Dilli Haat

Last weekend we went to Dilli Haat. That’s where I go when I want to add some variety to my daily fare. Incidentally you could also browse through artifacts from different states as well. Looking at the place, small brick stalls selling anything from bronze sculptures and Pashmina shawls to cushions and straw mats, one would never imagine that it is located on top of a sewage system.

Anyways, one section of Dilli Haat is devoted to food from various states of India. And the one I patronize most is Wazwan, the Kashmiri stall selling Gushtaba, Kokar Kanti, Tabak Maaz and Kahwah – saffron and almond flavoured Kashmiri tea. Gushtaba, minced lamb meatball in yogurt based gravy goes well with steamed rice. Kokar Kanti, succulent, fried cubes of chicken in a thick paste of tomato and chilly is absolutely divine. Wash it all down with a hot glass of Kahwah and all you can think of is a refreshing open air siesta.

The Rajasthani stall also stocks some delightful fare. My wife, who is a devout vegetarian as usual made a beeline for that one.

Anyways, all I can do now is, “burp” and sink into spicy reminiscence.

Serendipitious delights

Sometimes the best things in life are discovered entirely by chance. Like yesterday night when we came across this tiny shack near the rear exit of Anzal Plaza in Sector-22, Gurgaon. All of us were in a mood for a quick bite and that was probably why “Vada Pav” caught my eye so quickly. “Vada Pav“, a native of Maharashtra is a rare sight in Gurgaon. So, it was pure ecstasy to find it tucked away in this remote corner of the universe.

We were delirious with anticipation as we approached and immediately spotted the Vada‘s from far away. We rubbed our eyes and pinched each other to make sure this was no mirage. The Vada’s were definitely there for the taking, but Pav, nope, Pav was exhausted. We were heart broken but decided to try the Vada anyway. Soon, steel plates with Vada’s swimming in coconut chutney and red chilly paste were passed around. My god, amazing Vada‘s, authentic Mumbai flavour mouth watering Vada. We nearly exhausted the restaurant’s Vada inventory. My friend in the meantime couldn’t resist a chicken soup which he later claimed to have tasted a bit like Sambar! There were many more alluring items on the menu like chicken lolly pops, varieties of soups and momos. The food was warm and hygienic. The setting was informal; sweet chill of incipient winter was in the air, and steaming Vada‘s melted in our mouth.

The owner was thin, dark and pleasant faced. He was a Shetty from Mangalore. He asked if we were Malayalee’s and as we nodded in a semi trance induced by Vada, he told his story. He had come to Gurgaon, 11 years ago and had never returned to his native town. He could understand Malayalam, but could hardly speak the language, though he had many friends from Kerala. The shack primarily catered to students from nearby colleges and he was doing brisk business. We could see that. Even at this late hour there were a group of students chatting away at a corner over tea and momos. He had plans to expand the set up to cope up with the demand. He was particularly attentive to us. Compared to his, our lives were easy. Yet, he was optimistic and cheerful at the end of the day. Probably he has to wake up at 4 AM and start over.

Our nocturnal adventure was coming to an end. This was another instance of chance triumphing over well laid plans, reinforcing my belief in serendipity. I vowed to be more open to chance and its unexpected delights as we drove away.

Where to find Ashva’s Fast Food

It’s on the lane next to Anzal’s Plaza in Sector – 22, Gurgaon. Shetty can be reached at 9718559669.