Delhi Belly

Fruit Chaat & Kesar Kulfi

Vendors

Sitaram Bazaar

I discovered the foodie in me when I was a student of medicine. I also realised what cravings, especially the ones that strike at midnight, are all about. The simple yet delicious Fruit Chaat has been one of my favourites ever since. I wish I knew what masala they sprinkle on the freshly cut fruits. Another sitaram Bazaar favourite is the Kesar Kulfi, served in earthen pots. It comes without syrup or vermicelli. So the taste of saffron and pistachios hits you the moment the first dollop melts in the mouth.

Samosas

Sweet Shops

Outside Lady Hardinge Medical College

Every time I eat a samosa, I am reminded of one burly man from peshawar. He ran a sweet shop outside Lady hardinge. That’s the area I grew up in and that’s also where I picked up the habit of feasting on samosas. I always bought a plateful from this peshawari, who poured some extra green chutney for me. His grubby hands could make a hygiene freak cringe, but for me it was no deterrent. I am not sure if this shop is still around but the area is the best in town for samosas. A lot of students still frequent the shops here for their evening snacks.

Kebab Rolls

Vendors

Nizamuddin Circle

This is a version of the famous Lucknowi Gilawati and it is wrapped in paper-thin Roomali Roti. This again is one of the discoveries from my student days. You get two rolls in a plate and the accompaniments are green chutney, finely chopped onions and radish. There is nothing more comforting than a plate of these rolls on a cold winter night.

Big Boy Burger

Nirula’s

Connaught Place

Call it cliché or whatever you like but the Big Boy Burger from nirula’s is still one of my favourite fast foods. The patty is just out of this world. I would like to know what makes it so delicious. My other nirula’s musthaves are the Sausage Pizza and the Lime Ice Soda. What I also like about nirula’s food is the pricing. It’s still easy on the wallet and I haven’t seen anyone walk out of nirula’s without a smile.

Butter Chicken & Naan

Kake Da HhoteL

Connaught Place

The original kake da hotel, set up in 1948 by a refugee from Lahore, wowed delhi with its sinful Butter Chicken and soft naans. That is the stuff I grew up on. It’s sad that the old kake da hotel was shut down last year. But a new one is here to fill the gap. Don’t get into comparisons. Just go and taste the stuff. The restaurant is open till late in the night.

Barra Kebab

Karim’s

Jama Masjid

I cannot complete this foodie roundup without a mention of karim’s. It’s been ages since I last went there for a meal but the taste of the Mutton Barra is still fresh in my mind. I have never managed to eat more than two pieces of this chunky meat at one go. I cannot comment on the biryani or the curries at karim’s, but when it comes to the Barra, it just stands out.