Chaat: A Finger Licking Delicacy

The word chaat is derived from the word 'chaatna', which literally means to lick one’s fingers due to the dish being so delicious, and it is no surprise that this savory street snack - which first evolved in India - is now a staple street snack in Pakistan, Bangladesh and India.

While there are many variations of chaat, the most common elements tend to be cubed potatoes, diced onion, fresh cilantro, yogurt, sev (thin, dry crispy noodles) and a dry spice mix called chaat masala which usually contains dried mango powder, cumin, Himalayan black rock salt.

Other condiments include a zingy green chutney, a sweet tamarind chutney and sometimes a fiery red chili chutney all of which add their own special character to the final assembled dish. 

Shamsu Mama's bhel (puffed rice) puri is an institution in itself.

The chana (chickpea) chaat at Shams Chaat is adored by its devoted clientele, who savor every bite. 

Another reason behind the popularity of Shams Chaat House is that, unlike most street food which often has questionable health and safety standards and ingredients, the ingredients here are procured and produced daily, with hygiene practices properly followed.

Gol gappas are also a very famous item and are served with various different chutneys.

People travel from far and wide and are willing to wait anywhere between twenty minutes to an hour to get their chaat fix. Those who know and love Shamsu mama’s chaat may well have good reason for their loyalty. The second-generation owner prepares all the ingredients himself.

 Shamsu’s famous pani puri (a hollow, crispy pastry shell stuffed with cubed potatoes and chickpeas, dunked in tamarind water and a sweet chutney). 

Dahi puri (thick yogurt with fried lentil dumplings).

Channay wala bun (a toasted bun stuffed with chickpeas and garnished with paapri, which is a crispy fried pastry sheet broken into bite-sized pieces, onion and fresh cilantro), ensures that all the recipes are made up exactly as his father and his older brother taught him. 

Spicy Potatoes is also one of the most famous items on the menu at Shams Chaat House.

A hollow, crispy pastry shell stuffed with cubed potatoes and chickpeas, dunked in tamarind water and a sweet chutney.  

Customers have asserted that indeed, the chaat at Shams Chaat House must be eaten unmixed, as that is how the true flavors should be enjoyed.