As economic meltdown expands, foodies turn street-smart

With the mercury rising and the economy falling, food-lovers have renewed their love for street food against the high end restaurants that dig deeper into their pockets.

Chandni Chowk, the hub of street food in the capital is abuzz with hoards of new customers looking to savour the delicacies offered by the different eatries in the area.
In times of a financial crisis it makes more sense to turn to street food than go for a high end restuarant unless there is a very special occassion. Though you cannot compare the two, still the craving for street food has some how survived the recessionary mood", says Faisal Haq, visiting faculty at Delhi University.

"People like street food and the Delhi Metro has made it easily accessible for customers. The food served at restaurants is at times not fresh because they use
cold-storage while street food is prepared on the spot", says Jitin Sharma of Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala.

Restaurants on the other hand are counting on publicity and promotional offers to attract customers. 

"It's no secret that all business across the board is hit by the meltdown. To deny, it would be foolish and high-end restaurants have been affected because it's kind of a luxury", says Ramola Bachchan, owner of Manre, a European high-end restaurant in Saket, a posh suburb. 

"As a business offering high end luxury one has to re-look at your packages and reposition yourself as people still go out to relax. We have come out with special
promotional schemes and have bought down prices significantly since March", she adds.

Street food outlets, on the other hand, have witnessed a spur in demand. Specialty food outlets have charmed the customers with their distinct flavours.

"People have started coming here because of less dining charges. Demand has increased by at least ten per cent in the last few months", says Abhishek Dixit, who owns a famous eatery in the Gali Parawthe Wali.

But there are some who feel the recession has not impacted the food business, at least so far. There has been no great change for street food shops. Regulars can still be spotted, it all depends upon individual taste and liking", says Abhishek Jain of Old and Famous Jalebi Wala.

It looks like a tough deal ahead for the restaurants in the days to come as they try hard to adjust themselves to suit the changing scenario.

"There has been 20 per cent drop in customers and the pressure is mounting on the industry. Earlier you had 100 customers for 10 restaurants, now you have 80 for the same. There is a search of competition and you have to make yourself visible because a large chunk has gone down", says Ankur Sachdeva of Bonsai Restaurant.