khao Gali expected by July, depending on how quickly the final screening and selection process of vendors is completed. As Old Delhi continues to charm with its centuries-old heritage and timeless taste, this new initiative is poised to become a gastronomic gateway, one where every bite carries a legacy, and every visit becomes a memory.    

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