May 31, 2012

Paranthe Wali gali...

 
If you are a foodie and you love paranthas , then this IS the place. The Paranthe Wali galli  (literally "the Lane of fried bread ") is a narrow crowded lane in the Chandni Chowk area of  old Delhi. The lane is a popular culinary destination with a series of traditional shops that sell about 35 varieties of paranthas served with an array of chutneys and  currys.
I simply loved the place!
'Well built' people might find it a little tough to squeeze into the tables though!

The story goes that "in the year 1872 - Pt. Gaya Prasad, a yong man in early twenties, left his home in Tehsil Bah in Agra and came to Delhi in search of greener pastures. He put up a shop in a lane entering the Kinari Bazaar in Chandni Chowk and started making hot and sizzling paranthas. Soon the popularity of his paranthas grew so much that he had to call his brothers and cousins to help him in the business. Gradually, there came up almost a score shops - all belonging to the extended families of Gaya Prasad. Little they would have imagined that the lane itself would become popular after their paranthas! Of the 20 parantha shops in the late 1960s, three from the original family have survived: Pt Kanhaiyalal Durgaprasad Dixit(estd 1875), Pt Dayanand Shivcharan (estd 1882). Pt Baburam Devidayal Paranthewale (estd 1886)."

Lassi served in the traditional "Kulhad" 



the crowded lane...

the owners proudly display the photographs of their VIP customers...

 "Unlike the usual way of frying the parathas on a 'tawa', the parathas here are fried in a 'kadai'. The parathas, fried in the 'desi ghee' are then served in a 'thali' accompanied by 'kaddu (pumpkin) ki sabzi', 'aaloo mattar' (potatoes and green peas), 'aaloo mattar paneer' (potatoes, green peas and cottage cheese in gravy) 'kele ki saunth' (slices of bananas in thick jaggery and dried ginger chutney) and pudina (mint) chutney."
dusk at old delhi...

34 comments:

  1. That’s wonderful about the dish and the establishment of paranthas! Never heading anything about this place or the dish.

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  2. Anonymous7:41 PM

    Looks delicious!

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  3. You're making me so hungry!

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  4. Yummy, I absolutely LOVE eating Indian foods, vegetarian of course. Good pictures for a hungary man.

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  5. It looks like a wonderful restaurant and I enjoyed learning its history. Great photos, great post, thank you!

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  6. Looks so good! Fried with potatoes and gravy sounds delicious.

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  7. Anonymous11:40 PM

    I loved seeing these pictures and learning a bit more about that land so far away. I've always been curious. Thank you for opening my blind eyes

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  8. Yummy, yummy... looks very good! Great photos!

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  9. I always wanted to do a post on PWG:):)
    I always visit PWG whenever I on a vacation at Delhi(my mom and brother live there).Thanks for sharing these wonderful post.Have a great weekend.

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  10. My friend,
    I have to be honest...I am hungry after seeing the food (smile). Great pictures and great post.

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  11. I have been there...but they literally fry the paranthas and sitting area is very stuffy..

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    1. you are right..it is cramped & stuffy...but worth it in the end :)

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  12. An awesome place to enjoy traditional food:)Thanks for bring it to life!

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  13. This is tempting!

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  14. God, I love parathas. But fried in a kadai ? I think I'll give it a miss!

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    1. yes Ash...fried in pure desi ghee!

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  15. Yum, this all sounds delicious ...... not too sure about the 'kele ki saunth' though. Why I don't know as I love bananas and ginger.

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    1. you wont believe me...kele ki saunth was really tangy and delicious...i asked for it twice!

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  16. Looks very delicious ~ I would like to try it one day ~

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  17. WOW!! FOOD! I've always dreamt of travelling the world and eat all the kinds of food...this post makes me hungry!!!

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  18. Mouth watering food and wonderful write up. Very interesting.

    Best wishes,
    Joseph

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  19. Everything looks so yummy Ashok!
    Have a wonderful weekend!

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  20. Now I feel hungry :P The picture of the dusk is beautiful :)

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  21. looks like a great place to eat!

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  22. This is one of my frequent hangouts, as my office is nearby. Going back to try the different flavours is an added attraction. I guess the conventional Aaloo or Muli parathas may not get ordered ever!

    But if you have a lassi after a few paranthas, you're bound to be very full!!

    Another attraction of this area is the jaleba or massive jalebi.

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    1. Office near by?!...I envy you Anu...ya, after the lassi i could hardly walk...forgot to mention..I had a 'rabdi' for desert as well :)

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  23. very informative! i wondered is it the same as the "roti prata" we had over here. it's also fried bread, fried in oil or ghee over a flat hot plate, and served with curry. i loved the dish . :)

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  24. Been to this galli quite a few times, but except for devouring the paranthas never knew the details. Thumbs up for the information.

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  25. So happy that I found your blog. This food looks so delicious and I enjoyed reading your description I would love to visit.

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  26. Hey that's my favourite shop since I shifted to Delhi ten years back. Thanks for this lovely post. I am doing a post in my blog and sharing your link as well.

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  27. Looks very delicious.... You can compile and publish it as a book at Notion Press

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