Forget calories, go for this one

An all time favourite dish that Delhiites love to binge on is chhole bhature. When you don’t feel like whipping up a meal, chhole bhature from your next door eatery saves the day.

The Sita Ram Chhole Bhaturewala in Paharganj is a landmark in itself. In 1950s Sita Ram Kohli started this joint that is now run by his grandsons. His grandson Puneet Kohli reveals the secret of the famous bhature at his shop, “Since we heat the bhature on tawas, they give a distinct taste as compared to other places. Also, the chhole that we make has a unique combination of spices which pleases the taste buds.” Their customer Inderjeet Singh, a garment trader from Old Rajender Nagar says, “I like the taste of their chhole as they are different from other places. Also, they give unlimited quantity of onions, pickles and green chillies, which is extremely large hearted of them.”

The bhaturas are quite filling but an interesting newness about this place is their combination of chhole dressed with green chutney. Rajesh reveals the secret ingredients of this chutney, “Palak, pudina, dhaniya and khatti dahi along with namak, mirch and amchoor go into the preparation of this chutney.” For those who want a taste of this place, they can also order for home delivery by paying nominal charges.

The Chache ke Chhole Bhature on Bunglow Road near Delhi University is another favourite spot for bhature lovers as they make the bhaturas on the spot and serve them piping hot.
All those who come here vouch for its taste. Tushar Neb, an MBA student says, “I cherish the chhole bhature at this place as I used to come here with my friends when in Ramjas College and enjoy the hot chhole bhature while bunking our lectures. No one in Delhi makes such tasty chhole bhatures.” Even Amitabh Bachchan praised this place for its unmatched chhole bhature during his education in Delhi.

However those, who don’t prefer oil dripping bhatures, must head straight to Standard Burfee Shop in Karol Bagh. Established in 1950s by Mehar Singh and Charan Dass, the shop is known for serving bhature made in desi ghee. Rajender Dawar and Vijaylakshmi Dawar, have been the regular customers at this eating joint for the last 30 years.
Vijaylakshmi says, “Being a housewife I don’t prefer eating out much but when it comes to chhole bhature, either we make it at home or come to this place because of its taste and cleanliness, both of which are very important.”

For South Delhi residents, there are many options to get chhole bhature from, but the most sought after is Baba Nagpal Corner and Kaka Corner both in Lajpat Nagar. Nagpal is famous for its chhole which has pieces of potato and finger-licking seasonal pickles such as carrot, kakronda and mango on the sidelines. Kaka is known for its crisp and light bhature.
Rajender Singh Paul, a resident of Lajpat Nagar says, “Both the competitors excel the taste of chhole bhature in their own ways but as customers it is an advantage for us that we get to enjoy chhole bhature prepared in similar manner but with different tastes.”