Food goes international too

Dil thaam ke baithiye, aapke saamne pesh hai kathputli ka khel,” announces a man in typical Rajasthani-accent as the lights turn on and set the mood for an entertaining evening.

This performance at the food court – just opposite to Theatre Bazaar inside National School of Drama, adds to the ambience where all artistes dissolve their differences over a plate of litti chokha or hot paranthas.  

One of the reasons for the year-long wait for Bharat Rang Mahotsav, (apart from the chance to watch credible performances), is the food court which mushrooms in the premises of the theatre hub. Usually this place is dominated by regional fare from across the country but this year the twist in the tale is the addition of established and new restaurants in the race for supremacy between local halwais and low-scale fast food chains.

And some stalls and their dishes are making their presence felt this year too. Take for instance the pakoras and tikki chaat at Delhi Food Hub, which is a hot favourite in the cold weather. “The prices of all our food items are economical, since this was the premise of getting a stall,” says Ashok, the owner, ruing the small size of the stall which constrained him from offering “kullad wali chai. It makes most of the profits each time. But the same could not be repeated this year,” he complains.

While a plate of tikki chaat at his stall costs Rs 30, the jalebi is priced at Rs 40. Both are quite average and don’t inspire a second helping.

The traditional delicacy of Bihar – litti chokha at Bihar Food Court and Daulat ki Chaat are certainly not the hot favourites this year having succumbed to the charms of Changezi Chicken’s tikkas which are being gobbled up.

Similarly, the paranthas and grilled sandwiches at Rahul Parantha & Sandwich Shop are in great demand. “Though every year I make only paranthas, this time my children demanded an addition of grilled sandwich and bread pizzas since they like to eat them,” chuckles the humble homemaker Shikha Sharma who turns chef at this time of the year. Rolling aloo-pyaaz, paneer, gobhi and sattu paranthas to cater to non-stop orders, Sharma takes help from her family and relatives and remains busy throughout the day.
The need for hot beverage after this hearty snack is fulfilled by Aroomya green teas in a variety of flavours.

At the stall set up by Lebanese restaurant Zizo, one hardly finds any takers for the Mediterranean snacks, even though these are budget-friendly.

It is funny to not find macaroons among puddings and pastries at the stall named ‘Macaroon- The Pastry Shop’ and packed pre-made sandwiches at ‘Bake Tree’.

The result is, artistes and regular visitors are now fighting over whether the old concept of food court was better or the new one is successful!