Chhota Banaras — Restaurant in Chandigarh

Gunpowder/Podi Uttapam & Dahi Vada @chhotabanaras

Essentially there are 2 ways to make an entrance. 1 - make noise, buzz, curiosity and step on the stage. 2 - slide onto the stage relatively quietly, and let your performance do the talking.

The 1st one needs a lot of supporting activities to make you look good; the 2nd is when you know you are Good!

The second option is what Choota Banaras chose; Once I discovered this place is associated with one of my favourite Cafes in town, I started drawing parallels. Interiors are modern yet steeped in history, the subdued but sure & confident introduction to the world; and lastly, the food is honest, fresh, pure & responsibly sourced.

Chhota Banaras is a guilt-free Street Food Cafe. Leaving the typical street food for a later time, I indulged in their Gunpowder/ Podi Uttapam & Dahi Vada.

I'm not a big fan of South Indian OR Street Food, but this felt different. I had to ask the server as to what oil they used or is it Ghee, and it so happens, they use both, Cow Ghee & Cold Pressed Sunflower Oil. The oil adds a distinct nutty flavour to the dishes, and I loved it. The fresh curd with a hint of sweetness & velvety consistency was Spot-on complementing the Vadas.

The Uttapam (Savoury Pancake) was probably the best I've had. Perfectly cooked through and served with fresh chutneys & Sambhar. What elevated it was the Gunpowder or Podi Spice. There are different versions but this one wasn't very Spicy but rather tangy, coarse and crunchy. It's the coarse crunchy texture that probably got it the gunpowder name (Yes, I've tasted Gunpowder 🤣) The Spice just elevates this Uttapam manifold & it is my recommendation for this place.

I wish I had taken photographs of the interior & explained the entire experience of dining at Chhota Banaras. It's a very old school Canteen like place yet you would find bits of modernity, and then the food, the classic dishes, there's a lot to admire about this place and you'd need more than a keen eye and a single visit!

I'll be going back soon; and possibly...

Chhota Banaras is located in Sector-17D and it is easily navigable via google maps.

I ordered a Ghee roast masala dosa and a Filter coffee and both were delicious! I also took away their in-house Sourdough bread, chocochip and oatmeal cookie.The dosa had perfect amount of potato filling and the sambar along with the chutneys was really balanced proper with spices. The coffee taste was good and tasted authentic. Their sourdough is incredible ! I would highly recommend you try one. The cookies are big and equally delicious just like everything else. The food is simple yet stands out in taste, balanced flavours and clean ingredients.

The ambience is nostalgic with terrazzo floors and 90’s music playing in the background. It also has an open kitchen, so you can see your food being cooked. It’s a little theatrical treat that you could enjoy. It serves a good space for family and friends as well as if one is going by themselves. The staff is polite, doesn’t intrude in your personal space and everyone does their job meticulously.

The place works on the self service model, so one needs to go at the counter to get their order. The space is wheelchair friendly on the ground floor, upstairs aren’t accessible. This can be an issue for some, hence mentioning.

Chotta Banaras has a moderately priced menu just like other cafés in town but I found their sweets and other offerings- a bit on the expensive side. But they vouch for using clean ingredients with the concept of farm to table with no preservatives and no sugar usage, so these factors could be in play for pricing.

Overall, Chotta Banaras is a cosy, nostalgic corner which lets you enjoy good food with peace of mind.

Highly recommended when in...

I have been a frequenter at Back to Source for about 5 years now. On my last visit, I was informed by their manager that they have opened another restaurant in Sector 17, so I decided to check it out.

I went for lunch with my family. To start off, the food is excellent. We had Dosa, Idli, Dahi Bhalla, Lassi and Swiss roll. Everything was a 5/5. I especially appreciate the fact that nothing was too sweet.

Despite the great food, my dining experience was sub optimal. We entered and stood at the door for a minute trying to locate a table. Nobody guided us. The seating is confusing and very congested, which might not have been an issue except for the fact that it is a self service restaurant. I had to get up multiple times to order and to then collect my order, all while scooting my way through the narrow spaces between the chairs and tables. The staff was trying to help but looked completely confused. I had to ask for water and wasn’t given any, so had to get up and get it myself. The drinks and desserts are not given with the rest of the order. I asked the waitress about it, was told she’ll bring it but didn’t. I again got up and was taken to the drinks cabinet to fetch them. I had been walking the entire morning and was hoping for some respite with my lunch but in vain. I don’t understand the point of all that staff if I have to run around for everything instead of enjoying my food.

And so, even with excellent food, I might think twice before going back to eat here. I hope the management can find a way to make the dining experience better for the customers because they have a hit on their hands...