Indo Islamic Heritage
Kallu Nihari, located near Jama Masjid in Old Delhi’s Matia Mahal area, is well-connected by various modes of transport. The nearest railway station is Old Delhi Railway Station (Delhi Junction), just about 2 km away. For metro connectivity, the Jama Masjid Metro Station on the Violet Line is the closest, within walking distance. The nearest major bus stand is the Kashmere Gate ISBT, approximately 3 km away, providing both local and intercity bus services. For air travel, the Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI Airport) is the closest, located around 20 km away and accessible via metro or cab.
Kallu Nihari—also known as Kallu Mian’s Nihari—is an iconic, hole-in-the-wall eatery tucked into a cramped by-lane behind Delite Cinema in Daryaganj, Old Delhi. Founded around 1990 by Mohammed Rafiquddin, popularly known as Kallu Mian, this humble stall became a silent legend for its melt-in-the-mouth slow-cooked beef (buffalo) stew, served piping hot with khameeri rotis, juliennes of ginger, and green chilies . Rafiquddin inherited the art of nihari-making from his father, Mohammed Nazmuddin, and perfected it—cooking 50 kg of meat daily in a wood-fired degh from early morning until the evening serving window of 5:15–6 pm . The stall’s allure is partly in the rush: patrons queue up starting around 4:30 pm, braving the pandemonium as the first ladles are served . Kallu Mian passed away in April 2016, but the legacy lives on—his sons continue the stall with the very same recipe, atmosphere, and timings, and it remains one of Delhi’s most revered nihari hotspots . Reviewers praise its ultra-tender meat, richly spiced broth, and utterly addictive experience—even if seating and hygiene are minimal . In summary: Kallu Nihari is the quintessential Old Delhi nihari experience: a traditional Mughal‑style beef stew, slow‑cooked overnight, served in a no-frills lane, drawing crowds for its simple yet sublime flavors passed down through generations.
Year of Built: 1990
Address: Located in the narrow lanes near Jama Masjid, Kallu Nihari can be found at 180, Chhatta Lal Mian (behind Delite Cinema), Daryaganj, New Delhi, Delhi – 110002
Country: India
State: Delhi
District: Central Delhi
Pincode: 110002
Longitude: 77.2310
Latitude: 28.6492