Chandigarh’s ‘China town’

Vishu Verma

Are you fond of Chinese cuisine but can’t afford to dine at the upscale eateries frequently? Then, a cheaper alternative, China town —- as it has been fondly named by the youth — in Sector 15 fits the bill for you!

The booths, packed in a small area at the edge of the market (towards Sector 14), receive around 1,000 customers a day. You name a Chinese dish, be it vegetarian or non-vegetarian, and you will get it. 

The soups come with shreds of assorted meat or slivers of vegetables or a combination of both, along with glossy noodles. Thupka soup, noodle soup, Singapuri noodles, mushroom noodles and mutton noodles are some of the specialities of ‘China town’. 

Most dishes are served with the spicy red chilli chutney, which is sure to set your taste buds on fire. Chilli seeds floating on top  give an authentic taste to the sauce.

The scrumptious sea chilli momo is one of the favourite dishes here. The oblong-shaped momos stuffed with minced veggies are half-fried and half-steamed. All thoughts of health fail in front of them.

“We all do everything—cook, take orders, serve, prepare bills and do the dishes. Our clientele includes people of all age groups and professions. The youth, especially students, visit us at times even thrice a day,” says Raj Chetri, manager of Raj Fast Food.

For those looking for “desi” fare, parathas are the option. “We offer aloo-pyaaz, paneer, gobhi, mixed and egg parathas,” Chetri adds.

Tejveer Singh, a Mohali resident, says: “What fascinates me the most here is the quantity of food. Also, the meal is wholesome. The portions are generous. With a tummy full, one gets the feeling of value for money.”

Prakash Chaudhary, owner of Sanju Chinese Fast Food, says, “There are seven booths in the vicinity. Each one has at least five workers, among whom the cooks are paid the highest. All workers get free food, besides the monthly salary.”

Isha Sharma, a student, gushes, “I have come especially from Sector 49 to have Chinese food here. You get real Chinese taste here. I prefer this market to expensive restaurants.”

“Kathmandu Fast Food and Adhikari Chinese Food are the oldest eateries. I have been living here for 12 years. This place has grown tremendously with a manifold rise in footfall since. That’s because we keep updating our menu according to the changing tastes of our guests. No one returns dissatisfied from here,” proudly beams Adhikari. He hails from Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.

“The lunch hours are lean as it is too hot these days. But there is a mad rush in the evening,” says a worker.

If you love Chinese cuisine, the Sector 15 Patel Market is well worth a visit. Or, just check it out for fun.

The market is open from 7 am to 10 pm on all days except the last Monday of a month. They also provide home delivery and charge as per the distance. For the Sector 15 residents, the delivery is free of cost.

Easy on your pocket

Quality food at affordable price is what draws customers to the Chinese food market in Sector 15. A half plate of noodles, which is actually enough for two persons, costs just Rs 50. The most expensive dish will cost you Rs 350, all taxes included! On offer at these tempting prices are sea chilli momos, spring rolls, chopsuey, manchurian, fried rice, soups, honey chilli cauliflower, thenthi and many more.