Chaat: Recipes from the Kitchens, Markets, and Railways of India: A Cookbook

I'm not sure I want to fund a fully stocked kitchen with all this stuff but I will definitely try recipes that might share similar ingredients. They look delicious and Maneet's stories are great. I got this book more for the cultural aspect and to learn more about Indian food.

I bought the book because many reviewers emphasized the author’s inclusion of her childhood memories of Indian cuisine. Manet Chatham is a delightful personality on television, and I looked forward to knowing her better through her anecdotes. Unfortunately, most of her descriptions and stories are out of my reach because the font chosen to print them is very small and faint. I suppose if I were 30 years younger, I might have less trouble, but, alas, for me the book is just not worth the effort. The index is printed in an even smaller font, which would necessitate my using a magnifying glass. However, I’m glad to say that the cooking directions and ingredients are printed in a larger, readable font. Many of the recipes are enticing and not overly complicated, so I don’t regret fully the purchase. But for anyone over the age of 60, I offer a caution.

If you are interested in the Indian street food Chaat, this is the book for you. Many recipes. Personally, I liked the notes before each section though I know a lot of people hate headnotes. The book is organized along railway stations, where many chaats are sold, which I like.Someone said that this contained many complicated recipes and sauces you'd never use again. I have to disagree. If you cook Indian food, you are used to many spices per dish. The dishes are not complicated, just have more than a couple of ingredients, and if you plan to try chaats once, sure you'll end up with sauces you won't use again. But that is not the point of this book. You'll quickly understand why you get a mint/cilantro chutney, a tamarind chutney and red onions at the beginning of most Indian restaurant meals. Recommended for those who are interested in chaats and frankly, after a taste or two, who wouldn't be?

I was very excited by the title of the book. I actually pre-ordered it. I couldn’t wait to try to make ‘chaat’ at home in an attempt to recreate what I experienced back home in India. I have tried more than a few of the recipes in this book and they have all fallen flat. It’s very disappointing. In contrast to other Indian culinary books I have purchased this has been the biggest let down.I would personally recommend Vibrant India by Chitra Agarwal and Seasons by Nik Sharma - technically far superior and also really dial in to what it’s like to experience Indian food in all its diverse flavors. Not mention the instructions are accurate and easy to recreate.I am sure Maneet Chauhan is an excellent cook. She is probably the most visible Indian personality on the food network (unfortunately). However this book and the instructions it provides is LACKING.Here is an example pg-140 “Khaman Dhokla”1. She lists 1 cup of chickpea flourThe only liquids in the recipe is 2 1/2 tablespoons of oil. And then she says “the batter should resemble slightly fluffy sponge cake batter” - either that’s a horrible comparison or it’s inaccurate cause there is no way you achieve that consistency with the ratios she lists for “Khaman Dhokla” on that page.To sum it up. I wasted time cooking stuff from this book. I would recommend purchasing other books by authors who are able to pen their recipes with more accuracy and tact. DO NOT BUY this book if you want to give a legitimate shot at making Chaat at home. It’s a disappointment.

This is one of my favorite all-time chefs and this book is a great culinary journey into the world and Indian food. If you enjoyed good stories and good Indian food you’re going to absolutely love this book

A truly remarkable book , inspire of growing up in India I have almost no exposure to the immense variety of delectable highlighted in this book. Now thanks to this wonderful book, I have added two more items to my bucket list , travel round India in trains and taste these delicacies and visit Nashville to taste Indian inspired cuisines along with Indian micro brews

2022 bk 80 oh ho I wish I had purchased this beautiful book in hardback! Much more than a cookbook, Chahaun shows us her India, the travels, Indian Railway Vendors and glimpses into her childhood. This is a delight to the eyes - and descriptions are so good, I swear, I can almost taste the food described!

I really enjoyed reading the stories. They were delightful. And while I have made a couple of the recipes, the book just seems to kind of miss the mark as far as being a cookbook.

I love watching Food Network and when the chefs come out with a cookbook I love it and this one did not disappoint!!

Very informative about indian food.

Can't wait til I cook up a storm using this cookbook. I will post again soon. TY.

Don’t buy this book for the recipes, buy it for the aesthetic if you’re interested in bringing a bit of Indian trains into your bookshelf. Some of the recipes are as simple as ghee and rotis, something you will find in every Indian household.

This book has some wonderful recipes with equally great illustrations..