Jammu's Street Delight - Shankar's

In Jammu to pay obeisance to Mata Vaishno Devi? Or just passing through the Winter Capital of the state of J&K? You may be on any mission or bound towards any destination, a pit stop at this non-descript shop will leave you salivating for more. 
Tucked in a busy corner of Jammu is Shankar’s Puri Choley. As the name suggests, this is as desi as it gets. Opposite the remnants of what was once the famous Jewel Talkies, Shankar’s is abuzz at any time of the day. The local residents prefer to haunt this shanty for a scrumptious, Indian breakfast or 'nashta' as we like calling this meal of the day.


The Puris are crisp and two in number in a plate. You may ask for as many servings of the lip-smacking Choley. The first spoonful and you are guaranteed to be transported to the Mystery Land of taste. There is something about the Choley that I am yet to appropriately decipher. Your mind repeats in loop, “What is this taste? I know it”. It’s a week now and I am yet to figure out the recipe.
For the connoisseurs of Indian Street Food, I leave it up to you to unravel the secret spices. I enjoyed every bite of my stay at this shop. You share the table with other famished fans. Interestingly, the locals only stare at you till the moment the food lands on the table. Almost hypnotic is the pull you experience and all you are allowed is to dive into the Puri and dip it in the piping hot Choley! 
Balanced spices is an added relief for people with weak tongue and tummies like me. And if at all you still need some relief, the kiosk selling cigarettes next door serves Badam Milk. A few gulps and your palate is relieved.
Not a foodie, yet my road trip somehow meandered some interesting food experiences. 
I left the Land of Tawi with delightful culinary promises to return another time for more. 
So people, locals or tourists who may be salivating at this moment, Shankar and his ten minutes of joy-laden plate is just round the busy Jewel Chowk.


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