The yummy snack

A look at five bhelpuri vendors that have Delhizens flocking to them.

A look at five bhelpuri vendors that have Delhizens flocking to them.

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1. Bombay bhelpuri, South Extension

This vendor claims he has 300-350 visitors on weekdays and 500 on weekends. We spent 30 minutes with him, and going by the number of people who visited during that time, he’s probably not exaggerating. Located in South Extension market, this stall specialises in delicious bhelpuri (Rs 35) served in plastic plates and provided with lots of tissues, all thanks to the Page3 kind of crowd that often stops by for a quick fill. While here, you can club your bhelpuri treat with Masala coke (Rs 20), Aam Panna (Rs 15) or fresh juice that is served at the adjoining shop. They even take orders for marriages and parties; just call them a day in advance.
Where: Levis Lane, South Ex, Part-I
Price: Rs 35
Timings: 10 am to 8 pm
Tel: 9811103083

2. Mohan Lal bhelpuri

Mohan Lal, a bhelpuri vendor who puts his stall outside Hindu College in north Campus, is popular among the students. He has been selling bhelpuris at this spot for the last 22 years. So popular is his bhelpuri that he charges Rs 12 for a half plate. For a full plate, you will have to shell out Rs 20. His little stand is quite crowded during college hours and students discuss the day’s events over a plate of bhel. Unlike other street food vendors, Lal is careful about packing his ware. In order to ensure that the stuff don’t get soggy when packed, he is more than willing to pack all the ingredients separately, and will explain carefully how to mix it up for the best taste.
Where: Hindu College, North campus, Delhi University
Price: Rs 20
Timings: 10.30 am to 5.30 pm

3. Patel chest bhelpuri

Sunil Sethi — no, we’re not talking about the president of the Fashion Development Corporation of India — but the bhelpuri stall owner outside Patel Chest Institute, who has been serving the snack for years now. This man, always clad in white kurta pajama, uses a special masala for his bhelpuri, which he is not ready to share at any cost. The bhelpuri (Rs 25) here is both high on quantity and quality. You can even customise your bhelpuri and ask him to add extra onions, masala and chilli.
Where: Outside WUS Health Centre, North campus, Delhi University
Timings: 12 noon to 7 pm
Tel: 9971810474

4. Bombay bhelpuri, Sundar nagar

If you’re looking for bhelpuri with a twist, this is the place for you. Check out their exotic bhelpuri, prepared with raw mangoes, khajur (dates) chutney, peanuts, well-chopped onions, sweet chutney and papri. A speciality of this place is Calcatta BattaPuri — a mix of sev puri and bhelpuri with khajur chutney and lot of peanuts. Another added advantage is that the place is open till 11 pm. So if you are craving for some mouth-watering snack after your supper, than you know where to head to.
Where: Opposite Sweets Corner, Sunder Nagar
Timings: 11 am to 11 pm
Tel: 9871901011

5. Mahinder Bhel Puri Walla

Located outside the gates of Lady Shri Ram College (LSR), this bhelpuri vendor has been around for the past eight years. He started with bhelpuri (Rs 15) — a delicious mix of papri, finely chopped onions and boiled potatoes with lots of green chutney, garammasala and lemon juice. But now on the popular demand of students from LSR, he serves sev puri (Rs 20) and jhal muri (Rs 20) too. His USP is the garam masala that he uses, made of cloves, cardamom and cumin.
Where: Outside Lady Shri Ram College, Near Moolchand
Price: Rs 15-20
Timings: 11 am to 3 pm (Monday-Friday)
On weekends, you can catch him at Lajpat Nagar Central Market, outside Chunmun Store (after 6 pm)