Dilli Diaries: DU’s New Batch Prefers Momos Over Other Street Foods

The fresh high school graduates flocking the capital are mostly headed towards university central, a.k.a. North Campus. The tad more populous and popular half of the University of Delhi sees a plethora of students gushing in from various parts of the country to lap up all the knowledge and wisdom there is. These students are divided by course and college but united by the their love for the one thing that North Campus and it’s surrounding areas are good at – street food.

For the uninitiated, North Campus is home to a bunch of thriving localities like Hudson Lane, Kamla Nagar, GTB Nagar, and more. And these nestle some of the best and most economical eateries and restaurants in the Capital. But despite there being absolutely no dearth of fancy food joints, the food that has become an absolute favourite of the current batch(es) is momo.

According to a report by Hindustan Times, the steamed snack has picked up pace with the students and the sales are booming!

“Main 2.30 pm se stall chalata hoon aur almost tab se hi sale shuru ho jaati hai. Mere paas chicken, paneer aur vegetarian momos hain. Chicken momos ki sabse zyada demand hoti hai (I set up the stall at 2.30 pm and buyers start coming within no time. I have a variety of chicken, paneer and vegetarian momos. The highest demand is for chicken momos),” says Umesh of Kamla Nagar’s Dolma Aunty Momo, adding that his stock is often sold out within a few hours and customers are ready to even gobble vegetarian options if chicken momos aren’t available.

In fact, according to a nearby street vendor, the weekends rake in so much crowd that it’s almost as if free food is being given out!

The reasons why momos have become the hot favourite (pun intended) are many. Most young buyers admit that it is the economic factor that draws them towards the food. Also, that these dumplings are filling and comparatively healthier than other options plays a big role, add other probable young customers.

“Above all, they are incredibly delicious,” says Yangchen Dolkar, a first year student of Hans Raj College adding she would choose momos over any other food. “I love momos! They are a perfect snack when you I’m hungry or  don’t want to really eat too much. I am not from Delhi, and these momos remind me of my home state Sikkim, and are also cheap and help me in budgeting my food bills since I have to keep an account of rent, travel and much more, in the bare minimum that I have. Another preference is Chinese take out, because it’s cheap and tasty,” adds Dolkar.

We are no strangers to Delhi’s massive love affair with momos, but how can an already massively popular street food become even more popular? Apparently it has and there’s no stopping it!

Source: Hindustan Times

Feature Image: YouTube