Jain Shikanji (Lemonade), Modinagar, Ghaziabad

[Rated : 4/5]

High temperature during summers can be taxing. One needs a cooler to overcome the heat and loss of fluids in body due to sweating. Many drinks does the trick like aerated drinks, juices etc. But a cooler that offers the benefits of health, taste and cold retreat all in one is a Shikanji - a Lemonade !!!

During this summer on my way to Meerut, while approaching Modinagar (appx 20 Kms before Meerut), I saw many boards promoting “Jain Shikanji”. Had heard a lot about it and decided to try one at it. This shop is located on main road, just after the Modinagar Police Station. The first thing I noticed was the crowd in front of the shop. As I waded through it, I heard POP… POP… POP… Yes, you guessed it right… the sound of soda bottle caps being opened in quick succession by the Shikanji makers.

Lassi and more

Lassi is one of the favourite coolers in summers in northern part of the country. I happen to have visited at three famous places serving Lassi as one of their specialty. Two of these are in Meerut, a small but fast growing city in UP and one in north Delhi. Here is my account of Lassi scouting good Lassi.

1. Lassi Corner Shop, Sadar Bazaar, Meerut :

This shop is located in old Sadar bazaar near the entrance gate to the market. It serves Lassi by the dozen in one go. I found lots of orders hitting from customers standing as well as from neighbouring shops. I saw the Lassi being made in front of me in an big vessel having the mixer. The Lassi was garnished with a thick layers of malai and almonds. For the first time I saw Malai coming out of a handheld machine churning out strips of Malai. The presentation looked good and inviting. However, as I took my bite into the Malai I found it to be synthetic although the Lassi tasted nice. The combination of almonds with Lassi didn’t work for me. Priced at Rs.15, I found this to be an average experience.

2. Hariya Ki Lassi, Teen Kurti Bazaar, Meerut :

Chail Palace, Chail, (Near Simla) Himachal Pradesh

[Rated: 4/5]

Having more interest in food than just to satisfy palate, I have always been very keen to try new recipe/cuisine whenever possible. 

On recent visit to Himachal, we stopped at Chail Palace for lunch, and here we got introduced to Himachali dishes. The restaurant also serves popular cuisines like Indian, Chinese & Continental. 

We went with server’s suggestion and ordered Chaah Meat & Chicken Anardana listed as Himachali specialities. Apart from this we ordered regular Dal Makhani, Kadai Paneer and Aloo Subji.

LebMex, Forum Value Mall, Whitefield, Bangalore

[Rated: 3/5]

When we heard that LebMex; a Lebanese–Mexican fast food restaurant serves only vegetarian food, we were surprised. To us a good Lebanese meal is not complete without non-vegetarian food forming a substantial portion of the meal. Still we decided to check it out.

The 25-seater LebMex restaurant done in bright green and orange décor sets the tone for a good dining experience, not withstanding the plastic cutlery.

The menu selection has all the must haves in Lebanese and Mexican food; with a special section on Fusion food, which is a must try. In Lebanese one has options to chose from Falafel, Lebanese Rice

Burros Burritos, Airport Terminal 1, Mumbai

Burrito

[Rated: 3/5]

On my way to Delhi from Mumbai Airport, I stopped at Burro’s Burritos for a quick bite of an English Burrito (Rs 79). The Burrito was overloaded with Mayonnaise but the filling of a freshly fried egg, chicken sausage and sprinkling of cheese, topped up with mustard makes it a quick and tasty option. The mustard truly complements the cheesy-sweet taste of inside fillings of the Burrito.

The small shop outside the terminal 1 has many options in vegetarians and non-veg including options of Arabic, Chettinad, Thai, Lahori among others, but sadly many of them weren’t available.

Tandoori Chicken - Hans Raj Chicken Corner, Meerut

[Rated : 4/5]

Meerut city is full of surprises. Every time I visit here I am able to stumble upon decade old shops serving their specialty cuisines. And most of them have maintained high standards in taste over time.

Desirous to have Tandoori snacks, I was referred to a family run joint in the name of “Hans Raj Chicken Corner”. The place had a live barbeque grill in front of the shop. Smoky aroma of fresh meet and spices filled the air. I could see chicken, mutton and fish available in all variety ranging from seekh, tikka,

Sher-A-Punjab, Devon Ave, Chicago, USA

[Rated: 4/5]

Chicken Tikka, Chicken 65, Paneer Makhani, Mango Lassi, and Kheer among others. Chicago has many Indian restaurants dedicated to all of these. But so far, no one has come closer to home like the ones found in Punjab and Delhi. All that changes once you step inside Sher-A-Punjab; an ordinary looking restaurant with extra-ordinary service.

I strongly believe that a food becomes tastier if served with a smile. And no, my wife did not tell me to write this!! We were greeted with a broad smile the moment we stepped-in. The food aroma was reminiscent of a Punjabi dhaba by nehar (नहर) side on a warm Indian summer evening,