Delhi and Mumbai have always had a love-hate relationship.
Now a look at the contrasts:
- Tarala Dalal vs Neeta Mehta
- Kulfi at Chowpatty vs ice-cream during a cold winter evening at Indian Gate
- Vada pav vs Channe kulche
- Pav bhaji vs Chole bhature
- Gateway of India Vs India Gate
- Colaba vs Janpath
- South Delhi vs South Mumbai
- Kala Ghoda Festival vs Dilli Haat
- Prithvi Theatre vs Kingdom of Dreams
- Mumbai rains vs Delhi winters
And the list is endless. These two unique and beautiful cities that I have made home hold some very fond memories, but what I want to focus upon is my unbiased love for the food that both these cities have to offer.
The food culture of Saddi Dilli is a mix of Mughlai and Punjabi cuisine. The Mughals, who ruled the country with this city as the Capital, have left a very deep impression on the citizens’ palate. Chandni Chowk is the life blood of all authentic Mughlai food in Delhi. Every famous shop has existed since time immemorial and boasts of having served the Mughal kings.
The Parathe Wali Gali with its range of parathas from the basic gobi and aloo parathas to the exquisite nimboo and karela parathas is a treat to the taste buds. A meal at the Parathas Wali Gali is accompanied by a sweet and refreshing lassi which you drink out of a mud vessel or kullar.
For the non-vegetarians what can be better than a meal at Karim’s or Moti Mahal, situated in a small lane opposite gate 4 of Jama Masjid and on the main road of Dariyaganj respectively. Both these haunts are any foodie’s fantasy. The meal has to end at the famous Jalebiwala’s shop situated at the end of the lane named Daribe Kalan. Sounds familiar doesn’t it?
Best described with these words from a very famous song ’a great poet’s ode to all things beautiful and royal’. Yes, this lane does exist among the many bylanes of Chandni Chowk. The jalebi’s are sweet to perfection, fried in ghee and as porous as a well-fermented idli. The cherry on the pie is a visit to Prince Pan situated on the main Dariyaganj street almost opposite Moti Mahal.
The barf ka gola at India gate, the golgappas and jalebi of Bangla Sweet House and the chole bhature of Nand’s at Filmistan, the delicious and juicy kebabs from Al Kuresh at Chanakya Puri, the South Indian food at Lakshmi Café in Sector 29 Noida, Swagath at Defence Colony, Big Chill, Mrs Kaur’s Crepes, Mar
ket Café, Yellow Brick Road at Khan Market, United Coffee House, Host, Bercos at Connaught Place, Momos and Fruit Beer at Dilli Haat, Oh! Calcutta at Nehru Place and Mainland China at Greater Kailash II are the places that will keep you going back for more.
Now let’s talk about Aamchi Mumbai. The food culture of Aamchi Mumbai is a mix of the Konkani and Malwani style of cooking. The local cuisine is hot and coconut is one of the main ingredients. One of the best places for a good Maharastrian meal is Highway Gomantak situated in BKC (Bandra Kurla Complex). If you are in need for more variety, head to Trishna at Kala Ghoda for an assortment of the most delectable seafood.
Diva Maharashtracha, Mahesh Lunch Home and Gajalee Coastal Foods Restaurant are a few more options that can be explored. For a Parsi adventure head to Jimmy Boy for its delectable patrani macche and dhansak. And for a taste of Delhi in Mumbai, what can be better than Crystal opposite the Girgaum Chowpatty. Once the meal is over, head to the New Kulfi Wala right at the corner opposite Girgaum Chowpatty and choose from a wide array of Kulfi’s. If something so cold is not your cup of tea, just ask for a falooda rabri instead.
The bhelpuri, sevpuri , golgappa and gola’s at Juhu beach, Irish Coffee at Prithvi Theatre, Tiwari’s samosas at JVPD, China Gate, Just Around The Corner, Out of the Blue in Bandra, Oh! Calcutta in Worli, Café Mondegar and Leopolds Café at Colaba Causeway, Yoko’s Sizzlers in Khar, the roadside bhelpuri, vada pav, dabeli and tea are a must have for the Mumbai experience.
Two beautiful and flavourful cities through my eyes…And the story has just begun.
By: Sumit Goyal
Editor in Chief
Food and Nightlife Magazine
India's First Food and Nightlife Monthly
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