Chatori Gali – Karama

Arguably the most important part of chaat is the actual chaat wala (the person who makes the chaat). This was particularly evident when I visited the Karama branch of Chatori Gali, the Barsha branch of which is one of my favourite chaat joints in Dubai. Located in the Shamma Building on 8C Street, dead opposite De Fish Restaurant, this branch is similarly designed to its sibling opposite MOE. However, what this one has that the other doesn’t is a chaat corner at the entrance of the restaurant which is accessible from the street through a window – yeah, I like that, very authentic.

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I ordered Pani Puri, Aloo Tikki and Dahi Vada, and stood at the chaat counter for my pani puri (it’s the best way really). The pani puri was good but not nearly as good as the pani puri at their Barsha branch; this is what I mean by the chaat wala’s touch. It’s a matter of pride for them and so, upon mentioning this to the chaat wala, he went about changing my mind by smothering my dahi vada with way, way too much of everything (too much love will kill you) – it was more like a dessert than dahi vada. I waited for my aloo tikki to arrive, tried some (lovely) and then mixed them together for a not bad result. I ate every bit off both my plates under his watchful eye. Hell hath no fury like a chaat wala scorned.

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I found the staff at this Chatori Gali very friendly and accommodating. It definitely is a good alternative to many of the more famous chaat houses in the area, God knows there are many. I personally however prefer the chaat at their Barsha branch where I shall continue to visit, especially when I need a serious hit of pani puri. But this branch in Karama too is well worth a visit.  

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Xerxes physically dines at, or orders from, each and every venue he reviews. He pays in full for whatever he and his companions eat, drink, take away or occasionally throw at each other. Xerxes accepts no money, gifts, discounts or free meals in return for reviews or favouritism. What you have read was NOT influenced in any way by the venue. Join me on Instagram @ravenousxerxes or email me on xerxes@dellara.com.