If you haven’t already been to Shahpurjat, one of Delhi’s many urban villages, you need to do so pretty pronto, for this is a village that is changing rapidly, before one’s very eyes.
From being pretty unknown and off the beaten track just a few years ago, it is now buzzing with activity and (rather sadly) demolition crews, eagerly ripping down quaint old structures to squeeze in yet another boutique.
There is a perfect way of seeing this village, by taking a guided tour – check out my review of one such walking tour in this blog.
There are shops, boutiques and eateries galore in Shahpurjat, but by far the best food I have had so far in the village was on a recent trip to the cutely named “The Potbelly” with my friend Sonam Dubal.
You need to ask directions the first time you go, for The Potbelly is squeezed into a narrow building and up many flights of stairs, but when you get there – what a treat.
A lovely treetop perspective of the village:
It is a pretty, light, airy little eatery with almost a beach-y feel to it (if that makes any sense in Delhi):
Now for the main event, the food.
Whilst we chose our lunch, we demolished the attractively presented pakora basket:
It’s always fun discovering dishes you don’t know, and this Bihari-based menu had plenty of those.
Sonam had the chicken stew which he pronounced delicious :
I had the Ranchi ka pulao (I’m vegetarian) and it was great. A completely different taste to a “normal” pulao and I loved the presentation:
Totally unpretentious with sweet staff.
Charming.
We paid our own bill and I did not tell the staff that I write reviews.
Recommended.
