Desserts to main course, innumerable dishes in Lucknow’s food repertoire are incomplete without its lavish garnishes. Think Sewai to Halwas, Kheer to Shahi Tukdas, whether store bought or home-made. None would be complete without delicate embellishments of the flickering strands of Chandi ka varq. Stock up Chandi ka varq from these shops in Chowk:
BHARAT CHANDI WORKS
Md. Salim’s shop in the oldest shop in Chowk’s Taksal Gali and was established by his great grandfather. His family has been in this business for nearly 200 years now. Recently renovated, one can buy both varieties of Chandi varq i.e. Machine made (vegetarian) or the traditional ones that are handmade.
Prices: Rs. 40 for a 10-leaflet packet.
Location: Bharat Chandi Works, 332/100, Gali Taksal, Chowk Road, Lucknow
Timing: 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday closed.
AWADH SILVER PAPER
Mr. Mohd. Rafat has been running this shop for the past 15 years and deals with the machine-made variety of Chandi varq. He also supplies bulk orders made on request.
Price starting at 180 INR for a 50-leaflet packet.
Location: Avadh silver paper, Gali Taksal, Chowk
Store timing: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Thursday closed
MUNNA BHAI’S WORKSHOP
Mr. Hafeez’s ancestral workshop next to the famous Tundey Kababi eatery is actually a small room where he sits and makes chandi varq daily. One can stop and watch his rhythmic beating of the silver into flawless square sheets. He mostly works to supply to sweet shops, panwallahs and ayurvedic practitioners in the area, who use it in medicines as well. He makes nearly 400 chandi varq leaflets on a daily basis. One can buy small packets from him on the spot.
Price: Rs. 45 INR for a 10-leaflet packet.
Location: Shop next to Tundey Kababi, Chowk.
Timing: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Open on all days.
NL Tip: If kept in dry and air tight place, these leaflets last up to 6-8 months. We recommend buying in bulk and storing it.
