Standing at a street cart for pani puri was a weekend ritual for me growing up in New Delhi. Filling my cheeks with crisp puffed shells packed with spiced potatoes, chutneys, and tamarind water is a core Delhiite memory, and one that comes rushing back at Gokul Sweets in Decatur. The no-frills, counter-service spot is a longtime vegetarian Indian street food staple, complete with a bakery case stacked with dozens of sweets.
What to order
- North Indian treats abound, but the massive South Indian dosa is the envy of the canteen. The crispy, folded crepe is served with lentil stew and coconut chutney.
- Gobi manchurian, a fiery Indo-Chinese classic of fried cauliflower tossed in soy, garlic, and ginger, is especially good with a cold Limca, a lemon and lime-flavored soda.
- The bhaturas, ballooned, fried, tangy bread, are bigger than your head. They’re served with chole, or chickpea curry — a classic combo in northern India.
- Order liberally from the chaat section, especially dahi puri with crispy wafers and chutney-doused yogurt, hakka noodles, and the aforementioned pani puri.
- Finish with a build-your-own box of sweets from the bakery counter. Get motichoor ladoo, sweet balls made with tiny fried flour pearls soaked in sugar syrup, or silver-leafed kaju katli, a diamond-shaped confection made with cashew paste.
The vibe
Cozy booths fill the space, and a bakery section lines the wall with mithai. Order at the counter beneath a massive, photo-filled menu board. With most items under $10, Gokul Sweets is ideal for groups looking to sample a wide range of items from the menu without overthinking it.
Insider tip
Before leaving, stop by the paan booth near the door. The stuffed betel leaf, filled with rose jam, fennel seeds, cardamom, and sweeteners, is a digestif. Pop into the newly renovated Patel Brothers grocery store next door to stock up on pantry staples. There’s a second Gokul Sweets location in Duluth.
