Category: Hotels and Restaurants

Universal Studios Singapore: A Magical Journey

While vacationing in Singapore some time back, I had the good fortune of getting to explore the then newly opened Universal Studios along with my grandmother. Located within Resorts World on Sentosa Island, Singapore, the massive theme park as one can see today took nearly two years of construction and testing to build. This one in a kind tourist paradise is stunning and extraordinary in its architectural finesse and roller-coaster layout, and has quickly risen through the ranks to become one of the best theme parks in Asia. Spread over an area of around fifty acres, Universal Studios Singapore contains a total number of twenty-four specially designed attractions. There are seven specific zones based on a bestselling television series or blockbuster film produced by the company, all surrounding an artificially modified lagoon. The park was officially inaugurated on 28th May, 2011, and since then, the tourist crowd has been pouring in consistently for the unforgettable rides offered there.

Themed after the Hollywood Boulevard of the 1970s, Hollywood forms the entrance zone of the theme park. It features a long, but adequately spacious walkthrough with the erstwhile dynamic architecture lining the faux street, complete with the signature palm trees. With an outstanding replica of the celebrated Hollywood Walk of Fame, this zone also contains a Broadway style theatre, which regularly holds live musicals starring characters from Universal Horrors and Sesame Street. Several restaurants and a variety of flagship shops also line the walkway, selling unique dishes and eatables such as chocolate fudge, candy floss, and elaborate main course preparations from many cuisines, as well as movie memorabilia, celebrity posters, books, themed souvenirs, film accessories and apparel. Different food joints in the Hollywood zone have been remodelled to resemble settings from iconic Universal films, such as Mel’s Diner, which is based on the 1973 production, American Graffiti, and serves its customers snacks and beverages as per the culinary traditions of the 1950s.

The New York zone lives up to its name, and is a perfect post-modern replication of the Big Apple, with its signature neon lights, huge billboards, towering skyline, and bustling sidewalks crafted to visual and aesthetic perfection. One of the major decor pieces here is the replica of the much renowned New York Public Library which has been created by talented artist in precision down to the last detail, and even has the two enormous statues of lions in white stone guarding its faux entrance. Lights! Camera! Action! Hosted by Steven Spielberg is this zone’s front running sound and lights show fitted with additional special effects to mimic a major hurricane about to hit the city. Other attractions in this area include New York styled pizza parlours and barbeque grills, apart from a Sesame Street: Space Chase themed indoor ride featuring beloved characters such as Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert, Abby, and many others.

Sci-Fi City proved to be one of the most exciting zones for me in Universal Studios Singapore by far, and will indeed prove to be delight for countless other science fiction enthusiasts. It is supposed to be an imagining of the future of human civilization, with remnants of the human population and previously unknown alien beings socializing and living together in a much more technologically advanced era. The blue and red Human and Cylon roller coasters inspired from the Battlestar Galactica television franchise currently hold the world record of the tallest pair of duelling roller-coasters standing at a height of around a hundred and forty metres. A Transformers themed simulation ride, which was opened much later by the director of the famous film adaptations, Michael Bay on 2nd December 2011, is another key feature of this zone. A much minor ride of revolving teacups, named Accelerator, and various merchandise shops and themed food outlets are other things to look forward here.

The aptly named Ancient Egypt zone is designed as per the settings of the many American productions of the 1930s, rightfully called Hollywood’s Golden Age of Egyptian exploration. Sandstone obelisks, statues and miniature pyramids form the architectural diaspora of this zone, and the main ride here is the high-speed and dark Revenge of the Mummy: The Ride, which is based on The Mummy film series. Treasure Hunters is another key ride, and consists of an airborne leisure car ride around an abandoned Egyptian excavation site. Apart from souvenir shopping, visitors can eat out at the Oasis Spice Cafe which boasts of a sumptuous multi-cuisine buffet serving spicy delicacies from Lebanese, Turkish, Indian, and Mediterranean cultures.

Based on one of the bestselling science fiction franchises of all time, The Lost World zone is divided into two areas, Jurassic Park and the more aquatic based Waterworld. The Jurassic Park series has been based on the popular live-action adaptations of Michael Crichton’s fictional works of cloned dinosaurs, which have been directed by Steven Spielberg. Waterworld is based on the 1997 Hollywood film of the same name which stars Kevin Costner. The Lost World is filled with action packed adventures for all people, and has a diverse range of shows and rides, including roller-coasters, pyrotechnics, water rides, stunts, rock-climbing, as well as movie merchandise retail outlets and themed restaurants.

Far Far Away is the fantastical, magical realm of fairytale characters in the Shrek movie series, and one of the more children-targeted attractions of Universal Studios Singapore. From the gentle ogre Shrek to the loud princess Fiona and the lovable Donkey, you will find all the characters from this much loved fictional universe, and be mesmerized by a huge and intricate real-life version of the Far Far Away Castle, and the delightfully dirty replica of Shrek’s Swamp as shown in the animated films. This zone includes miniature child-friendly coasters and ferris wheels, apart from a 4D simulated adventure ride and a digitally interactive live show with one of the characters. An added bonus to this area are the aptly named food outlets which sell memorabilia and food items based on fairytale myths, such as magical potions, liquid elixirs, you name it.

Madagascar is the culminating zone of the theme park, and is based on the animated film adventures of Alex, Gloria, Marty, and Melman, a lion, a hippopotamus, a zebra, and a giraffe, all of who escape from the New York City Zoo, and travel to the wild but unknown regions of the African continent. This area has more kid-friendly rides, such as a crate water ride, and a carousel, and appropriately themed merchandise shops and food outlets.

February 6, 2015
Chandni Chowk – The Streets of Chaos, Hhistory and Wonder

The year before I completed school and slogged the entire summer giving competitive exams. I reluctantly left Delhi to pursue management in a prestigious institute nearly two thousand miles away. In those countless nights spent dreaming about home, what I missed most was my visits to Chandni Chowk with my mother. The streets of Chandni Chowk never fail to amaze me.

Chandni Chowk can be traced to the time of the Mughal Empire. When Shah Jahan moved the capital from Agra to Shahjahanabad (Delhi), he built the magnificent Red Fort on the banks of River Yamuna. It was erected in the year 1650 AD as an accompaniment to the fort. Designed by his dearest daughter Jahaanara, it was a square(chowk) with a pool in the centre. The tale says that the square and the pool used to dazzle on a moonlit night- hence ‘Chandni Chowk’. Many say that it is named so after its silversmiths.

For someone who’s been to Chandni Chowk a dozen times, it’s difficult to distinguish the dariba from the meena bazaar– It is truly a labyrinth! Located in central Delhi, The streets of Chandni Chowk are lined with several objects of fascination that draws everybody to it – right from fashion designers exploring beautiful fabrics and accessories for their creations to freezing Delhites seeking refuge from the unforgiving winters with delicious revdi and gajjak. And then there are those wide- eyed tourists caked with sunscreen, admiring the busy streets and clicking away curious onlooker. Despite the chaos, Chandni Chowk is a cosmos in itself.

Chandni Chowk is home not just to several shops but also to several places of worship. The Jama Masjid attracts thousands of people every day. Sri Digambar Jain Lal Mandir is known for its bird hospital. The Sunehri Masjid and the Fatehpuri Masjid too retain their importance in present times.

Chandni Chowk has seen several palatial havelis raised to the ground. The Chunamal Haveli, spread over nearly an acre and ten scores old, it houses several shops on the ground floor while Lal Chunamal’s fifth generation resides on the first floor. The Haksar Haveli, where Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru took his vows with Kamala Nehru is now a commercial complex. Our favourite action man Akshay Kumar (then Rajiv Bhatia ) spent his childhood there before making it big. It is quite common to find pictures of Akshay posing with the shopkeepers adorn the walls of many a shops in Chandni Chowk. “Bachpan ke dost the hum – ek saath patang udaya karte the hum” is the standard reply to any questions asked about those pictures. Akshay’s movie Chandni Chowk to China further put Chandni Chowk in the limelight.

The Chunnamal Haveli

The market comprises of different lanes known for different items. The Dariba is known for breathtaking, beautiful jewellery that attracts all brides-to-be and anyone looking for something. Most shops are more than a century old and yet are as sought after as they must be in their heydays. Right from glittering diamond necklaces to one time wear costume jewellery, the dariba has everything. Chandni Chowk is known for its silver, be it cute balis for school girls, jhumkas for casual college wear or expensive gift items such as chandi glasses, trays and coins that people have been exchanging on festivals and auspicious occasions. You can even get your grandmother’s tarnished silver jewellery polished and bring it back in fashion! If not, then sell exchange/sell it for the new trendy pieces. There is a chance Chandni Chowk is named so after its sparkling silver!

Traditional jewellery that you would spot only with your grandmother still sells like hot cakes among the more, recent fashionable kinds such as sparkling diamond sets. Meenakari jewellery that brides still swear by is very sought after. Magnificent kundan and polki sets adorn the showcase, among a barrage of the kinds that are currently trendy. They are styled both in the antique and shiny finish. Be rest assured that everything you buy will stay on in your family for generations!

The dariba is home to the renowned Gulab Johri Mal Shop. Found in 1819, the shop sells exquisite itras or perfumes made from actual extracts customised to your taste. You can explore their entire range of fragrances before settling for the sweetest smell. As exciting as it sounds, it is often impossible to pick and choose! To help compare fragrances better, you are advised to sniff coffee beans in between. Or better still, ask for the one that smells the most!

The Kinari bazaar sells luxuriant zardozi and zari material that can brighten any outfit. All brides flock to the market to get their hand on lovely lehengas and embroidered sarees that often inspire designer wear! What helps is that kaleeras, choodas and all other essential rite-d-passage items are found in one mile’s radius.

Chandni Chowk is as much about food as it is about fashion. A visit to Chandni Chowk is incomplete without paranthas. The Paranthe Wali Gali is true paradise. Shallow fried in ghee, the delicious parantha is served with different kinds of sabzis, sweet and sour chutney and different kinds of pickle, nobody knew paranthas could be so much fun! Also try the sweet lassi served in small earthen pots known as kulhars. The thick, delicious rabri made from condensed milk is a must for those with a sweet tooth.

Street food like chaat, moong pakodis are all over the place, with a chaatwala in every nook and cranny. For those with a craving for delicious Mughlai food, Karim’s is the place to visit. Opposite to Jama Masjid, it’s easy to find and inviting. The plain exteriors are in sharp contrast to the welcoming ambience of the restaurant. The Mutton burra and the sheermal, among other tantalising kebabs have been enjoyed by generations of loyal diners.

Karim in Chandni Chowk

Amazing food at Karim’s

Chandni Chowk leaves an everlasting impression on everyone who walks its streets.

February 6, 2015
Chokhi Dhaani: A Treat for all your Senses!

Rajasthan, India’s biggest state in terms of land area that is spread over 132,139 square miles is a hub for ancient cultures and beautiful civilizations. The ‘land of Kings’ as the name suggests, was once home to the worlds’ first and most ancient human civilization, Indus Valley Civilization. Owing to its rich culture and extravagant history, Rajasthan is one of the finest seats of both ancient and emerging cultures. The capital of this western state of India, Jaipur is a perfect example of how urban civilization can co-exist with age-old traditions, cultures and settlements. In this city lies an establishment that embodies the exact essence and individuality of the state. Chokhi Dhaani is a resort cum recreational centre that reflects the cultural, social and economic realities of the state from the ancient as well as modern times. Chokhi Dhaani is a concept that captures the vibrancy of Rajasthani culture in its truest sense. It hence has to offer to the inbound and native tourists the different facets and components of the western states’ heritage in its’ pristine semblance.

Chokhi Dhaani directly translates into ‘ Special or good village’ and with the ambiance it boasts of, it makes one experience rural Rajasthan in its’ unadulterated form. Although it is located at a little distance from the actual city of Jaipur, it is well connected and easily accessible. Located around 20 kilometres away from Jaipur on the Tonk Road, one can reach here easily using ones’ own private conveyance or by a taxi. A taxi might cost you a bit around 600 Indian Rupees, inclusive of waiting charges. For an evening out in Chokhi Dhaani along with an exquisite Rajasthani meal, it shall cost you around 650 Indian rupees for an adult and around 400 for kids aged between 3 to 9 years of age (or of height up to 3.5 feet) . Without the meal it costs up to 450 rupees for an adult and 350 for the kids. The prices may vary a bit according to the time and season of visit. Chokhi Dhaani even has rooms for those of you who intend to put up here for your entire trip to Jaipur. For those who intend to stay in the resorts within Chokhi Dhaani, there are buffet meals which may cost you around a thousand bucks for adults and 650 bucks for children. With food to die for, you shall not regret spending the amount of money here. The village is open for visitors from 5 in the evening to 11 in the night.

With a huge wall with the appearance of the rustic mud walls as those that exist in the rural huts and structures in the desert region of Rajasthan and a beautiful wooden door open to welcome you, this place pleases ones’ eyes at the very first sight. Once you step in, you have men and women clad in aboriginal Rajasthani clothes and costumes ready to welcome you with open arms, smiles on their faces and warmth in their hearts . These men adorning traditional Rajasthani attire and colourful turbans tied in the accurate fashion welcome you with ‘tikas’ or red vermilion on the forehead. After paying the required amount for entering, you can step into this world of wonder. There are little hut-like structures with thatched sloping roofs that are scattered around. You may find people greeting you in the traditional Rajasthani way and offering you an amazing variety of services. From a plethora of activities around you could witness a puppet show with narrations, a magic show, a snake charmer making snakes dance to his tune or even local dances by women dressed in colourful costumes. The dancers might even rope you in and the music and beats played on the indigenous drums and other musical instruments will tempt you enough to keep dancing to the tunes till you are drained out of energy. If you are too tired from walking around, there are sheds that give away refreshing summer drinks for free. Be it the delectable ‘aam panna’ or the tangy ‘jaljeera’, ones’ thirst for these Indian drinks never ends. Women can get their hands and feet decorated and tainted with henna for minimal charges. There are slides and other joy rides for the children as well. You may even get your future predicted by an astrologer, tarot card reader and a palmist that sit there every evening. Visitors also have an option of enjoying rides on animals like camels, elephants or horses on a fixed route around the entire place. It is a great experience for those who have never been to rural areas of the Indian states and yet want to experience the little details of the life there.

A maze made of mud walls and a cluster of mud huts resembling the ones’ in an actual village complete the rustic setting of the place, thus lending it authenticity. You can even find life-sized models of men and women, made of clay to complete the scenery of rural households. With facilities for people to try smoking from the traditional ‘hookah’ , it can provide you with yet another point to note down in your list. There is also a man-made canal which permits boating and thus can be a good way to relax after roaming around.

An artificial tunnel that has been made to look like a haunted place leads into an open space whee there are groups of people dressed as people from the indigenous tribes. They seem to be friendly and one can easily interact with them and can even dance if he/she wishes to. There are shops and counters where one can buy a wide variety of articles, native handicraft products or just souvenirs for friends and family. Products ranging from puppets, key rings, stationary, shawls and turbans, other clothing items or even plastic and mud toys; one can find them all here. There are counters for games like archery, dart games and many others, where if lucky, you can even win small rewards!

The best part is the dining place where one gets to sit in a rural Rajasthani setting and enjoy unlimited servings of authentic pure vegetarian food from the state. Be it a variety of breads, spicy chutneys, delicious sides and curries or the refreshing ‘chaanchh’; one can never have enough of the food served here. One has the options of sitting in either an AC hall or a non-AC dining space. Once you’re done with the meal, make sure you thank the ones’ who served you. They definitely will appreciate your acknowledgement.

An evening spent here will be an outing that is worth your time and money. Make sure this place features on your itinerary for the next Jaipur trip that you plan.

February 6, 2015
15 Places to Eat out in Delhi On Valentine’s Day

The new year here, and Valentine’s Day will soon come knocking on your doorsteps in a few weeks. Love and food are inseparable parts of everyone’s lives, and what better than the 14th of February to celebrate a gastronomic delight with your loved ones, and faithful, insatiable tastebuds as well. As someone rightly said, “you eat what you love, and you love what you eat,” it’s only right to give that special one an unforgettable culinary journey on V-Day with fine wining and dining, and this list of romantic restaurants in the capital might just help you find that dream destination:

1. Amreli

Situated in Hotel Diplomat, Chanakyapuri, Amreli is a small, but extremely beautiful restaurant which offers a unique fusion menu for the curious palate, ranging from the jalapeno and cheese naan to galouti kebab burger. With chic, lavish decor and a pleasant open-air seating space in a little garden, Amreli is the go-to place if you want to taste wonderful dishes from Mediterranean, Oriental, and Indian cuisines.

2. Diggin

A place that will leave you spellbound, Diggin is the right place to reserve for two if you both swear by Italian food. Recently established in Anand Lok, near Gargi College, this restaurant is a divine sight by night, with fairy lights and creepers winding up wooden and brick walls – in short, the ultimate evening eating ambience. Their extensive menu covers pastas, pizzas, and everything else under the Tuscan sun, all puns intended, and the dessert menu is just to die for.

3. Rose Cafe

A quaint little cafe set in the middle of nowhere in Saket, Rose Cafe is the tea lover’s paradise. With reasonable prices, this place offers various dishes from European and Lebanese cuisines, with the perfect English breakfast menu and the most elaborate of mezze platters. This quiet establishment boasts of an independent garden as well as delicate indoor wooden decor in soft shades of pink and white, as well as some of the best desserts and spaghetti you can find in Delhi.

4. The Potbelly Rooftop Cafe

Located in Shahpur Jat, The Potbelly Rooftop Cafe is one of the most ingenious restaurants in the city, having to its credit a brilliantly crafted menu which has infused the Bihari and continental styles of cooking in the most unique of ways. With a diverse selection of delicacies that caters to both the vegetarian and non-vegetarian foodie, Potbelly is a novel choice for a date, along with its homely balcony seating which not only guarantees the privacy you will need, but will also ensure a stunning view over the adjacent greenery.

5. Le Bistro Du Parc

For the Parisian romantic at heart, Le Bistro Du Parc offers select menu of classic French delicacies, which states candidly, “Contrary to popular belief, not all French chefs hate vegetarians!” and indeed, this amazing little place proves to be a wonderful dining experience for all foodies alike. With the friendliest and most efficient staff and chefs, and an aesthetically minimalist dining ambience, Le Bistro Du Parc will win your hearts over for sure.

6. Moet’s Stone

Standing on the fringe of the Defence Colony market, Moet’s Stone is a warm, welcoming place to eat out with your loved one. Serving mainly continental food, the menu features a mouth-watering array of assorted pizzas, a vast array of appetizers and an even more glorious range of main course dishes you can thoroughly enjoy. Stone forms one of the four outlets of the Moet’s Building, with a luxurious balcony view and a tinge of the rustic in its plush interiors to enjoy, for everyone who visits.

7. Zo

A serene, peaceful place nestled in a corner of the bustling Hauz Khas Village, Zo pays tribute to the rustic and the antique in its ambience. Decked up with paintings, artefacts, and chandeliers, Zo offers continental cuisine with flavour fusions from around the world, such as Moroccan lamb burgers and Carribean jerk chicken sandwiches. A truly romantic retreat in the locale, this restaurant also boasts of one of the most brilliant mocktail and gourmet shake menus in the city.

8. QBA

One of the most popular food establishments in the city, QBA serves Oriental, Mediterranean, Indian, and Lebanese cuisines, apart from a huge selection of cocktails and other alcoholic beverages. The place is a rarity in its own right, with an extensive dining space located right in the booming heart of Delhi, Connaught Place. With a separate seating area on a gigantic terrace, and the world at your fingertips (and taste buds), QBA will make you fall in love with it at first sight.

9. Amour – The Patio Restaurant, Cafe & Bar

A rooftop cafe located in the heart of Hauz Khas Village, Amour, stays true to its name, and will make you adore its food at first bite. Offering the usual continental and Italian fare, Amour also serves various exotic French and seafood delicacies. A general fan favourite for the HKV-trotter, this place will conquer your heart with its plush, wooden decor, and the soft, yellow lights that illuminate the place after sunset.

10. China Garden

Situated in Greater Kailash 2, China Garden guarantees a fine dining experience for the Oriental cuisine lover. The menu not only boasts of authentic Chinese delicacies but forages into other styles of cooking from over the globe as well, each dish being executed with perfection. China Garden appeals to all, with vegetarian exotic fare to equally delightful fare using pork, chicken, and seafood. The interiors are brightly-lit, and are an excellent blend of Chinese traditional art and sleek, edgy, modern architecture, giving you a Quentin Tarantino movie vibe.

11. Lodi – The Garden Restaurant

Lodi is probably the best place to dine out in Delhi during the evenings, all due to the sole reason that it lights up like a fairyland when the sun sets. And with live jazz music softly playing in the background, it proves to be the perfect romantic getaway for any couple. Catering Lebanese and Mediterranean cuisine to all, and located on Lodhi Road, Lodi has one of the most divine food platter menus, ranging from cheese to mezze, along with seafood, rolls and wraps, fusion desserts, and many others on its serving list.

12. Sevilla – The Claridges

Probably one of the most posh places to eat out in Delhi, Sevilla serves Spanish delicacies such as tapas, paella, and churros, as well as various Mediterranean variations of seafood and other dishes. Located in The Claridges Hotel, Aurangzeb Road, Sevilla is one of the more high-end restaurants in the city, but totally worth it. Spread over a huge area, the romantic ambiance alone is an experience in itself, with private canopies and rooftop tables set among lush greens and pleasant yellow lights.

13. Ivy & Bean

A blessing for the bookworm and foodie parts of you, Ivy & Bean, located in Shahpur Jat, is a quaint little cafe that serves primarily British and Italian dishes. Known for its collection of books, excellent food at reasonable prices, and free Wi-Fi among other things, this place is sure to give a warm, cosy feeling to every hungry nerd. Ivy & Bean has a homely touch to its preparations, as well as its interiors, making it an offbeat, but nevertheless, an exciting place for a quiet fun date.

14. Rara Avis

Serving authentic French cuisine along with a fabulous selection of wines, Rara Avis is located in M-Block Market, Greater Kailash 2. The restaurant has wonderfully elaborate wooden interiors, and pretty lighting, with both indoor and outdoor seating. A must-visit for European enthusiast, Rara Avis is a savoury experience with its wide range of French dishes, ranging from the rustic classic to the urban chic flavours.

15. The Chatter House

Highly recommended if you want to indulge yourself in classic American food, The Chatter House is located in Epicuria Food Mall, the well-known foodie heaven under the Nehru Place Metro station. The place has an independent bar area, rustic diner-like wooden interiors, dim lights, and a novel combination of a foosball table and a snooker table for its customers, making it the perfect laidback, casual date destination. The menu also offers an extensive array of Indian, Mexican, and Mediterranean dishes, along with a variety of freshly brewed coffees.

January 8, 2015
The Sweeter Cravings

Have you ever given a thought to one elusive and relatively unimportant question? Don’t you think that Indian sweet dishes differ hugely and vastly from those around the world? While the entire world enjoys cheese cakes and apple tars and chocolate pastries; here at home we enjoy Moti choor ke Laddoos, Sooji ka Halwa, Kheer and Jalebis. I, for one have never seen any foreign sweet dishes similar to what magic our Indian sweets offer. They are crude in shapes and relatively uncreative as compared to their Indian counterparts. We have spiral shaped jalebis, spherical shaped Gulab Jamuns, diamond cut Kaju Katlis and the eternally loveable square shaped barfis. Even the shapes of our sweet dishes offer more varieties than the entire world’s sweets all together. So, let’s explore a few tonight.

Gulab Jamuns:

The epitome of sweetness and the harbinger of merry occasions, Gulab Jamuns is one of the most royal sweet dishes Indians offer. This is one dish which most often decorates the dessert counter sof Indian Marriages. Eaten warm, soft and dipped in slurpy sugar syrup, this sweet dish is enjoyed by kids and adults alike. To the uninitiated, Gulab jamuns are milk solids based spherical dumplings traditionally made with thickened or reduced milk and savored in rose flavored sugar syrup. Gulab Jamun is brownish red in color and it inherits the color because of the sugar content in the milk powder or khoya. When the dumplings are fried the sugar caramelization gives it its dark color. Traditionalists eat it when hot and in singular proportions while experimentalists usually add a dollop of ice cream atop of the gulab jamun which gives two solely different flavors to the dish and mingles the warmth and the coolness of both the ingredients.

Jalebi:

Again, a traditional fried sweet dish which enjoys the honor of being served in most of the marriage ceremonies. Jalebis are orange in color and are enjoyed best while warm. Jalebis have a chewy texture with a crystallized sugary exterior coating. This dish derives its roots from Iran where it is known as Zulbia and was traditionally given to the poor during Ramadan. It is made by deep frying white four in spiral shapes which are then soaked in sugar syrup. These are one of the highest selling sweet dishes in the local markets during chilly winters.

Kaju Katli:

Well, kaju literally means cashew nut and this sweet dish is based on these nuts. The batter or barfi is made by thickening milk with sugar and dry fruits. It is then spread in a flat, shallow dish and cut into desired sizes and shapes. Kaju Katli is often seen as diamond shaped quadrilaterals and comes in expensive at Rs. 500 a Kg. This sweet dish is generally given to friends and family members during Diwali celebrations as a mark of celebration. This dish has what the English call, gravitas. The thickened milk attributes to the dish by giving it a melting base. Melting, because as the barfi slides along the contour of your tongue, it starts melting and bursting into flavors. But the barfi’s card of aces is the cashew ingredient which makes it different from all the other barfis in town.

Rasgulla:

Many kids and uninitiated people muddle Gulab Jamun and Rasgulla with one another. This because Rasgullais the light shaded, spongier cousin of the gulab jamun. Rasgulla is similar in shape to Gulab Jamun and is cooked in sugar syrup, just like the latter. West Bengal on the other hand gave the world a newer sweet dish (similar to rasgulla) called Roshogulla which is lighter than the original and is dipped in lighter sugar syrup. Rasgulla is made up of ball shaped dumplings of Chenna( Indian cottage cheese) and semolina dough. Rasgulla is eaten cold and is refreshing and has an unbridling effect on its consumers. That is, its consumers will never be satisfied with just one. The Rasgulla originated in the present day Odisha as Khirmohana. Traditionally it is offered as a special offering to Goddess Lakshmi a day after the famous Rath Yatra at Jagannath Temple at Puri. The most popular variety of the Rasgulla is the lighter, spongy white variety. Roshogulla is a less perishable item and can often be found in canned tetra boxes. This availability of the canned variety led to this sweet dish’s popularity outside of Kolkata where it was born. A quirky fact about Roshogullas fame is that the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) is developing dehydrated roshogullas for Indian astronauts in its planned mission in 2016.

Laddoo:

Laddoo also brings in delightful memories with itself as there is seldom a person in this country who was not treated laddoos to, while in his/her childhood. Laddoo again are ball-shaped sweets popular in India. These are made of flour, minced dough and loads of sugar with other ingredients that vary by recipe. They are often served at festive or religious occasions. There are a variety of laddoos available in India and all of them use a different flours like Besan ke Laddoos use chickpea flour as the base and coconut as the garnish. These are combined with sugar and ghee and molded in ball shapes. These delicacies are often decorated with silver foil and almond chips. Laddoo is often given at temples as a Prasad especially at Tirupati Venkateshwar Temple, Andhra Pradesh. Quirky fact: A Laddoo weighing 6,300 kg was made for the Indian God Ganesh in Andhra Pradesh in September 2012.

Thus these were quite a few of the exemplary unique dessert’s that India as a cultural hub enjoys. While the list is never ending these are the ones which are the most famous or the most loved.

January 8, 2015
Southernmost Tip of India: Kanyakumari

Quite literally I mean it, a place of wonders, a place where the three oceans meet, the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent, where the Arabian sea, the Bay of Bengal, and the Indian Ocean converge. a perfect place to make all the tables turns. It’s a place with all the mysteries of nature, the insane quality of sea breeze, torture of sea splattering the rocks, the fisherman making his living, and lots and lots more.

Welcome to a place where the temples are pampered for its beauty and palpable masonry on them. I would just like to tell the first reaction on reaching there, and to a place to perfect living destination. A picture perfect memories are to be made there. There are many memories that kind of cheers you up even when you think about it, there is a natural smile that lifts you up, you feel a bit nostalgic when you think of some memories. That is exactly how I feel whenever I go down to my hometown Kanyakumari because it is the only place after the tight schedules and hefty work where the blissful atmosphere kisses you and says, just relax kid! From the green lands and atmosphere to its food culture, every perfect corner is filled with its own history and story.

The name itself suggests a story on its own. Kanyakumari, as the folklore goes, that Devi Kanya an incarnation of Parvati was to marry Lord Shiva, which didn’t happen hence, the name Kanya Kumari is dedicated to this place. According to the legend, Banasura a demon, was leading chaos among Devas and the gods went to Lord Vishnu for help, who told them that only Parashakti can help them to demolish the demon. Where while both the Lord Shiva and Devi fell in love and decided to marry at the auspicious time at midnight. But distressed that this marriage will not get defeat of Banasura, as it was pre-ordinated he can only be killed by a virgin, Narada muni turns to a cock and crowed and hence, signaling the breaking of dawn. By hearing this, Lord Shiva thinks that the auspicious hour has passed so he returns all the way back without marrying. This enraged Devi Kanya and she vows to never marry anyone. Banasura then heard about the goddess of immense beauty and wanted to marry her and went to ask for her hand, when she refused, he uses force which enrages the goddess who then kills him. That quite a story, right?

You’ll know when you’ve reached Kanyakumari, with its mere smell of the wind which is pleasurably sweet filled with the coconut essence and banana greens. You know you’ve reached this paradise when the greenery begins to engross you. Well, starting with the sea itself, it’s one of a kind to impress you unintentionally with its beauty. A spellbound place to be as the scene it gives during the sunset and sunrise, it feels like that the sun is just waiting in front of you to flaunt its flawlessness. Situated at a walk distance is a temple, Kanyakumari Bhagavathi amman temple which is dedicated to the goddess Parvathi as a virgin. The sculptures, the intricate artwork inside the temple is very beautiful, no words can describe it especially when you go there surrounded by people praying, there comes a sense of happiness just within yourself.

If that inner peace is not enough, visiting Vivekananda Rock might cheer you up. A very peaceful place to be in. Even the journey in the boat to the Vivekananda memorial is pleasant. Sitting on boat being hit by the moving waves gives you a pleasant solitude and moving merrily with the syncing waves. Sweet salty smell of the sea and after few minutes of journey there you enter the Vivekananda rock. It is said, that rock is the place where Vivekananda got enlightenment. The main entrance is the Vivekananda mandapam, and adjoining this main hall is the Dhayana mandapam where people sit and meditate. This place is very quiet and calm and people sit there serenely to self introspect, a very hushed ambience surrounded. A very sound scene that I notices while hanging there were few crabs there sunbathing on the edge of the rock, this might not be significant but definitely my first experience of watching live crabs ever. Next thing you’ll notice is the Thiruvalluvar memorial, quite recently built standing proudly next to the Vivekananda rock. Thiruvalluvar was the very famous poet and philosopher of Tamil Nadu. One of his most famous and revered work is ‘Thirukkural’. Thirukkural is nothing but elegantly written book on a virtue of a man, how to lead an honorable and worthy life and ethics as being born a human being. It is a very respectable form of poetry and almost every individual in Tamil Nadu knows about it, it is even taught in schools to inculcate discipline in life and to give right directions.

The place in itself endorses the charm. While travelling there, I personally prefer local transports you can find hanging around there numerous small water bodies, ponds, etc with the coconut trees dancing around them. I mean it, literally, with just a small breeze the trees dance as if moving and singing along in trance. The best view are the ponds with lotuses of all types, big and small, just sticking out playfully bragging its prettiness. The place Kanyakumari comes geographically under the parts of Western Ghats which gives us with the mountains. Even when you travel in train you could actually see mountains in these parts touching the clouds. There’s a place Maruthuva Malai (Malai in Tamil is a mountain) known for the medicinal herbs found in this region, is a splendid place. As the legend goes that when Lord Hanuman was taking Sanjeevani mountain with him to Sri Lanka to cure Lakhshman, a part of it fell here and like I said, various therapeutic herbs are found in this mountain.

Now, that’s long said about the place, the most important thing that is hidden in every beaches, every sea, every coast in heaven are fishes. The most tasty, delicious sea food that you can get. Fish curry of south India is one of the famous dishes found there. Mixed with coconut, tamarind and my relatives living there knows what more. Talking about tamarind, yeah there are many tamarind trees in my backyard, well apart from that, banana trees fill up most of the area and the most delicious of its kind, the red bananas. They are little stout red in colour with great heath benefits. Variety of tress can be seen grown around people’s backyards which may include many full grown teak trees, rubber trees, jackfruit, seasonal mango, obviously coconut, and much more I couldn’t remember right now. Local snacks are very delicious at this point, where you can get banana chips and jackfruit chips at any local store. One more local thing I would love to share is the sweet syrup like thing you get from Palm trees which is damn sweet and truly yum, well not many today’s generation have tasted it.

Apart from those snacks, actually there are many jackfruit trees that are found there and if you somewhere get time, just take time to take the sweet fruit. That is nastiest beauty you’ll ever have. Ever try the pleasant coconut rice, it is worth tasting and maybe someday I’ll give you the recipe too to try it. The taste of fresh coconut in the rice, lord knows what is heaven! Apart from every common dish that almost everyone knows, idli, sambhar, dosa, there are cooking of iddiappam, puttu, appam which is no doubt made of rice, served with coconut chutney or any other curry like one of the famous potato curry again made with coconut. Yes coconut, the favorite comrade of almost every dish. Actually there’s a lot more to talk about, I can go ages and ages spending on describing this dreamland but yeah maybe some other time, and keep travelling.

January 8, 2015
Stunning Eco Friendly Hotels in India!

Heard of eco friendly hotels? No? Okay, here’s what you should know and enjoy about these spectacular and breath taking places, other than their eco-friendliness of course. These hotels are very much in India and worthwhile for you to make beautiful family memories. They hardly lack anything that a normal hotel can provide you with. In fact, their luxury will stun you. Besides, you get the feel of being in Mother Nature’s embrace without doing much harm to the surroundings. Here are some of the beautiful destinations that will make your vacation a huge success to be remembered!

1.The Park –Hyderabad

One of the most majestic hotels in Hyderabad, The Park is a collection of luxury hotels that symbolize Hyderabad’s traditions and history. As we know, Hyderabad is the capital of textiles and gems, the Park reminds us of the royal Nizam’s era. The ambiance of this place takes you centuries back. Kismet and the Carbon are well known from the Park and it’s hard to miss its marvelous lighting, intricate craftsmanship and naturally illuminated perforated Jalis which give a feel of ancient palaces. In spite of being in the heart of such a busy city, this eco friendly hotel offers you a wide variety of restaurants, suites, recreation facilities and lounges.

2. Mountain trail –Mukteshwar

Built with charming Victorian Architecture, this beautiful place was visited by British and developed 125 years back. Variety of wildlife that is found amidst the Oak and Pine forests include Leopards, Bears, Deer and avian life. If that was not enough to thrill you, orchards of Apple, plum, peach etc. also rest in Mother Nature’s lap in Mukteshwar. The awesome views of Nanda devi, Nanda Kot, Trishul and other Himalayan peaks are sure to make your holiday album stand out when you don’t forget the sunrises and sunsets! The trails through the forests are enchanting and mesmerizing for all nature lovers who aspire to spend time visiting hillstations, watching birds and playing adventure sports.

3. The Dune – Pondicherry

The Dune is very near to the Auroville Beach and famous for its chain of modern amenities such as restaurants, spas and swimming pools. The 55 bungalows are classified into various categories and contain a safe, TV, DVD and mini bar each. Pondicherry is a place worth visiting and a stay at Dunes makes it even more worth. Paradise spa is famous at the Dunes and other special recreational activites include animal farms, organic farms outdoor games, children play area etc. The travel desk is truly helpful if you plan sight- seeing.

4. Wildernest nature resort – Goa

Are you looking for the definition of perfect holiday destination? Well, here it is. Wildernest nature resort is situated in the most happening place in India, Goa! You can relax at this 800 metre above sea level resort for a twist away from the stressful work life of the city. Specially built for recreation, the fish ponds are a pleasing site. The resort offers 16 cottages that are eco friendly and give great views of the resort. This place is well connected and hygienic. Staple food is something that you shouldn’t miss here.

5. Coconut Lagoons – Kerala

Location at the backwaters itself explains the luxury and comfort of this serene place. The waterside romantic resort being built inside a coconut plantation, offers a experience of being on a private island with all the necessary comforts and services for its guests. This resort will surely remind you of the olden days Kerala with its architecture and charm the backwaters around are accessible only by boat which is a plus point towards tourism.

6. The Machan – Lonavala

Resting in divinity, the Machan sleeps and wakes a midst the forest which is why has been named Jungle Machan. You will find luxurious and interesting tree houses here which are sectioned into loft, wooden decks, master bedroom and two bathrooms – enough for a rejuvenating and out of the box experience. The most wonderful things about these tree houses is the glass roof which will give you a feel of staring in the star studded night when you sleep, a bath tub under the sky and an outdoor shower! The Machan has unique and amazing features in store for you. The wooden decks give you a chance to spend a peaceful coffee session with your family among the nature and its children and if destiny has it’s plan, you may spot a Malabar squirrel or two.

7. Jims Jungle Retreat – Uttarakhand

Corbett national park is a famous wildlife reserve, especially for the birds and tigers found in plenty here. This incredible resort is located in the south of national park and is nestled between the Himalayan ranges, 400-1200 meter above sea level. The fauna includes the Royal Bengal Tiger, Asiatic elephant, sloth bears, reptiles and varied birds. Jims Retreat features 18 lodges and cottages along with forest trails, safaris, pool-side fun and if you are lucky, some jackals, leopards, elephants, deer or tigers on the jungle safari. There are also seasonal rivers that run here in the jungle and go a long way to make your treks and trails fun.

8. Brunton Boatyard- Kochi

Restored from the remains of shipyards of the 19^th century, this place is located on Cochin’s harbor. The interiors had been influenced by the Colonial powers that resided here, some of them being England, Portugal and Netherlands. Art pieces depicting steam engine ships, high ceilings are part of the architecture. The cuisine too, is hybrid but mouth-watering and delicious. The trade of spices has given Red chilli to India and is used all over our country in every possible dish. Lavish décor, harbor side location, cuisine and outdoor pools are all in all the special characteristics of this beautiful Fort.

January 8, 2015
What’s to Know about Willis Tower?

The Willis Tower, formerly known as Sears Tower, is a 110 storey skyscraper in Chicago, United States of America, was once the tallest building in the world, occupying the top spot for a period of around 25 years, from 1973 to 1998, until the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, broke the record. While Burj Khalifa, Dubai, holds the current world record, Willis Tower is now the eighth tallest building in the world, and the second tallest building in USA, surpassed only by the recently reconstructed One World Trade Centre in Manhattan. Willis Tower stands tall at an impressive height of four hundred and forty three metres, which is over sixty metres taller than the Empire State of Building in New York City. The Tower was originally built as the national headquarters of the Sears, Roebuck Company.

Most people generally agree that the skyscraper was invented in Chicago, which is the third largest city in USA. In 1871, a fire destroyed a third of the city, and architects set about rebuilding it. By this time, steel was being mass produced and, in 1852, Elisha Otis had invented the elevator, also known as the lift. New buildings could safely and practically be made much taller. The first high-rise building appeared in the city in 1882. This was the Home Insurance Company Building. It was the first building to have a skeleton structure made entirely of steel and iron. It had ten floors – a hundred fewer than Sears Tower which would be built ninety years later. As the demand for land in city centres grew, people needed to build fast and economically. Skyscrapers were the perfect solution to this challenge. With new materials and developing technology, the design of skyscrapers was gradually improved and perfected. Steel girders were used in different ways to build a strong framework. Some buildings were made of tall steel tubes, designed to withstand the winds that blow around the top levels. Inside the tubes, individual floors and rooms are rigid so that people can live and work safely and comfortably.

It took around two thousand and four hundred workers around three years to build Willis Tower, and eventually finish it in 1973. The unique framework of the tower is made up of nine steel square tubes, which form a large square at the base. This rests on concrete, rock-filled shafts that are securely fitted into the solid rock beneath. The nine welded steel tubes rise fifty floors up. Then the building starts to narrow as you go upwards. Seven tubes continue on up to the sixty-sixth floor. Then five rise on to the ninetieth floor, leaving just two tubes to form the top twenty floors. Two television antennae take the building’s total height to a whopping five hundred and twenty metres – over half a kilometre. The amount of steel used to build the framework alone was enough to make more than fifty two thousand cars. Each of the steel tubes that form the top stage of the tower is 23 metres square in size. Viewed from above, the third strafe makes up a cross shape of five tubes. The second stage of the “step back” design has seven tubes that rise for 65 metres. Each side of the tower’s base, made up of nine tubes, is 69 metres long, with the total structure weighing over a 200,500 tonnes. During construction, up to eight floors were added to the building every month. The building’s steel frame was put together in sections, and were then welded and bolted tightly into place. In 1985, a four storey hall was built a base of Willis Tower, to give extra space. There are also shops and restaurants in the buildings.

This huge building has over four hundred and eighteen thousands square metres of space, which amounts to around sixty football pitches. The Tower has a hundred and four high-speed lifts, which divide the building into three separate zones and make it easier for people to find their way around. The fireproofed frame is covered in a metallic skin made of black aluminium, and more than sixteen thousand bronze-tinted glass windows. Six automatic window-washing machines clean the whole of the building eight times a year. Willis Tower makes the high-rise buildings around it look small. It is designed to sway up to ninety centimetres at the top in the occurrence of strong winds. About 1.5 million tourists visit Willis Tower each year, making it the most sought after tourist attraction in the city. Two express lifts take them up to the 103^rd floor in just over a minute. From the Tower’s Skydeck, visitors have a spectacular view of the Chicago panorama. In the building’s lobby there is an enormous “wallmobile” by the famous sculptor Alexander Calder. The Skydeck is situated a four hundred and twelve metres up in Willis Tower. On a clear day, visitors can see over eighty kilometres, with a breath-taking view of four American states – Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin.

The official address for the building is 233 South Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60606, and is the “most impressive office space in Chicago” as it rightfully claims on its official website. Its pinnacle stands tall at a height of 1,729 feet. While the Sears sold the building way back in 1994, and completely vacated the building by the following year, it still held the naming copyrights to the building till 2003. That year, the London based stockholdings company Willis Group Holdings Limited bought around three floors’ worth of area, and thus won the naming rights without any conflict. Currently, United Airlines is the largest occupier of the Willis Tower, and has about twenty floors under its ownership which are home to its headquarters and operations centre.

January 1, 2015
Snack-Time : Part 2

As the largest continent, Asia is home to a variety of cultures, religions, castes and races. Asian cuisine is one of the most diverse amalgamation of spices, flavours and a variety of ingredients owing to the large number of countries the continent is home to. Besides the huge number of ingredients being used in the Asian style of cooking, the multitude of techniques used add to quality, thus making it a characteristic style of traditions and components. Asian cuisine can be broadly categorized into several major regional families viz. East Asian, Southeast Asian, South Asian, Central Asian, and Middle Eastern cuisines, each easily identifiable by a distict feature or a characteristic common ingredient used in most dishes. For instance, curries are a regular in the Eastern and Southern regions. This being the second in the series ‘Snack-Time’ covers a few facts about a few Asian snacks.

Samosa

An entree originally from Middle East Asia, South Asia, or even Central Asia is also known as samsa, sambosak, somasi or somaas depending on the region it it found in. To be described, it is a pastry that is stuffed with spiced ingredients like boiled and mashed potatoes, peas, onions, lentils or even cottage cheese and then either fried or baked. The non vegetarian version may have ground beef, ground chicken or any other form of meat as the stuffing.

The snack is said to originate in the Middle East where it was originally called as Sambosa before the 10th century. It was then made familiar to South Asian cooking when cooks from the Middle East and Central regions of the continent began migrating to South Asia in search of work in the kitchens of the nobility. Reports have records of the dish being served as a part of royal meals. Amir Khusrao who was a royal poet in the Delhi Sultanate, wrote that the nobles relished the “samosa prepared from meat, ghee, onion and so on”. Other records by the traveller Ibn Batuta, dating back to the 14th century also support the fact. The Indian Samosa is mainly vegetarian and is said to originate in the state of Uttar Pradesh. It is a popular appetizer through out the country and even though the size and the filling may vary from region to region, the basic shape, which is a tetrahedron, stays the same.

In India, the samosa mainly consists of a deep-fried refined-flour shell with a spiced potato and peas filling seasoned with chillies and fried onions. It is served with a mint-chutney and can also be plated with a variety of other sauces, like sweet tamarind sauce, tomato ketchup etc. Known as ‘Shingaras’ in West Bengal, it is a slightly different version of the samosa found in the other parts of the country. Howsoever you prepare it, it is still one of the most delectable snacks found in India and in the other parts of Asia.

Shawarma

A favourite among almost all the non-vegetarians, this Arabian fast food is popular in almost all Eastern and Mediterranean countries as well as in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Australia, Canada, UK, West Africa and the United States. As its’ history suggests, Shawarma or Shawurma is originally a Levantine Arab meat preparation, which means it belongs to the Levant, or the Turkish-Ottoman Empire. It involves marinating whole-muscle meat in a savory blend of spices which is then hand-layered into the shape of a cone which is gradually cooked on a spit.

The marinade that is used for the meat mainly contains lots of garlic, ginger, lemon, yogurt and other Asian spices like bay leaves, cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, nutmeg, dried lime, spicy paprika and vinegar primarily. At times, orange zest or slices of orange are also used. Chefs all over the world claim that the secret of making the perfect shawarma lies in perfecting the marinade. The shawarma’s origin is said to have happened in Turkey. Here it was known as “çevirme”, which directly translates to ‘turning’. This makes more sense when we see how the meat-cone is cooked by the heat by slowly rotating the cone so as to cook the meat from all sides. After the meat is roasted from all sides for a few hours at a stretch, it is shaved off from the cone and the shredded meat is tossed and mixed with a spicy sesame sauce called Tahini and is wrapped in a pita bread or any other bread for serving.

The other sauces used to serve a Shawarma include hummus, amba sauce consisting of pickled mango spiced with chilli or even mayonnaise. Though the most common meat used is chicken, some places even use goat meat or beef as well. This delicious snack is one of the most filling and wholesome snacks you can get hold of easily in almost all cities in India as well.

Dumplings

Call them dim sums, dumplings or momos, they shall be one of our forever favourites when it comes to snacking. These little balls of joy are like like surprise parcels that burst into delectable flavours when bit into. Dumplings are basically a style of Cantonese cooking and are originally prepared as small bite-sized portions of food which are then served in small steamer baskets or on small dishes. Yum cha or tea tasting is an older Chinese tradition and Dim sums are often linked to this practise. It is said that travellers while travelling on the Silk Road would halt at tea houses set up by the side of the road for rest. They would then add snacks with their tea.

Dim sums are often served with tea and hence eating dim sums at an eatery is usually termed in Cantonese as going to “drink tea”. The unique culinary art of dim sum originated in southern China. It can be prepared either by steaming or frying among other methods.

Though there are a variety of dim sums the most popular ones are the translucent ones with a filling of well seasoned shrimp, meat or vegetables packed in rice flour or wheat starch skin. It is found all over the world and is relished by people of all regions.

These are some of the popular Asian snacks that suit almost all palates around the world. For yet another region, check out the next and the final article in the series.

January 1, 2015
What makes Delhi, Dilli…

A very long time ago when the heart of our nation was not famous for its countless rapes, an absent Government and Mufflerman; there was actually a city and a world inside that city that everybody loved. What made Delhi earn the jealousy of other metropolitan cities in the country, what is it that made Delhi stand shoulder to shoulder with Mumbai, the economic capital of India. Why is it that, people who have ever stayed in Delhi leave it with a heavy heart and tell everyone else that they can’t understand the emotions attached with the city if they have never ever lived in the city. Let’s find out!

The Beginning of the Real Delhi:

Now, the love for Delhi started long back when the Mughals transferred the Capital of India from Agra to Delhi. This is when the real on-ground transformations started taking place in Delhi. Before this move, people were as oblivious of Delhi as they were of any village in India. Firstly, with the onset of Mughals came along great Architectural Feats. For example Delhi boasts of the largest Brick Minaret in the world the Qutub Minar (well, it was built by Qutubbudin Aibek), it flaunts one of the largest mausoleums in India – The Jama Masjid, It carries reticence with its Old Fort. Also the Red Fort that instills in us a feeling of patriotism whenever we see it on our TV sets. All these Architectural marvels brought a Mughal charm to this city of ours and elevated it above its neighboring cities.

Dilli and the finger licking tales:

Along with the great architectural skill set of the Mughals arrived in Delhi their eternally pristine culinary taste. Their food was not just food, but Art on Stove. The Tandoori murg, The kadhai paneer, the Nihari,the Paya, the Kachri Qeema, the Delhi-mein-world-famous-Mughlai Chicken, their biryani style and countless others set the tongues of the native Delhiites wagging. Not only did their cuisine establish itself in Delhi, it even grew there. More and more dishes were invented as an amalgamation of Delhi and Mughlai cuisines. This was a great culinary juxtaposition just waiting to happen. Seemed like this match was made in heaven. So, the Mughlai cuisine added one more feather to Delhi’s hat.

Asli Delhi, Purani Dilli:

Now, the heart of the Heart of the Nation. The Chandni Chowk and Chawri Bazaar area. For those new to the maps of Delhi, these areas lie in the center of Delhi and still boast of historic architecture. These areas are famous for their super cramped streets, the always bustling crowd and nagging shopkeepers always trying to sell you substandard products. By the names in the list, all these seem to be pretty depressing by the levels of the national capital. But once you visit the place it seems just like your extended neighbourhood. It won’t seem as a market place to you, but a big great family living in harmony yet tearing each other’s hair out. But there is a lot to watch out for in the Purani Dilli area. Since it is a crowded marketplace, pickpockets are always on the prowl. Also some shopkeepers tend to get too close for comfort levels in order to get their products sold. But every coin has two sides and prefer to see the loved one here please. Purani Dilli broken up and explained in pieces in the next points, because it ain’t so small that it can be contained in one measly point.

The Paranthewaali gali:

Now, now, now. Every once in a while a moment comes in every person’s life that can’t be expressed even if you keep squealing with delight for a fortnight. For a foodie that moment would come when he enters the paraanthe waale gali. The lane where our Bollywood Star Akshay Kumar slaved and toiled for many years. The paraanthe waali gali is an even narrower lane than what already was a cramped main road of Chandni Chowk. There are a multitudes of shops there only selling paranthas. But mind you, these are not ordinary paranthas, these are paranthas made of Rabri, Paranthas made of bitter gourd and paranthas made of lady finger and all the odd vegetables and sweets you can ever garner. And these are not made on a pan or a stove, these aranthas are deep fried just like samosas and tikkis are. Your whole perception of paranthas changes after entering this foodie paradise. This narrow lane adds another dimension to your notion of parantha, by doing something with it that was unimaginable before this.

The Japanese Samosa:

Well, to be honest, this is just sold in one shop in the entire Chandni chowk. But I swear to God, that you won’t have eaten anything like this before this. This samosa’s shape is more or less like regular samosas but the corn flour covering on the outside is striped. Thus the Japanese samosa is not wholly covered but partially revealing. The inner filling forms the crux of the whole dish. It is not spicy or filled with mashed potatoes for that matter. It is filled with a sweet mixture like that of a halwa. Thus changing the whole thought process around the samosa. By just keeping the name and shape intact, this exquisite dish retain the name value and the ingenuous sweet filling inside and the striped contours give it a modern twist. And thus, the Japanese Sammosa, The tour of the real Delhi has just begun. However, even the most brilliant of writers and esteemed authors would fail in describing the exact charisma and fascination of the city. Such complexly woven is the feel of it. I am just a young scribe who is trying to portray to you an image that tells what exactly Delhi is, if you have have never been there or miss the hell out of that angelic city of yours. To be continued…

December 30, 2014