Feast from the past

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Winter is all about chatpata khana, so it’s time for a nostalgic treat. For foodies in the city, Dilli ki sardi is synonymous with delicious fare. As city celebs go down memory lane, they share with us their favourite snacks and addas too.
Writer Sadia Dehlvi says, “I love Mughlai food at Al Kausar in winters. The place was first started by my family 30 years ago as a small eatery. It serves the world’s best Mughlai food. I enjoy cooking aloo mutton curry, aloo gosht, yakhni pulao. I enjoy fish korma. I also love Nahari from Kali Majid in Old Delhi, which is our staple food this season.”
As Old Delhi remains the favourite place for many, chicken kebabs from Karim’s remind artist Muzaffar Ali of his poetry sessions. “I remember going there with Hussain saab (M.F. Hussain) and discussing poetry, which used to be a major part of our conversation. In winters, poetry sessions while enjoying kebabs gave a feeling of genuine warmth.”
Although not a foodie, artist Sanjay Bhattacharya, sometimes for the rustic and rugged feel, enjoys food at the city’s dhabas. “I love the ambience and the personal touch that these people convey through their service. In winters, I usually go with family and friends to have a hearty meal including dal tadka, chilli paneer with tandoori roti, followed by special kulhar chai and kheer. It gives an earthy feel. Dinning at dhabas is a no frills affair, just a purely functional, hot and tasty meal enjoyed amidst loads of friendly banter,” he says.
And besides popular street-side chhole kulche or aloo chat of Vasishno Chaat Bhandar at Kamla Nagar, there’s nothing that can beat the taste of chicken tikkas at Khan Chacha for designer Nida Mehmood.
“I can have them anytime, be it with tea or for lunch. It used to be our favourite hang-out zone in college. It’s still one of my favourite haunts in winters.”
For designer Siddarth Tytler, mouth-watering paranthas at Parathey Wali Gali makes the perfect winter food. “I’m a regular visitor of the place, since college. They have so many varieties, I have tasted all of them. I also stop at those Chinese food vans on Vasant Kunj road-side for enticing momos, soups and chowmein,” he adds.
And for people who have a sweet tooth, besides gajak and gulab jamun, moong dal halwa is a must-have for designer Madhu Jain, “In winters, moong dal halwa of Dhika Ram with dollops of ghee is worth dying for. As my ancestors are from Old Delhi, I’m truly in love with this place and its eating joints. I also relish the popular Punjabi drink called kanji and bell pepper pickles, which we make at home only in winters.”