Lodhi’s little secrets

The well-heeled neighbourhood of Lodhi Colony has some places tempting enough to serve as interesting shade from the heat. So step out and let loose the shopaholic and foodie in you at the lovely little places tucked into the Khanna and Meharchand markets here.

Food zone
Situated in a busy bylane of Khanna Market is Chidambaram’s New Madras Café that has been churning out South Indian food since the 30s. Run by Sri Kumar and C Raju, the place serves interesting food. If you want to try out different varieties for the price of one, try their three-in-one dishes priced at Rs 90. For instance, a 3-in-1 uthapam includes paneer, nilgiri and mirch masala varieties.

If it’s Chinese that whets your appetite, stop by Garden Chef, a mobile food joint opposite Lodi Garden. Digging into their chicken spring roll (Rs 80) is a good bet. If you have a sweet tooth, head to Kunafa, an Arabian sweet shop in Meherchand Market, for some delicious baklavas stuffed with figs, hazel nuts, jerio dates and pistachios. Prices start from Rs 180 for 100 gms. Cheese lovers can check out The Cheese Ball, which stocks cheddar, parmesan, brie, feta, Danish blue cheese and more.

Shoppers’ paradise
Take a tour of the back lanes of Khanna Market, where you’ll come across Devan’s South Indian Coffee and Tea shop that sells select brews and blends since 1962. On offer are varieties of blends from Mysore, Chikmangloor and Coorg. If you are looking for Brazilian and Colombian coffee, they have that too. Tea lovers get to pick from the best of Darjeeling, Nilgiri and Assam. Prices for coffee begin from Rs 130 per kg and for tea from Rs 140 per kg.

Those busy planning their weddings must include Mazumdar and Sons in their list. The traditional Bengali saris such as dhakai jamdani, Bengal tant, baluchari and katha available here can jazz up any bridal trousseau. Prices start from Rs 445.

This market also has some designer shops worth a dekko. Anuradha Raman’s store is one of them. Raman mostly experiments with Ikkat, colourful block prints and delicate embroidery. Prices for saris start from Rs 2,800, and for kurtas from Rs 1200.

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