Most of the foodie people would seek for some different “chatka” to the taste buds of their tongues, and every other place has their own different taste and food to entertain people, and keep them food oriented. Sometimes we feel, these food habits might lead us to fat gaining as well, but we have gyms also to complement our figure and shape it sharp again.
A lot has been written about Delhi and its food, and justifiably so. Delhi loves it food. And more than that, it loves sharing its food with those who love all things delicious. But remember, Delhi is all about the amalgamation of cultures, about taking the best from other cities and making them its own.
Chhole Puri-Eaten for breakfast, lunch or even just as a snack, if there is one Delhi dish that you must try, it is this. Every street corner has a stall, dishing out round baseball-like bhaturas, hot from the kadhai (wok). The magic, I have realized, is in the chole. Very few get that right and those who do, assume legendary status. Delhi swears by Baba Nagpal Corner in Lajpat Nagar and Sitaram Diwan Chand in Paharganj. However, if you happen to be in Noida or its whereabouts, do try Sagar’s Special Paneer Wale Chole Bhature outside ICICI Bank in Sector 18, Noida.
Chaat- I must concede at the onset, you will find better chaat in Lucknow or Benaras. But if you can’t make the trip, Delhi is your next best bet. Chaat in all forms is deeply loved here, from papri chaat, dahi bhalla, aalu tikki to raj kachori and gol gappe. Typically, the chaats are topped with green chutney, sweet sonthchutney and yoghurt. If anybody tells you to go try them at Prabhu Chaat Bhandar near UPSC, I suggest you turn a deaf ear towards them, it is mediocre at best. Bittoo Tikki Wala may have started focusing way too much on catering but his quality remains consistent. The dahi bhallas at Natraj in Chandni Chowk however, are pillows of magic, do try them. Crispy aalu chaat at Pappu Chaat Bhandar (KG Marg) has its fans at British Council next door. For good gol gappe or papri chaat, I suggest you don’t think so hard and try the vendor closest to your place. There’s a good chance it will be fantastic, much like the brilliance of vada pavs sold at every corner in Mumbai.
Matra Kulcha-Delhi is popular for its version of matra kulcha, served on the roadside. Maida kulchas are heated on a tawa and served alongside matra, mildly seasoned with chilli and a squeeze of lime. You can recognise the vendor from afar, as the matar/ matra is usually stored in a traditional brass spherical container. Lotan’s Kulchewala at Chowri Bazaar customizes the chilli level as per your preference.
Kulfi-Summer meals are often incomplete in Delhi without a kulfi stick to round it up, and so you will always find a kulfi corner at Delhi weddings too. The kulfi sold outside Moets in Defense Colony Market is popular all year round as is Roshan di Kulfi in Karol Bagh. If you’re feeling adventurous, Chandni Chowk, the Mecca of food lovers, has something unique to offer. Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfiwale innovates with kulfi and stuffs real fruits like mango, custard apple, etc. with the creamy mix before freezing it.
Delhi is a melting pot of cultures and thus flavours and cuisines. There is a lot more to explore in Delhi besides the above, many dishes that have found their way to the city from shores far away.
