The Mahakumbh Mela, which is the festival of the sacred pitcher has begun already. It is the third day today, and millions of devotees are thronging at the big grand religious affair. Yesterday on the occasion of Makar Sankranti, nearly 3.5 crore pilgrims took a bath at the holy sangam. While there is a well-equipped system at the tent city with all the amenities provided, still there is a lot to explore in Prayagraj.
But specifically, we are talking about food here. There is so much to explore in Prayagraj that will give you the most authentic flavor of the city; your ultimate culinary delight. And you just cannot miss these local delicacies while your visit to Prayagraj. We have got it done for you here. Come, check this:
Pandit ji ki chaat
Location: Thornhill road, Colonelganj, George Town, Prayagraj
Opens at: 4:00 pm
There is no comparison of any other, when it comes to Pandit ji ki chaat. You will find a massive crowd at the shop during evenings as soon as the shop opens with a flock of admirers gathering for the ultimate tasty treat. There are a plenty of eateries at the square, but the Pandit ji ki chaat simply stands apart. It is serving the locals since 1945 with quality taste.
The aloo tikki, dahi vada, papdi chaat and sweet-sour phulki are the most popular dishes for which the shop is well known. The desi ghee dipped tamatar chaat, pani puri and gulab jaamun are other favorites. And the chutney is worth savoring. The chaat here has no match, you just have to try it once while in Prayagraj.
Hari Ram & Sons
Location: Plot no 16, Near Lok Nath Bazaar, Chowk, Prayagraj
Opens at: 10:30 am
Ask anybody, the desi ghee masala samosa tastes best at the iconic Hari Ram & Sons. The masala samosa is now a tradition of the shop that started back in 1890. It has a timeless flavor, a blend of the finest ingredients and authentic spices. Not only the samosa, there are a variety of Indian snacks, the namkeen which are bestsellers of the place.
These include the traditional dum aloo, khasta kachori, khatta chane and other namkeen. So if you want to indulge in everything masala and namkeen, just head to Hari Ram & Sons for an evergreen taste that has lasted over generations.
Shiva Chaat Bhandar
Location: Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Johnstonganj, Prayagraj
Opens at: 6:00 pm
Chaat? Visit Shiva Chaat Bhandar for the best street food in town. It delivers the most authentic flavored chaat that is wholly flavorsome. They will serve you with all of your favorite chaat including bhel puri, papdi chaat, dahi vada, aloo tikki. But the Shiva Chaat Bhandar makes the best Pani Puri, so that’s the dish that you should savor here.
Jaiswal Dosa Corner
Location: Lower ground floor, M.G Marg, George Town, Near Medical Chauraha, Prayagraj
Opens at:
Masala dosa, that too immersed in ghee! Yes, that’s the speciality of the Jaiswal Dosa Corner. It is a must recommended, and is highly praised among the locales. The menu has a variety of south Indian food that includes: Paneer Onion dosa, Cheese masala dosa, Onion Uttapam, Pepper dosa, Vada sambhar and much more. The Prayagraj crowd is known to the diverse taste of South India by the rich culinary taste offered at Jaiswal Dosa Corner, and you should too!
Dehati Rasgulla
Location: Shop no 389/329, Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Bairhana, Prayagraj
Opens at: 5:00 pm
The shop has been serving hot and delicious rasgullas to locals and visitors who come from far off places to get the amazing taste. It was started in 1984, and is close to finishing 40 years in the business now. They usually make 500 rasgullas a day, but at the time of Mahakumbh the number has soared up to 1000 to 2000 rasgullas. Apart from all the sweets and desserts, the most famous are the desi ghee Gulab Jamuns. So, for the ultimate desi taste of sweetness, visit the Dehati rasgulla during your stay.
And if you get them packed, you will have it in earthen pots. That increases the taste even more!
Netram Moolchand Sweet Shop
Location: 259, Old Katra, Near Netram Chauraha, Prayagraj
Opens at: 7:00 am
The Netram Moolchand Sweet shop is one of the most famous sweet and snack shop in Prayagraj. It is well known for the desi ghee kachoris and aloo, gobhi and chhole sabzis which is been served since 165 years now at the Old Katra. The dishes are served along with the tangy chutney and cool boondi raita. It is also a crowd favorite because of the sweets, especially the dahi-jalebi, malpua and desi ghee ke laddoo. You can also savor the different varieties of pethe, pede and barfis.
With this, you have a complete food guide when you travel to Prayagraj for the Mahakumbh. You can savor the best of food at the most prestigious eateries of the city, and get to know about the local cuisine here. So, for the most authentic style and culinary taste, you got to rush to these places asap.