DU – Page 2 – Delhi Food Walks

Posted on March 4, 2015 March 3, 2015

Coffee House

By Prakriti Bhat

Hidden in the bylanes of the colourful Tibetian colony, Majnu Ka Tila is ‘Coffee House’. It is 15-20 minutes away from the students’ hub-North Campus. Tucked away from the rest of the market, it is a cozy little underground café frequently thronged by students and adults alike. One can also spot monks coming here for a quiet cup of tea or coffee. Since its not very far from the north campus of Delhi University, 90% of the crowd will be students coming in to have a cup of coffee or a muffin before they head back to be grilled in their lectures at college. The moment you enter the place, the aroma of fresh cakes will grip you to the place till you try atleast one o them.

They have a simple menu consisting of different variants of teas, coffees, mocktails and scrumptious cakes to choose from. Their cakes and muffins are freshly baked and served hot. Their Mud Cake is the most frequently ordered dish. It is a soft and spongy chocolate cake served with a generous topping of chocolate syrup. Also, the rates are very pocket friendly. Their generous helping of marble cake is best when combined with Iced Mocha. They also serve delicious choco chip muffins and choco walnut brownies. Summers become more tolerable with a glass of green apple mojito or lemonade. The place also caters to conventional tastes by offering fresh lime soda, ice tea and canned drinks. For hot beverages, they have several drinks to choose from ranging from their special tibetian tea- bhoe ja to the more usual black coffee, herbal tea, etc..

Coffee House offers a blend of Tibetian and the traditional café culture. Breakfast becomes a delight with a sumptuous combo of cheese omlette, porridge and bread along with tea. Also, one could go for their speciality-tibetan bread. The staff is very kind and friendly. When you enter the café, they hand over a piece of paper and pen to write your order on which they come and collect from your table. Every member of the staff serves you with a big smile. The ambience is extremely warm and welcoming. You can sit there for as long as you want, nobody will disturb you. Good music plays in the background. The volume is just perfect, neither very loud nor very low. The walls are painted a subtle yellow and are adorned with beautiful posters. This is the perfect place to run away from the humdrum daily city life and just relax.

Address-39, Basement, Majnu Ka Tila

Timings- 8 AM-10 PM.

Cost for two- 200 (approx)

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 February 23, 2015

Mohan Lal Bhelpuri Wala

By: Shagun Nayar

We, Delhiites have always had a soft corner for lip-smacking street food. Walking on the roads of this beautiful city, you will encounter numerous stalls serving the best of street food that Delhi has to offer. Tired college students after lectures, Children on Sunday evenings and the Diet cheaters after a tiring walk or a session at the gym are bound to find themselves being drawn to their favourite street food, if it’s even possible to pick one. I, for one can never choose.

However, a good plate of Bhelpuri always finds its way to my top 3 and so, I went on a mini Bhelpuri expedition to find my favourite plate of Bhelpuri in north campus. To my pleasant surprise, the stall/vendor serving the best is situated right in-between Hindu College and the Delhi School of Economics. It has a prime location as it always swamped with college students at any given time of the day. You are bound to bump into students walking in and out of their college gates with a plate of Mohan Bhaiya’s famous Bhelpuri in their hands.

Rumour has it that Mohan Bhaiya used to be lab assistant in one of north campus colleges but after careful consideration and the realisation that with his special green chutney and fresh produce he could serve the best Bhelpuri at campus without question, he decided to part ways with his job as a day assistant and started his own little business venture thereby earning more money and living a more relaxed life.

Situated on the same path as the bus stop stand for Hindu College, Delhi School of Economics and St. Stephan’s, students usually sit on the bus stop bench blabbering about their lectures, crushes & upcoming events while eating this divine mixture of puffed rice, peanuts, papri, green chillies, onions, boiled potatoes, coriander, tomato topped over with the special green chutney that makes Mohan Bhaiya’s Bhelpuri the best in campus. He also caters to the other lot by serving his delicious version of Sevpuri topped over with tiny pieces of red apple and a sweet red chutney which is equally delicious and popular.

Another reason for his popularity among numerous other vendors serving the exact street food item is that he makes it fresh from scratch finishing off his delicious rendition of the same by adding freshly chopped coriander and a squeeze of lemon juice to give it that extra freshness an zing. So, the next time you’re craving a plate of spicy, salty Bhelpuri make sure you look up Mohan Bhaiya for he will not disappoint.

Rate: Rs.20 for a small plate&Rs.25 for a large plate.

Timings: 11:00am-6:00pm

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on February 2, 2015 February 2, 2015

COFFEE with Raju Bhaiya

By Shagun Nayar

On my way back from college, I found myself craving a hot cup of well-made coffee on a rather cold windy winter evening. Okay, so one thing about staying or studying in north campus (A part of Delhi University) is that, you find innumerable places to eat. They range from the local Cholla-Kulcha Waala, the small stalls serving hot steamed Momo’s to the fancy well lit up cafes at Hudson. But having stayed and studied here for over a year and a half I have come to realise that there are very few places which serve you good coffee. The obvious exceptions being Costa Coffee or Barista. However, these big coffee shops fail to qualify as your daily dose of ‘chai’ or ‘coffee’ since you’re living on a student budget and are perpetually trying to save money.

So, I went on a quest to find a place where I would get a piping hot cup of well-made coffee. To my rescue came, ‘Raju Coffee Waala’ who is interchangeably known as ‘Raju Maggie Waala’. Situated on the Chatra Marg, right outside the Law Faculty, Raju makes the best coffee I’ve had in North Campus. What sets Raju apart from the various other chai/coffee stalls is the fact that his coffee is hand beaten. This is the reason behind his coffee being Frothy, Light and Flavorsome. In addition to this, he sprinkles some coffee powder on the top to give it that extra kick, making his coffee the best in the neighbourhood.

Raju Suri or Raju Bhaiya understands the relevance of marketing and in an attempt to increase his sales, he has devised an addition to his normal cup of coffee i.e. a cup of ‘light coffee’, for those who love having their daily dose of coffee but don’t like it strong.

So, the next time you’re wandering the streets of Kamla Nagar /aimlessly driving by this beautiful university road or walking back from a tiresome day at college. Be sure to stop and pick up a cup of piping hot coffee at Raju Coffee Waala.

Timings: 10:30am – 6:00 pm

Rate: Rs. 15/cup

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on May 3, 2014 April 26, 2015

Chennai Hot Cafe

May 3, 2014

Chennai Hot Café- Drink More!

By Anubhav Sapra

Address: E-143, Shop no.4, Kamla Nagar

Contact: 9212407758

Last Sunday, my dear friend Hillary who hails from Manipur, invited us for Easter Celebrations followed by a food fest at Emanuel Baptist Church, Civil Lines. More than being a part of the celebrations, I was excited about tasting the flavors at the North East Food Festival and so I readily accepted the invitation!

After participating in the Church service (songs and sermon) with my sister, we headed to the Lawns to savor the delightful food. We tried Singju (Manipuri salad), sandwiches, and a nicely made Cranberry juice mixed with soda and lime.

A lover of South Indian Cuisine, my sister accompanied me to the Easter Celebrations only on the condition that we visit Chennai Hot Café in Kamla Nagar soon after. The café is managed by Vipul and Kamal, residents of Kamla Nagar. The duo started the café three years back to serve affordable South Indian food to the student community of Kamla Nagar.

It is deliberate move on the part of the restaurant to have a limited number of dishes so as to maintain the quality of their food. The absence of desserts in their menu was the only downside as I was expecting to savor some South Indian sweet dishes like Payasam and Kesari bath.

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My sister and I had Rawa Dosa, Masala Dosa and Uthapam all of which were excellent in taste and are a ‘must try’.

They have an interesting drink, the Neer More (spiced buttermilk), which is a summer drink quite popular in Tamil Nadu and the rest of South India. A bit different from the regular Chaash available in Delhi, it has coriander leaves, curry leaves, chilli and asafoetida as its ingredients. It was quite refreshing and undoubtedly, it is going to be my favorite drink this summer. Amazing dosas and a refreshing Neer More, need I say more?

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on January 6, 2014 April 26, 2015

wonder wraps

Wonder Wraps

By Surabhi Bakshi

Satya Niketan, the heart of South Delhi is a foodie’s paradise. You get everything from Chinese to Punjabi, Italian to south Indian, it has something to please everyone’s taste buds. Off late a lot of food joints have opened up but the one that has caught everyone’s eye is 36 Chowringhee Lane.Located just opposite to the famous Venkateshwara college’s main gate, this place has been serving awesome rolls since long. It won’t be wrong to say that Chowringhee started the roll culture in Delhi. Their menu boasts of a variety of succulent,mouth-watering and delicious rolls. For the hard core non-vegetarians the double egg and the double chicken garlic roll is a must have. What stole my heart was the double chicken tikka roll served with hot and spicy BBQ sauce, it actually leaves you craving for more.

The veggies shouldn’t feel disappointed because this joint has a lot to offer to satiate their palate as well, the double paneer roll, soya chap roll, mushroom roll taste heavenly.

If you are one of those who are cleanliness freaks then you are likely to get a bit disappointed because all the rolls are made on the same pan and the spoon used for the egg and the other veg items is also the same and the rolls are a bit oily(definitely not for the diet conscious and the aspiring models ).

The prices are competitive so you can always trade them off for a healthier sub or steamed momos that are served next door. Also they have opened up their branch in Kamla Nagar market(North Campus) where they also serve delicious shawarmas all for a sum of 40. Here you also get an extra helping of mayonnaise,BBQ sauce,Tikka sauce only for Rs.10.

Go to this place to enjoy a quick,no frills bite.The rolls are fresh,hot and amazing and once you start eating them you will surely crave for more.

Piece of advice: If you want to avoid something then avoid the Aloo rolls (until, you’re an absolute potato person, that is.)

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on October 3, 2013 April 26, 2015

Shake Square

3rd October,2013

Chill Out at Shake Square

By Sukanya Sharma

Walking down the Bunglow Road of the Kamla Nagar market, one can easily miss the small “Shakes Square” amid the other equally bright signs. Once inside, you’ll never forget it. I think this is characteristic to the Keventer’s, the main branch of which at Connaught Place also has the tendency to ne missed but once had a sip of the shakes and a scoop of ice-cream, you are bound to never ever forget.

This bright, small yet cosy shop with the counter, ordering platter on the ground leveland the sitting area over head exudes the flavours of its items on sale in the very way the place is adorned. The choosing platter of ice-creams can actually make you go crazy about what to eat and what to spare for the next time. Trust me there is always a next time with this place.

Have you ever had this nostalgic feel of those very few first years when we used to get milk in big, no huge bottles? Or do you remember Tom, the cat in Tom and Jerry cartoon series ogling at this large bottle of milk? Well, you get to live this when the milk shakes come in similar containers.

The smooth, creamy thick and greatly ice sprinkled crystal, clear glass bottle does real wonders, during the sultry summer days. The blasting effect of the sweet, frothy shake and the crunch of the ice in it can be explained in only one word- ECSTASY or two- PURE ECSTASY! May you be dead sleepy after an 8:40 am lecture or infact be dead tired after any lecture, this place with its amazing range of flavours from chocolate to butterscotch, kesar pista to elaichi; is enough to take you through the day.

Maybe because it is the weekly, if not daily pilgrimage at K.Nags for DU students and for their prompt service and great ambience, i rate this place a 4/5. I actually (guiltily though) feel like a child in a candy shop in this place.

Anubhav Sapra

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on September 27, 2013 April 26, 2015

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

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on September 23, 2013 April 26, 2015

I Say Why Not Chinese?

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.

On 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

http://www.delhifoodwalks.com

Posted on September 13, 2013 April 26, 2015

Bombay ‘ishtyle’ Chaat

Bombay ‘ishtyle’ Chaat

By Navani Satija, Delhi food walks

SO, now if I go around asking most of my fellow DU-ites about where do they head for a daily ‘let’s-have-a-snack’ break? It is most obvious that that I’d be greeted with peevish faces (primarily because of their slog routine!). But, when it comes to the all girls’ college with the most gorgeous crowd across DU, all the cheerless faces disappear. And here’s where the most loved BOMBAY BHEL PURI right outside Lady Shri Ram College For Women comes into the picture.

On being told that something would be published about his daily job, its back bone, the proud owner Shri Yaad Ram instantly said he’s been running this food point (portable that too!) from 11.00 am- 5.00 pm every day for the past 25 years and is still going strong. That’s not just it; this irresistible range of chaats can also be savoured at Central Market, Lajpat Nagar after 6.00 pm every day.

Unlike other chaat walas, Yaad Ram Ji has kept his menu short and sweet (rather tangy) limiting it to only three dishes that he offers. Undoubtedly, all three are ‘must haves’. Starting with the first one, his speciality among the three and most popular among the Elsa crowd is the BOMBAY BHEL PURI. It is an extreme blend of chutneys along with generous use of onion and coriander which make it look and taste like a Bhel puri in actuality.

Next is the Elsa crowd’s second most favourite; the SEV PURI. This too is a sweet-savoury combo with lots of onion & sev (which is the prime characteristic of Sev puri). And the last but not the least, is the Jhal moori. Less popular among the Elsa chaat aficionados but never the less, it’s definitely worth a try. It’s a dry combo of puffed rice, peanuts, etc. as against the other two items. Here, Yaad ram ji adds that the “2 teaspoons of touch of oil enhances its flavour, but, the health conscious LSR girls avoid it.”

Very reasonably priced at Rs. 20 per item, it will make you forget the lavish gourmet, you spend your bucks on. So, take out time from your slog schedule and head for a “let’s-have-a-snack” break to jerk your taste buds.

Cheers! Happy eating!

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