New Delhi: For many foodies in the capital, a visit to the National Street Food Festival, now in its 14th edition, is part of an appetising annual routine. On Saturday, the opening day of the two-day food fiesta, the weather was on its best behavior enlivening the occasion. The wind was cold, but the sympathetic sun provided a perfect counter as men, women and children flaunted their winter wardrobe relishing life sunny side up.
In all, 80 food stalls hosted by 300 vendors offer a range of cuisines to both vegetarians and non-vegetarians. A couple of stalls selling Afghan snacks and bakery items provide a dash of international flavor. Among the recommended fare is the chapli kebab (Rs 300), flattened and deep fried minced chicken patties served with tangy chutney. Mantoo, the Afghan variation of momo, is also on offer.
Once upon a time, litti chokha used to be a major draw in the trade fair’s Bihar pavilion because it wasn’t readily available in the capital. Now Bihar’s most well-known dish is ubiquitous indicating the city’s changing demographics and a growing openness of its taste buds. On view at the festival was the green litti (Rs 160), spinach and methi leaves blended with the dough to give it a more environment-friendly look and make it a healthier dish.
Regular fare for carnivores include kebabs, kormas, tikkas, biryanis, even nihari from old Delhi and Lucknow. That apart, a vendor from Hyderabad is selling haleem (Rs 160) and pathar ka gosht (Rs 200). You can also enjoy Malabar parotta with chicken curry (Rs 260). The mutton soup (Rs 100) at a Goa stall is great value for money. A vendor from Vizag is peddling bamboo chicken, stuffed and barbecued inside a bamboo stick. Then there’s the Tibetan taipo, steamed bun filled with minced meat (Rs 180) or vegetables (Rs 150), depending on your inclination. Overall, a smorgasbord for the tastebuds.
For vegetarians, a stall from Rajasthan has a mix of regular fare (mawa kachori, mirchi vada, bajre ki khichdi) and unusual items: mooli ka halwa and lehsun ki kheer. Himachal’s popular siddu (Rs 200), which proclaims itself to be “momo ke papa,” is a box-office winner. The steamed bun, stuffed with minced dry fruits among other things, is daubed with ghee and served with chutney. There’s also a raagi (finger millet) variation.
A cute chai chowk, where you can sample a variety of teas from different states, further showcases the beauty of India’s diversity. Just the right beverage for winter provided you can endure the karaoke singing of an enthusiastic vendor. There are plenty of sideshows too: dance, music, street plays and ‘chaupals’ related to various aspects of street food vending. The entrance is from Gate No 14 at the Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium and the ticket costs Rs 180.
