Delhi's famous chuski corners

Sugar-free, CNG, hukkah style, paan punch... chuskis have come a long way in wooing the capital each summer. Swati Chandra goes slurping to see which places scream thanda matlab barf ka gola

Pappu can sing, saala!
Why: This is one chuskiwala you won't have to go looking for. Walk along the India Gate lawns, and you'll hear an amusing, baby-voiced, high-pitched call. Chuski chuski chuskiiiiiiiiiii... goes Pappu Shikara aka Pappu's bhai's signature song, enough for most visitors to throng. Every ingredient used in his preparations is harmless, he proudly claims. And yes, the ice water's of the labelled kind. The edible colours, too, are branded. "Humara orange, elaichi,u00a0 khus, kala khatta aur anar sabse badhiya hai," beams the owner. They even have a 'CNG' flavour, no, no gaseous connections; that's the name for their sugar-free specialty. Pappu's sets up shop at 8 in the evening and sings his song till midnight. His twin stalls are monitored by 10 boys busy at the lolly. And yes, their staff is well-educated, and takes good care of hygiene.
At: Lovely Shikara Chuski, Maan Singh Road, India Gate
Price: Rs 30
Must have: Kala Khatta

Heaven in a hukkah bottle
Why: Devouring an icy cold rainbow is any Delhiite's delight at this time of the year. And when a spread of seven special hukkah bottles, with signature liquidu00a0 flavours stored in them, greets you 'coldly,' the experience only becomes more exciting. The most popular variants here include lemon and khas, but the tiranga chuski, with flavours of rose, green cardamom and lemon, is unmissable. Aerated drinks, cigarettes, chaat and paapri complete the stylish sadakchhap treat. Sorry, there's no space to sit. So get going with your gola and walk around to see what's new at the market. PS: Yup, it's mineral water stuff.
At: Prince Paan Chuski Corner, M Block mkt, Greater Kailash
Price: Rs 20
Must have: Tiranga chuski

Rose roz
Why: You're bound to have a crush on their crushed servings, courtesyu00a0 cleanliness amid the clutter. The chuski here is frustum-shaped, with rose and saffron syrup making it to the special ingredients list. The best varieties here are orange, rose and khas. Stay clear of the lemon, please. The shop is very close to the Metro station, with shopping outlets for neighbours, so you knew how to pass time. The crowd quality is mixed; there's no seating area but plenty of space to to hang around. Try the juice, too.
At: Guru Nanak Sweet and juices, Metro Station, Karol Bagh
Price: Rs 25
Must have: Rose chuski

Elaichi maar ke
Why: The uniqueness of this chuski corner lies in the almost-perfect blend of flavour, aroma and taste. Our favourites vary from exotic elaichi to rose and kesar, all extremely soothing in the scorching heat. But if you're the kind that digs spice, kaala khatta and masala nimbu are what'd make you go weak. Team it with their popular chaat, bread pakode and lemon soda, and the tummy couldn't thank more. North Campus regulars shouldn't miss this place for quick refreshment. However, don't go expecting to relax, for there is no shade or shed to save you from the sun.
At: Yadav Chuskiwale, Kamla Nagar
Price: Rs 15
Must have: Elaichi gola