August 2013 – Delhi Food Walks

Posted on August 30, 2013 April 26, 2015

‘CHAT’-TING ALL DAY!

You will not even have to exit the Chawri Bazar metro station and the heady aroma of the dahi – bhalle, papdi and saunth would be there already in your nostrils. It is so overwhelming that it will attract you and you would be left with no option but to join all the people savouring the sweet and sour gol gappe and papdi chat. . Yes! I am talking about the much talked of Ashok Chat Bhandar right outside the Chawri Bazar metro station exit ( Chitli Qabar side) which attracts more than 700 people daily.

The place is almost 70 years old and continues to be one of the favourites among dilliwalas. Though they don’t have a very large menu to choose from, but there are just more than enough options for your tummy! Owned by Mr. Padam Singh, this small chat corner is one of the most successfully run outlet in Old Delhi and being right outside the metro station, its clientele has drastically gone up during the past many years.

Kalmi vada chaat and aloo masala are the most popular snacks served here and the other options available include dahi bhalle, papdi chat, aloo masala, masaledar pani pakodi, kalmi bada chat and gol gappas (with various stuffings). The menu is quite different from the regular chat corners and this makes Ashok Chaat Corner a distinct one among hundreds of Chaatwalas in old Delhi. The prices are not very high and worth the taste.

I had wanted to try the aloo masala and the masaledaar pani pakodi, but it was already finished due to their popularity among the people. Instead, I tried the kalmi vada chat with papdi. Kalmi vada is a dark brown flat pakoda like thing made of chana daal, gram flour, coriander and other spices. A dough is made of the mixture and cut into small pieces and then the pieces are fried. This delicacy is enjoyed both with coriander chutney as well as part of the chat.

The spicy and crispy kalmi vada with curd and saunth was a flavoursome indulgence. The plate is quite filling and worth the price. The masala sprinkled on the top added to the delish essence. The Kalmi vada chaat would get a 7.5/10 from me. The gol gappas that I tried there were also a hit. The tangy and spicy water was the best part. The freshness of the water is still there in my mouth. I would rate them at 8/10.

Almost all the snacks are priced between Rs. 20-60. So the snacking at Ashok Chat Corner won’t burn a hole in your pocket.

There is another good thing about the place that all the things are home made. From the papris and kalmi vadas to the masala, everything is prepared at home by the owner and his family. He resides near his own shop so the transportation of the material is not problematic. All the things are freshly prepared, so you don’t have to worry about the food being stale.

So the next time you visit Nai Sarak to buy your books or stationery, don’t forget to pamper your taste buds with Ashok’s chat.

If you want to know anything further, kindly contact

Mr. Padam Singh – 9811467238

Address (shop) – 3488, Hauz Qazi Chowk, Delhi -110006.

Till then, happy burping! J

By Kashish ( Foodie Correspondent)

Photo Credit- Piyush Nagpal

30th August,2013

Anubhav Sapra

Anubhav Sapra is an avid foodie! He is a Founder but proudly calls himself a Foodie-in-chief at Delhi Food Walks. He is also a street-food and Indian regional cuisine connoisseur and loves to write about street-food.

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on August 29, 2013 April 26, 2015

The Mini Red Bus

The Mini Red Bus

By Navani Satija, Delhi Food Walks

Gone are those times of hailing the modern chefs for their haute cuisine. Gone are those days of relishing the lavish gourmet treat in such fine ambience. It may seem bizarre but the “in-thing” these days is the scrumptious, freshly prepared street food. And this mini red bus situated amidst the hustle-bustle of Balco market, patpurgunj (east delhi), also known as ‘Susaki’s Food’, is clearly one of the best street food eat-outs. Be it the lip-smacking Susaki special chilli chicken or the delectable Talumein soup, Susaki proves to be the haven for all Chinese cuisine aficionados, at all times and in all moods.

When asked about how Susaki came into the real picture, it’s owner Mr. Rajesh Sharma (a very jolly chap, indeed!) proudly says that it was set up in 1996 by Late Mr. Surender Chowdhary (Rajesh’s uncle) and it has been at the same spot ever since its establishment.

SPECIALITY:

They take pride in their Susaki’s special chilli chicken, Susaki’s special fried rice, Talumein soup and American chopsuey all freshly prepared, luscious and rich in a number of condiments.

Being one of the very few such joints in patpurgunj approved by the MCD, Susaki offers free home delivery and caters to various tastes and preferences. With their ‘very reasonable’ prices, daily eaters describe it as a perfect place for an evening buddy hangout or for a quick snack when you’re in a hurry.

So, if you’re a Chinese cuisine lover and wish to have a not so expensive hearty meal, then this is perfectly the place you should head for.

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on August 29, 2013 April 26, 2015

Food Walk @ Parsi Anjuman

By Damini Shrivastava

Amongst the hustle and bustle of the Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg , lies the quiet and placid building of the Parsi Rest house. The mysterious outlook instantly drags you towards it . As you enter , you see a huge marble engraved with the words “Main Building built out of the donation of Seth Manchersha Mengusi of Bombay Rs 60,000 ” . This guest house exclusively serves to the Parsis, for residential purposes but everyone is welcome to try their catering services. Dhun Daraius Bagli the owner of the place was generous enough in allowing the Delhi Food Walks to host the food walk in her empire this time. Basically from Bombay , she has been living here since 1958 along with her family. After the sad demise of her husband , Lt. Mr Daraius Bagli ,who was also the head priest at the Parsi Anjuman Hall , she is running the place with the help of her daughter-n-law Benaifer Bagli .Their greatest strength they believe are the cooks who have been working with them since 1958. The compelling fact is that both her headchefs,Ram Baran and Laxman are North Indians but have mastered Parsi cuisines and loves cooking it.She said they actually make faces when asked to cook chhole or some North Indian dish.

“I didnt fight my way to the top of the food chain to be a vegetarian” – Erma Bombeck

The Parsis strongly relates to this saying by Bombeck.According to Benaifer,vegetarian dishes are unpalatable and meaningless for the Parsis.They favour on adding chicken or mutton to all their dishes.This being the reason they have such uncommon dishes like “dhansak” which is actually mutton cooked in dal .

The dinner included a scrumptious menu of :

– Dhansak

– Sali Chicken [ chicken served with fine fried matchstick potatoes]

– Patra ni Macchi [ fish covered in leaf ]

– Mutton cutlets

– Jardaloo Booti

and for desserts we had mouth watering Parsi Kulfi and Lagan nu Custard.

The star dish of the day has to be the patra ni macchi which was repeatedly asked for . It was essentially fish covered in a coriander-coconut chutney , steamed and then elegantly wrapped in banana leaves to add flavour . It was a common opinion amongst the people that it was the best fish they ever had . The food was not just luscious and toothsome but the creativity with which it was served left a bunch of foodies amazed . The chicken was towards the sweeter side with fine fried potatoes served over. My personal favourite was the mutton cutlets as I lust for spicy food . It was spicy and delicious enough to make your taste buds go “whoaaaahh” !

The meal ended with appealing desserts being served . Lagan nu custard was tantalizing and the kulfis were to die for ! It was my very first experience of Parsi food and I immensely relished the meal . Parsi food will surely make you wanna come back for some more . Experience for yourself .

Parsi Rest House ,

Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg

New Delhi 110002

Contact no. – 011-23238615 , 011-23231228

Email – baglidhla @yahoo.com

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on August 27, 2013 April 26, 2015

Love @ first bite

By Surabhi Bakshi

From a small shop in the narrow, dingy and conjusted lanes of kamla nagar to a vibrant, bright, , colourful and spacious restaurant in Hudson lane,QD’S has surely come a long way. This joint with graffiti at its entrance, movie posters covering the walls, foot tapping music and pleasant ambience is a perfect hangout for college students.

QD’S has the warmth of a cafe juxtaposed with the uber chic crowd that defines this place. All those who have or a part of Delhi University has if not visited then must have surely heard about it. This place serves myriad delicacies at unbelievable prices. Most of the crowd is attracted to this place because of its famous “TANDOORI MOMOS”.Yes you have heard it right not steamed, not fried but TANDOORI. Chinese dumplings coated with indian spices and cooked in a tandoor giving a DESI flavour to it.These momos are surely a must have for all north campus students.

The crispy chilli potatoes with the right amount of spices are also a big hit with the students.Another thing which you just can’t miss out on their menu is their mocktail “JUMP UP AND KISS ME” , even though the name is a bit embarrassing but it tastes amazing.

All in all qd’s is just the place to chillaxxxx with friends especially if you want to give them your birthday treat as it does not drain you of your pocket money. Don’t wait for Holi, Diwali or the next friendship’s day go today and have a memorable experience.

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on August 26, 2013 April 26, 2015

“All time is just the right time, only at it’s 9”

“All time is just the right time,only at it’s9”

By Ayushi Teotia

Situated in the heart of Chanakyapuri, surrounded by exquisite embassies and an enchanting green environment, besets a café with a unique concept justified by its exceptional name being “It’s9 Bakery Café”. As the name suggests, it’s quite an amazing quaint bakery sharing boundaries with the famous Bikanerwala, in Yashwant Place Complex. The seating being up stairs conjoined with a glass door entry, flight of stairs, finally opening up to sublime ambience mingled with well decorated art pieces adorning the white wall. Upholding to its name, the Café opens at 9 am, giving anyone the leisure to pop into the place for a wonderful breakfast, a chit chat over coffee, or a sumptuous dine in with the family later in the day.

The place is well lit, well laid out coupled with a moderate seating area, large glass windows and is well anointed with arts and paintings of contemporary style. The blueprint of the place suits perfectly for a college hangout, catering specially to the needs of a good café and bakery in the vicinity of the south campus colleges. Launched fairly recently, the place meets the growing demand for fresh and delicious baked goodies at pocket friendly rates. The menu card is a chic hard board appointing a perfect blend of perfect selections from continental and western food cuisine. The English breakfast section is particularly attracting in the menu, which offers a wide variety of food options for all occasions. The baked goodies are the signature dishes of It’s9, ranging from freshly baked Croissants, Danish, Quiche, Loafs, Baguettes, to Sweet Treats like muffins, tarts, donuts, cakes, pies.

Among the favorites, the chef’s specialty “It’s9 Special Chicken Burger”, was distinctively interesting, both in its presentation and taste. Served in the shape of “9”, comprising of a tantalizing bun filled with the proper amount of chicken cooked just right, coupled with delectably perfect potato wedges and salad, is a dish you must not give a miss. The salads are equally mesmerizing, my recommendation to try being the slimmer’s special salad and the chicken Rambo salad.The signature dish being ‘It’s9 Special sizzler’, is a glorious medley of mutton cutlet, chicken steak, chicken sausage and roast potato with a fried egg, which doesn’t fail to disappoint in any regard. The coffee section offering limited but exotic options also must be given a shot.

In the beverage menu, the Mocha Shake is particularly amazing, appealing especially to the taste buds of people who like it more on the sweet side. The rates are affordable and the quantity is satisfying, which is fairly good.

Price ( for two ) : Rs 500-800.

Overall Rating : 8/10

Closest Metro Station : INA

Location : Yashwant Place, SatyaMarg, (Next to Bikanervala), ChanakyaPuri, New Delhi.

Whether it’s 9 or not, this place is a definite winner to be visited anytime during the day as a great casual hangout arena providing a refreshing experience topped with a friendly and courteous staff.

Photographs by Foodie Photographer :Vidur Mayor

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on August 24, 2013 April 26, 2015

College’s favourite Adda: Irfan’s Maggi Point

College’s favourite Adda: Irfan’s Maggi Point

Last year, I entered college with little nervousness and sky high expectations. Soon after the first few lectures, I made some new friends and came across acquaintances. This is when I got a chance to finally explore the college with my new gang. Front laws, done. Library, done. Canteen (excited as anything; didn’t stand up to the expectations), done. Sports complex (most surprising part of the day), done. Swimming pool, done. After checking out 70% of the college, we took some steps ahead and came across this little cemented area enveloped between the boy’s hostel and swimming pool. I was enthralled to see how this isolated place was already so crowded. And this is when I ran my eyes at the end of the courtyard and saw a stall. I went closer and started praising the lord, it was a food stall. The canteen was a big disappointment of the day; this stall was like light at the end of the tunnel. Enquiring few seniors, we learnt that the stall was famously called Irfan’s maggi point!

Irfan’s maggi point is run by two brothers Irfan and Usman. They are a part of the SRCC staff since a decade now, fending off the hunger pangs of battalion of students every day. This brother duo has been really successful in giving a cut throat competition to the college canteen and undoubtedly, has emerged as winners, always. Oddly enough, this little tin shed stall draws in multitude of students than any other hangout of college does. The sole reason being their innovative FOOD recipes!

As the name indicates, the most famous item on this stall’s menu is Maggi. Maggi menu alone is so diverse. Omelette Maggi to sate the taste buds of non-vegetarian foodies, Soup Maggi when a cold breeze gives you chills during winters, Bhurji Maggi for that zesty taste, and of course, everyone’s favourite Classical Masala Maggi, Irfan’s stall has it all. This isn’t where the list ends. Stall is always stocked with foods to grab on a go like sandwiches, burgers, Paneer Kulcha, chips, patty (never miss the far-famed bhurji bread patty sandwich, yum!). Need something to drink with that packet of Lays? How about a cold drink, (choose from coke, pepsi, 7up, dew, fanta) or a fruit juice, or masala soda, or tea, or coffee? This hut has everything for every season.

Yes, definitely the prices bring a big smile on your face. The average price of all items is Rs. 30. It is a student friendly, pocket friendly and stomach friendly food joint. We may not attend classes everyday but bunking these Irfan’s maggi point session is improbable.

Foodie Correspondent:Vishakha Bhaskar

24th August,2013

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on August 22, 2013 April 26, 2015

Sukhdev Ka Dhaba

A road trip without dhabhe ka food is incomplete that too if you are
traveling towards Punjab. Located on Delhi-Punjab National Highway1,
Sukhdev ka dhabha has been serving lip smacking food from truck drivers to
families, from students craving for midnight chai to couples wanting to
taste legacy. Situated amidst luscious greens this dhabha is open 24×7 and
sometimes so crowded that you will have to wait atleast 15-20 mins to find
a place to sit. “Weekend mornings are always crowded” adds Rajiv, a
frequent customer to this place, “especially if the weather is nice too.”

This place serves all kinds of pure vegetarian food and have added
continental, Chinese and other famous delicacies to their menu over the
passage of time. Considering Sukhdev from the dhabha point of view, its
phenomenal, with a huge parking lot, team of 50-60 working 24×7, clean
washrooms and even a small shopping complex selling things like garments
and groceries but considering Sukhdev from the dhabha food point of view,
of being spicy, full of flavours and giving you the typical Indian food, a
lot of people complain of it losing its essence and food quality over the
years.

I ordered it’s famous aloo ka parantha which they served with lots
of white butter and curd. The parantha though was a little bland but
appropriately stuffed and curd, its savior. The next on my list was the
buttermilk which was indeed worth the price and so was the chai, though not
as kadak as the weather. Sukhdev’s speciality, their makke di roti and
sarson da saag, is another good food on the list if you haven’t tasted it
in a while. Other food items such as Chowmein, Idli and dosas are ordinary,
hanging somewhere in between it’s real savors and Sukhdev’s personal ones.
Once upon a time Sukhdev which was famous for its extremely delicious food
is now just a place known for its specialties.

This place is totally worth a visit if you need a break from your neck-breaking driving journey and in urgent to need of good, hygienic food but not worth the hassle to specially drive 50kms away from Delhi or Panipat.

Foodie Correspondent:Sanskriti Nagar

22nd August,2013

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on August 19, 2013 April 26, 2015

The Ramjas Canteen: A Place to Be Visited At Least Once

The saddest comedy is that the very moment when the most hungry, groping our pockets for the precious medium of exchange brings upon this great realisation that reasonable price is the only way out of the crisis! Well, this is no problem in Delhi University, a magnificent hub of ‘running low on pockets’ youngsters. And it is actually a great excuse to be at the Ramjas canteen; a place that exudes a fine dine-in aura, but with food provided only till the college remains open and not quite reaching the dinner times.

The college though the oldest in the University and established in 1917 and shifted to the present D.U. location in 1950, its canteen got the present and most evident form in 1999 only. So this high ceilinged hall with an official yellow tinge on its walls making space for several round tables with chairs around, a large delivery counter and a small but efficient accounts counter is quite modern. Bustling with the enthusiastic crowd of the institution, one is extremely glad on finding a wide range of food selects and an attendant to look after their requirements.

For starters, a one food item that is of greatest popularity is the French fries. What is its speciality? These French fries will never fit into the conventional prototype of the food item but these potato slices, in their reddish-golden and crispy look and amazing taste will surely tickle your taste-buds.

Next, the Rajma Chawal can be tried that melts extremely well in your mouth or even welcome the hot, crispy and golden discs of the Bhaturas that come with equally delectable Choles. The Pao Bhaji is another good option with its distinct taste and relishing freshness.

Another food that stands out of its prototype is the ‘Pasta’ that has a flavour of Chinese delicacy. If sceptic, mark these words, one bite and you will yearn for more.

Thirsty after so much of food, food and food? Well, choose the drink you might: fruit beer to fruit juice, shakes to the safe cold drinks, you find it all in an adjacent counter for drinks.

The best thing about the Ramjas canteen is that the food is served in no time and also this place is hygiene friendly. Also, it is never conventional. Neither is it a boring, conventional college canteen, nor does it provide a conventional meal. In fact, some of its food items are so much out of the norm but yet are so exceptional that it blows one’s mind away.

A word of advice: this place deserves a try.

Foodie Correspondent:Sukanya Sharma

19th August,2013

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on August 17, 2013 April 26, 2015

MY KIND OF GREAT FOOD!

MY KIND OF GREAT FOOD!

“ Eating food should be simple” is the motto of Ankit, the co-owner of a quaint little café in a lane in Kailash Colony Market called My Kind Of Street Cafe. Two years ago, it started in the serpentine lanes of Amar Colony Market, Lajpat Nagar IV, a favorite haunt of Lady Shri Ram College girls. It has been relocated to Kailash Colony to cater to the same. Their favorite item is the famous cheese momos.The cheese-filled dumplings dished out by them are a delight for any food lover.

chicken momos The love for this dish can be seen on the walls of the café, full of small notes plastered on the walls. Their smoken chicken white cream sauce pasta is also a delight. Another outlet of MKSC ,as it is fondly known as, is located in SDA market which mainly caters to the IITians right across the road. Their favorite is the Herb and Bacon Stuffed Chicken. A neat and complete platter completed with beans, broccoli, curd dip and garlic bread, healthy and delicious with a subtle flavor.

Over the years, their food has evolved. The pasta, banana bread, my kind of burger, lemon butter fish are amongst the other mouth-watering delight the place has to offer. The menu has a lot of variety for people who like to experiment with food. It is a do-it-yourself menu so that one gets exactly what he has asked for. To end the wonderful experience, the banoffee pie is a must for the sweet toothed. It would be a shame to miss this stunner!

On being asked about their future plans and prospects, Ankit shared a little secret. They plan to venture into the world of out-of-the-box South Indian food, which has already started functioning in the SDA outlet in a small way.

With the way these two outstanding food joints are functioning, we can expect something really exciting in the days to come, and here’s wishing them all the best for a great future ahead and great and happy eating to all the young people in Delhi!

Foodie Correspondent:Shreya Chowdhury

Foodie Photographer:Kali Walia

17th August,2013

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on August 17, 2013 April 26, 2015

Anil Tikki Wala

Anil Tikki Wala, Rohini
Sector 7, Near Rohini East Metro Station
Started in September,2012

Anil Tikki Wala, a newbie in the varied street food arena of Rohini, opened up last year amid huge competition prospects from its older counterparts in the area. But since its inception, it has managed to subdue all such uncertainties and has emerged as the favourite evening snack spots of the localites.

Be it the chilling winter or the melting summer, nothing can stop the customers from hovering the orders over the ever-hardworking cooks. The prominent feature that emerges amid such rush and chaos, is their ability to maintain hygiene level at above-average standards. Olive oil is what they use for preparing the delicacies. 10 on 10 for their quality and hygiene maintenance.

As the nomenclature depicts, ATW’s forte is the tikkis, chats and golgappas. But what has gravitated people’s attention is the exotic pav bhaji that they serve (beats everything). It is sure to give you the “food-erotica”. Other such dish that’ll gather your glimpse is the ‘veg kathi with rumali roti’. Slightly overpriced it is, but for a one-time go through, it is a yes-yes for sure. It has definitely given a hard time to its competitors in Rohini.

The best time to visit this place is obviously the evening time with some of your best buddies where you can have the time of your life (tranquility at its best). So make sure you pay a visit to this small yet so classy food joint in Rohini. Finger-licking guaranteed…. CHEERS.

Ramneek Chawla,Foodie Correspondent

17th August,2013

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com