Among the modern ghettoes, Chittaranjan Park, or C R Park asit is known in New Delhi, is a Bengali dominated area which is described as LittleCalcutta in the heart of South Delhi. C R Park has its own Bengali market,Bengali Durga temple, community centers and various other culturalestablishments that are central to Bengali culture and society. A trip toMarket No 1 in C R Park is one of the most important things to do when one isin the capital.
The market is a foodie's delight and the dozens of stallssell right from mutton chops, cutlets, steaming momos, Bengali sweets to'Chinese chaat'. Ghugni, a street food that is common in Eastern India is oneof the more popular delicacies available in the market. Ghugni is usuallyserved with spices, dried yellow peas and chunks of red meat garnished withfresh herbs, a serving of which costs just 20 rupees. The very fact that mostpeople in Delhi do not know about C R Park's culinary secrets and the fact thatthe residents of C R Park do not wish to share their little secret are proofsto the locality being a ghetto of sorts.
The shopkeepers speak mostly Bengali and English, both ofwhich are rarely heard in the capital city. Even the most modest of theshopkeepers greet you in English, before suggesting little known Bengalisnacks. All isn't aromatic and fresh in the market though. The stench ofrotting fish and heaps of garbage can be overwhelming to first-time visitors. If a visitor can avoid the unpleasant anomaliesof the market, there are delightful establishments that can give a glimpse intoBengali street cuisine.
Some of the not-to-be-missed establishments are AristocratSweet Shop, Chinese Chaat Centre, Kamala Sweets and Kolkata Biryani House. TheRas-malai served in Aristocrat Sweet Shop, the Puchkas served by a stall rightin front of the sweet shop, the cutlets and mutton chops sold at theestablishment next door provide glimpses into Bengali street cuisine.
Most business owners have struggled to set up theirrestaurants and eateries. Proprietors of Kolkata Biryani House Uma Maheshwaranand Prithika Bose make sure that they source original spices, rose water, riceand other ingredients from Kolkata to ensure the authenticity of taste. Maheshwaran’shusband says “It is difficult to start a restaurant anywhere in Delhi, butbusiness is good. We hope to open a branch in Noida and other parts of thecity”.
