Dear Supi
How have you been? I know the look on your face right now and I know exactly what you are thinking. Yes, I could have called or even whatsapped but it’s been ages since I’ve written a letter so here I am, doing it the old-fashioned way. Can you believe that it’s been more than 10 years since those days in Delhi? The 9 a.m classes, the trips to Kamla Nagar to buy cotton fabric, the excursions to Gwalior and Sariska, catching up at Khan Market, watching movies, momos and fruit beer at Dilli Haat and so much more. Remember how I used to pester you to take me to Chandni Chowk? To the famed Paranthe Wali Galli? You guys used to constantly talk about the amazing food that you get there and I would be salivating even thinking about the paranthas. I was in Delhi for two years and you did not get the time to take me there. Well, guess what? We have a Paranthe Wali Galli now in Kolkata too and there, you get 40 types of parantha and 15 types of lassi! Yes, close your mouth now.
Remember how I used to tease you about having rajma chawal everyday? And you used to say “You Bangalan. You will eat anything that walks!”. Everytime I go to Paranthe Wali Galli, I’m reminded of those days and of you so I had to tell you about this place. It is the brainchild of a good friend, Chef Rahul Arora who already has two other cafes in town – Bon Appetit and Cafe Pranah. Rahul being a Punjabi himself had to do something with Paranthas, Lassi, Rajma, Kadhi, Butter Chicken etc etc so the result is Paranthe Wali Galli. It has the colors and feel of Delhi 6. There are wooden benches, parandhis, glass bangles, hand-painted kettles and a wall with photos of Chandni Chowk clicked by Rahul himself. You know what is the best thing about this place apart from the food? The warm vibes that it gives off and I love that.
If you ever meet Rahul, you will see how passionate he is about his food. He loves to experiment and he loves to feed people till they actually have to beg him to stop. And that is what he did at our monthly Kolkata Food Fanatics meet (will tell you about that group later). Have you ever tried a Motichoor ki Lassi? I bet not! This is lassi with Motichoor ki Laddoo and supremely delicious. Since I wanted to have something hot, I tried the Hajmola Lemon Tea. I have bought packets of hajmola after that meet and now, every time I make myself some lemon tea, add hajmola to it. Try it out!
He fed us your favorite Aloo Methi Parantha which has a stuffing of potato and fenugreek, coriander, cumin, and ginger. Then there was the Achaari Paneer Parantha with the paneer and pickle stuffing. For the cheese lovers, he has the Cheese Parantha, there is the spicy and hot Olive Jalapeno Parantha which goes beautifully with the thick curd and for the non-vegetarians, the Dhania Mirch Chicken Parantha. And then came the two shining stars of the Galli. The Khoya Badam Parantha with a kheer and badam stuffing and a generous quantity of condensed milk poured on top. And the Chocolate Parantha! See the pic babe, see the pic!
After all these years, I can finally forgive you for not taking me to Delhi 6 because I have the mini-version right here in my city now:D. I’ll take you here when you come to Kolkata next. Btw, I need you to buy some stuff for me from Ulta. Too Faced is out with the Sweet Peach collection and L’Oreal is out with lip paints. Will whatsapp you my list :D.
XOXO
D
Paranthe Wali Galli
104, Lake Terrace, Deshapriya Park, Kolkata
Open from 9 a.m to 9 p.m
I am totally mesmerized on seeing this article. Ma’am it would be unjust if i say that the pictures and the acticle is beautiful;its more than beautiful. Really a lovely article.
Thank you so much Spandana. Glad you liked reading it 🙂