Wednesday, January 02, 2008

Aloo Karare!

Happy New Year All!

The humble potato is Delhi's delight during the winter months. And aloo chaat, is the best form in which the potato can be consumed in this part of the world, at this time of the year.
As the temperature drops to the season's lowest, I sit down and close my eyes. I see a photo slide of the various foods that I'd love to gorge on this winter (as any other). Aloo chaat, shakarkandi, jalebis from Chandni Chowk, mom-made halwa, kaanji (the blood red spicy drink made from bleeding carrots), and what not flash before my eyes.
I happened to visit the Ham House (known to people as Hamilton House), aloo chaat wala twice in the past two weeks and thought of talking (read writing) about him here. As the name suggests, the chaat wala sits (in a corner) outside the Hamilton House, Inner Circle, Connaught Place.

I've been having the alu chaat made by him ever since I've been visiting Connaught Place.

A visit to Connaught Place is rather incomplete without a nibble at this spicy snack, priced slightly high at Rs.20 for a plate.
Vijay is the man who carries forward the legacy of his father and elder brother of selling the famed chaat. And it has been 35 years since Delhiites have had the pleasure of gorging on it.

Vijay also does a fruit chaat for you, if you want. During winters he also does the sweet potato or shakarkandi to please your tatse buds. But nothing beats the humble potato: diced, fried, spiced up (mild spicy to fiery hot) and served hot. Ahaaa! Yummm!

And yeah he faced the axe from the Supreme Court when the street food vendors and stalls were asked to be removed. Later, everything fell in place (only for old players like these) and now he sells chaat to you legally. :)

22 comments:

FH said...

Rs.20 for Aloo fry! That is steep but must be worth paying. Looks yum!:)
Happy new year.

Anita said...

I love alu chaat. will have to look out for this Vijay chap...I usually eat at Sector 28-29 (Brahmputra Market), NOIDA. he's pretty good, and 10 or 15/- His golgappe are great and the tikki is to die for! Totally different from the Dilli tikki.

~ ॐ ~ said...

This guy is back !!!!

this is great news... I remember going to the India Today office corner and not finding him and being disappointed !!!!

ye ye !!!

Mansi said...

Hey there! wish you a wonderful and food-filled 2008!

the potatoes look swell! but I'm gonna try to avoid sweets and fried foods for at least a few days after all my holiday baking!:D

Reeta Skeeter said...

asha: Yep Totally worth it ji! Happy New Year!
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anita: You have to check his stuff out :D Sector 28 hmm neva been there..will go "some" day!
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~ ॐ ~ : Ji bilkul he is back and rocking! Main kaafi sad ho gayi thi jab ye janaab gayab ho gaye the. Now I am happyyyy! Yayyyy!

Srivalli said...

Hi...nice blog you have here...aloo looks yum...when I visit delhi will surely look out for vijay!...btw..are you blogging from India..if so, check out
Arusuvai Friendship Chain
and let me know if you are interested!

Unknown said...

I have yet to "discover" this guy for myself. But your post has been inspiring enough.

Anonymous said...

Wont miss it the next time I touch C.P... yummy post/blog..and completely off topic, I love delhi winters....

Reeta Skeeter said...

Mansi: Thanks for the wishes! I do want to have a food-filled year :D Thx again!
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Srivalli: Anita is already making me join it by sending me the secret ingredient. Thanks :) It is indeed a nice concept!
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Woody: You must :D Thank You ji!
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blindfolded: You must not miss him :D Thanks :) Humbled...Delhi winters do rock! Aye!

Srivalli said...

Hi..I left the comment before I knew Anita was planning to send you. Its nice to have you in this chain. Do let me know if you need help in identifying the next people to whom you will have to send. If you know, its great else will be glad to help you. You can drop a mail at cooking4allseasons@gmail.com..thanks

Anonymous said...

Hey Reeta,

Thanks! I haven't eaten there but surely will.

All the best for a great 2008. Cheers!

Gunjan Aylawadi said...

made me hungry just aftr dinner
i love aalo!!

~ Deeps ~ said...

yeah i agree no trip to CP is complete without aloo chat here and something from Wengers (preferably shammis)

Reeta Skeeter said...

srivalli: I got my secret ingredient yesterday... yayyy!! Will ask you in case of any queries :D
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Kulpreet: Yeah, you must! HNY!
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gunj: Hehe. Welcome here! Happy Blogging!
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~ deeps ~: Correct! After this place, I always head to Wengers :D But I am a Vegetarian :D
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bird's eye view said...

oh, how much I remember the awesome taste of this aloo-chaatwala from all the years I used to work in CP. Never went near hamilton House without gorging on this...

Reeta Skeeter said...

bird's eye view: :)

The Keeper of the Keys said...

3 posts read and i'm hooked...
this was the most useful post ever in the blogosphere. thanks.

*runs off to cp*

ps-- I LOVE ALOO CHAT

Reeta Skeeter said...

LostWeasley: Hey thanks :D

expressions said...

do u use ur cellphone camera to click the snaps or u take ur camera..whereever u go..
u write good...although i needn't say this...the number of comments suggests tht..:-)

My Unfinished Life said...

i have seen this fellow many times hwen am in CP...he mixes aloo and fruitss...doesnt dish out only aloo chaats....so dint sample ...but as you say he is good...ill try out sometime!!

durjoy datta said...

ohhh!!!! i have been there a million times!!!!!!!!

Reeta Skeeter said...

expressions: Thanks, I use my camera and cellphone both.. depending on place and situation :D
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shooting star: no dear, he mixes fruit only when he is almost out of aloo, and that is towards the evening! :D
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durjoy datta: :D me too!
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