Golgappe Part 1 - Many Flavours in One Plate

Eskimos have 100 names for snow, that is what happens when you love something so much. Indians have various names for golgappe depending on which part of the country you are in. puchka in West Bengal, pani puri in Maharashtra and golgappe in North India is a beloved street food. 

My love for this savoury delight goes back to when my height barely reached the level of the golgappa stand. Mom would take us (my sister and me) shopping with her and we would be treated to these flavour-bombs at the market. Now, my conditioned stimulus (like Pavlov's Dog) is a craving for golgappe when I head out shopping. I've had this wonderful invention of Indian Street food all over the country- at Shillong (super spicy), Bengal (yummy but got a bad tummy), South Delhi (spicy and pungent), Amritsar (at Hall Bazaar- preferred the aloo tikki there), Pune (at a secret location, that I'll disclose later, I found the perfect pani puri with ragda filling). 

In Chandigarh or in North India one is really spoilt for options of Golgappe. I've gone around searching for the perfect plate across Chandigarh and have found a couple of really good places.

I'll start with 'Treat Point' at Sector 34C, Chandigarh.

On My Plate: 5 flavours of Golgappe- Khatta Meetha Jeera, Khatta Meetha Pudina, Khatta Dhaniya, Khatta Hing, Meetha Lemongrass (yup, lemongrass) and Dahi stuffed Golgappe to finish off.

Hygienic containers for golgappe water

Tasted the Punjabi Mango Pickle and Mango Chutney.

What Else? Other than different flavoured water that brings in variety into their golgappe, this place also serves typical Punjabi pickles that are seasonal and genuinely homemade and basic Indian and South Indian meals apart from chaat and aloo tikki. 

Recommendations: The multi flavoured golgappe (of course) and the Pickles. I loved the Khatta Meetha Jeera and the Khatta Meetha Pudina comes at a close second.

The last golgappa is the 'dahi golgappa' which also contains tamarind (imli) chutney and some bhujia/sev. Perfect end to sooth the explosion of many flavours. 

The seasonal pickles are perfect. they taste just like my Grandmom's. Not too oily, perfectly blended flavours. I can picture it sitting next to my meals at home. They're made by the owner's mum which just gives the food a personal touch and a story. Win win.

Seasonal, Punjabi pickles

Location: Sector 34 C Market, Chandigarh.

Price: Pocket Change (affordable). 

              One plate (6 pieces) cost Rs. 30.

              500 gms of Pickle costs Rs. 100. 

Timings: 11:30 am to 10:30pm. Open on all days.

Verdict: Must try! 

The pickles make for a good souvenir gift for those who are travelling, or those living away from family or those who're just lazy to make pickles (that's me) or those who don't know how to (that's also me).

Much Love.