Delhi is the gastronomical capital of India and street food is what keeps us ticking. Street food is popular everywhere in the world. In Thailand, you can grab a hot bowl of Ramen in the floating market, indulge in delicious poutine drenched in gravy or bite into a fat juicy hot dog in USA.
But India, arguably, is unmatched when it comes to the variety of street food available. There is something for every season and every taste. Winters are incomplete without crispy Aalu Tikkis and Ram Laddoos. Summers are best dealt with by gorging on gol gappas and bhalla papdi.The rains are the perfect occasion to celebrate with pakodas and even a plate of bhel puri.
For the food enthusiasts, here is what you may refer to as the Bible of Street Food in Delhi. Go, indulge!
1. Chole Bhature
The king of Indian Street Food. Many diets are broken with just the thought of this luscious deep fried ball of wonder. The title for the best Chole Bhature is just slightly disputed in Delhi with the winner emerging as Sitaram Diwan Chand (Paharganj) followed very closely by Nagpal’s and Chache di hatti.
The bhature in Sitaram are generously lined with paneer shreds and go perfectly with the delectably spicy chole.
2. Aalu Tikki and Chaat
Bittoo Tikki Wala who started as a cart seller now has franchises all over town. Thankfully, the crispy tikki doled out at these places remains standardised and is the perfect way to beat Delhi chill.
The original remains at Pitampura and a plate costs a meager Rs 60.
3. Samosa
This little triangular piece of heaven is probably what keeps Delhi hearts beating. The best thing about it is that you get fabulous Samosas at carts across the city and its tough to pick a favourite but if hard pressed for a name, Munni Lal Halwai (Frontier Waale) Samosa Shop in Gole Market (earlier in Panchkuian) may win this one.
These crispy wonders are incredibly affordable at Rs 12 per piece.
4. Kachori Sabzi
A crisp kachori lined with a slightly spicy masala dipped in a tangi aalu sabzi can make any drab day better. Dinesh Kachoriwala on Nai Sarak sells kachori sabzi since three generations and a steaming hot plate will only put you back Rs 8.
5. Kakori Kababs
Salim’s kababs win any day! Though many will disagree and say Khan chacha is better, it is a matter of great debate. Salim’s (earlier in Khan Market and now in Defence Colony Market) Kakori roll just melts in the mouth and you don’t even need to chew!
The kabab can be eaten as it is or rolled up in Rumali Roti as a roll which is a great option. Each roll costs Rs 90.
6. Momos
Momos are our answer to fancy dumplings in restaurants costing an arm and a leg. The charm of eating Momos at the Sikkim stall at Dilli Haat with the chilli sauce and fruit beer remains unbeatable. You can choose to have pork momos or chicken momos.
One plate of Momos costs between Rs 40 and Rs 60.
7. Mutton Patty
If you like the flaky pastry of a patty, the mutton patty at Wengers in CP is an experience in itself.
The filling of mutton cooked to almost a paste like consistency is delicious and the patty flakes before you can even bite it
8. Shawarmas
This article would be incomplete without the mention of Shawarmas. You could go around town, try all the options and make up your mind or you could do the smart thing, close your eyes and go straight to Al-Bake in New Friends Colony market.
The Shawarmas in Dubai, which are supposed to be the most authentic, or even the ones in Egypt do not stand a chance against Al-Bake. Not a place for the hygiene conscious, it is a tiny shop with tables lined up inside as well as outside.
Each Shawarma roll costs Rs 60 and just two are enough to satiate one person’s appetite.
