Every person’s childhood memories have a particular place in their hearts. Enjoying the food products acquired from the roadside with limited pocket money is an important aspect of childhood.
Tamarind (Imli) sold by hawkers outside school campus
The tanginess of the ‘Imli’ sprinkled with salt-based masala was amazing. It was served in a piece of old newspaper by a hawker outside the school.
Cotton Candy (Buddhi Ke Baal)
This sweet food item, which is mostly pink in colour, melted as soon as it was placed in the mouth. This delicacy was usually offered during Fun Fairs, but it was also sold by street sellers ringing a distinctive bell in residential areas.
Pepsi Cola
Despite the fact that it was labelled Pepsi Cola, this small packed version of ice candy came in a variety of flavours. Later, milk-based versions were also offered. It was more of an after-school treat to be enjoyed while going back home on the bicycle.
Chana Jor Garam
This was one of the most popular songs among teenagers in the 1990s. With lemon, onions, green chilies, and, of course, the secret masala, these smashed and fried chana were delicious. The method employed by merchants to transport Chana Jor Garam resembled a large but half-filled weighing scale. To keep it ‘Garam,’ a tiny wood fire was lit in a jar and kept above it.
Matka Kulfi
Typically accessible throughout the summer, and sold by vendors pulling a large Matka in a hand-pulled cart. The Matka Kulfi vendor, too, had a one-of-a-kind bell to attract potential customers.
Ice Gola
Although this is also a popular summer item, it may be found on coastal beaches all year. However, no summer trip was complete without drinking ice golas at night and sucking the flavour while making a long unpleasant sound (chuski). Among all the flavours, Kala Khatta was the most popular.
Phantom Cigarettes
Although cigarette smoking is harmful to one’s health, these mint sticks shaped like cigarettes were popular among teenagers in the 1990s since they were thought to add to their flair.
Guru Chela
These were spicy/tangy digestive pellets that come in a particular sachet for a very low price. The sachet’s unique feature was that it could show a picture of a Guru when held upright and the image of the ‘Chela’ when held inverted. It’s quite intriguing!
Peppy/Lays/Cheetos
These snacks were popular not only because of their taste, but also because of the toys and fun cards that came with them. Some 90s youngsters still have the full collection of such toys/fun cards and treat it as if it were their most valuable possession.
