In 2020, Durga Puja became an opportunity for many Bengalis outside the state to connect with each other through food ♦ This story was originally published in India Today. “Durga Puja is an emotion for Bengalis,” says Arpita Roy, who runs The Lunchbox Co. in Mumbai. As Bijoya, the Bengali festive season, comes to a …
Gourmet ingredient delivery around India ♦ Originally published in India Today. Not too long ago, “gourmet” was synonymous with imported. Foreign products occupied the shelves of our loftier kirana dukaans, bearing unheard-of brand names and amusing MRPs. Still, with international shipping curtailed through the lockdown, India’s gourmands might have felt their absence. (But maybe not; …
Vod more do you want? ♦ In 2001, when Vladimir Putin was finishing up the first year of his first presidential term, a Russian named Aleksandr Melnikov arrived in Delhi to sell leather garments. Instead, he ended up opening a tiny Russian eatery in Anand Niketan. Beloved by a small, loyal clientele for almost a …
Privet Party: Malviya Nagar Has A New Russian Delivery Place Read More »
An Odiya cook brings authentic Bengali food to Delhi, via Mumbai. ♦ We’ve had our share of fish fry, mochar chop, and radha-ballabhi at CR Park’s abundant eateries, but the most exacting Bengali epicureans we know usually turn their noses up at the area’s “Punjabified” restaurants, claiming the food is “too spicy,” “too oily,” and …
Iraqi emigrée Roaa Sardar delivers kunafa, shawarma and more around Delhi. ♦ The Back(lava) Story The first few times we call Roaa Sardar to ask her about her Arabic food delivery service, we can hear her baby daughter shrieking on the other end. “I’ll call you back!” Roaa says, sounding hassled. “Indian children are too, too, naughty,” the …
A Malabari mystery at the heart of the world’s soya-chaap capital. ♦ When KC Deepak discovered that his Mallu bride, Leena, was a fantastic cook, the germ of an idea took root. For twenty long years, Deepak, who was born and grew up in Delhi but has family in Thalassery, let it simmer over extremely …
What’s Thalassery Biryani Doing in Lajpat Nagar? Read More »
Neighbourhood favourite Hawker’s House gets a hot new competitor. ♦ Among the chock-a-block tikka joints and butter chicken factories of Jangpura, there has always been one place where the neighbourhood’s Punjabi householders mingle with its young lawyers and professionals. With the dubious exception of greasy spoon Om Hotel, Hawker’s House—otherwise known as Novelty Dairy & …
bpb Review: Is Instapizza’s New Sandwich & Sons Starting A ‘wich War In Jangpura? Read More »
A midnight takeaway delivers food that would be ambitious for a sit-down restaurant. ♦ The midnight burger has become an heir of sorts to the 24/7 hot dog, the first after-hours trend to help expand Delhi’s traditional late-night kebabs and parathas. A new fly-by-night specimen, operating out of GK-I, adds itself to the flock. Knock Knock, Hoot’s …