Meals in a jiffy

Hungry  kya? And no time for lunch? For those on the go with little time on their hands, our correspondent Shivangi Rai brings a list of places you can stop by and quickly grab a bite.  Filling, hygienic cheap and so very desi these treats are ideal for students and executives who are busy surfing all over the city.

GOLI – the no. 1 Vada Pav

Mumbai’s  jhakaas  street food Vada Pav comes to the city of Nawabs. Located in the busy Sapru Marg this 100% vegetarian snack is loaded with Calcium, Carbohydrates, proteins, fibre and fats. With outlets in almost 10 states Goli Vada Pav is India’s 1^st ethnic hygienic fast food chain with products made in fully automated ‘HACCP’ certified hands free plant. The menu is exhaustive in this tiny outlet. Apart from the classic Vada Pav there are many variations. Cheese  Vada Pav with cheddar cheese and spice vada combo, Schezwan vada pav with spicy Chinese sauce,  Mix Veg Vada Pav has a wholesome and nutritious mix of vegetables. We especially liked the crispy breading on the vada.

There are also tikkis or patty on the menu. The sabudana tikki with a blend of sago, potatoes and spices is light and suitable for those who are fasting in Navratras.  The palak makkai tikki served with mayonnaise is a delightful combo of corn and spinach blended together with mashed potato. We found the corn in the patty a little chewy though.

The cheese ungli (we thought it was funny) are vegetable, cheese and mixed veg fingers. Goli also serves ice creams and soft drinks.

  With rates ranging from Rs 30 onwards we think Goli no 1 gives a great deal.

Rover’s

The pioneer of food on the go in Lucknow has to be Rover’s. Established in perhaps 1960’s this food joint is located very centrally on Hazratganj. For over four decades Rover’s is the cool place to hang out with buddies. “Rovers par milna !” was and is a catch phrase for the youth of the city. The menu at Rover’s is exhaustive. From Pav Bhaji  , to burgers  and Sarson da Saag te makki di roti in winters Rover’s has it all. But it is the frankies that draws the crowd here.

 Frankie is a kind of Kathi roll.  The flour parantha is layered with egg and then a filling of chicken or mutton is folded in. The vegetarian options have paneer and no egg. A Frankie is a meal by itself. It’s filling and rich. Even if you are ravenous one frankie with a cup of piping hot coffee or a Cola is just enough. The service is brisk. Waiters attend on you while you are in your car. We found the filling delicious but gooey with too much oil. So if grab a bite on the go is in your mind, watch out for the dribbles! Frankies for Rs 40 to 60 and burgers from Rs 30 to 70 Rover’s is wallet friendly and still a hot favourite of school kids , the youth and those in hurry!

BAGHI BALIA BABA’S BAATI CHOKHA

This street food from the east of UP is something to check out! Oil free, nutritious and full of fibre priced at Rs 5 to 10 this bati chokha outlet is both delicious and paisa vasool!

Little balls of whole wheat flour stuffed with sattu (which incidentally is a summer coolant) baked on slow fire, served with mashed potatoes and roasted eggplant bharta is an ideal lunch for the diet conscious. The mashed potatoes and baigan bharta is more like a spicy salad with chopped raw onions, coriander leaves and green chillies.   Those who wish to indulge themselves the ghee soaked version of the batti are also available. It is interesting though that Baghi Ballia Baba’s baati chokha is not sold from a shop but from mobile vans. Parked strategically opposite Nehru Bhawan on Ashok Marg, near the health directorate in Kaiserbagh and near wave multiplex they attract office goers with many choosing to eat here rather than bring dabbas from home. Batti straight from the oven, the flavour of roasted eggplants and potatoes is something one should experience to believe!

 So next time when you think of swinging your car/bike into a drive through counter of an international food chain, remember there are healthier and desi options also available!