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Dilliwalas will never let anyone take their place when it comes to street food. While Mumbaikars may boast of their vada pavs and pav bhajis, it is Dilli ki chaat and golgappe that are revered across the country. The teekha-pan and chatpata-pan that you find in Dilli ka khana is hard to find elsewhere. Right from samosas and kachoris to ram ladoos and tikki chole, the street fare of the capital is truly one of a kind. Chaat, for those untouched by the phenomenon, is usually described as a collection of Indian snacks that are enjoyed on roadside stalls. While chaat refers to an umbrella term for a variety of delicacies, the origins began way back in the Mughal era.
It was during Shahjahan’s reign that a cholera outbreak brought a pressing issue to light. The contaminated water of Yamuna river was identified as the root cause of the diseases and it was only on the recommendation of the royal Hakim that spices like coriander, red chillies and tamarind were added to make it fit for consumption. Imagine the chaat we relish today was once a medicinal cure. Now that you know so much about chaat and the capital literally spells chaat in every nook and corner, you cannot go without try these places.
Here are our recommendations of some of the best chaat places in dil walon ki Dilli.
1. Chote Lal Chat Bhandar
From aloo chaat to mixed fruit, this place is a one-stop shop for all your chaat cravings. Housed in the dingy lanes of Old Delhi, you have to try at least one chaat from their menu and well, if you ask us, we would say go for the dry fruit chaat because it is not only a unique innovation but a rich and delicious combination too.
Find it at 1028, Kucha, Sharif Beg, Sita Ram Bazar
2. Prince Paan
The name may confuse you because this place is quite a rage among paan lovers of Delhi but they have an exclusive Prince chaat outlet too. Situated in one of South Delhi’s busiest markets, the small shop is tucked away in a corner. When you are here, don’t look too much, just go and order a plate of the classic chaat papdi and wait till it arrives. The freshness of the dahi and pomegranate seeds and the crunchiness of the papdi definitely make it value for money.
Find it at GK 1, M Block Market, New Delhi
3. Triveni Terrace Café
Right from my college days, I’ve been a fan of this place. Why you ask? Well, one because they offer a delicious palak patta chaat on their menu. The crispy papdi coated with a crunchy layer of spinach leaves add a touch of nutrition to the chatpati chaat. And second, because it is literally situated in the centre of a cultural hub. Oh and if you’re a little too hungry, you can also go for their kathal (jackfruit) biryani because it is amazing.
Find it at 205, Tansen Marg, Triveni Kala Sangam, Mandi House, New Delhi
4. Raju Chaat Corner
If you’re imagining this to be a small street side stall, we’ll tell you it’s not. A well-established chaat shop that serves some of the best Dahi puchkas aka golgappas in town, this place should definitely be on your list. Surrounded by the Bengali community, the shop also offers jhalmuri and other street snacks popular among the Bongs. And yes, this place has got the palak patta chaat too if you wish to try.
Find it at Shop 156, Market 01, Chittaranjan Park
5. Shree Balaji Chaat Bhandar
Old Delhi is not only the right place to be when you want to try a plethora of lip-smacking parathas, but it is hub for chaat lovers too. Every corner would have a legendary chaat shop. This one is about 150 years old and the taste and flavour of their famous bhalla papdi has not changed even a bit such a long time. The bhallas soaked in water are mashed and slathered with curd and all sorts of spices. Crush the papdi, sprinkle salt and douse it in tamarind chutney.
Find it at Near Sis Ganj Gurudwara, Chandni Chowk, Old Delhi
