Say Cheese for Ham

According to Sid Khullar,owner of the Chef at Large blog,there are three places that top cold cuts marts in Delhi — Pigpo and Steakhouse in Jorbagh,Le Marche and Godrej’s Nature basket outlets. The Oberoi Hotel’s Delicatessen too has a large selection of imported cold cuts and a variety of other goodies.

Cold cuts come from the European practice of curing and preserving meats in brine or other preservatives. Earlier they were mostly made of beef and pork,but now chicken and lamb versions are gaining popularity. Once you know what suits your health and taste,slapping a slice of meat between two slices of bread makes for a quick and hearty meal.

And it is not just a bachelor’s shortcut; now it is common for society hostesses to lay out elegant platters of cold cuts and cheeses during their soirees. Cheese,of course,is a robust member of the cold cuts family.

Known for its international food selection,the Godrej Nature’s Basket with outlets in Defence Colony,GK I and GK II,stocks the best in meats and cheeses. At least 60 different varieties of cheese sit on the shelves,in different consistencies and flavours. The prices are Rs 200-Rs 750 per kg. Then there are imported meats — hams,sausages,salami and bacon,priced between Rs 500 and Rs 3,500 per kg. The famous Black Forest ham is a more popular item here.

The most known cold cuts available in any delicatessen or charcuterie would be: the Italian coppa salami,a pork meat loaf with flecks of ham. Galantina,a pork product,now also available in chicken and lamb versions. Mortadella,delicious smoked meat,similar to the galatina but flavored with garlic,sometimes pistachios. And the salami,which is any ready-to-eat sausage made out of meats,seasonings,and spices. Popular salamis include pepperoni,chorizo,paprika,olive studded,and this being Delhi,masala too.

Recently,Nature’s Basket has introduced the concept of ‘Cheese and Meat platters’,garnished with salad leaves,fruits and cherries. Imported and expensive,these are picked up by expats and connoisseurs.

Another delightful stop in Delhi is the Steakhouse at Jorbagh Market. Established in 1963,Steakhouse stores a variety of chicken and pork products,which are priced between Rs 1,600 and Rs 3,500 per kg (imported) and Rs 650 and Rs 750 per kg (domestic). “A few years ago,we introduced chicken ham,now one of our most popular chicken products,” says proprietor Kuldip Shenker. The store also stocks cheeses,both imported (French,Italian,Spanish or Dutch) as well as domestic (Pondicherry and Sikkim). These are priced between Rs 1,200 and Rs 3,500 per kg (imported) and Rs 750 and Rs 1800 (domestic).

Another favourite stop gourmet chain Le Marche,with outlets across Delhi,is well-stocked with ham,bacon and cheeses. For those with more modest tastes,supermarkets and charcuteries such as Green Chick (multiple locations),Debons’ (Noida) or Khub Chand’s (Connaught Place) would be ideal. The grocery stores in INA market also have quite a variety of cold cuts.

At the end of the day,if you want quality cold cuts,you got to cough up the money. As Khullar says,“Cold cuts don’t usually have substitutes.”