In an unassuming corner of Greater Kailash II’s tiny Chandan Market, once home to only the neighbourhood chemist and samosa-seller, stands the bright red storefront bearing the name Kona. The name means ‘corner’ in Hindi and ‘flour’ in Japanese, and as far as wordplay goes, it’s bang-on for an Asian-leaning sando shop in Delhi. Kona is the brainchild of chef Radhika Khandelwal, who helmed the wildly popular Fig and Maple in Greater Kailash II’s M-Block Market for years. Inside, it’s tiny, with only four bar stools for seating and a bustling kitchen, which is always scurrying with activity. The sandwiches, each served between bread that best suits it, are all named after puns on popular songs. There’s the Stand Bahn-Mi, with spiced grilled pork, pickled veggies and some Vietnamese inspired sauces, all packed together tightly in a lovely French baguette, or the Fry Me To The Moon, that’s got a hefty chicken thigh fried to perfection and packed in between soft shokupan slices with kimchi and mustard. The Bello Ciao has a stuffed and grilled portobello that’s packed between soft Japanese milk bread and is a runaway hit among the vegetarians.
They inevitably run out before they close for the day, so get here in time. They have great drinks, too, including a matcha latte made with cereal-infused milk, and a giant ice cream sandwich served between two macarons.