GOLGAPPAS- -The Crown Jewel of Indian Street Food

Golgappa, Puchka, Panipuri, Batasha. Varied names in varied regions, but all conjuring up a similar image...a small, round, puffed, crispy fried puri punctured at the top, filled with mashed potato or chickpeas, brimming with spicy and tangy water. This taste wonder is meant to be eaten in one mouthful to relish the different competing elements that fuse brilliantly to bring alive your senses. It has the pride of place amongst all street foods in India. Its supremacy is arguably challenged only by the Samosa which is equally tasty but is considerably less messy to eat.  

It is definitely not haute cuisine in presentation but who cares? It is MOUTHWATERING, quite literally! The Golgappas require a certain degree of skill to be able to eat it comfortably without making a spectacle of yourself. But, what it lacks in finesse and presentation, is compensated for by the flavour which arguably is the pinnacle in gastronomical delight! Golgappas are not for the faint-hearted; its spicy, sweet and sour water can cause your eyes to water and lungs to choke if eaten rapidly. They should ideally come with a warning - proceed with caution !

Every city in India has its own landmark 'chaat' speciality shop where you take your guests with a sense of pride! U.P. is the front runner in Golgappa shops. Delhites and Mumbaiwalas can boast of the best shopping malls and city landscapes but can't match the humble 'chaatwalas' of U.P. in taste and zing. 

At the same time, you need to be a regular 'chaat' eater to be able to discern the best Golgappas from the many copycat versions mushrooming at every nook and corner in North India. Hygiene also plays a major role in the battle of the Golgappas. No wonder the best 'chaat' shops have upped the ante and items like distilled water, glass covering (to keep flies at bay) and disposable gloves for the servers have become mandatory. 

Traditionally, women have been widely believed to be the great Golgappa lovers but men crave this divine wonder just as much, if not more. Historically, women remained vegetarians as eating meat was not considered 'virtuous' and thus were limited to vegetarian delights whereas men had a more varied palate. In the same vein, eating meat was considered 'manly' and showing appreciation for vegetarian food esp 'chaat' was considered showing effeminate tendencies!

The Generation Y is abandoning indigenous golgappas in favour of 'imported' burgers and pizzas. I suppose it isn't cool anymore to express any fondness for your native language or food. Or maybe, it's just that their taste buds and palate have altered like their other lifestyle choices. 

Regardless, the modestly priced and easily available Golgappa remains the favourite of millions due to its unique flavour and tingling taste. The good old Golgappa is a great friend when you are broke or feeling low or both. It is highly addictive - you just can't stop even when your tummy says you are done and the tingling burn in your throat says 'ENOUGH!' You listen to your heart which says: Go on, Go on ....gol..gol..golgappas...:-D

                        KUCH CHATPATA HO JAYE !