Sanjay Colony Slum & Old delhi Street Food Tasting tour

Traveling to Delhi offers a chance to see one of India’s most dynamic cities. While many focus on the iconic monuments, this tour promises a closer look at two very different sides of the city — from a vibrant community in Sanjay Colony to the bustling streets of Old Delhi’s spice markets and food hubs. We haven’t experienced it ourselves, but based on detailed reviews, this tour seems to balance authentic local life with flavorful culinary adventures.

What we love about this experience? First, the chance to meet residents and see daily life in Sanjay Colony, a neighborhood often overlooked by travelers. Second, the food tasting in Old Delhi — from spicy chole bhature to cooling lassi, it’s a feast for the senses. Third, the guide known for personalized attention, with reviewers praising Vijay’s deep local knowledge and genuine friendliness. A potential caveat? The tour’s mix of communities and markets involves quite a bit of walking and crowds, so it’s best suited for active travelers comfortable with busy streets. This tour is an excellent pick for curious travelers who want an authentic, multifaceted view of Delhi beyond the usual highlights.

Good To Know

• Authentic Experience: The tour offers a real glimpse into local life in Sanjay Colony and the lively streets of Old Delhi.
• Delicious Food Sampling: You’ll enjoy traditional street foods like chole bhature, jalebis, and more from trusted vendors.
• Cultural Insight: Meeting residents, visiting temples and mosques, and exploring spice markets enhances understanding of Delhi’s communities.
• Expert Guides: Reviewers praise guides like Vijay for their deep knowledge, friendliness, and ability to tailor the experience.
• Value for Money: At around $68, the tour combines culture, culinary delights, and sightseeing, making it a worthwhile investment.
• Group Size: Limited to 15 travelers, ensuring a more personal and engaging experience.

A Close Look at the Itinerary

Sanjay Colony: A Community of Resilience

Starting at Harkesh Nagar Okhla Metro Station, your guide leads you into Sanjay Colony, a neighborhood spread across 25 acres near the Lotus and ISKCON Temples. This community showcases the everyday life of hardworking families and small industries.
Expect to see garment recycling units, stitch workshops, and local businesses that sustain the neighborhood. Reviewers mention the “unique” nature of this part, with some noting it’s “not often featured on typical Delhi tours.” It’s a chance to witness the resilience and spirit of Delhi’s less touristy side.

Your guide may point out the temple and mosque visits, offering insights into the spiritual fabric of the community. One reviewer appreciated that no photography is allowed inside the slum, respecting privacy but still offering a candid look at life here. The 2-hour walk doesn’t just highlight sights but provides stories from residents, making it an enriching experience.

Transition to Old Delhi: Rapid Metro Ride

From Sanjay Colony, the tour transitions into Old Delhi via Delhi Metro, giving a practical glimpse of local transportation habits. The metro ride itself is part of the experience, highlighting the efficiency and accessibility of Delhi’s transit system.

Old Delhi: The Streets of Food and Spice

The bustling streets of Chandni Chowk are next, known for their narrow lanes, vibrant markets, and some of the best street food in the city. You’ll taste iconic items like aloo chaat, dahi bhalla, parathas, and sweet treats like jalebis. The atmosphere is lively, with vendors calling out, carts sizzling, and the aroma of spices filling the air.

One reviewer described the experience as “amazing,” with the guide, VJ, being praised for his “knowledge and expertise.” His recommendations make sure you try a variety of foods, and many guests find themselves happily trying new flavors they’d never considered before.

Khari Baoli: Asia’s Largest Spice Market

Next, you’ll explore Khari Baoli, a sensory overload of colors, fragrances, and textures. The market is packed with stalls selling spices, dried herbs, teas, and dried fruits. Walking through this lane, you get a real sense of India’s culinary backbone, with the aroma of cumin, turmeric, and cardamom permeating the air.
Reviewers mention how visiting Khari Baoli feels like stepping into a “living spice encyclopedia,” and it’s a highlight for foodies and culture lovers alike.

Rickshaw Ride Through Chandni Chowk

The tour includes a rickshaw ride through Chandni Chowk’s narrow, bustling streets. This quick but immersive experience offers a different perspective, allowing you to see the vibrant chaos up close while avoiding the crowded sidewalks. Reviewers often find this part both fun and authentic, capturing the essence of Old Delhi’s lively street life.

Practical Details and What to Expect

Duration and Pace

The 6-hour tour is well-paced, balancing sight visits with plenty of tasting opportunities. The Sanjay Colony walk lasts about 2 hours, with ample opportunities to interact and ask questions. The Old Delhi segment takes around 3 hours, including the spice market and rickshaw ride.

Transportation

The tour begins at Harkesh Nagar Okhla Metro Station, where the group assembles. After the initial community visit, your guide takes you via Delhi Metro, making transportation a seamless part of the experience. The metro ride adds to the authenticity, showcasing Delhi’s efficient urban transit.

Group Size and Price

Limited to 15 travelers, the group size ensures a friendly environment without feeling crowded. At $67.94 per person, the experience offers tremendous value considering the depth of culture, food tasting, and guided insights.

Accessibility and Considerations

The tour involves a fair amount of walking and navigating busy streets. It’s best suited for travelers comfortable with crowds and active exploration. As some parts are in narrow alleyways, good footwear is recommended. The tour is suitable for most travelers, with most activities being accessible, but those with mobility issues might find some areas challenging.

Guides and Reviews

Vijay, the guide praised in reviews, is known for his deep local knowledge, friendly demeanor, and willingness to customize the experience to traveler interests. Many reviewers appreciated his storytelling and connections within the community, making the tour more than just a sightseeing walk.

What Reviewers Say

The positive reviews highlight the authenticity and depth of the experience. Commenters mention how the tour “included places that don’t tend to feature on many ‘Highlights of Delhi’ tours,” providing a more genuine view of local life. Others appreciated the “knowledge and expertise” of the guides, with some booking additional tours afterward to explore further.

One reviewer described Vijay as “the BEST,” noting his tailored approach and extensive connections across Delhi and beyond. Many find the food tasting at Chandni Chowk to be a “delicious highlight,” with diverse flavors and vibrant street scenes.

Final Thoughts: Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, immersive experience of Delhi beyond the typical tourist spots. It suits those curious about local communities, street foodies, and culture buffs eager to see real-life neighborhoods and markets. The combination of community insights and culinary adventures makes it a well-rounded choice for anyone who appreciates depth and connection.

While the tour involves a fair amount of walking and navigating crowded streets, the small group size and expert guidance help make it manageable and enjoyable. It’s especially great for those who want to understand Delhi’s resilience, diversity, and spirit firsthand.

In short, if you’re after a meaningful, delicious, and insightful exploration of Delhi, this tour checks all the boxes.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but because it involves walking and navigating busy streets, it’s better for those comfortable with active exploration and crowds.

How long does the entire tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, starting from the Sanjay Colony walk to the street food and spice market experiences in Old Delhi.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the guide takes you by Delhi Metro between Sanjay Colony and Old Delhi, providing a practical and authentic transit experience.

Are there any restrictions on photography?
Yes, photography inside Sanjay Colony Slum is not allowed, respecting residents’ privacy.

What foods will I taste?
Expect a range of street foods like chole bhature, dahi bhalla, aloo chaat, parathas, jalebis, and chicken kebabs near Jama Masjid.

Can I customize the experience?
While the guide is praised for tailoring the tour, the main structure is fixed, focusing on community, markets, and food.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as the tour involves a lot of walking and exploring narrow lanes.

What is the cost, and is it worth it?
At $67.94, the tour delivers excellent value given the depth of cultural insights, authentic experiences, and delicious food sampling included.

Final Words

This Sanjay Colony and Old Delhi street food tour offers a rare glimpse into Delhi’s diverse worlds. You’ll walk away with a better understanding of community resilience, taste incredible local dishes, and experience vibrant markets that few travelers see. Guided by knowledgeable and friendly locals like Vijay, it’s a meaningful way to deepen your Delhi visit beyond the usual sightseeing.

Ideal for the curious, foodies, and anyone eager to see the real Delhi, this tour combines authenticity, flavor, and storytelling into a memorable half-day adventure. Pack your walking shoes and an open mind — Delhi’s vibrant heartbeat awaits.