Noida – Delhi Food Walks

Posted on March 5, 2018 March 6, 2018

A Grand Affair

SXVIII – All Day Brasserie, Noida

The Radisson in Noida pops out of nowhere, between the busy streets of this burgeoning city. It does face the famous Mall of India, a prominent location but I stumbled upon it from one of the side entrances. The restaurant décor and design seem to be inspired by baroque architecture. It is a regal spread with gilded candle and lamp stands and pastel columns and curtains. The chairs are also throne like. We sat in a pleasant corner, as I usually do in restaurants, to eat without any disturbance and to people-watch from a distance.

The buffet looked inviting but we went for the lazy option, a la carte. First up was the Tuna Nicoise, a dish I had been meaning to try for a while. It is a salad hero-ing tuna, cooked rare along with potatoes, hard boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes and beans. It was a refreshing preparation and the tuna blushed pink just how I had seen it on TV.

The menu reflects royalty as well. It has a badge of the restaurant on the first page – SXVIII, which if you haven’t guessed already is S-18 (since it is located in Sector 18, Noida. I took a while to get that reference and the roman numerals. Maths has never been my forte). The badge features a scarlet crown over the letter ‘S’. The commitment to the theme is laudable.

After great deliberation, we decided on comfortable classics – pasta and pizza. We ordered the Penne Pomodoro Con Pollo (pasta with chicken in a tomato sauce), a recommendation by our waiter and their Parma pizza. Parma ham is a thin slice of ham dry-cured in salt to make the meat supple so it was definitely on the salty side. It was loaded with meat and garnished with ricotta and truffle oil.

We ended our meal with an array of little desserts to maximize our sweet consumption including Orange Chiboust, Banana Crumble and Cream Caramel. The restaurant was brimming with people even at 11 in the evening and waiters were zooming past. The newly renovated SXVIII seems to be attracting young and old alike in large numbers, offering them a grand fine dining experience to indulge on.

Location: Radisson Blu MBD Hotel, Sector 18, Noida
Meal for two: Rs. 4,000

Anjora Sarangi

Anjora cannot resist a good prawn preparation, finds home in Chinese food anywhere in the world but will eat almost anything if it looks appealing. She is a Potter head and has recently discovered pottery as a hobby (excuse the pun).

Posted on October 31, 2017

Satisfy Your Waffle Cravings At Waffle Chowk In Noida

Traditionally eaten as a breakfast food in popular culture, waffles have gained popularity as a dessert in Delhi. Whether they are loaded with chocolate syrup or fruits, they are hard to resist.

Recently, Delhi has seen a rise in the demand of waffles with new cafes coming up in every neighbourhood. However, in the NCR region of Noida, there are still only a few waffle places to choose from.

Waffle Chowk was originally a food truck located in Gurugram’s Sector 29. It wasn’t long before it gained popularity and people started dropping by to try out their remarkable waffles and milkshakes. After its major success in Punjabi Bagh, Waffle Chowk decided to branch out and has opened up an outlet in Noida.

Located in Sector 28, opposite Brahmaputra Market, Waffle Chowk is a small outlet with outdoor seating. It serves delicious crunchy waffles with toppings varying from the classic maple syrup to the rather innovative white chocolate. One also has the option of adding more toppings and customising the waffle a bit according to their liking.

Waffle Chowk’s waffle sandwiches help set it apart from other waffle outlets. People drool over its Nutella and Peanut Butter Sandwich, two things which go perfectly together. If you are unwilling to experiment, the chocolate chip waffle is a safer and equally delicious choice. The waffle is cooked to perfection, having a crunchy texture. It is finished off with a topping of hot chocolate syrup, chocolate chips and a scoop or two of vanilla ice cream, depending on the customer’s choice. A few of the waffles with toppings of strawberries and mangoes are seasonal. One can pair these scrumptious waffles with cold/hot coffee or ice tea and enjoy a wonderful evening indulgence.

If you are fond of Oreos, or kit kat or prefer to keep it a little healthy with fruits, there is something to everyone’s liking. The waffles range from rupees 180 to 250 and each of these is served with a topping of vanilla ice cream. This outlet is run by two people in an organised and efficient manner with the help of token system. The outlet opens up around 11 am, but it takes time to set up and thus service starts only by 12 pm. It does not have a formal seating, but a few tables and chair have been put together as a makeshift seating area. This waffle place is situated close to the Botanical Garden metro station and is easy to spot as well. Being relatively new, not too many people know about this place and so it does not remain crowded. It is a great place to grab a quick bite and satisfy your waffle cravings.

Location- Alaknanda Market, Sector 28, Noida

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Posted on October 26, 2017

A Small Kiosk At Brahamaputra Market – Bombay Bhel Puri

Craving some shawarma or kathi rolls? Have a sudden yearning for delicious tandoori chicken or aloo chaat?

Noida’s Brahmaputra Market is the hub for everything food related. At the BP Market, one can satisfy their evening cravings or find dinner to take home. You can also indulge in some Chinese cuisine, gorge on some a pastries and doughnuts or simply fill up on some fresh juice or shakes. It is truly a foodie’s paradise.

Nestled among the bustling Brahmaputra Market is a small kiosk going by the name of Bombay Bhel Puri. Established in 1995, Bombay Bhel Puri is known in the locality for its mouth-watering sev puri and bharwa golgappe. The sev puri is a definite stand out and absolutely delicious. Covered in a layer of sev with a few coriander sprinkled over it, it appears to be nothing special at first sight. But as one begins to dig in, various other ingredients are revealed. A plate of sev puri consists of 7 papris topped up with generous servings of aloo, onions, imli chutney and sev. Every bite of this savoury is a burst of flavours and absolutely heavenly.

Bombay Bhel Puri is owned by Mr Naresh Chabra who has been in business for the past 22 years. Usually, he sits all by himself. At other times, he is assisted by one other fellow. One can also choose from other chaat items like bhel puri, dahi puri, jhal muri, bhalla papri, and a few more chaat items. A lot of people prefer to get the items packed and take it home, instead of eating it at the crowded market. But of course, everything tastes better when it is freshly made and eaten on the spot.

Chaat items are the staple street food of Delhi and it isn’t difficult to spot one kiosk in every nook and cranny selling the same. However, Chabra’s Bombay Bhel Puri stall is exceptionally good. Most of the chaat items are priced at rupees 50 and are enough to fill a person to the brim. Like every other food stall in the BP market, this too opens up only during the evening. One can easily reach the market by metro, nearest being the Botanical Garden Metro Station.

This mini Chandini Chowk of Noida has everything from a wide array of food items to even clothes. The market is always bustling with activity, be it morning or evening, except on Thursdays when most of the shops remain closed. Here, you can buy second-hand novels, street shop, or eat to your heart’s content. The BP Market is a must visit for every food enthusiast.

Location- Brahmaputra Market, Maharishi Dayanand Marg, Sector 29, Noida

Contact info.- 9818054083

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Posted on October 4, 2017 October 4, 2017

Raju Idli Wala, A Gem in Noida’s Sector 34

An internet search about South Indian food stalls in and around Delhi will give you a multitude of options to choose from. One can find a thela serving a range of South Indian dishes in almost every neighbourhood of Delhi or NCR. However, no amount of Google searches will help you find this place. But once in this neighbourhood, this food stall is hard to miss.

Angel South Indian Food better known as Raju Idli Wala, is a small food vendor located in Noida’s Sector 34 who is quite popular in the neighbourhood for making delectable dosas at an affordable cost. As the name indicates, he sells wonderful, light as air idlis. However, refusing to confine himself to just this, he also makes a range of South Indian food like Uttapam and Vadas and serves them with sambhar and delicious nariyal chutney, all at an affordable cost ranging from rupees 40-50.

Raju, the owner and the head chef, sets up his thela at 6 in the evening and closes only when every one of his last customers has been served. He has a team of two who help him with the cleaning and the management of his affairs.

Raju’s story goes as follows. Before being a small business owner, he used to work at an office canteen, making the very same things, until the company was shut down and he was out of a job. This was probably his wake-up call to do greater tastier things. He named the food stall after his daughter Angel, but the shop is synonymous with his name.

As soon as this place opens, it starts humming with activity, witnessing a line of hungry people all eagerly waiting for their order. Raju makes the best of what he has in order to accommodate them. The thela serves as a cooking station and also doubles up as a table. Everything, from the cooking to watching people indulge in the food is a visual treat. The option of “Take Away” is also available. But the locals say the food is more enjoyable and seems tastier when you eat it there, surrounded by fellow foodies.

Raju Idli Wala’s thela is easy to spot, located opposite the B12 Market, next to a huge park, and close to the Wave City Centre metro station. This is a must try for the locals, and worth hopping onto a metro and travelling the distance, just to gorge on some delicious Vadas and Uttapams.

So the next time you are in town, do not forget to grab a plate of your preferred South Indian dish at Raju Idli Wala.

Location- Opposite B12 Market, Captain Shashi Kant Marg, Sector 34, Noida, Uttar Pradesh
Timings- 6 pm onwards, except Friday
Contact Number- +917503611520

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Posted on June 11, 2015 June 11, 2015

Brahmputra Market Street Food

Brahmaputra Market : the combination of chalk and cheese

By Priyanka Sharma

Brahmaputra Market, situated in Sector 29, Noida perceived as the “mini Chandni Chowk” by many is the quintessence of a food paradise. A large number of street food vendors dot the market place, so that you cannot step out of the area without pleasing your taste buds. This place is never without people at any point of the day. So if you are in a mood of munching something? Or not? This place is definitely going to get you spoilt for choice.

BP, as people call it in short, satisfies all sorts of cravings and serves a variety of food, be it spicy, tangy, sweet, hot, cold, frozen, healthy, unhealthy, north Indian, south Indian or Chinese, the list just doesn’t end. Alongside, there are numerous medicine shops, stationary shops, garments stores, grocery stores, vet clinic and various other doodah. Being from Noida, I’ve been more than a regular visitor of this market, and even after being a vegetarian, I’ve never been bored or exhausted by this place because of the variety it serves. There are a few grubs that should definitely be tried in BP :

Dahi waale gol gappe from Agra chat bhandar are an absolutely perfect means to soothe your palate. These dahi puris are crisp spheres or puris filled with chopped boiled potato, and onion, fresh curd, imli (red), and coriander (green) chutney, topped with sev, spices, coriander and pomegranate. Generously filled with curd of perfect consistency and freshness, crisp puris, spices and lots of sev topping is what makes this preparation worth trying. Traditionally, one of these is served to people after they are finished having pani puris. You shouldn’t be surprised if the bhaiya, while serving you the dahi puri asks you “ise tode bina khaana” because well, that’s what the rule is which is pretty interesting. (Contact number:9958981489; Cost for two: Rs 100)

Lakshmi Café House is a treasure in the centre of the market. You can sit here and guzzle some delicious variety of south Indian cuisine, especially filter coffee. Do try their fried idli that they serve only on Tuesdays. The food here won’t leave a hole in your pocket.(Contact number: 9863994444; Cost for two: Rs 300)

There are numerous ‘not to be missed’ dig – ins too, like Lucknow Zaika veg kabab plate, that’ll cost you Rs. 50. Different stalls for veg and non-veg kababs (cost for two – Rs. 100) are available. Kapoor’s balle balle will serve you the best butter chicken, which will be a treat for all the diehard non vegetarians (cost for two – Rs. 450). Now if the spices get you all sobbing and sniffling, we have Baba Kulfi Bhandar for you; if you have been crying out for sweetness, a Kesar pista kulfi will cost you Rs. 20, and Rabri falooda Rs. 40 (contact – 8800489401). If your health concerns interfere in this tasting spree then you can hit the Bhola juice corner that will serve your purpose with super – fresh fruit and vegetable juices, and toothsome shakes. Their khajoor shake which is worth trying is a unique mixture of khajoor and milk which is unbelievably delightful (cost for two – 120).

Happy tasting spree!

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 October 7, 2014 October 7, 2014

Pat Chapman Grills the world

By Anubhav Sapra

Recently, I was invited by Barbeque Nation for their food fest – Pat Chapman Grills the world ( Oct 3^rd to Oct 14^th ).

Chef Pat Chapman is a celebrity chef, writer, and a man who brought Indian food to the UK. Inspired by barbeque cultures worldwide, Pat Chapman has created 14 fabulous marinades exclusively for Barbeque Nation. Here, I am listing down some of the exclusive recipes created by Pat Chapman for the event.

Yorkshire Lamb Patties

Ingredients-

Vegetable oil, Horserdish sauce, salt, chopped onions fried a level below golden brown, coarsely chopped parsley and lamb mince.

Method-

In a round mixing bowl, mix horseradish sauce and vegetable oil. Whisk well. Add fried onions and coarsely chopped parsley. Check seasoning. Season lamb minces with salt and pepper. Make round patties of 50 gms each and cook on pan grill. Serve hot with cool mayonnaise dip and crisp salad.

Hot Mail Thai Fish ( my favourite )

Ingredients –

Basa fish boneless, lemongrass paste, basil leaves, green chilli paste, fish sauce, refined sunflower oil and fresh coriander

Method

In a round-bottomed bowl, mix fish sauce (which according to Pat Chapman smells like socks), lemongrass paste, chopped basil leaves, green chilli paste and vegetable oil. Whisk lightly and add fish pieces. Let it marinate for 30 minutes. Pierce pieces with a skewer and grill over a medium charcoal fire. Serve hot sprinkled with chopped fresh coriander.

Jamaican Jerk Chicken

Ingredients-

Chicken drumstick, vegetable oil, muscavado sugar(brown sugar), cider vinegar, rum, pepper powder, nutmeg powder, cinnamon powder, salt, chopped onion fried brown, naga or scotch bonnet chilli, fresh thyme, garlic fried.

Method

Make diagonal cut marks on chicken pieces. In a round-bottomed bowl, add all the ingredients except chicken. Whisk lightly. Add chicken pieces and marinate for 30 minutes. Grill over a medium charcoal fire. Serve hot, sprinkled with crushed black pepper.

The grills were truly delectable, especially the Fish which was simply marvellous. I had my fill and tried other grills as well- Aztec Poblano Paneer, Spanish Valencia Prawns, Arabian Exotic Veggies, Chinese Sichuan chicken, Albuquerque Atomic Chicken. All of them had nice seasonings and textures. The drinks on the mocktail menu are interesting to try as well

I must say, it’s a good way to start the non-vegetarian journey after Navratras.

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on June 22, 2014 April 26, 2015

Theos

June 22, 2014

Theos

By Pranay Arora

Located in a not so well-known locality of a not so popular sector in Noida, this café in sector-41 isn’t perhaps the most ideally located eatery to attract foodies but still has decent connectivity via the Blue Line of the Metro. So getting there may not be a task, but settling into the environment around might. But hey, what’s life without a little challenge – a challenge of running a premium eatery at a relatively new location and achieving delicious perfection.

Yes, that’s exactly what the culinary geniuses here at Theos are doing. The moment you step inside you enter a small beautiful world of goodness – a delightful bakery with the most sinful desserts to offer and a café with the perfect blend of a modern arrangement with a little old school charm and the essence of the simple food shining through. The ambience inside is bound to make you feel or at least have you believe that you are enjoying a scrumptious meal at a beautiful place on some quiet old street of Rome. Soon you lose yourself in that robust flavourful air around you with smells of garlic and gooey cheese and that’s exactly why this place gets your salivary glands pumped and your mouth waters while your taste buds feel the tingling.

Theos offers a wide menu with some of the finest and most ethnic flavours from Italy put on a plate in front of you. Among the lights of the regular Italian delights of Pizzas, Risottos and Lasagne, you will be fancied by an exciting element added by the Lebanese and Mexican platters. To please the sweet tooth, Theos offers some of the most exquisite and indulgent desserts and is one of the finest bakeries in Delhi NCR.

I started my ride down the streets of Italy with a classic Italian tossed salad which was a healthy serving of fresh veggies with a burst of herbs with a generous drizzle of lemon juice and olive oil. Next came the Zuppa(soup) which was without a doubt the most interesting soup I’d had in a long time, a mushroom cappuccino, gorgeously concocted mushroom soup prepared like a cappuccino and served like one. I was craving for more yumminess. Being a crazy fan of cheese, I decided to go with the mushroom and blue cheese pasta for my mains. This had to be perfect, with two of my favouriteflavours married into one lip smacking dish. The pasta didn’t fail to impress. The sharpness of the blue cheese, with flavourful creaminess coming through from the mushrooms, and the undertone of punchy garlic from the béchamel gave this dish the perfect balance!

After having had all these savoury delicacies resting in my belly, I was getting thirsty; it was now time for some sugary goodness which I completed with the silkiest, most velvety chocolate hazelnut shake I’d ever tasted. Overflowing chocolate and a rich smothering of hazelnuts, it was a perfect end to a meal that had tantalized the taste buds and rejuvenated the palette handsomely. The staff was pleasant, served me with a smile and the service was top notch.

The food here at Theos has flair, character and the passion sparkles through. With a nice charm to the place and some decadent food whipped up every day, they are definitely heading for Big Chill glory. I will most definitely be returning to Theos, hungry for more.

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com