Chole Kulcha (Janpath)
Category: Streetfood
Nostril-flaring (hygiene rating): typical dhaba (no guarantee of washed hands, unsealed floors, etc)
Personal Rating: worth trying out (if you're in the area)
Personal Rating: worth trying out (if you're in the area)
On my first day in India, after having a safe snack (chaat) at Haldirams in CP (Connaught Place) in Delhi, I just didn't feel right. I felt something was missing. Kuch adhoora tha (it felt incomplete).
While the Raj Kachori, papdi chaat and sweet/salty fresh lime sodas were amazing, I needed more.
So after doing some quality shopping in Janpath, my Mamu (uncle) took my cousin and I to a small dhaba (shack) behind one of the buildings. Turns out that he used to come to this dhaba every other day when he worked in Delhi more than 20 years ago.
The dhaba itself was like any other inner city dhaba - not too big, quite "lo-key" with no signage, a bench for people to eat at and the main meals being made fresh in front of the customers. The chole (chickpeas) itself was fairly simple, served in a bowl made of dried leaves and was mixed with a bit of potato, chilies and fresh ginger. The kulcha (puri that is baked instead of being deep fried) was soft and broke easily with one hand
The food was quick, full of flavour and it also had bit of a kick. But I think the experience of eating at a local dhaba that has been around probably longer than me is what I was after!
Nothing like some popular street food to say "Welcome (back) to India"
The food was quick, full of flavour and it also had bit of a kick. But I think the experience of eating at a local dhaba that has been around probably longer than me is what I was after!
Nothing like some popular street food to say "Welcome (back) to India"
Above: Raj Kachori, Papdi Chaat and Salty/Sweet Fresh Lime Soda from Haldirams
Below: Chole Kulcha
Above: this dhaba has been serving hot Chole-Kulcha for 20+ years
Below: Selfie with one of my biggest Movember fans
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