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Culinaire

Culinaire

By Poorva Shourie

While I was growing up, like most Indians, my palate was very restricted – it usually ran wild at the thought of Indian or Continental food. I never really understood why people around me liked Chinese so much and Thai was a concept alien to me.

Till very recently I refused to recognize food from the East as a cuisine that would satisfy my taste buds; until I started my first internship.

My ex – coworker was obsessed with Chinese and Thai food and invariably most of our meetings were fixed at Oriental restaurants. My stint at company and thus with the co worker ended shortly but what lingered was my extreme fondness for her beloved cuisine.

Now I am not saying that I can have Chinese every day. No! Thank you. But whats surprising is my sudden and out-of-the-blue craving for Chinese or Thai food every now and then.

Like today, for example, while I write this article, I am babysitting my niece and I want nothing more than some well-cooked Thai Green curry accompanied with steamed rice.

And since I can’t go out (babysitting, you see) I decided to call my favorite take-out restaurant – Culinaire, in GK 2.

This little place started as a snacks joint/shack a few decades ago (I am not exaggerating here ) and it turned out the be THE place everyone in GK (and far beyond) call for some gastronomical happiness!

The food at Culinaire is scrumptious and the portions are generous.They serve Lebanese, Thai and Chinese. I sincerely feel that their Chinese and Thai surpasses their Lebanese. The Doner Kebab, for example, can not match up to the one at Arabian nights. The bread is too thick and the hummus – doesn’t taste like hummus.

However their Chinese and Thai – oh my!

It’s simple, straight to the point – an amalgamation of the right flavors. To put it simply, it is just wonderful.

I was never really fond of Thai food as pointed out earlier but Culinaire’s Thai Green curry is by far the best I have ever had. It’s light with a generous helping of bamboo shoots and baby-corn.

Culinaire has perfected most of the Chinese delicacies. The Schezwan sauce is easy on the palate – neither too hot neither too sweet, the oyster sauce is good, their dim-sums are delicious (only steamed not fried), the fried rice is a must try, their soups are authentic and their service is impeccable. Overall the experience is fulfilling for the tummy and light on the wallet.

Before I wrap up this article I would like to mention one thing – you can go to Culinaire, place your order, sit down and have your food, however in my opinion when the food is home delivered the experience is something completely different. According to me it smells delicious, it tastes better and somehow I feel their portion sizes are a little more generous during take out.

Thus the next time you are sitting and watching the Big Bang Theory (or babysitting) and Sheldon Copper orders his very famous Tangerine Chicken with Soy Sauce don’t just sit there salivating – pick up your phone and order a plate of goodness from Culinaire!

 

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.
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Lala ji’s poori and sabzi

Lala ji’s poori and sabzi

By Anubhav Sapra

Recently the statements by Congress MP Raseed Masood and spokesperson Raj Babbar about the availability of food between Rs. 5-12 made headlines everywhere, from national dailies to news channels. Like all others, I also  found it very hard to believe the claim and decided to check it for myself.

I tried to explore every nook and corner of the famous streets of Purani Dilli, starting from Bara Dari, Ballimaran, Matia Mahal, Lal kuan, Sardar Swarup Chowk, Khari baoli to Chandni Chowk including many kuchas and galis to find out a place where one can have a wholesome meal at Rs 5.

Nothing seemed to put an end to my search. However, on my way to Fathepuri Masjid, I located a small shop at Sardar Swarup Chowk, ‘Lala ji Poori Sabzi Wale’.The shop was crowded, a large number of people were queuing up with money in their hands to grab a plate of Lala ji’s poori and sabzi.

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Here you can get three poori(s) with aloo and chana sabzi for Rs10. The poori(s) are crisp and deep fried in the oil and sabzi is equally good with just the right amount of spices added to it.

I couldn’t help but feel amazed at the simplicity of the place, the warm hospitality, the hurrying customers, the delicious food and the astonishingly low price. Bhai Waah!
Happy Eating! 

 

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.
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SPEEDY CHOW AND ROLLMAAL

MUST TRY: SPEEDY CHOW AND ROLLMAAL

By Sanskriti Nagar

My association with Speedy Chow and Rollmaal did not just begin on the 11th of October when they invited us for their food reviewing but quite before that, since the time their names caught my attention when said on the radio stations. I am sure you would have heard them too and surely would have spent a second at their exclusivity. But they certainly had much more than just exclusivity; they have a purpose, an aim. Let me just brief you through my two experiences. Our first visit was to Speedy Chow, where they presented us with pan-Asian delicacies.

khow suey veg

Being a vegetarian by choice, I’ll be providing insights into the vegetarian platter. In starters we were served Tom Yum vegetable soup and Raw Papaya Salad. Whereas the soup had nicely prepared fresh vegetables, the stealer was Raw Papaya Salad, done in an innovative way; raw flavors and perfect crispness it will surely kick start your appetite. Next we were served with Vegetable Momos platter which had two variants of each style and instantly, Chilli cottage cheese momos became my favorite of all of them. Vegetable noodles and Vegetable fried rice were also done nicely, each prepared to suit the taste buds of the masses. Another favourite of mine from Speedy Chow is the vegetable Khow Suey which will surely make your mouth water merely by its aromas. Don’t miss out on the desserts too, the lava cake is as perfect as it can be and the caramel cake is delicious too.

Speedy Chow was an attempt to serve food to match the lifestyle of today’s generations, serving food for the fast life. Thus, it is most popularly known to deliver food as its name, before you realize, your doorbell rings with hot, appetizing food. Other elements you can’t ignore are the peppy indoors and affordable price ranges. Overall, if you want delicious food at your doorstep when the midnight hunger attacks, speedy chow is the place to contact.

paneer tikka roll

The next great experience was at Rollmaal. Rollmaal promises to give you not just a food experience but also an overall feeling. The ambience just made my day, specially the music and the service of the staff. It is done so perfectly that you feel as if you have entered into a different world of the Rollmallistan. Rollmaal serves in two ways, either you can order from the rolls on the menus or you can get your own roll prepared. I would personally not recommend just one of the various rolls with their more interesting stuffing’s but all, as they are all done with not just lot of innovation but have added a bit of their heart too. My personal favorite from Rollmaal became the Rollmaal Desi mix and Veg Achaari Roll, both of which were rich with flavors and their very original twists. In all, Rollmaal is definitely a must visit again spot for me.

 

 

 

 

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.
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Charan Kumar’s Punjabi Rasoi Tadka

Charan Kumar’s Punjabi Rasoi Tadka

By Anubhav Sapra

Who likes to queue up to pay bills? Long, sweaty lines, standing and waiting and doing nothing fruitful, none of us, right? But if surviving the long long lines do not prove a waste of time and get you to hog on some amazing food, wouldn’t you just love it? Charan Kumar’s Punjabi Rasoi Tadka is perhaps the reason owing to which people living in and around North Campus do not mind standing in the long queues in front of the TDPPL office.

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You will find Charan’s Punjabi Rasoi Tadka right outside the TPDDL office in Hudson Lane. Everyday at 9 am in the morning, a santro halts in front of the government building to satisfy hungry souls of office goers,students and shopkeepers in and around Hudson Lane. The food is mouth watering! The menu includes of Kadi Chawal,Rajma Chawal,Chole Chawal, everything at an affordable price of Rs 30 per plate. To enhance the taste, Raaita for Rs 10 is also served along. The mobile food service enjoys good popularity in the area, you could actually find people waiting for it to arrive and some getting the food packed for the rest of the day. Charan’s Rasoi seems to have a good understanding of its customers and apart from having arrangements for packing the food for an extra price of Rs.5, it also serves it in a very presentable way, teamed up salad and pickles.

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All the dishes which he offers are truly delicious.To maintain hygiene, the food is served in disposable aluminum foil tray.

The most popular dish in the menu is Rajma Chawal and owing to its popularity, it finishes up soon. So, if you reach the place post 12. There are hardly any chances that you’d get to gorge on it.

Make sure you visit the TPDDL office sharp at 9 and treat yourself with some amazing north Indian food, a perfect start to a long day at work or college.

Happy eating!

Edited by:Kanchan Bisht

 

 

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.
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Tikkas and Curries

                      Tikkas and Curries

‘Tikkas and Curries’ is a multi cuisine eating and a takeaway joint. Located in Guru Nanak market, one can easily spot it by their signature bright and sunny yellow arched canopy. It is not known to many that this amazing eatery is run by former Oberoi chef, Sandeep Kakkar who believes that food is the celebration of life and the real success gained as a chef is when people appreciate the food with complacency and smiles on their faces.

chicken matar bharta

They offer a plethora of delectable, lip smacking dishes ranging from Kebabs, Mutton and Chicken Curries, Tikkas, Biryani served with special mint chutney, veg and non-veg Thali, Chinese, Soya roganjosh, prawns, fish, Paneer and Chicken Rara and Indian desserts like Kesri Kheer and Phirni. Though it’s been 2 ½ years since this joint opened up, they already have their branches at Greater Kailash and Saket going great guns. It’s a small joint with an attached kitchen whereby you can see through the chefs always at work and preparing the much relished dishes emanating an aroma that’s surely to charge up your taste buds, sending you into a trance.

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Their speciality is Chicken, Paneer, Soya rara which is prepared with the main ingredient mashed in pure Desi Ghee and Chicken Mutter Bharta, very unique and original in taste and style. Other specialities including the Mushroom Kakori Malai made from button mushrooms and cheese, savory Chicken Afghani prepared in cashew nut paste, Punjabi Malai tikkas, soft and succulent which melt in your mouth at once and Dahi Methi Gosht are certainly going to leave you craving for more.

Staff is amicable and the service is very quick. They provide free home delivery service along with banquet facilities and also specialize in outdoor catering.

The price range is almost Rs 500 for two people.

The timings are from 12 noon till 3:30 pm and in the evening from 7pm to 11pm.

By Foodie Correspondent:Ritika Bali

 

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.
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Nagpal Chole Bhature

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   Nagpal Chole Bhature

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 “… Yaar tune yahan ke chole-bhature nahi khaye? Sharam kar!

And with this, my friend greets me into the haven of all the ‘PG people’ in and around Amar colony. This was one place where the undying-Punjabi-love-for-choley bhature was conspicuous. Be it a south Indian girl standing at the counter and ordering two extra plates to take for her PG mates after having one whole herself, or be it my bong friend who did the awesome job of bringing me here, Nagpal chole fits all tastes and preferences very well.

Coming back to the plaIMAG2892ce from where all the mesmerisation started, Nagpal choley was found in 1990 in the same Amar colony area where it is operational till now. In contrast to the current scenario, it was started with just one main dish which was the (evergreen) choley bhature. Looking back to those times this enticing plate consisting of a big bowl of choley with 2 huge bhaturas was merely priced at Rs. 8.

And this is where one of the in-charges there, Ramesh, says that ever since the time he has joined as a worker here, all he has been observing is the sheer increase in the customers as well the prices. With 2 years away from completing its 25th year of existence, Nagpal choley has been catering to the tastes of a huge chunk of people situated in Amar colony by serving them with a wide variety of the fried Punjabi flavour. Their dishes range from special Nagpal choley bhature, poori choley, rajma-rice, shahi paneer-rice, samosa with chutney and steaming kachoris.

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Undoubtedly, Nagpal choley has emerged as the most sought after food point in Amar colony due to their reasonable prices in terms of the quantity and quality they offer. The most famous choley bhature is priced at Rs. 55 for a full plate, Rs. 40 for a half plate and so on for every dish they offer. In all the ratings accordingly will be as follows:

TASTE                                9/10

AMBIENCE                        7/10

VALUE FOR MONEY         8/10

So the next time you’re around amar colony and wish to savour the dramatic-Punjabi- flavours, Nagpal choley surely possesses all the ‘must-haves’ to jerk your taste buds and brighten up your mood or day!

Cheers! Happy eating!

By Navani Satija,Foodie Correspondent,Delhi Food Walks

 

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.
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Changezi Chicken

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SHAHI DASTARKHWAN

By Kashish Badar

Famous for its Mughlai and Tandoori dishes, CHICKEN CHANGEZI is a non vegetarian’s arcadia. Located on Netaji Subhash Marg, this small restaurant serves outstanding food. Though they don’t have much for vegetarians, but for the non veggies, this is shangri la!

I had heard a lot about the place, and the week before, I decided to visit the place for dinner. It is a small air conditioned restaurant which was established around 12 years back according to the owner, Mr. Mohd. Salman.

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As the name of the restaurant suggests, the menu is chicken centric, with only a few other options, but that does not make it any less enticing.  We began with the Afghani Chicken which is chicken marinated in curd and other spices and then roasted. It is then put in gravy of cream and butter. This Afghani chicken is had with onions and coriander chutney. The chicken pieces were succulent and soft. They were properly marinated and the flavours had touched the core of the piece. I would give a 10/10 to this dish because of the tender and juicy chicken it had. The gravy was equally tasty and smooth. We had also ordered Butter Chicken which arrived soon with the rumali roti. The proportion of tomatoes, cream and spices was perfect in the dish, but the rumali roti was not such a hit. It was not very hot when served and it became rubbery and stretchy soon.  The butter chicken can be given 8/10.

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And the showstopper of the evening was of course the most special dish of the restaurant; the Changezi Chicken. This is a great getaway from the usual chicken dishes. The grilled chicken pieces in the curry are first marinated DSC04780in lime juice and spices and then grilled. They are later served in gravy. Initially one might find it a little sour, but gradually your taste buds will love it. It’s garnished with freshly chopped coriander leaves and served hot with khamiri roti or plain naan. The dish has a little crunch in it and tanginess. It’s aptly spiced and served. The dish can easily score 8.5/10.

For the dessert we had zafrani kheer. It is basically the normal kheer to which zafran (saffron) is added. This adds further flavour, colour and fragrance to the sweet dish. It was served cold and tasted incredible. After all the spice, the little sugar made a perfect ending to the perfect dinner.

The service is really impressive in the eatery. Despite the renovation that is on in the place, the staff ensures proper check on the customer’s requirement and comfort.

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For all those looking out for inexpensive and delicious non vegetarian food this weekend, do try out the place. Even a full plate of butter chicken will not cost more than 500 bucks. The place is great for family meals or an outing with friends. It’s comfortable (not luxurious) and gives you the feel of having good food in the heart of Delhi. After the feast, you can take a walk to the famous Jama Masjid to digest the scrumptious meal.

A meal for two would only cost around 400- 500 bucks. My personal recommendation would be the Afghani Chicken and certainly the Chicken Changezi!

The place is a must try for every non- vegetarian foodie!

You can contact Mr. Mohd. Salman for any further queries.

Mr. Mohd. Salman- 9312251239.

Address (Chicken Changezi)- 3614, Main Road, Darya Ganj.

Photo Credit- Piyush Nagpal

7th October,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.
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Ranganathan

Delhi’s very own MADRAS CAFE

Five years ago a man named Ranganathan, arrived at New Delhi Railway station from Chennai holding his ten year old son’s hand and with dreams in his eyes. He wanted to start a small food joint in the capital to earn his livelihood.

With whatever savings he had and his culinary art of making delicious South Indian delicacies-dosa, idli and vadas he started his venture near GTB metro station as his main aim was to attract the college students who throng in and around North Campus. Assisted by little son, Ranga as he is fondly called he would get up early in the morning and start his preparation work. Around 12.30 pm, he would reach his venue with his paraphernalia and after the initial preparation like setting up of things like the dosa tava utensils, he would start doling out delicious dosas.

The aroma of fresh dosas being prepared, attracted a few passersby in the beginning and gradually through word of mouth Ranga’s business picked up. Today the small food joint is famous as “PURE MADRASI DOSA” stall. If anyone’s read “The Martyr’s Corner” Ranga’s story will remind you of the same. The must haves of this famous joint are the “Masala Dosas topped with cottage cheese”, the soft succulent vadas served with sambhar, coconut and gun-powder chutney. People from all walks of life throng the food joint and go back satisfied having tasted authentic South Indian delicacies at reasonable prices which suits every pocket.

This is the story of a man who has made big in a city like Delhi.His magical smile adds to the final touch to the whole experience and you come back again and again asking for more and more and more……

Foodie Correspondent-Surabhi Baksi

The location of the stall-near GTB METRO STATION
CONTACT NO-9044017319

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.
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I Say Why Not Chinese?

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I Say Why Not Chinese?

A little of boiling, a sprinkle of oriental spices and a taste that takes you by the green trail to the Great ‘est’ Wall. Chinese is more than this, especially when it comes straight from the tandoor!

Placed in Jawahar Nagar, Y Not Chinese or more familiarly called the “YNC” is the trendiest joint for youngsters. Set with tables and two to eight chairs around them, YNC is surely a place to bond.  Have you ever had the fascinating experience of a place that is dark but still there is ample of light?  YNC makes you feel so.

WP_000090On a personal note, when I first went through this glorious name of “tandoori momo”; I was a little sceptic. Out of some sort of curiosity, I ordered the same dish praying for my money to not go wasted. But when the dish finally arrived one word could explain my reaction: Amazed. The momos were the golden red of the tandoor that came with agreen pudine ki chutney. Take a bite please, and a blast of pleasure that tickles your mind, to a happy trance but the grand tandoori flavour brings you to the clay ovens of the lands of heritage.

Or just order regular momos, and the steaming hot delicacy that come with a red sauce takes you on an amazing journey through tastes of pure excellence and sweeps you off your feet.

Fusions that will surely make you crave for more. Do try this place.

Another personal note, I like its crockery.

Sukanya Sharma,Foodie Correspondent

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.
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Anna Cafe

Anna Cafe

Anna’s Cafe

Who knew that a tiny stall called Anna’s Cafe has been parked outside NIFT for 16 years? For 16 years Anna has been selling lip-smacking South India food at the most affordable prices ever. He has been saving us one hunger pang at a time.

For all the vegetarians this is a must try place and for all the ‘Tuesday’ believers like me this can be your ‘go to place’.

My personal favourite is The Vadas. No other place can balance the exterior crispiness and the inner softness of a Vada like Anna. I know it’s hard to believe considering it’s a small time ‘thela’ but that is the exciting aspect as well.

Unlike other dhabas or thelas, Anna doesn’t serve in recyclable plates (well you can ask for one if you want). Instead he serves the Vadas and the idlis in a bowl with a ‘topping’ of sambar and coconut chutney. The dosas are made right in front of you and served hot so that you can dive right in.

Although there isn’t much variety at Anna’s Cafe, there will always be one dish which shall become your personal favourite. To top it all you get to experience this for just Rs.30. Like I said he is a superhero.

If you want to be a part of this 16 year old legacy, head on over to NIFT near Hauz Khas market and Green Park Metro Station. Hope to see you folks soon!

Pramiti Sapru

Foodie Correspondent

P.S- You can always ask for extra coconut chutney. Anna never says no 😀

 

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.