I am not a big fan of street
foods in india, since in most cases there are two overwhelming factor that goes
against it. One, invariably most street food are greasy and the oil used is of
low quality that they keep reusing till its sooty black. Second, the hygiene
standards are quite low. Over the years you develop some instincts on these
matters, but the above two factors remains the decider. Consequently street
foods are not a pleasant experience. But I must add despite these hiccups I too
go all the way out for Sabudani vada
whenever I am deccan region, early morning Pune streets have variety of
options. Not many are aware that Pune is quite high on street breakfast. Poha is suggested anytime. Then there
are Dokhlas. Hot idlis in most south Indian
roadsides can be given a try, you can also go for puttu /ada/ kallu appam while in small towns
of kerala. Steamed rice items in Shilling are also on my list. Hot Rajma chawal of CP (delhi) is an
all-time favourite, as also kulcha-chole at Karol Bagh. Spicy puffed rice
laced with carrot and green chutney, also boiled or sprouted grams can be given
a shot, try it from the guy who is in demand, but it remains a risky proposition.
Grilled or smoked kebabs can be relished in a place where there are too many
non-veg street stalls like Lucknow (I must add though that I had severe stomach
issue after I tried Kakori kebab in this city) or Purani dilli. Tandoori
chicken is always a safe bet, so is hot fish curry rice. Indeed Tandoori chicken is much better option
than cholesterol clogging vegetarian fair while traveling in North. Unfortunately, baked or steamed fish
is quite a rarity and you end up staring at repulsive deep fried fishes on
beaches. litti is another of amazing
street food that deserve to be as popular as Tibetan momo. During winter another delectable rarity makes
its presence: coal baked sweet potatoes with dash of lip smacking fresh lime. The
other day I was in Chawdi Bazar (in
purani dilli) and came across what could top all the street food. It goes by
the name Kulle chat or Kuliya chat. The plate has four options:
an orange, baked potato, cucumber and a tomato that are carved and filled in with
pomegranate seeds, boiled grams and other delectable assortments (the picture
herein).
Good food is about taste and
health (hygiene, low grease and pesticide free), factors of food mile makes it
wholesome. Anything less is not good food.
There is a need for policy makers to train the street food hawkers on
these matters and also street cuisine from across the world that could be
included in Indian conditions, indeed private companies can include this as
part of CSR. There are many talented street food cooks who need to be appreciated
through initiatives. The other day I saw this fellow in street corner making
precise Rotis without belen. It was
amazing to watch, quite an art.
The whole concept of
vegetarianism doesn’t seem to be about health concerns nor compassion for
living being. Food is appallingly low on health apprehensions, hygiene issues are
limited to the bizarre idea of purity which in turn is about hierarchy
exhibitions and strange pecking order. It is a sickness that has become culture.
Compassion arising from vegetarianism seems to have rarely percolated. Nor has
it led to biodiversity concerns or inquisitiveness about other species. Human
being as superior creation arrogance is very much evident. Someone said in jest
the other day at Bharatpur when queried about a bird species “gai hamari matha hai iske aage hamme kuch
nahi atha hai!!”. Fortunately it is
limited to patronizing and much carelessness unlike hunting (mass scale
killings) that was a culture of west which wiped away and endangered many
species and played havoc on ecosystem. 
