Sainikpuri isn’t the place you call ‘back and beyond’ anymore. At least as far as food and eateries are concerned. Besides offering a wide range to choose from, the place turns out to be quite a happening hub the moment the sun sets. Pani puri walas, chaat walas, juice vendors, namkeen sellers dot the roadside while the restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops get ready for their customers. Where and when should one begin? Well, at 5.00 p.m. sharp, the empty little ground opposite More supermarket and adjacent to Ding-Dong super market, Pani Puri walas set up their tokri . Unless it is raining, one will find them everyday, same time, same place. Those who love their puchka / pani puri and not too keen on gupshup, will love what these young Bihari boys serve. Crunchy puris with a mashed potato filling are served with the tangy spiced water which has a strong hint of fresh mint-coriander chutney. Everything they serve is seemingly free from packet masalas . Also popular with them are dahi puri and masala puri . The boys use branded packaged curd which they run to buy from a supermarket across the road. The masala puri is their signature style of using puri which do not puff up. Their customers simply can’t stop at one plate.
Opposite these pani puri walas is a juice centre that sells fresh juices and mocktails. The juices are stored in temperature-controlled food grade steel containers.
At the next bend, adjacent to the fruit juice vendor is another chaat place. This Shresta Pure Veg Restaurant is always flooded with customers gorging on the gup-shup type of chaat spread. The restaurant also serves good Indian food.
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A few steps ahead, on the same line is God’s own cuisine. You can opt for this place for dinner as their Malabar parota with the chilli beef curry or dal and fish fry are very tempting. The Kerala fish curry is also a must here.
However its interiors and décor will probably have you prefer a take away. It’s clean but too hot for a comfortable dining experience.
Get back to the Ding Dong super market area and proceed towards A S Rao Nagar; just a short distance away you will find the 5th avenue bakery on the right side of the main road. . The bakery is always buzzing with people looking for puffs, mutton chops, cream buns, doughnuts and other confectioners. This place is also a hub for birthday cakes and decorative items.
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Just down the same line, there are a lot of other eateries. The most popular one here is Leo’s, with dine in, delivery and take away services that are prompt and popular. The Chinese and tandoor section items on its menu sell well. The chicken roast at Leo’s is a good finger food option for an early evening bite.
Next to Leo’s is another chaat bandi . This cart sells samosa ragda, ragda patties etc. Quite popular with the young two-wheeler bound. Bang opposite to this chaat bandi is the makeshift ‘khaara’ stall which sells all sorts of mixture and wafers.
If eating by the road isn’t your choice, then step into Daffodils. This coffee shop is quite popular for their wide array of food. Their pizzas and pasta are most frequently ordered and the pastries too are promising. Besides hot coffee they sell cold coffees as well.