Delhi, a la cart.

Byline: Manisha Jha

The city's street food is hot and happening.

When it comes to the business of street food, less is definitely more. There are no waiters, no white gloves, fine cutlery, seating or air-conditioning. Basic and stripped down, the focus is on simplicity and the prices are meant to suit all pockets. As for marketing, it's all about location and word-of-mouth publicity.

In Delhi, of late, this longstanding business is witnessing a surge in patronage with an expanding base of street-food enthusiasts. Alongside the regulars are the new converts ranging from foreign tourists and expats to young professionals moving in from other cities for work.

As Akansha Chadha, 25, an IT professional working in Sector-63, Noida, says, aoeStreet food such as chaat, rolls, dosa, masala Maggi have become an intrinsic part of my daily life. Three out of five days I eat at various food stalls near my office. It's their quality, cheap …