The Origin Of Jalebi
To our surprise, jalebi does not have an Indian origin and neither does its name. Tough to believe, right? Anyway, the word ‘Jalebi’ is derived from an Arabic word ‘Zulabiya’. Jalebi was brought to India during the Medieval period, the times when Persian invaders were involved in the Muslim trade in India. Indian food has been influenced by Turkish, Persian, Arabic and Central Asian cuisines and our favourite jalebi is also a part of these influences. Jalebi was mentioned for the very first time back in 1450 AD as a part of a Jain work which was called Jinasura. It was later cited in various culinary books as well.
The Journey Of Jalebi
In 1943, an indologist named P.K. Gode’s book showed indicated that the jalebi was around 500 years old at the time. According to an article published by the late Dileep Padgaonkar in The Times Of India, in India, the jalebi is known by different names in different cities - jilbi, jilipi, jilapi, zelapi, jilapir pak, imarti, jhangiri and so forth. The preparation also varies from state to state. While, some people prepare it with urad dal and rice flour, some use besan and wheat flour, there are some who even include baking powder.
Ever since, jalebi has become an integral part of Indian deserts and is now being sold at every tiny sweet shop, particularly in North India, Delhi being the most famous of ‘em all.
Best Places To Try Jalebi Around Delhi
Now that we know how jalebi reached our city, here’s a list of five places that serve the best jalebi in Delhi. You can thank us, later.
1. Jalebi Wala
If there’s one place every Delhiite swears by for jalebi, it has to be Jalebi Wala. In between the hustle bustle on the narrow lanes of Dariba Kalan, there’s a tiny shop in the corner that sells one of the best jalebis in the city. Their paneer jalebi is to die for.
Location - Shop No.1795, Dariba Corner, Dariba Kalan, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
2. Bangla Sweet House
Bangla Sweet House is one of Delhi’s oldest sweet shops located at the heart of the city in Gole Market, close to Connaught Place. If you love jalebi with rabri, this is the place you need to be at. After all, who doesn’t love hot-piping jalebis straight outta a kadhai.
Location - 115-117, Bangla Sahib Marg, Gole Market, New Delhi
3. Shiv Mishthan Bhandar
Shiv Mishthan Bhandar serves a variety of food, including proper meals. The one food item that stands out on their menu is the amazing jalebi you get to eat here. If you are planning a lunch at one of Delhi’s oldest restaurants, visit Shiv Mishthan Bhandar and end your meal with a plate of jalebi.
Location - 375, Kucha Ghasi Ram,Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi