20 reasons to fall in love with India

[gingerpeach]

When in Delhi, you have to eat at Haldirams or pig out there like we did. We went to their sprawling place just outside of Delhi. Haldirams is the Indian version of western fast food – we were in a large group and were able to sample a lot of their stuff. My favorite was their chole bhatura ( chickpeas with a fried bread).

A BIG thank you for the recommendation! When I mentioned Haldiram's to my host, he got very excited and we planned to go on the very next weekday (to avoid the weekend crowds). Well, we went today to the Lajpat Nagar Haldiram's and it was one of my favorite experiences so far. Kind of like Disneyland for the taste buds - sweets, savories, snacks galore! My only regret was not getting to sample enough, owing to a small stomach and not enough companions. Favorite dishes were paneer tikka, chaat (I don't remember the name of the particular kind I had) and the kulfi that comes in the little ceramic pot. We brought home some sweets for our hosts so I am looking forward to trying those as well.

I heart Haldiram's . Thanks, Monica!

[Monica Bhide]

Gingerpeach - Did I mention that you would need to bring some back for me if you followed my recommendations. Sigh....

HAVE FUN -- while in Lajpat Nagar go to the middle area of the market - they sell some really great pakoras there (fritters). Also some wonderful mouth freshners as well

[Episure]

Monica, great photos!

Did you take any 'Chaat" pics?

[Monica Bhide]

Yes a few - let me go hunt them down

[alacarte]

I'm late in finding this thread, but let me add my voice to the chorus: these are wonderful pictures, Monica, thanks for letting us in and making us hungry.

And welcome back!

[FoodZealot]

Fantastic. Thank you, Monica.

[Gastro888]

So pretty! Great job! More pictures, please!!!!

[redfox]

Let me add another voice to the chorus. These are really lovely and make me want to pick up and run off right now! My own Indian cooking at home tonight has been both enhanced by and dwarfed by seeing these.

[zeitoun]

I just caught this thread, Monica, this is splendid!

I particularly enjoyed the market pictures. Markets are my favorite places when i get a chance to travel. I have never been to India. Would love to one day...

Thank you so much for sharing this with us!!!

[gingerpeach]

Gingerpeach - Did I mention that you would need to bring some back for me if you followed my recommendations. Sigh....

HAVE FUN -- while in Lajpat Nagar go to the middle area of the market - they sell some really great pakoras there (fritters). Also some wonderful mouth freshners as well

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I PM'd you a cybersnack for now, but if you'll be visiting the Pacific NW in the near future, I'd be happy to follow up with the real thing! Thanks for the market tips.

[Monica Bhide]

I will travel for Halidrams

[Pompollo]

I think Mcdonalds should open an international version of their chain in major metros - what they are serving in all the other countries. It would be fun.

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Oh Monica, I am so glad you are back safely and able to share all those great goodies in words and pictures. My mouth watered with every new picture as I scrolled down the page. Your story and pictures were really a joy for me and I too am getting in line with the others who are anxiously awaiting a trip to India.

Now about MacDonalds and the International Menu. I would love to trade our "Teriyaki Mac Burger" we have in Japan with one of those Aloo Tikki Burgers. I never bothered to try MCD in India, as I wanted to have as much Indian food as possible since I had such limited time. I will do so next time on your recommendation, as it seems MCDs is Indianized, as ours are Japanized by serving such delights as Melon-flavored Shakes. (Now if they would only use Midori Liqueur instead of green syrup!!! )

I am looking forward to reading and learning more from you.

Pompollo

[worm@work]

Hi Monica,

I just got back from India last night and these pics are making me cry like a baby thinking of all the stuff I've left behind :((. The pics are lovely and so are your descriptions :). I managed to check out most of the places u mention in Bombay but this was my first visit to Bangalore and I didnt end up at the best food places .. will pester you for recommendations next time around. Am already starting to save for my trip again next year :).

-w@w

[Monica Bhide]

Glad you all liked it.. I am inspired to go find more more pics and post them. I want to go back again...