Old Delhi Sweet Dreams: Old Famous Jalebi Wala
Founded in 1884 by Nem Chand Jain, the Old Famous Jalebi Wala continues to be run by the Jain Family who hold their Jalebi secrets close to their chest.
Does the Old Famous Jalebi Wala make the biggest and fattest jalebi in the city? I reckon so. One giant swirl of fresh, warm Jalebi, weighs in at about 100 grams. It will set you back 50 INR. It’s the minimum order.
Okay. It’s more expensive than your normal run of the mill jalebi, but taste and quality like this doesn’t come on the cheap.
Given the jalebis size there’s enough here for a good feed (and that’s without a hearty dollop of rabri (boiled milk, cream, pistachio and cardamon) on the side for an additional 25 INR).
But this big, fat, full some jalebi is so tasty you’ll want to go back for more. And you will.
It’s crystallised sugar coating gives it a good crunch to begin with. Once the barrier to the outside world is broken, a luke warm reservoir of syrupy spiced sugar flows out and then it’s time to chew. Tastes and texture, combined to perfection.
It’s no surprise then that there’s always a gaggle of people hanging around waiting for the warm jalebi to be weighed and served up – just as another batch is fried in pure desi ghee or immersed in spice sugar syrup solution to suck up the goodness.
The Old Famous Jalebi Wala cares about its product and wants its customers to leave smiling. Fresh and warm to those that want to eat at the stall. There’s no cold jalebi left lying around without a good reason.
For those that want to take away, there’s rules to be followed to make sure the jalebi reaches the mouths of loved ones in tip top condition.
A simple black and white sign passes on over 125 years of wisdom: “Please take away cold jalebis warm jalebis become soggy.” Heed the advice.
A final thing. Jalebis are well known as a breakfast food. I know. So sweet, so naughty. So very naughty. Especially in the morning.