When it comes to experiencing a country’s culture, there’s no better way than through its food. And when it comes to India, street food is an essential part of the experience. Bursting with flavors, colors, and aromas, Indian street food truly allows one to unlock the country’s rich culinary heritage. Today, allow me to take you on a flavorful journey through the streets of New Delhi, the capital city of India, and beyond.
A Glimpse into New Delhi
Before we dive into the culinary delights, let’s take a moment to appreciate the city itself. New Delhi, the heart of India, was designed by British architects Sir Edwin Lutyens and Sir Herbert Baker. Their plans gave the city a distinctive colonial-time architectural charm, which still stands tall right in the middle of the modern hustle and bustle. The city is known for its long, wide, tree-lined avenues, impressive government buildings, and historic landmarks that narrate the story of India’s journey from colonial rule to independence. This blend of the old and the new architecture sets the perfect parallel stage for the diverse and rich street food culture that thrives here.
The Smoky Delight: Litti Chokha
Our first stop is a dish that originates from the northern state of Bihar but has found a beloved place in Delhi’s street food scene—Litti Chokha. Litti is a wheat flour cake, salted and baked to perfection, filled with sattu (fried gram flour) and a blend of special spices. Traditionally, Litti was roasted over cow dung cakes, a method that imparted a unique smoky flavor. However, due to sanitary concerns, this practice has evolved, and today, Litti is typically roasted over coal, which still gives it that earthy, smoky texture.
When you take a bite of Litti, the first thing that hits you is the rich, smoky flavor, which is beautifully balanced by the tangy Chokha—a spicy mash of roasted vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes. The harmonious blend of spicy, tangy, and smoky flavors is truly a delight, making Litti Chokha a must-try for anyone exploring Indian street food.
The Aromatic Biryani Market
Next, we venture into the heart of Delhi’s bustling streets to experience the renowned and famous Biryani Market. Street food in Delhi is not for the weak; it requires a spirit of adventure and an open mind. But the rewards are immense, especially when it comes to the aromatic and flavorful biryani.
The moment you dig into a plate of this dish, you’re greeted with the light scent of fragrant basmati rice, delicately spiced with cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. Each individual grain is chemically bonded with the rich, savory taste of slow-cooked chicken or vegetables, marinated in a blend of yogurt and a plethora of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. The result is a dish where every bite is as satisfying as the first, offering a burst of flavor that lingers on your palate.
But the feast doesn’t end there. Accompanying the biryani, we have two types of chicken dishes—Chicken Radha and Afghan Chicken, along with soft, buttery naan. The Chicken Radha, with its vibrant red hue, signals a bold flavor profile, with succulent pieces of chicken marinated in yogurt, red chili powder, and garam masala. The flavors are fiery yet balanced, with a slight tanginess from the yogurt.
The Afghan Chicken, on the other hand, offers a milder, yet deeply flavorful experience. The chicken is tender and juicy, coated in a creamy marinade of yogurt, cream, and subtle spices like white pepper and cardamom. The dish has a hint of smokiness from the charcoal grill, perfectly complemented by the buttery richness of the naan.
A Taste of Tibet: Momo Market
The next day, our culinary adventure takes us to Momo Market, nestled in the heart of New Delhi. The journey to Momo Market is a visual treat, passing by landmarks like Modi Ji’s house and the old and new Parliament buildings. But the real highlight awaits at the market—steaming hot momos.
Momos, originally from Tibet, have become a beloved street food in Delhi. The chicken momos here are a burst of flavor in every bite, with juicy fillings of finely minced chicken seasoned with ginger, garlic, and a hint of soy sauce. The mutton momos, on the other hand, offer a more solid, savory taste, balanced with a mix of spices like cumin and coriander. Whether steamed or fried, these momos are light and tender, served with a warm, flavorful soup that adds a comforting touch to the meal.
What sets Delhi’s momos apart from their frozen counterparts in the UK is their freshness and depth of flavor. For around 200 rupees (approximately £2), you can enjoy a generous plate of seven momos—a stark contrast to the £15 you might pay for a similar plate in the UK. This affordability allows for a joyful, guilt-free indulgence that’s hard to match.
And no meal in India is complete without a refreshing bottle of Thums Up—a popular Indian cola that’s been quenching thirsts since 1977. Originally introduced as a replacement for Coca-Cola when it withdrew from the Indian market, Thums Up has become a cultural icon in its own right, known for its strong, fizzy kick, until it was later bought out again by Coca Cola in an aggressive takeover when they were allowed to enter the Indian Drinks market.
A Fusion Feast at Dosa Haat
Leaving the hustle and bustle of New Delhi, we head east to West Bengal, specifically Asansol, for our next culinary stop—Dosa Haat. Despite its name, Dosa Haat offers much more than just dosas, starting with the American Crispy Corn. This golden, crispy dish is a perfect warm-up to the meal, with each spoonful delivering a savory crunch, seasoned just right to tease the palate.
Next up is the Hara Bhara Kebab, a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. Made from a blend of spinach, peas, and spices, these kebabs are soft and flavorful on the inside, yet crispy on the outside. When paired with a fiery hot chili sauce, they offer a perfect balance of flavors.
But the star of the meal is the Cheese Chilly Paneer Dosa—a fusion dish that brings together the best of Indian and international flavors. The dosa, with its crispy golden exterior, is filled with soft paneer cubes, melted cheese, and a touch of green chilies. The result is a delightful combination of creamy cheese, tender paneer, and a slight kick from the chilies, making for a memorable fusion dish.
Dining at Dosa Haat is not just about the food—it’s about the experience. The air-conditioned comfort and warm, welcoming atmosphere make the meal even more enjoyable. The fusion dosas here are a relatively new introduction, blending traditional Indian flavors with international inspirations, and they offer a fresh take on a beloved classic.
The Essence of Indian Street Food
As we wrap up this flavorful journey through the vibrant streets and diverse cuisines of New Delhi and beyond, it’s clear that Indian street food is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Each dish holds a story, steeped in rich history, culture, and tradition, yet evolving with the times.
From the smoky Litti Chokha to the fragrant Biryani, the succulent Afghan Chicken to the delicate Momos, every bite carries with it a unique flavour that’s sure to etch itself into your memory.
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