If you're Bengali, then you know phuchka and chotpoti is basically the best snack in the world. There is nothing like the magic that happens when chickpeas, eggs, hot peppers, and tamarind sauce are combined.
While homemade is okay, it can never really meet the cravings that a real phuchka stall provides. While Gulshan is known for upscale restaurants, it also has a fair share of phuchka stalls that are just as good as the ones in Dhanmondi and Bailey Road.
We tried VIP Shad, Pani Puri, and the street food stand beside the Youth Club Park to see which one is the best among the best.
VIP Shad Phuchka and Chotpoti
A few steps from Gulshan Club on Road 50, tucked between a busy street and beautiful buildings, the fan-favourite VIP has served Dhaka's most popular spicy, sour, and savoury delights.
The place has gained popularity over the years, but the atmosphere remains as simple as ever.
The abundance of natural light and the adaptable seating areas really draw in customers. Even though it's a little tiny, the cart showcases the modest but vibrant flavors of Dhaka's street food.
Each plate of phuchka comes with six puffy, fried flour balls with hollow centers that are liberally filled with cooked chickpeas, mashed potatoes, and eggs and served with slit green chilies on top. As the heat sizzles on the puffed shell, the salty and spicy mixture creates a delicious mouthful.
Served with two types of dips, one of which has a tangy tamarind flavor and is predominately sour on the tongue, and the other of which combines sweetness and sourness. I chose the first option out of the two, and I'm glad I did because it was precisely what I wanted—the sourness didn't overshadow the tang and it just gently lingered on my tongue.
If you prefer the phuchka plain, smear it with three generous spoonfuls of the dip, but for me, the dip gives it the right finishing touch.
When you first see the platter of crispy, puffy hollow shells and the heaping pile of phuchka toppings, you can't help but be drawn in.
At VIP, a plate of chotpoti or phuchka costs Tk 90.
"Since Covid, pricing has been altered three times. First Tk70, then 80 and now a plate will cost you Tk90," Hasibur Rahman, its owner said.
Mehedi Hasan/Dhaka TribunePani Puri
In 1987, a little stand called "Pani Puri" on Road 103, close to Pink City, appeared.
Fresh ingredients are processed into the beloved phuchka at this father-and-son-owned business, where the aroma of sizzling food permeates the streets that branch off Gulshan avenue.
Until midnight, the restaurant provides a variety of traditional street foods, including pani puri, dahi phuchka, chotpoti, and phuchka.
We sampled their pani puri, a phuchka variant from North India. Even though the pani puri's filling is the same, their key distinctive selling point is a hint of the red and green naga pepper.
The serving comes with two kinds of dips. Still, unlike other places, one dip is a thin layer of tamarind diverging from the standard viscous version of tamarind. Keeping it traditional as per pani puri condiments, the other was jeera (cumin) water that adds a slightly pungent, yet revitalizing, bittersweet taste.
These puffed puris are bigger in size and offer a thin crisp texture as opposed to the solid crunch of the phuchkas. Every mouthful is a boisterous mix that is unforgettable and worth a try if you are looking for something a little different.
Their Chotpoti remains a classic with chickpeas, eggs, chaat masala, spicy green chillies, coriander, cumin, sliced onions and grated eggs. Each bite can be enjoyed without overstuffing your mouth with broken crispy shells of a phuchka sprinkled over lightly dressed in a sour-tangy tamarind dip.
The price for a plate of pani puri, phuchka or Chotpoti is relatively steep, at Tk130.
"I've increased the price by Tk10 four months ago because of the hikes in prices of ingredients," said its Owner, Iqbal Hossain.
Youth Club Park
While the youth club park ambiance is a hybrid between modern cutlery and old bungalow-styled tin roofs, the red bricks cemented the solidity of the architecture dotted with ceiling lights that brighten the stall, the green GYC signboard highlights the expansive dishes they have to offer. Their range is quite vast from chow mein to phuchkas.
Their phuchka includes special, nutty chickpeas, accompanied with eggs, chaat masala, and diced green chilies.
However, the taste remains lackluster because of the seasoning, and the stuffing lacks the usual zing, one may expect. Moreover, the savory aroma that accompanies phuchka, was also missing.
Their chotpoti had chickpeas marinated in chaat masala, cumin and coriander powder which results in a deviation from the classic taste.
Their tamarind dip includes chilli flakes and Himalayan black salt, a true redeemer that has spice and a reliable tangy flavour. However, it could be had entirely on its own if you are a spice lover.
The price for a Phuchka at the Youth Club park is Tk60, and a plate of Chotpoti is Tk70.
"We do have to keep changing the prices to keep up with the price hikes of the ingredients," said the staff.
Verdict:
The effects of the overall inflation have hurt all three areas.
While the VIP and Pani Puri stalls are the real stars. Given cleanliness issues, the Pani Puri stall receives a 9 out of 10, while VIP Shad receives an 8 out of 10. Last but not least, the Youth Club gets a 5 out of 10 for food quality despite having the nicest environment.
The charming Pani puri stand comes out on top. Their superior quality to their two rivals explains their higher pricing. If you haven't already, you should surely do so.
