The ambiance of a booze shop is not too big a deal for many people. Even so, as India changes slowly but surely, our booze shops are upgrading too.
A big change came when privately run liquor stores came up in New Delhi a few years back. Government liquor shops didn’t have any incentive to look presentable or provide good service. So you had warm beer. Plus brand selection was dreadful. Kingfisher? No. Sorry. Only “Naked Pelican” available. Why? I don’t know. Maybe the Excise department had a good deal with the owners of “Naked Pelican.” You want? Move aside…there a lots of people beating on the iron cages.
And then there were delightfully employee friendly shop timings. Every third day was a dry day (the number of “dry” days has been brought down but its still ridiculously high). New Delhi government booze employees would have agreed that India was a welfare state.
Things have changed in New Delhi but it doesn’t compare with Haryana at all. Booze shops remain open all the time. All round the year. Bless privatization, profit incentives, “commercialization” and capitalism.
Look at a smart looking liquor store near home…Are we still in India?
I’ve blogged previously about Momos. I love them and I’m going to continue blogging about them 
Okay?
Momos are slowly infiltrating into mainstream culture. You no longer need to be in Majnu ka Tila or North Campus to enjoy them. I’ve eaten Momos as far away as Madras.
Another interesting trend…is they are now being vended on streets. This photo was taken in Noida. Notice that the proprietor is not some guy from the North East. Further proof of mainstreaming?
BTW the guy and his Momos looked really clean. I took the photograph but felt guilty for not making a purchase.
The photograph below (also a recent one) was taken at Delhi Haat: Delhi’s Momo central. Each state has its own food stall at Delhi Haat. Its sad that even states with a proud culinary tradition have been reduced to selling Momos. Its all that sells there.
Fruit “Beer” is on the left. The momo’s taste wonderful if they are dunked in the clear soup. Be sure to have it with the garlic red chilly sauce!! These momo’s were from the Arunachal Pradesh stall.
Enough has been said about the Karim’s chain of restaurants in Delhi. Please google for it if you don’t know much about it.
Food at Karim’s is a little oily but very mildly spiced. So you can actually taste stuff!
The Karim’s branch near the Jama Masjid is the original. Its simply the best. Karim’s is an old friend! How many times I’d bring classmates from North Campus for a meal. Happy memories. And some tasty food.
Sorry I just couldn’t take nicer looking photographs. But the food is fantastic. Try anything.
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