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Ice was never so nice

the tastemaker Arshad Khan 'Pappu' at his stall

When it comes to a desi refresher to beat the heat, there are loads of options on hand for Delhiites, and chuski is one of them. One can find this cooling delicacy across the city, from the streets of Greater Kailash to the lanes of Chandni Chowk. Chuski is the name for crushed ice served with different syrups. And it is given with a glass to put the ice in. If you want to taste the finest chuski then Shikara Lovely Chuski India Gatewale at India Gate is the best option — or so its proprietor Arshad Khan would tell you. Locating it is very easy, as almost anyone would point out the famous Lovely Chuski to you.

Shikara Lovely Chuski was started in 1986 by Arshad, who is popularly known as Pappu to his regular customers. He started with a small stall at India Gate but now owns a big stall. He comes to India Gate every day exactly at 8 p.m. and stays till 12 midnight.

His customers wait for him eagerly, his Chuski being popular all over Delhi — and it's not only among ordinary folks. It's the first choice for high profile folks like politicians, film stars, etc.

Shikara Chuski certainly seems the best option to go for if you are hygiene conscious. The ice is made of purified water, and the colours used in the preparation of chuski are ISI-marked.

There is a wide variety of flavours like kala khatta, orange, khus, elaichi, rose and if you want to try something different, then “Tiranga” is the right choice. This is a blend of kala khatta, khus, rose and orange. The masalas are made from leaves without any synthetic ingredients, says Pappu, who even has a website (shikaralovelychuski.com).

Chuski is served with a dash of lemon. “I am coming here for the last two years and enjoy the chuski every time I have it,” says Amit, a regular customer.

For Rs.30 one can get a branded ice cream, but Shikara Chuski is a brand in itself!

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