Kumar Samosa wala – 21 and still counting

Kumar Samosa wala – 21 and still counting

Samosa brings to memory a bulgy triangular body stuffed with spicy mashed potatoes. I read somewhere long time back that samosa is originally a mughlai dish to be stuffed with keema.  Non-veg not being a popular choice in Indian sub continent, the keema was replaced with potato – food for the masses. The samosa has been a roller coaster ride since then. Samosa is a first choice of snack on arrival of guests, sometimes substituted by pakoda. The samosa shop can be located in any nook and corner of the country. Tea is the bride and Samosa is the groom, both incomplete without each other.

Kumar Samosa wala at moti nagar, delhi has continued the history of replacing keema with potato. Till now has discovered 21 such replacements and still counting. Malai Paneer, Chowmein, Shahi Paneer, Manchurian are not the dishes at kumar samosa wala but the different kinds of samosas. All look same outside but not inside. Each has a different stuffing. All salty and spicy is not the tradition, there are two variants of sweet samasa as well. Gujiya Samosa and Chocolate Samosa.

Where: The shop is located in a residential colony behind Milan cinema in karampura, Delhi. Looks like just another snack shop in a residential colony and is identified by a bunch of customers waiting for the order to be served or packed.

Business Hours:  Opens at around 9 in the morning to 8:30 in the evening.

Serves: More than 21 varieties of Samosa, Cheese sandwich and rolls. It also hosts a small set up of Chinese counter outside the shop on road serving spring roll and fries. The samosas are served in paper plates and can pick your choice of chutney or sauce from the counter. Tissues are available on request.

Taste:  Samosas are tasty but the USP is variety and not the taste.

Price:  Aptly priced, the price for simple aloo samosa is 12, paneer and sweet variants are 25. Spring rolls are priced at 40. Value for money.

Serving Size: The size of each samosa is around that of a fist and very filling.

Hygiene:  Good. No exceptional bad catch noticed.

Ambience:  They don’t qualify to this. It is a small shop with the counter placed at the front. One cannot enter the shop and no arrangements for sitting.

Staff:  Again not applicable. There are just two individuals in the shop taking money and giving back samosas.

USP:  One gets to taste more than 21 variants of samosas at one shop and a very decent price.

Packing:  They pack the samosa in brown bag with the green chutney in case you want to take them along.

Why to eat? :  Want to have different varieties of samosa.

Why not to eat? :  Want to eat something other than samosa.

Truck from village to city

O jatt nikla gaddi leke. . Miniature truck. What better toy to expect in a mela at Punjab. Word 'truck' often brings to memory a highway, a dhaba, happy go lucky sardarji performing bhangra(punjabi folk dance), chicken tangadi (leg piece) and urad chana dal popularly known as dhaba wali dal. These all images rotate in a halo of my mind. I liked the toy very much and more than that the humbleness of the street vendor. He allowed me to click it. He was feeling very proud when the truck was being clicked as if his son is being promoted to some grade officer. A stark difference in city and village was noticed. A street vendor in metro might have recalled all my blood relations as I am wasting his time in clicking it and not purchasing anything. His apprehensions and weird behaviour is justified to villainous high costs of city. The one at village is content and cool. He has nothing as too big to compete as compared to the urban counterpart. Sometimes development seems like irritating and undeveloped or no development seems so peaceful and soothing. . #truck #travel #travelphotography #miniature #automobilephotography #autophotography #vehiclephotography #village #rural #city #urban #development #underdeveloped #shankar #punjab #lonelyplanetindia #_soi #delhi_igers #india_igers #india #streetsofindia #yin #yin_india #storiesofindia #jalandhar

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Dec 25, 2015 at 7:43am PST

कमरे से कैमरे तक।

कमरे से कैमरे तक। from room to camera. कमरे refers to enclosed, orthodox set up of the society, where women are limited only to the inside of house. They are considered as showpiece of the house. The limits are at max to the main door of the home. They deal only with culinary devices and household chores. The skill set starts and end at cooking, embroidery, singing(only bhajans{holy songs}) and sewing clothes. Dealing with outside world was considered as question on the girl's character. कैमरे (camera) refers to the outside advanced world, no difference being made on caste, creed, colour, sect or sex. The present day women has made it real far. The distance travelled has made the society proud. The change is positive and is welcomed. The women education has led to this positive revolution. No body can solve the problems of women better than the women themselves. They should be equipped and encouraged to do so and the best medium is education. No reservations can win them the due respect and position as what a mandatory education can. I clicked her at nasik kumbh 2015. What I liked most about the click was the confidence of the photographer. Though only a mobile camera and all by herself, the authoritative style of clicking was amazing. . . #travelog #travel #kumbh #kumbhmela #kumbh2015 #nasik #womenphotographer #women #photographer #photogtaphersofindia #camera #room #womenpower #_soi #india_igers #indiaclicks #storiesofindia #flavoursofindia #yin_india #vistarooms #oyorooms #lonelyplanetindia #trimbakeshwar

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Nov 30, 2015 at 4:38am PST

Photographer Baba

Photographer Baba.Our scriptures are believed to have it all. Even some argue that all modern day inventions have been mentioned in the shastras ages back. Who knows there is a photography shastra as well and baba must have studied it.I noticed many making mockery of this baba as he was clicking with his mobile. I have a question for them.. So what? They are also humans, have emotions, love to cherish memories. Pictures are clicked so that we can re live the time. And it is not mentioned any where that only a non sadhu can do it.These babas are actually the solo travellers but not published on any travel blog. They don't travel on shoe string budget, they don't even have shoes. They travel bare foot from one to another destination. If you get a chance to interact with these travellers. I mentioned chance because they might not interact with you. Throw your travel query and the response is guaranteed not available on any travelogue.This is our culture, we don't show off. The west is quite the opposite. The person talking about himself is often referred as 'apne mooh miyan mitthoo' in our country. Writing pages singing your own praise is not uncommon in appraisal process of MNC you are working with. Our culture, our religion, our values are about giving without a mention. We don't boast about self. This is one of the reasons our scriptures are not understood by masses and are often misunderstood. Our scriptures are very technical and deep. Our yogis never discussed about them with any body, not with the intent to hide something but with the intent of not boasting about their knowledge. People don't understand the rituals and the culture and mock about it.At the end, don't disrespect what you don't understand, a coin has other side as well.#sadhu #kumbhmela #religion #culture #instagram #photogtaphersofindia #india_igers #delhi_igers #nasik #trimbakeshwar #travel #travelog #hindu #west #photo #_soi #indiaclicks #storiesofindia #yin_india

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Nov 27, 2015 at 2:56am PST

Shootout at Nasik (Peaceful)

Police photographer. "Every time I don't need a gun to shoot."Peaceful shoot by a police man. Hope, shoot only used to mean this and nothing else. Cops are also normal humans. They also have emotions, like to have fun. They too love to click and get clicked. I met this cool cop at nasik kumbh 2015.To interact one doesn't need to exchange words always. The gestures are loud enough. We realised a bond when we caught each other red handed with our weapons (camera). We did what a soldier does when notices another one. Paid the due respect and performed our duties. We shot at each other, exchanged smiles and moved on. He was performing the duty of managing the crowd, treating them like humans and doing a shoot out as and when required. It was a pleasure clicking him. .#policephotographer #police #photographersofindia #nasik #trimbakeshwar #kumbh #kumbhmela #kumbh2015 #travel #shoot #soldier #delhi_igers #india_igers #_soi #indiaclicks #yin_india #storiesofindia #lonelypalnet #lonelyplanetindia #religion #culture #duty #peace #peaceful #peacefulshootings #india

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Nov 26, 2015 at 12:20am PST

I don't need a DSLR

I can climb anywhere to get a perfect shot. I don't have a DSLR, but that doesn't define my passion for a click. The guts, desire and passion in you define you. Hats off to you.Spotted this young man at nasik kumbh 2015. The enthusiasm with which he got on to the boundary wall was amazing. He was not able to stand still and was continuously trying to balance himself by his hand stretched at back to clutch electricity pole. The determination to capture was a message to who complain about the scarcity of resources. We should be using and defining the resources to do what we want to do, instead of availability of resources defining what we do.I have heard lot of people complaining that, I want to do this and I want to do that, but not able to as I am not having enough. Many would be thinking, this old man has gone crazy and climbed like a monkey and can hurt himself and that too to click with not so great mobile. And if he would have been holding a DSLR instead of camera, the same would have appreciated stating, "even at this age he is so devoted to his passion". But the point here is how a change in device can define you. The DSLR is not a crane which can lift him it is just a device to click a photograph, and more advanced than a mobile. But what lifts him up his passion and I respect that. .#photographersofindia #delhi_igers #india_igers #captured #capturethecapture #capturedthecapturer #travel #_soi #indiaclicks #storiesofindia #trimbakeshwar #kumbh2015 #kumbhmela #nasik #dslr #passion #desire #enthusiasm

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Nov 24, 2015 at 10:09pm PST

Photographer in making

Photographer in making. The child trying to capture praveshshahi of the sadhus during kumbh 2015 nashik #photographersofindia #capturethecapture #_soi #indiaclicks #storiesofindia #yin_india #nasik #kumbhmela #kumbh2015 #trimbakeshwar #travel #photography #childphotography #delhi_igers #india_igers #religion #culture #pravesh #shahi #sadhus #capturedthecapturer #capturedthemoment

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Nov 23, 2015 at 3:33am PST

Kuttey wali aurat

Kuttey wali aurat...the lady with a dog. True love, tears for the dear though it's a dog. Dog or god, how does that matter. What matters is true love.I saw this woman crying for this dog, like a mother for her own child. I asked her, why is she so disturbed and crying. The response was " see how badly this creature is hurt, he must be suffering a lot of pain, no body understands." She said this and again started sobbing and started cleaning wounds from a near by municipality tap.The emotions were real, love was true, but everyone looked at her as if she is a mad and don't know what to do.I stood in between the lady and the world, completely baffled who had no clue who is right and what not to do.One side was love and other side all bluff, boasting all about God and God men, but no real love. .#_soi #indiaclicks #yin_india #travel #animallove #truelove #haridwar #storiesofindia #street #india # religion #culture #love #dog #god #lady #delhi_igers #instagram

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Nov 21, 2015 at 2:20am PST

Fire breather

Jala kar rakh doonga...dragon man of India. #_soi #delhi_igers #delhi #indiaclicks #coloursofindia #street #show #juggler #fire #lonelyplanetindia #lonelyplanet #instagram #tamasha #aag #aagkagola #aagkadariya #aagkakhel #dragon

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Nov 19, 2015 at 5:38am PST

Walking Handicraft emporium

India a synonym for diversity. Anywhere you go, display of such a diverse practices, culture, flavors and colours are going to take your breath away. The kumbh 2015 as always along with many other practices and rituals was display of diverse babas. Every time I get a chance to visit such cultural events like kumbh, experiences have been out of the world. The verbal expression from such gatherings is always the same.."Accha" or "aisa kya?" or "accha aisa bhi hota hai". For example, this baba. I don't know the name, but he is an handicraft exhibition on the move. I didn't get a chance to have any interaction with him and I feel I missed something. As much a glimpse I got of him wins him adjective of enthu cutlet. His hand gestures, body language and the display of handicrafts on his hat were amazing. I wanted to interact to know about this amazing hat. The hat carried a miniature statues of Vishnu parwati, paper quelling work, gota or lace decoration, embroidery, decoration with religious stones, hand bell and magnificent peacock feather border. He was busy delivering some gyan to a street food vendor, I was catching up with something and just got a chance to heard some words "Krishna" , "bhakti" and "dharm" and take a quick shot. My search will be on for him in next kumbh in Ujjain. . #travel #kumbh #kumbh2015 #kumbhmela #nasik #religion #culture #india #_soi #maharashtra #yin_india #indiaclicks #delhi_igers #krishna #peacock #feather #decoration #dharm #handicraft

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Nov 12, 2015 at 8:14am PST

One for the camera

Everyone loves shot, Tequila or camera or no matter what. . The baba was more enthusiastic for getting clicked, I pulled out my camera he lighted up his stick. I was not sure if I want to click as it was no more candid, But the child's want for a candy, made me do what I did. . . #travel #nasik #trimbakeshwar #lonelyplanetindia #lonelyplanet #_soi #indiaclicks #culture #traditional #storiesofindia #kumbhmela2015 #kumbhmela #smoking #chillum #delhi_igers

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Sep 23, 2015 at 6:53am PDT

Biker Babas

Alag hai humara andaz, Sab chaltey hai paidal, hum kartey hai bike per agaaz. . Biker babas . #kumbhmela #kumbhmela2015 #nasik #delhi_igers #scooty #bike #_soi #yin_india #indiaclicks #instagram #indiabestpic #travel #baba #sadhu #rider

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Sep 25, 2015 at 10:58am PDT

Udaas

Udaas ho jaa door baitha ho koi... Har jagah dhokha, sabki insaaniyat hai soi.. Akela chod do mujhey mere haal per, Kuch der ki aatmshanti per bhi hai adhikar kar.. Bhaag nhi sakta kahin iss marusthal se, Aana hi hoga mujhey tere ghar pe yaan tere ghar se haar kar.. . . #travel #nasik #delhi_igers #mountains #hills #lonely #udaas #udaasi

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Oct 1, 2015 at 10:34am PDT

Wraps - Kathi Rolls, Rajinder Nagar, Karol Bagh

“Yatha naam tatha gun” the hindi proverb defines the place well. The roll wrapped with value for money, taste and quality, and obviously food. The prices are just like awesome. The Egg roll starts at 30 and the variety ends at the egg butter chicken roll at 120. The cheapest available is mayonnaise as topping for an extra charge of 10. The roll is quite in size and not just a handful instead two handfuls. It is at par with a quick bite meal.

The place is located near Rajendra place, Delhi. When you are coming from jhandewalan on a Pusa road towards Karol Bagh, take a left turn towards Sir Ganga Ram Hospital. As you enter, there is a thin lane on your right, take a turn. Move forward 10 steps and the killer aroma of spice, oil, paneer and chicken will make you stop. If not, the cars and the bikes parked on the road will definitely not let you speed away. On your right is the right place to eat your roll.

Ordered a Butter chicken roll and was quite concerned about the quantity of chicken, but yes they defeated me. Each bite promised a gravy loaded onion and succulent mouthful chicken piece. I took a first bite, closed my eyes to concentrate and analyze the flavor, and was murmuring yummm… The taste was so amazing. Eating it all down was like flowing with the wind and the river; it was so smooth and I did not realize how and when I reached the last bite. Absolutely there is no compromise with the quality, quantity or taste. Each bite till the end insanely flavorful as the first one. Wow!!!

The ambience is natural, you have to stand on the road and have it. You can enjoy the pleasure of sitting in your car, or rest yourself against a standing bike free of cost, as there are no parking charges.The place is free of service charge, service tax and all such irritating charges on the food bill. You do not have to tip anybody. So in nutshell, “jo deekhta hai, wahi milta hai”. You pay only for what is on the menu.

This place is also a kind of handicraft workshop. You want to explore it, just order egg roll you will get a chance to witness it. The chef roasts chapatti from both sides on the tawa, and breaks two eggs on the top of this chapatti and starts the juggler show. The way he runs and mixes this egg yolk on the top of chapatti is amazing. Not even a drop spills outside the chappati. I bet many of us even cannot mix egg so well in a bowl as he does it on the flat chappati.

Variety is another positive. Lot to choose from, something for everybody. This place is sandwiched shoulder to shoulder between two similar joints, Art of spice and Chowrangee. The best part is all the three have exactly the same menu and price. Seems like a deal. They may be having a round table conference to decide on the price and menu.

The reason for low pricing is as these are no frills eateries. There is no cost involved in serving or presentation. Your roll is wrapped in a sheet of paper and is handed over to you with a tissue. There are disposable small size plates if you need a tomato or a chilly sauce and that too is optional only if you want it. Minimal human resource cost. Only three people manage the place and each one is performing multiple roles. The one at the cash counter is also the one serving. The chef and the cash person is assisted by a one more person, who is performing all that is required. His tasks range from placing tissues from the inventory on the counter to supplying stuffing to chef.

The positives are pricing, variety, quick serve and value for money. The ambience parameter is not applicable to them, as it is natural roadside. The negatives are hygiene; they do not score a lot on that but also not too bad.

All in all, a must visit place for a quick bite. Light on money but not on tummy. I feel, will enjoy more of this place in winters. Sizzling roll in a cold breeze a deadly combination.

Happy eating… J

kumbh 2015 - The chaos and arrange

One of the most impressive out of the usual tantriks I got to witness in kumbh 2015, Nasik. I got a glimpse of him in kumbh 2012 as well, but was not able to photograph him. In this kumbh I was on search for him and got a chance to click him as well. He is Tantrik Dr. Bindu. Yes, he has a doctor prefix.

 The personality and the style with which he carries himself are amazing. You cannot ignore his presence when he walks past you. His silver axe with a huge blade is another allure. He is known as shani maharaj and maha tantrik as well. The post is not an attempt to promote him, or tantra vidya or any related. It is about not so usual experience. An amazing snap shot of activity. Here is an attempt to narrate one of the moments that can only be lived and can be neither photographed nor written.

On the day of shahi snan, after the shahi snan all the mahatmas marched to Trimbakeshwar temple for worship. Place overcrowded, tussle between police and public, pushes and hits all around. Devotees wanted to offer their prayers in the trimbakeshwer temple along with their human god or mahatma. With each mahatma there were 100 devotees and the crowd comprised of hundreds of such mahatmas. Each devotee was struggling for entrance in the temple compound with their own brothers and sisters or more aptly their own godman’s fellows so that they can get a once in a lifetime chance to worship with their godman.  The scene is very similar to as if twenty people are trying to enter the escalator having capacity of five.

This was an instant of chaos at trimbakeshwar. The police was getting inhuman while managing berserk crowd. Cops were literally pushing away the public with hard hands and people were getting hurt.

Now, here comes the savior. Yes, no other than Tantrik Bindu emerges from somewhere. His axe held high in right hand and gaining momentum by moving backward from the bodyline. His left hand was ahead of his body forming a protective shield. Shouted on top of his voice rushing towards police while axe making some fiery rounds in air, "tore you apart in pieces, if people won't worship, what will they do, don't touch them". He roared like a lion, and sent across a wave of shiver.

 A moment was paused and everybody was still for an instant. Seeing the anger in his body, voice and eyes, everything came to standstill. Suddenly, all chaos ended. Police and the public started sorting out. The police stepped aside and the crowd formed peaceful queue by themselves. It was like when a child caught red-handed auto corrects by looking at your expressions. I know all this seems like to be scene of a typical south Indian movie. However, I witnessed it. This was one of the kumbh moments, which can only be lived. The moment in total was very spontaneous.

I do not know if this person has some magical powers or is master of some black magic, but his impulsive reaction was definitely magical and I witnessed the magic.

Kuttey ki sawari

This was actually shot of the day. The dog was not tied with anything and the speed of the scooter was around 50 kms/hr. As same was the speed of my car. I wish I was not alone in the car or had someone with me to get a better shot. The balance with which the dog was standing or sitting as a pillion was amazing. I had a chance to overtake them, and the expressions on the face of rider as well as the pillion were as that of BAU, "humare liye toh roz ki baat hai". I have seen lot of people carrying their pets on two wheelers, but always at the front where they rest their feet while driving. This was first time I saw the pet as a pillion and without being tied to anything, and at that too at such a city speed. It seemed like a jugglar show to me. I don't know whether it is right or wrong to drive your pets in such a way on the road. But, it was definitely a distraction in driving. Also, I don't think it is safe for your pet. I am sure, this guy is a attention seeker. But my personal opinion is that road is definitely not the right platform to seek such attention. At first, I shouted 'wow' and immediately took out my phone to click it. The second instant I realized I violated a rule. I shouldn't have done this. I could have hit into someone while doing this. I am not blaming this rider for my action, but this was definitely a distraction and I was consistently trying to focus on driving. I am sure this is a case for others as well. I liked it at first, but no this is not right as: - not safe for your pet, - distraction on road for other drivers and riders . . #sodelhi #hindustan_times #road #_soi #india #delhi_igers #delhi #indiaclicks #yin_india #indiabestpic #distraction #safe #safety #roadsafety #rule #violation #dog #delhinaturesociety #nature #wildlife #pets #friendicoes #picoftheday #photograph #photooftheday #love #animal

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Sep 6, 2015 at 5:44am PDT

All for a Shot

Everyone loves shot, Tequila or camera or no matter what.
The baba was more enthusiastic for getting clicked, I pulled out my camera he lighted up his stick.
I was not sure if I want to click as it was no more candid, But the child's want for a candy, made me do what I did. . . #travel #nasik #trimbakeshwar #lonelyplanetindia #lonelyplanet #_soi #indiaclicks #culture #traditional #storiesofindia #kumbhmela2015 #kumbhmela #smoking #chillum #delhi_igers

A photo posted by Nipun Bajaj (@bajajnipun) on Sep 23, 2015 at 6:53am PDT

Alma Mater

http://thechocolateartists.tumblr.com/post/129625538906/printed-chocolates-what-better-to-print-other

Pakoda - Love of Life

Pakoda has a special place in our life. Inviting someone over a tea, pakode is always the first choice. Also known as 'bhajiya'' or 'bhajji''. Pakoda shop is not hard to find in any nook and corner of the city. One starter in the menu has to be a pakoda. At some unexpected loss, "Kismat mein ho hathode, toh kahan se milenge pakode" is a commonly heard slang. Also used as a beauty quotient, you may have heard "uski naak pakode jaisi hai". Pakoda has been married to tea or chai since when, no idea, but yes, they are Ram and Sita of snack world. Coffee is a sister in law of tea and at times accompanies his brother in law.

What is a pakoda? Distorted shaped lump of besan flour mixed with adequate quantity of water, and deep-fried in cooking oil is our guest of honor. Expected, loved and savored by all at all occasions. It can be easily located even in the ritual ceremonies after death, such as uthala, chautha or tehravi. Mundan ceremony in your locality, must have had served the cottage cheese (Paneer) pakodas. From birth to death an integral part of our celebrations.

It also has place reserved in each section of the menu, from starters to desserts. I am sure; you are thinking I have just misspelled desserts. No, I am not kidding have also heard of ice-cream pakodas. If you are born human, and have witnessed monsoon and have not eaten pakoda yet, you are missing something in life. Getting to eat pakoda accompanied with his wife chai or tea, when it is drizzling outside is like getting moksha even being alive. No better social service than serving someone drenched with chai pakoda.

Pakoda, it is a generic term. When mentioned, first question that pops up in mind is kiska? Pyaaz (onion) ka, aloo (potato) ka, kaddoo (pumpkin) ka...think of a vegetable and we have a pakoda made out of it in Indian cooking. We so much adore this delectable beauty, that we have invented the special variants for the fasting time. Yes, I am talking about pakodas made from kuttu and singhara ka atta. I am sure 90% of people fasting during navratra, would have died of starvation without it. This has been brought to life by years of worship that our mummy, dadi or nani have done in kitchen and the result of their prayers.

Till date have savored pakodas made from onion, potato, tomato, brinjal, spinach, jackfruit, pumpkin, cottage cheese, processed cheese, bread, bread and cottage cheese, bread and potato, fenugreek, coriander, moong dal, gourd, bitter gourd. Think of a vegetable and the pakoda is there.

The pakoda is an inseparable part of our cuisine. You will not make it for starter, ok it has a place reserved in main course in form of kadi pakoda. Remove it from there and will seek shelter in side dish as boondi raita. Boondi raita is miniature whole pakodas swimming in pond of curd. Varieties such as kofta, falafel, Manchurian etc, all seem like cousins and second cousins of our very own pakoda.

When I look at KFC, it always appeals to me like NRI cousin.To make a comparison let us consider you as a paneer pakoda and NRI cousin as KFC chicken. Your oily combed hair and his vogue spiky hairstyle represent the contrary texture of pakoda and KFC. Your preferences of veg to his of non veg are played by paneer and chicken. You like it with strong desi masala and announcing …AA HAA!!!  at each bite responding to hit on throat from the chilly. He responds to mildly blended flavours of natural herbs by hymning mmmm…hmmm…

The pakoda being such a hit is their simplicity. No one complains about the figure of pakoda. The roti has to be in perfect circle. Anyone can cook it. Chop vegetables; make a dip of chickpea flour and water, and spices to taste. Dip the chopped vegetables and throw them in pool of hot oil and the golden brown snack is at your service.

There are lot of eateries, or tuck shops at every mile selling them, most common ones being onion, potato and spinach. However, some of them are doing a wonderful service by selling more than 15 variants of pakodas under one roof. I feel blessed to get a chance to eat at few such places. Next in the series, will be more about pakoda, traces from the history and the eateries where we can submit to such sumptuous snack. I wish all to enjoy this beautiful distorted snack with your loved ones and family.

Standard Sweets | Chawri Bazaar | Home delivery at your nearest metro Station

They are the old timers, the legacy. They claim of serving since 1956, and one of my known verifies the past 30 years of service.

When you enter the shop on your left, you will see a sweet counter and on your right lassi, coffee and milk counter. Post that set up for sitting, for around 20 people. After sitting, there is a counter for pakode, samosa and chole bhature. You can see big frying pans or kadai in which the pakodas and bhature are being fried. On one side are the washbasin and the water cooler, tissues and all.

Very aptly priced, have a look at the prices, as I have a pasted the snap of the menu. One thing I love about these small eateries is that you pay for what is on the menu and not 30-40% more than the prices which includes service and tax. The service is good and real fast, not to be compare with any, as it is very homely.

Looking at the size of the eatery and the ambience it seemed to me, as it is first pay and service kind. Just grab a seat and order. Food is served quickly and you can even see it being prepared. So you can pass your requirements directly such as “Bhaiya, bhatura zara zyada laal kar dena” (brother, fry my bhatura to a more red in colour than the usual) or “chatni thodi zyada dena” (A bit of more sauce than the usual). Sometimes, I feel that this idea of customization of food is originally by Indians and now globally followed by food chains such as Subway, which propagate ‘make your own sandwich culture’. Don’t you get a different feeling of taste or have ever boasted about it to your friend, saying, “Mine is spicier and tangy as I have asked him to add that extra lime juice and spice”? Moreover, what a satisfaction, you will not deny that. This customization only gives the paisa vasool or value for money feeling.

The place gives a dual feeling of sitting in your kitchen and enjoying the delicacies as well of that of eating out in an eatery. The aroma of other delicacies can be enjoyed along with your own food, which tempts you to order items, which you never thought of. Like, we ordered lassi and daal ka pakoda or laddu, just because of the aromatic punch we got on our nose from them.

The preparation is in all desi ghee. Test many of the desi ghee eateries fail, this place has passed. Many people do not like desi ghee preparation as they get a distinct flavor of ghee and after eat mouth feel. This place scores on this, no distinct ghee flavor and after taste mouth feel.

Usually such small eateries go bad at water they serve. I am sure must have noticed oil floating in the stainless steel glasses in which you were served at eateries and then you ask for mineral water bottle. The water served was cool, no oil spots and scores well on hygiene. I am alive, writing this is a proof.

We ordered Chole Bhature, Paneer pakoda, Imarati, Lassi, Dal k laddu.

Chole bhature: Two big bhatura, with Chole, salad and pickle were served. Bit different from others. The bhature were quite big in size and more or less like a poori. The bhaturas usually are more thick, small and inside have a more mesh kind of structure. Moreover, I liked them. Chole were tasty and the colour on a lighter tone of dark brown. The service staff keeps an eye and will fill your plate with extra chole as soon as your finish your first serve. No extra charges for this… J

Paneer Pakoda: Sumptuous is the word. A very big piece of cottage cheese, mildly spiced and coated with besan. The best of this pakoda is that the 90 - 95% of this is cottage cheese and rest is outer coating of beasn. While some of the eateries, do very thick outer coating and less paneer to increase the profit margins they make a genuine one. The single paneer pakoda is very filling for a stomach but not that much for a greed, which generates because of this tasty snack. It is served with mint and imli chutney (sauce).

Imarati: No, it failed. It had a kind of stale flavor. Cooked nicely, beautiful orange colour had a balanced sweetness but a distinct stale flavor… L

Lassi: Lassi comes with a thick layer of cream. You need to sideline it with a plastic spoon served with it else will mark some of it on your nose while drinking it. The temperature just perfect, not over chilled and neither warm submitting to outside heat. Sweetness well balanced and the winning act was no added flavours. It is like heaven when you rest yourself from the scotching heat and get a chance to take this nectar down your throat.

Dal k Laddu: Nice taste, but could have been better. The batter not kneaded properly. The sign of a good laddu is that when you cut it open in half, will get to notice a good mesh structure as in slice of bread. This was missing. Actually, this mesh structure enhances the taste and the mouth feel. Nevertheless, yes, was well cooked and tasted good, but could have been better.

I loved last line of their menu card, “Home delivery at your nearest metro Station”

Overall, a good place to sit and eat. Whenever, you a get a chance to visit the overcrowded chawri bazaar, or hauz quazi or Ajmeri Gate do try it. Explore more food nearby… happy eating… J

Badhtey Jao..

Pattey ki chaya mein deekhta hai sab kala, 
bahar aao iss chao se tumhein gale lagayega ujala. 
Andhkar se darr kar, haar kar mat baitho bekar, 
bas lagan se badtey raho, yehi hai samay ki pukar. 
Har andhere k baad roshni hai, aur roshni k baad andhera, 
bas yehi hai kismat ka ghera. 
Iss ghere mein chakkar lagao aur har andherey ko ujale mein badaltey jao. 
Bas badtey jao, badtey jao, badtey jao.

Singhasth Kumbh Mela 2015 | Dos and Donts

Hoaaaa...yeh...yes! yes!! yes!!! ...Back from Nasik! After having the dip in first Shahi Snaan - The Royal Bath and that too Royal Way of  Kumbh Mela 2015 on 29^th  August!. Shahi snan is the auspicious day to take a dip in the holy kund.

The singhasth kumbh mela -- I got a chance to stay with the sanyasis or mahants of gaddi suthre shah in their tents built up across the pond of triyambakeshwar temple. The pond was full of fish and one of the activities I enjoyed the most was feeding them. You must be wondering I have heard of these words -- the kumbh ka mela (the image of siblings getting lost in a bollywood movie of yester years comes up in the mind) but dont know what they mean. What is the meaning of singhasth? What is kumbh mela all about? What is gaddi suthre shah? My upcoming posts will reveal it all and some of the very interesting stories - demystifying various myths about sadhus, tantriks, our religion and culture. I would say this is an experience that can only be lived but will ensure that those who are missing this wonderful culturally enriching journey live it through my posts and photographs.

This one is a quick post mainly about dos & donts and may prove helpful if you are planning a trip to nasik kumbh mela.

Dos and Donts

-       Always carry an umbrella and raincoat with you. The weather is fickle there - it can rain any time and then be again as sunny as it was the other second.

-       Carry a good pair of walking shoes. You may be required to walk a lot - may be up to 4 kilometers. The places are not far, but police has closed and diverted the routes. On last day I got down in front of railway station and have to walk first 2 kms straight, then u-turn and again 2 kms to reach the platform. I tried to enter from three different entrances, but all were closed. Only the fourth one allowed the cars to come straight to the gate. My bad luck I was not able to hit the fourth one. On your visit, you never know which one is open.

-       Try to reach any of the akharas or place of stay 2 days before the shahi snan. Entry for outside vehicles is restricted and you may need to walk long distances with the entire luggage.

-       All the maal godowns and storage space on the railway station has been converted into waiting rooms, so ample of space to rest. If you want to capture rural India, culture or sadhus, this is the place for you.

-       If you are accompanying elderly people, who are unable to walk long distances, kindly research about your alternate routes to your destination beforehand. Confirm with couple of locals, police or ashram people before making a move. As no one has a concrete and confirm information. However, good part is everyone is very cooperative.

-       You do not have to worry about food. There are ample free food kiosks set up by akharas or ashrams. In addition, the local food and delicacies are not very costly. If you are on a lookout for a 5 star, sorry nowhere to eat. The local eateries are very good, neat, clean and hygienic. That is a promise. You might need to pay a small up price for a bottle of coke or mineral water but that can be accomodated for I believe. Given that Nasik is a small village and we can keep that MRP rule only for metros. Also if you are on lookout for branded mineral water like bisleri, himalaya or aqua fina the word is sorry. But you will find good mineral water and not big brands. I drank it and I am now writing this, so it has been tried and tested... :)

-       Leave for railway station from your place of boarding with at least 3-4 hours of buffer time in hand. You may struggle to find the mode of transport or weather may play spoilsport.

-       Generic stuff such as small knife, rope, first aid kit, etc. to be carried without a say. Also, keep few plastic bags, where you can dump your wet clothes, if you do not find a place or adequate time to dry them.

-       Please, Please, Please do not make fun of the sanyasis, sadhus or yogis you come across. Even if you strongly believe that they are dhongis or fake, please don’t unnecessarily indulge with them and try to show them down. They are a very proud lot and will not take offense of any kind. You may find some of them very strange, especially the nagas, but they are like that only. The kumbh mela brings all of them to common platform and people like us get a chance to witness various shades of our culture. Please appreciate the painting with these natural shades and don’t try to paint your own colours. You will love it is my promise.

Disclaimer: I stayed with one of the cult associated with Shri Panchayati Akhara Bada Udasin Nirvan at their shivir at trimbakeshwar. Above is based on personal experiences and beliefs.

Soliloquy | An honest intrapersonal talk

Street lamp lighting the road at 12 noon, so what if there is sunlight. Aur suraj ko diya bhi toh deekhana hai, who will do it, at least our responsible government is doing this effectively. I don't care who so ever has to pay for the electricity bill for this. It is not showing up in my bill. And some say, it is being paid from my tax money, but otherwise also I have to pay that. I will penalise government for this by evading tax, else my fake rent receipts will be unutilized. Ab kya mein job se off lekar, iss street light ki complaint karne jaaoon? What will happen, have to face those sick tobacco chewing good for nothing sarkari babus. They will pout their red stained mouth and tell me, "dekh rahey hai", so I am also doing the same sitting here and not getting bothered. Chal let's get back to work, have to finish this definitely by today EOD... and the day goes on as usual...

Phases of life

The three layers symbolize phases of life. The dark at the base, represents the aged and the experienced. Not liked by many because of their wisdom talks, specially the young minds criticize them of generation gap. They speak truth, which is bitter. But these elderly form the base of our families. Disputes surfacing after the death of elderly is not uncommon. The nutritional qualities of the dark chocolate which benefit our health is the advise of the elderly.

The middle layer is the young generation. Experianced experiances of life, but lot is yet to come. They are liked rather loved by most, symbolized by the sweet taste. They are liked by big as they are some mature and loved by young as they are some kid.

The top white layer represents purity. They are our kids, their hearts are the purest thing on this planet. Canvas displays the painting as the artists have played with the colours in very much the same way we have nurtured the child brains. Complaints about the misbehavior by the young are actually our complaints to self. If we have painted the canvas with black colour, we can't expect shades of yellow, red or green.

Sita Ram Diwan Chand | Khana Talks

This poori delhi mein world famous sitaram diwan chand chole bahture wala is simply good. I being a hardcore desi ghee fan for Punjabi food, is turned off at food items cooked in non desi ghee. I have a very strong notion of, how can one even think of making chole in something other than desi ghee. But all appreciation for this brilliant eatery, I simply love it. 

Just few miles from my place, it also serves a purpose of quick bite for me. This eatery is located in paharganj, chuna mandi. Also a walking distance from R.K. Ashram metro station. This is the place I trust for non desi ghee cooked delicious authentic Chole Bhature. 

Another good thing is that chole don't have a strong taste of soda, which is commonly used in chole which the vendors(halwai) suppress with strong flavoured spices. Edible soda is used to soak chole a night before so the next morning they are soft and get a good texture. You must be aware of this technique if you cook, else check out with your nani or dadi or any halwai. Sitaram's chole are mildly flavoured and very few traces of soda. 

Hygiene is another score point, which is a must for any eatery. I will score them down on sitting, no option for that. No seats, stand and eat. I would prefer eating more, if they have option to sit and eat. I am tired standing after eating only one serving. At least they are losing two orders every time I visit them as I want to order more, but irritated at standing. Also I don't let the one accompanying me to order, as again I have to wait for him till that person finishes off. 

Score up for pricing, aptly priced. They charge extra money if you want more chole apart from which they have given in a serving. But I think they are not strict at it as I was able to get some free chole...smile emoticon

The person, who sits at cash counter is not very welcoming, looking at his face expression it seems as if he is not selling tasty food, but serving a life sentence. Dude, please smile up you are doing a real good job of serving people with such a legacy Delhi food. 

So in sum total with all the plus and minus result is plus..so a good place to eat out.