Mohanlal’s Mohanthaal and other Stories

One of them is almost burgundy in colour and rose flavoured. The Gulabi Chikki,as it’s called,has a delicate flavour. It is priced at Rs 600 a kg,but worth it. “The Gulabi Chikki is made only in the winter months because this is when roses bloom best. This is our family recipe,so you are unlikely to find the Gulabi Chikki in any other shop,” says manager Roop Narayan.

Like the Gulabi Chikki,most unusual treats are made in certain shops only,which partly explains their absence from the mainstream platter. Don’t expect Chef Hemant Oberoi to serve them at the Taj. Their high prices also mean that such sweets seldom feature in marriages and festive celebrations,where bulk purchases are preferred.

Only a connoisseur would appreciate the almost forgotten flavours of the Karachi Halwa. Chaina Ram’s Sindhi Confectionery makes it every day with almond,pistachio,raisin and walnut flavours.

“Even hardcore foodies don’t know that you can get Karachi Halwa in walnut flavour,” says Afzal Nizami,a food blogger,adding that the delicacy is also known as Rubber Halwa due to its chewy texture.

Small to miniscule shops make up the labyrinthine alleys of Chandni Chowk,so none but a sweet aficionado will make the trip to Tewari Brothers Confectioners,famous for their “world famous motichoor laddoo”.

A less-celebrated sweet here is the Motipak. While it looks like a ladoo,it’s square in shape and with a milder flavour. Motipak is garnished with saunf. The price for this cousin of the laddoo is Rs 10 a piece.