The Foodie



Delhi in it's own way is known as the Food Capital of India. The Melting pot in it's own right, Delhi is home to a never ending list of cuisine not only from the different parts of India but from around the world. You, as a traveller would find an elaborate menu for breakfast, lunch, evening snack and dinner that would leave you in a dilemma as to what all to eat. And for the people who are on a look out for some late night snack, when McDonalds/Dominos/KFC and your local restaurateur has shut his shop, there are still places to feast on some yummy local Delhi delicacies. So, here are some of the best food joints in Delhi you should not miss.


Chaat and Gol Gappas

A Chaat in hindi means a medley. For a foodie it refers to a mixture of various Indian snacks, spices, lots of Curd and Chutneys all mixed together in right quantities.

Gol Gappas refer to a combination of a flour based snack (usually in spherical mould) complemented with really spicy and tangy drink (often referred as Jal Jeera mix). The snack is served in a unique style where in the Gol Gappas are punctured and filled with the tangy drink, sweet chutney and boiled potato. 

** You have to stand around the vendor where in he/she would prepare and put Gol Gappa in your paper bowl one by one. You have to quickly finish the one served so that the next one could find a place in your bowl.

To a Delhite it holds a really special place in their lives and a separate hidden section in their tummies. Which means that no matter how full you are you can easily find enough space in your tummy to enjoy the hot and spicy Chaat and the Gol Gappas.

In Delhi it is very hard to pin point a specific place or a vendor who makes the best Chaat or Gappas. It totally depends on ones opinion and the ease of access to the vendors close by . But here are few of the best Chaat and Gappa centres that have satified my taste buds over the years:

Natraj Dahi Bhalla
Location: Chandni Chowk (Old Delhi)
Description: A heaven for a die hard Dahi Bhalla fan. Serves out of a corner shop in a cramped lane.
Famous For: Dahi Bhallas and Aaloo Tikki (fried mashed potatos with chutneys and curd).
Taste: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Price: 8/10

Shree Ram Sweets
Location: Main Market, Malviya Nagar (South Delhi)
Description: One of best places in South Delhi to enjoy a platter full of Chaat/Dahi Bhallas and Gol Gappas.
Famous For: Chaat/Dahi Bhallas and Gol Gappas.
Taste: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Price: 8/10

Haldiram's Outlets
Location: All across Delhi. Would find an outlet in major markets.
Description: A out and out food outlet, specializes in best Indian sweets. A nice place to enjoy Chaats, Dahi Bhallas, Gol Gappas and other light snacks.
Famous For: Chaats, Dahi Bhallas, Gol Gappas and Raj Kachauri (a fusion of Gol Gappa and Dahi Bhalla)
Taste: 8/10
Quality: 8/10
Price: 7/10

Odeon
Location: Near Kaleva Sweets, Bangla Sahib Road, Gol Market (near Connaught Place, Central Delhi)
Description: A little shop next close to the famous KALEVA Sweets outlet. Gol Gappas served are on of the best in Delhi. Also serve Tikki.
Famous For: Gol Gappas.
Taste: 9/10
Quality: 7/10
Price: 8/10

Shopper's Paradise

Delhi has had a rich tradition that is an amalgamation of the traditions, cultures and ethics from all over India. The tradition and culture mix that is reflected in it's cuisine can also be found in it's love for clothing and accesories that people not only in Delhi love but is also admired the world over. In a rich array of clothing and accesories that can be bought from a street side vendor outside a up-market mall to a high class showroom, ranging from a fancy KURTA (traditional indian top worn by both men and women) INR 100/- (US $2 to $3) to INR 5000/- (US $100 to $150) Levi's pair of denims. Clothing out from studios of the world known designers to a Delhi garment manufacturer, you can find it all here. So, here is a sneak in to the ever colourful world of Delhi's fashion.


Lajpat Nagar Market

Location: Lajpat Nagar(South Delhi)
Description: A market based in the heart of South Delhi, offers anything and everything a shopper whishes to buy. From clothing and accesories to home decor, from toy shops to book dealers, the market has everything you need. And lets not forget the never ending list of eateries. But what makes this market a must visit is the broad spectrum of varieties and prices that this market offers to the buyers.  
USP: You will find almost anything everything you wish to buy offered to you at varied price ranges and varities.
Quality: 7/10 to 9/10
Price: 9/10 to 7/10 
Means to commute: Auto-Rickshaw and Metro Service.
Shopping Tip: Bargaining will help with smaller shops and street vendors. Its a strict "No-No" with branded shops and showrooms.  


Sarojini Nagar Export Market

Location: Sarojini Nagar(South Delhi)
Description: It is a shopping paradise for youngsters who wan't the trendiest clothes without spending too much. There aren't many places cheaper than this market where you find clothes that are "IN". From college wear to party wear, from casuals to night wear, and like a cherry on the cake a healthy list of designer jwellery and accessories.
USP: Designer clothing at really low prices.
Quality: 7/10
Price: 9/10
Means to commute: Auto-Rickshaw and Metro Service.
Shopping Tip: Bargain as much as you can. Straightaway jump to the half of what is being asked for the item you wish to buy. If they insist, slowly move to the next shop as if you have found a better item than what was being offered. You will see the price coming down like a house on fire.

Must Sees

                                                        
Delhi has seen an array of dynasties who have ruled it, right from the Mughal's to the Britishors. All of them have left their imprints on the Delhi that we know and see today before us. The imprints can be seen in the food, clothing and the huge and old monuments that are part of the heritage that Delhi prides itself of. Also, there are places in and around Delhi (1 day trips) that adds to it's folklore. So, lets pack our bags and begin our journey into the rich heritage of Delhi.