Monsoon Fare: Baba Nagpal’s Channe Bhature
Then again, how can a monsoon visit to Delhi be considered rewarding without sampling some of its celebrated street fare? The by lanes of the capital city offer a plethora of such sensual delights. Of these, the channe-bhature of Baba Nagpal in Amar Colony, are second to none. Unless, I were to count that nameless hole-in-the-wall frequented during childhood at the end of the Tope Khaana Mor lane in Patiala. For the longest time, a Sikh gentleman dressed in his trademark Pothwari shalwar had doled out the most appetizing channa-kulchas ever. (Where did he go, anyway? The spot is today marked by shops retailing inexpensive cloth.)
Anyhow, on this particular visit to Delhi, hosted by the sibling habitually anal about 
healthy eating habits, I was more than chuffed when her other half suggested a Sunday brunch catered by Nagpal’s. Which is not to say that their specialties are otherwise; merely implying that they are…umm… a tad hearty, with a generous sprinkling of, well, Punjabiness. Picking up the phone to place a call, I was summarily informed that the home delivery privilege had been taken away. Unfazed at this development, my brother-in-law and I braced ourselves for a drive to Lajpat Nagar while the rain beat down upon us. It was either that or toasted multi-grain bread topped by mozzarella, tomatoes and fresh basil with some fruity shake.
We merged with a motley crew, just as undeterred by the steady pour, which crowded the counter running along two sides of a corner shop, on a busy intersection of the Gupta Market. A standing-only, dine-in space was crowned by a grimy canopy announcing the absence of other branches. No complaints there; Nagpal’s hallmark light-bodied channe preparation with the softest of bhaturas, their insides dotted with paneer just so, draws devotees regardless. I am told their repertoire includes puri-channe, samosas and lassi as well but I have yet to venture there.
Collecting our large order (expecting guests), we squelched back to the car, holding hunger 
and impatience at bay till we got home, despite the enticing aromas wafting around us. We were soon joined by another pernickety sibling, her doctor hubby reared on boarding school pies and puddings, and a teenaged fusspot in the habit of prettily turning up her nose at everything that did not add up to fast food, the western way. That they all devoured every morsel on the table is very telling: well-prepared, fuss-free fare, high on plain good taste, will always be the key ingredients for a foodie box-office hit.
I have eaten Channa bhaduras in Karol Bagh at Roshan Di Kulfi and it has been a long time since I visited Delhi. I would surely look for Baba Nagpal next time I am in Delhi.
Kindly give me the exact place I should visit, I love eating.
You really must try them when you’re in Delhi next.
They are located in Amar Colony at 7/25 O.D.D. Lajpat Nagar IV , in close proximity to the Frank Anthony Public School.
Bon Appetit 🙂
In addition to the introduction to Baba Nagpal (who shall be looked up when I am in that part of Delhi next), thanks also for illustrating the usage of some english words which were hitherto unknown to me!
Pleasure, Rajnish 🙂
S.P.E.E.C.H.L.E.S.S 😉
With or without trying them…?
Just imagine! It’s right behind my school and I didn’t even know about it! Two other places worth checking out: Shriram Sweets in Malviya Nagar and Chache de Hatti in K Nags behind DU.
And, Puneet, the next time u r in delhi, would like to introduce you to a rather exotic eatery 🙂
Vishnu
Thanks for sharing, Vishnu. Will touch base the next time am in the neighbourhood…
The puddings and pies are anyday better!
And so are the channa bhutaras made at home.
But guess you all of the modern generation
have lost your tastebuds and the will to cook at home!!
Any guess who??
Er… someone with tons of time to spare? Going to such lengths to hide your ID!
Modern Generation, as I know, does not eat Channa Bhatura from unhygenic roadside pollution infested stalls. Reverse snobbery, perhaps?
You are right. The ‘modern generation’ does not do any of that. Possibly because they tend to crowd fast-food joints serving nutrition-free food in sanitised surroundings?
Whatever….
Was informed of this vend by the very same gentleman who took you there. It’s about six months now since the maiden visit. Your story entices another Sunday swoop.
Go for it 🙂
thoroughly enjoyed ….I had kept these channa-bhaturas for a rainy day….
Aren’t they yummy?