Has old association taken over the taste?. Review on Nirulas, GTB Nagar, Delhi

Let me start with the background - Laxmi Nirula, founder of what we know now as the chain of Nirula's restaurants, actually used to sell vegetable and cheese sandwiches just below Gopaldas Building in CP, New Delhi. Its only since then that he became increasingly popular and managed to convert his small stall into this fast food chain, sounds like a typical 'rags to riches' story, doesn't it? You would probably be wondering how I got to know of this, thats because my grandfather knew Laxmi Nirula very well. Ever since I have been eating solid food, I have been visiting Nirula's and that association goes on till date. It all started when Nirula's came out with an offer of a free ice-cream sundae for any student getting above 90% in his/her report card. Great strategy, I must say. It made me come there every year I felt worth celebrating.

Even till today, I can't seem to rate the pizzas of any other fast food chains over the ones offered at Nirula's. I don't deny that it could be due to my old association with the taste and the ambience of the place, however, the pizzas will always remain evergreen for me - why? because they offer something that usually other chain don't - the pizza crust (yes yes, I know there are other joints which rave only about the different types of crust they have to offer, but believe me, nothing compared to the ones offered here). There is another trivial yet very significant ingredient which makes everything worthwhile - their home, trademarked mustard ! Yes, I know you must be thinking that what could be so great about mere mustard, but trust me, I have tried the mustard at various places and they are not even close to the condiment offered at Nirula's. My personal favourite outlet is the Nirula's hotel in NOIDA. Its a completely family place, spacious yet warm. After the take over of its outlets by a Malaysian chain, they have tried to retain the old, authentic Nirula's style but with a few twists like altering the menu by adding combos, kabab platters instead of the authentic 'Tandoori Sampler' and most importantly, no self service.

Unfortunately, for old Nirula's fans like me, these twists haven't particularly done any wonders. The self service which was the trend initially at Nirula's, for example, was a part of the whole thrill of being at the counter, waiting anxiously for the food and making small conversations with the chefs at the counters (I would be able to recognize a person working at the hot counter anywhere outside Nirula's as well !). Even till date, I always say hello to the persons working at the hot counters since I have had an association with them during the 'erstwhile' self service trends.

To conclude, after the takeover, they tried very hard to retain the original essence of Nirula's but quite honestly, it is not quite the same anymore...p.s. one more very important thing which someone just reminded me by posting a comment on this review. If you are new to Nirula's and have a sweet tooth, the place also has something exquisite for you. The Hot Chocolate Fudge or the ol' HCF as its called, you can get it in three sizes now (small, medium and large with one, two and three scoops of icecream respectively).

No rocket science to the preparation but the combo of vanilla ice cream with their trademark chocolate sauce and roasted cashews can't go wrong but you have got to try this one to see how can one not go wrong "so much" !