Delhi's tandoor ban: Why your favorite chicken tastes different now

India Dec 21, 2025

Delhi just banned coal- and firewood-fueled tandoors to fight severe air pollution, after the AQI spiked to 400.
Famous spots like Al-Jawahar have switched to gas tandoors, but many food lovers say the signature smoky flavor is missing.

Why does it matter?

This move is shaking up Delhi's food culture—some regulars are expressing disappointment over the changes, and even food historian Sadaf Hussain calls it a loss for old traditions.
Vendors point out that cars and trash burning pollute more than their tandoors, but they still face fines of ₹5,000 if they don't switch to electric or gas options.
For many small eateries, it's a tough trade-off between tradition and new rules.