Ask ten people in Delhi where to find a good paratha. I can bet that at least seven will say Chandni Chowk without hesitating. That’s about all. The same small lanes, the same crowds, the same stalls which probably used to fry parathas before the time of your parents. Perhaps it is the very reason that it never changes, and that is the reason people come back. That’s about all. The same small lanes, the same crowds, the same stalls which probably used to fry parathas before the time of your parents. Perhaps it is the very reason, that it never changes, and that is the reason people come back.
If you are looking for the best paratha in Delhi then here is a street that you don’t need to look into. At first it can deceive you, but it won’t. All the stores say that their is the original, the best, the store their grandfather swore by. Many of them may be telling the truth.
More than just Aloo and Paneer
Everyone has eaten a paratha of aloo (potato) and paneer (cheese) and for a reason. However, if you’re not afraid to step out of the box, there’s much more to it than that.
Gobi paratha is stuffed with grated cauliflower and just some spice to taste. If you are not feeling up to the full meal then use mixed veg. Methi paratha is not suitable for all as fresh fenugreek is a bitter vegetable for some. Then there is dal paratha, peas paratha and khurchan paratha (which adds milk solids to the stuffing) for this strange, yet delicious and wonderful, sweet-savoury treat. Dry fruit paratha is a bit richer. Until you have eaten one, what could be a worse mistake than banana or rabri paratha?
The majority of the stalls are still set up the old fashion and they use the old iron griddles, a liberal hand of ghee and no hurry. Well, that’s the secret… Tender from the inside, crispy from the outside, a time to be waited for.
Pace Yourself
These parathas are filling. It’s not an “eat less at dinner” diet, but rather a “why did I order three of these?” diet.
A few things help:
Fresh curd is a refreshing agent. Mint chutney does something similar, but in its own way. Pickle does, too, but not much. Some onion (sliced) or plain salad helps to cut through a richer filling. Unless you are able to make something heavier to drink with, avoid heavier curries at the same time, and keep the lassi (buttermilk or lime water) to a minimum.
All this is easy. The whole meal is relatively painless due to common sense.
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Before You Head Out
If you are actually planning a trip, here are a couple of things you should do:
Arrive early, the lanes tend to fill up, and it’s not always fun. If you’re with others, share parathas so that you can try more than you might try alone. Take some cash, not all the stalls will accept cards or UPI. Take into account shoes that you don’t mind walking in since you’ll be doing some walking. After eating it is a good idea to visit one of the nearby sweet shops, the vast majority of people do that. Hydrate more than you think you need, particularly when it’s hot outside.
When Going Isn’t an Option
There are days when it’s just not possible to cross the city due to various reasons like work, weather, or distance that can get in the way. When it’s a day like that, order food online is the next best thing.
It’s much easier today than it was. You can get connected with some local restaurants that are also preparing similar food, without crossing Delhi to get it to you on the apps like Swiggy. As near as eating at the stall itself.
Wrap It Up
Chandni Chowk is still one of the most authentic places to get real North Indian cuisine, cuisine that has not evolved significantly over the last few decades. Each aloo paratha has a little of that history with it, whether it is a simple aloo paratha or some less orthodox version such as the rabri one.
Go, if you can. If you cannot, order in anyway! But, whatever it was about the best paratha in Delhi, it was not the thing in it. It’s the sound, the aroma of ghee frying on a hot griddle and a recipe no one’s wanted to tweak in a really long time.