Increasing wealth has brought benefits for most Indians, but for a lingering Doubt. The country’s public spaces have greater priorities than hygiene, an issue and a concern that spreads to its culinary offering as well. But given its extreme variety and simply unforgettable flavours, even those who live in fear can hardly deny having snuck in a chaat or a bhelpuri when temptation got the better of them. Well, The Park, Delhi, offers cuisine made popular on the streets in Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and Mumbai ? at one go, in hygenic conditions! Well, each city has its own specialities of what its streets serve best. The flow of communities has benefitted the metros most, though other cities, especially Lucknow and Varanasi have great traditions too. The purist may miss the samosa or the chow, but given that there are about 35 dishes on offer here, in unlimited quantities, at Rs 950, its highly unlikely! Till August 2
DELHI
Delhiites have had a long tradition of food in public spaces and the acme of this centuries of old tradition was reached some towards the middle of the previous century, opine experts. Though street food is available all over Delhi, and the long list for this festival ran to three pages (!), those in the know will vouch for this – for the best, go the parts today called Old Delhi.
Kolkata
Given the erstwhile metropolises great cosmopolitan mix in its relatively short history, coupled with Bengali proclivity to carrying food and its appreciation to the level of a fine art – so what if the presentation does not quite rival French cuisine ? it is no surprise that street is vibrant and leaves fans wanting more even when far from the city. There’s a strong influence from Bihar, Marwar and Gujarat, says chef Jaikishen Barik.
Mumbai
The hygiene debate may be a common one for street food across cities, hardly any city tops India’s financial capital for the sheer range of food available. Drawn largely from local sources on which centuries of migrants have left their indelible influences, including colourful names, the food has something for everyone, explains chef Harmeet Singh.
Chennai
Street food from the city is perhaps least familiar to those not familiar with the city, but Chennai has its own share of diverse snacks and meals that are served all over, says chef J Narayanswamy. From T Nagar to Nungambakkam High Road and the Marina beach, the poori urlai idiappam and masala vadas, draw from various parts of southern India.