New Delhi, Saturday, August 13, 2011
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hang out Bazaar Matia Mahal
FASTING, FEASTING Namya Sinha
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namya.sinha@hindustantimes.com
T
he month of Ramazan is both about fasting and feasting, with many areas in the city offering delectable options when it comes to the latter. Bazaar Matia Mahal, which is opposite Gate number one of Jama Masjid, is one such area where you can gorge on some sumptuous food. When you enter the bazaar, you’ll be unable to resist the aromas wafting from various eateries and bakeries in the area. Stacks of semi-cooked chicken and big mounds of feni kept outside eateries are a common sight here in Ramazan. Come here after 8pm and stay on till late to enjoy the fare this bazaar has to offer.
Delicious delights On entering the market, you’ll come across Kallan Sweets on the left. It is popular for its Khoya Samosas, Paneer Jalebi and Habshi Halwa. Just a few steps ahead on your left are the Al Jawahar and Jawahar hotels. Aluminum and silver vessels and kebabs on skewers mark the facade of these eateries. Jawahar Hotel has a huge fan following for its Nihari (R150) and Paya (R150). On regular days, these are available for breakfast, but during Ramazan, they are sold in the evenings as
well. Just in a narrow lane between these two eateries lies Karim’s, which is a must visit for the tourists in the city. In the month of Ramazan, it is open till 4am. Also, don’t miss out on Haji Mohd. Hussain’s shop that specialises in chicken (R240) and fish fry (R300). For those who love a hot glass of milk, the Mohd. Younus Milk Store is a good option. Here, milk is thickened in a big vessel. You will also come across street vendors at every few steps here. They sell everything from hot and spicy kebabs to dates and dry fruits, which are relished by many. During Ramazan, other addition to most of the shops are the Seviya, Khajla and Feni, priced between R70 to R120. When here, do visit the Aqsa International, which is popular for its Banarsi Feni. Another place to buy Feni and Seviya is Haji Tea Point.
Bakery destination This area boasts of some of the best bakeries in the city. The Golden Bakery has more than four varieties of Sheermal, which is the hottest selling item here. Sheermal, with butter and cream, costs R20, informs Bhai Aquil, owner of the bakery. Other popular bakeries here are the Asgher Bakery and the New Janta Bakery, which is famous for its sweet yellow bread.
Paneer Jalebis are sold at many sweet shops
Jama Masjid We take a walk through Old Delhi for the best of Ramazan treats
GATE NO. 1 Yaseen Hotel
Kallan Sweets
yehdillihai!
Al Jawahar Al Shahi Chicken
It seems like Delhiites are running out of patience. Here, this man can be seen crossing the pavement with his two wheeler to escape the traffic jam. Only in Delhi!
Karim Hotel
dilse
Jawahar Hotel Haji Tea Point
Kamaal Sweet House
Mohd. Younus Milk Store Haji Mohd. Hussain’s shop Shabbir Dhaba
Special stalls of dry fruits have been put up for those breaking their fasts PHOTOS: ZABEEH AFAQUE
Golden Bakery
survivor’sguide Don’t wear short and revealing clothes ■ Wear comfortable shoes ■ Carry your own water unless you plan to buy packaged drinking water here ■ Beware of beggars who will constantly pester you for money ■ Carry cash and change currency, as most of the eateries here don’t accept any credit or debit cards ■
Asgher Bakery Aqsa International
New Janta Bakery
PHOTO: SONU MEHTA
howto getthere..
knowmore aboutit
1) Nearest metro station is Chawri Bazar on Yellow Line. Take a rickshaw from there for R20 2) Auto rickshaws also go till Gate Number One of Jama Masjid. They charge around R40 from Connaught Place 3) The area is well connected by DTC buses 4) Cars can be parked at the parking near Gate Number Three of Jama Masjid, though one should avoid taking their own vehicles here
1) This area is also known for craftsmen specialising in making thin silver sheets (chaandi ka vark) that is used for decorating Indian sweets. This is made by beating the silver sheets by hands 2) The area of Pahadi Bhojla in Matia Mahal is known for jewellers who have been here for decades
A bakery selling Sheermal
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tereyan khyalan vich khoye tainu pake saanu lage assi paghan vaale hoye, sadha tere naal jahan tu hi jeen da sahara luv u meya sb kuch -Naino HA, i don't know y r u hurting me and u don't uderstand anything. u ruined our friendship and den d relation dat u claiming, u remember these lines "when you are lost and cannot see the light my love will be a beacon shining ever so bright".If u remember den reply through the same column. -You know who Shubhu, Thanks for making my life so wonderful and for trusting me with all your heart. Thanks for giving me such immense happiness. I am utmost grateful for the time we are spending together, for all that we share, and how much you care for me. You mean the world to me, and I love you so very much princess, with all my heart and soul. - Your Hopeless Shruthi, Tum mujhe bahut hin acchi lagti ho.Main tumse apne poore dil se pyar karta hun. Aur mujhe pata hai ki tum bhi mujhe utna hi pyar krti ho. Phir mujhe itna kyun satati ho. I love you very very much. -Chashmish Gautam, I really luv u and words can’t describe my love for you. —Urs shu Naresh, I really love you and i’ll love you till the end of my life. -Maytri
metropolitandiary Dear Diary,
A vendor sells vegetarian kebabs
Mohd. Younus Milk Store is popular for its thickened hot milk
I have been taking the Metro everyday to reach my college from quite some time now. As the population in the city is rapidly increasing, the Metro coaches are also becoming overcrowded day by day. In fact, travelling in the Metro is no longer a comfortable experience, but is more of a nightmare now. What is even more depressing than the overcrowded Metro is the attitude of the commuters. At the time of deboarding at a station, people seem more like a hostile bunch of convicts trying to escape jail by pushing everyone else in front of them. And at the time of boarding, everybody is impatient, restless and rude. Maybe the fast-paced life of the urban city is to blame for the mean and inconsiderate attitude of the people towards others. But such an attitude is lethal for a
good city. So, it is really important for people to learn moral values and ethics to make our Delhi a decent city. Aashish Chopra Dear Diary, Finally, harsh afternoons and hot winds are gone, as Delhi has been blessed with cool showers. So, no more hot afternoons and sweating under the sun for the denizens. I really hope the weather remains the same. I wonder how those street vendors and shoe shiners survive the scorching summer heat. While most Delhiites can’t imagine their lives without an AC, those street vendors and rickshaw-pullers fight the heat throughout the day. I appreciate their stamina and their dedication towards work. I respect all of them and I expect all Delhities to respect them too. -Aditi Shastri