Thaindian News

Srinagar, Oct 2 (IANS) They call it evergreen street food and it has become a hit not only among swarming tourists to Kashmir valley this year but even meat-loving locals, exploring low-fat vegetarian options. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted he no longer needed to go outside the Valley for his favourite gol gappas.

A street food outlet opened by ‘Go Chaatzz’ in the Sonawar area of Srinagar barely a month ago has started seeing school children bunk classes to relish the mouth-watering gol gappas, aloo tikkis and tandoori mushrooms, among others.

“We have evergreen street food outlets throughout north India and West Bengal. Our Srinagar outlet has been doing good business and we have decided to keep the outlet open round the year,” Shailender Rawat, manager of the outlet, told IANS.

Young Kashmiris seem to have developed a taste for fast foods and Punjabi chaats as a large number of them have been going out of the Valley to different professional colleges outside the state during the last 20 years.

Known normally as voracious meat eaters, Kashmiris are now even exploring vegetarian and non-conventional foods because of their low fat value.

“Such foods are always lighter on the stomach and one does not have to wait for long before your favourite food is brought to your table,” said Irfan, 16, another student eating his favourite Cruncy Tikki bytes at the joint.

Bhel Sundae, Churmur Chaatzz, Aloo Tikki, King Kachauri, Dahi Gapazz, Go Papdi Gapazz, Tandoori mushroom, Crunchy Tikki bytes and Paan ice cream - the mouthwatering list continues.

“I am simply loving it,” said Sameer, 14, a student enjoying the sweet and sour pakodas at ‘Go Chaatzz’.