The inner market of Sector 8, Chandigarh, has now come to be known as the ‘fast food hub’ of the city. But in the early 1980s, the market had just two shops that initially sold raw chicken and then began selling sweet corn soup. It was meagerly priced at Rs 10, but being students, the pocket money crunch always left us with the “one into two” option.
These shops have since graduated into the most sought-after joints today with a menu that’s a mile long. In those days while we would sip soup, a young lady set up shop with a totally new concept of cakes, pastries and a lot more, so different from the traditional bakers of those times. Her idea clicked and now she owns a couple of more outlets, and her ‘designer’ cakes are ‘well represented’ at most parties in the city.
And, perhaps the oldest shop in the market was a shoe shop, where shoes were generally made to order. There used to be a long waiting period and still nobody complained. The owner, sadly, is no more but his daughter-in-law dutifully runs the show.
Not to miss out there was a gol gappay di rehri, under the trees. Started in the 1970s by the good old ‘bhaiya ji’, it is now manned by his grandson. It is heartening to see that the legacy is continuing.
The once sleepy market now hustles and bustles with a variety of shops represented by well-known food chains as well as local players, giving each other a tasteful competition, and making this place a foodies’ delight. The parking though has become difficult but the razzle dazzle, the tempting aromas and the mouth-watering platters in waiting, make this eastern end of the ‘Gedi route’ a must visit.
Ajay Pal Singh, Chandigarh
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