Before exploring my top 20 Indian street foods, it is imperative to establish a fundamental premise. India features an abundance of culinary treasures that are widely regarded as some of the finest on the planet. However, what could possibly be the reason behind such a meteoric rise?
There are numerous answers to the above inquiry. Two reasons stand out prominently. Roughly three centuries ago, the allure of Indian spices proved irresistible to the navigating European powers—the Portuguese, Dutch, French, and ultimately the British—resulting in their gradual colonization of India over time. And so it was that the spice trade commenced, with the establishment of bustling trading ports and India’s emergence as a glittering gem on the world stage, a treasure trove previously unknown to many. Furthermore, the rich history, cultural traditions, and geographical features of the nation have bestowed upon it a plethora of flora and fauna. This has, in turn, facilitated the evolution of its culinary delights over time.
Centuries later, Indian cuisine has emerged as a prominent player in the culinary world. Today, India is renowned across the globe for the finesse and unparalleled flavor of its cuisine. The vivid colors, bold flavors, intoxicating aromas, and endless assortment of spices and natural ingredients are sufficient to tantalize anyone’s appetite. Its delectable taste, vast array of options, and reasonable prices have made it a popular choice across Asia, Europe, and America. Furthermore, its influence has extended to other cuisines as well. Not only the curry or kebabs, but also the street delicacies, have made a significant contribution to the growth of this fame and recognition.
As a passionate food lover, I have compiled a list of my top 20 Indian street foods that are indispensable to my existence. From the crispy samosas to the spicy chaat, these delectable dishes are sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you longing for another bite. It’s an explosion of taste inside the mouth and a therapy of the senses that will leave you awestruck.
Fuchka or Pani Puri
Fuchka, Paani Puri, Gol Gappa, and Gupchup are the evocative names that roll off the tongue when one thinks of India’s most beloved street foods. The dish is comprised of diminutive, circular, empty, fried dough balls brimming with a blend of tangy and piquant liquid, chili seasoning, tamarind chutney, chaat masala, onions, mashed potato, black salt, pepper, coriander leaves, and chickpeas. Its seductive flavor and aroma exude a magnetic pull that tempts you closer to its distinctive appeal.
Vada Pav
The delectable Vada Pav or Vada Pao, a fast food delicacy, hails from the Indian state of Maharashtra and is exclusively vegetarian. Adored and loved by people of all ages, this savory delicacy consists of a crispy potato dumpling that has been deep-fried to perfection. The dumpling is infused with a blend of aromatic spices, including mustard seeds, garlic, and chopped green chili. The tasty filling is then nestled inside a soft bread bun, known as a pav, that is sliced in half through the middle. Typically, it is served alongside a selection of chutneys and a vibrant green chili pepper.
Momo
The delicious Momo, a steamed dumpling filled with savory goodness, is traditionally accompanied by a chili garlic sauce and a flavorful broth. The broth is crafted from a blend of tomatoes, sesame seeds, cumin, coriander, and a medley of other herbs and vegetables, resulting in a tantalizingly complex and tasty soup. The savory filling predominantly comprises succulent chicken, although in other regions of the country, one may find an exquisite combination of goat, pork, and buffalo meat. In recent years, this exquisite dish has undergone a transformation, with more intricate preparations that include deep-fried and pan-fried renditions. Hailing from the Himalayan regions, this delectable dish has made its way to every corner of India.
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Bhelpuri
Bhelpuri is an exquisite savory snack, boasting a satisfyingly crisp texture. The tasty street dish comprises a harmonious blend of puffed rice and sev, a slender noodle-like fried delicacy, combined with potatoes, onions, tamarind sauce, chat masala, and chutney. Bhelpuri is an ideal mix of sweetness, saltiness, and spice. This savory snack boasts a medley of ingredients, including succulent tomatoes, tender boiled potatoes, and fiery green chilies. The combination of various ingredients and textures produces a mouthwatering crispy and crunchy sensation. The dish is a visual masterpiece that has the power to uplift one’s spirits in an instant.
Litti Chokha
Originating from the Indian states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, Litti Chokha is a popular street food delicacy. Chokha is a delectable dish crafted from roasted and mashed eggplant, tomato, and potato. On the other hand, Litti is a savory dough ball, skillfully prepared from whole wheat flour and stuffed with gram flour, pulses, and a blend of aromatic herbs and spices. It is roasted over smoldering embers of coal or wood and lavishly coated with a wealth of clarified butter. Aromatic herbs and spices are deftly employed to provide the litti with a tantalizing burst of flavor. Among these are pungent onions, tangy pickles, savory garlic, zesty lime juice, fragrant ginger, and the subtle interplay of salt, coriander leaves, carom seeds, and nigella seeds. Additionally, there is a fried iteration of the dish that pairs exquisitely with chicken curry.
Samosa
The savory and crispy Samosa, also known as Singara, is a delectable treat that boasts a generous filling of seasoned potatoes, onions, and peas. The delectable delicacy is often served alongside a tantalizing combination of sweet and spicy chutney. It can be found in a wide range of sizes, but is most commonly triangular in shape. It is customary for this delicacy to be tried with a steaming cup of tea.
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Lassi
Lassi, a refreshing beverage with a yogurt base, is a time-honored classic that is particularly well-suited for the warm summer months. The tasty mixture is a harmonious blend of yogurt, water, salt, sugar, and an array of tantalizing spices. Its healthy properties combat indigestion and provide nourishment to the intestines. In modern times, this beloved beverage has undergone a transformation with the infusion of fruits such as succulent strawberries and juicy mangoes. Instantly, it provides a sense of relief and comfort, and its taste is similar to a heavenly wonder.
Jalebi
Behold, the Jalebi, a delectable crunchy treat in the form of a circular, deep-fried pastry, infused with a sweet syrup of sugar or honey. This culinary masterpiece may be savored with a scoop of yogurt or cream, adding to its already exquisite taste. The list of ingredients comprises salt, baking soda, baking powder, ghee, saffron powder, sugar, water, yogurt, and oil. The dish lends itself effortlessly to decoration with an extensive assortment of dry fruits. A feast for the eyes and a delectable Indian dessert that tantalizes the taste buds with an exquisite and potent sweetness This delightful treat is enjoyed by millions worldwide and can be savored either hot or cold, accompanied by a refreshing glass of milk, at any time throughout the day.
Dosa
The Dosa, a delectable creation, boasts a thin, colossal, and crispy texture. This roasted pancake is crafted from a fermented batter of ground black lentils and rice, resulting in a unique and irresistible flavor. The mouthwatering filling comprises an assortment of vegetables such as potatoes, onions, carrot slices, and a plethora of other garden-fresh produce. Dosas have gained immense popularity not only in South Asia but also across the globe. Served piping hot, these delectable treats are frequently accompanied by a side of chutney and sambar. With its myriad flavor profiles and delectable taste, this snack is a true delight for the senses. Bursting with essential nutrients, it is the perfect refreshment on a scorching summer afternoon.
Ghugni
Originating from West Bengal, India, Ghugni is a tasty curry that features chickpeas infused with exotic spices and herbs. The dish features a tantalizing blend of coconut, ginger paste, onions, garlic paste, green chilies, cumin, coriander leaves, tamarind paste, tomatoes, lime juice, and cilantro, all of which come together to create a symphony of flavors that is sure to tantalize the taste buds. It can be consumed with puffed rice, paratha, roti, kachori, and pakodas. A stunningly exquisite yet reasonably priced dish, it can be paired with succulent chicken, savory minced mutton, or delectable eggs.
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Bhutta
The corncob, also referred to as Bhutta in India, is a time-honored summer crop that is widely relished during the monsoon season. Bhutta is a longstanding delicacy that has made itself a popular choice among people of all ages. Typically, it is prepared by roasting or grilling and then garnishing it with a delicate drizzle of lime, black salt, and pepper. The irresistible aroma of the smoky bhuttas embodies the very spirit of the Indian monsoon, evoking a sensory journey to a realm of sheer bliss. Replete with both nourishing calories and essential fiber, this street food is best served hot, while every juicy nibble into the blackened and delicate kernels of the Bhutta will leave the palate craving for more.
Papdi Chaat
Papdi chaat, a culinary masterpiece from the streets of India, boasts a delectable array of soft and fluffy ingredients. Among these are chickpeas, tomatoes, and potatoes, seasoned with a tantalizing blend of salt, pepper, mint, and tamarind chutneys. The dish is further elevated with the addition of yogurt, papdi, green chilies, and coriander leaves, all dusted with a generous drizzle of sev and chaat masala. The papdi featured in this recipe is a deep-fried flour dough that provides a crucial crunch to the ongoing explosion of tangy and sweet spices within the palate. Papdi chaat epitomizes the essence of “Indian street food” with its unparalleled texture, taste, and flavors that captivate the taste buds and elevate the senses.
Onion Pakora
The delectable Onion Pakora, which is also referred to as Piyaj Pakoda or Kanda Bhaji, is a fried delicacy that is crafted using rice flour, salt, chili powder, ginger paste, coriander seeds, garam masala, turmeric powder, and onions. It is a typical Indian street food treat that frequently comes with a steaming cup of tea. With minimal preparation time, this irresistible treat is easily accessible throughout India. Its crispy and crunchy consistency decorates the taste buds, with its taste and goodness making it a popular choice for those on the go.
Poori & Aloo Sabji
Puris are elliptical delicacies that undergo deep-frying to achieve a light and airy texture. These tempting treats are crafted from either whole wheat flour (atta) or coarse wheat flour (sooji). Water is added to the flour to create a cohesive dough. The dough is deftly rolled out into diminutive circles before being plunged into a sizzling bath of ghee or vegetable oil. During the process of deep frying, puris undergo a fascinating transformation as they puff up into a perfectly round sphere, which occurs due to the moisture present in the dough transforming into steam. As the steam expands in all directions, it causes the puris to puff up and take on their characteristic shape. Once they turn a polished golden-brown hue, they are delicately lifted and presented hot alongside chana masala, lentils (dal), or potato-based curries (aloo sabji). Tender on the inside with a crisp exterior, these delectable treats are a quintessential breakfast dish, beloved by many as a national favorite.
Dahi Vada
Dahi vada, a delectable snack, is crafted by submerging fried lentil balls, or vada, in a luscious bath of thick yogurt, or dahi. The vadas are left to soak for a certain duration prior to being served. The dish is crowned with a generous amount of fragrant coriander chutney, a sprinkle of fiery chili powder, a drizzle of sweet yogurt, a scattering of refreshing mint leaves, a dash of tangy tamarind chutney, a pinch of pungent crushed black pepper, a hint of earthy cumin, a touch of zesty chaat masala, a sprinkling of delicate shredded coconut, a few slices of vibrant green chilies, a handful of crispy sev, and a few fragments of thinly sliced fresh ginger. The exotic herbs and spices mingle with the sweetness of the yogurt and the crispiness of the vadas, resulting in a tantalizing sensory experience.
Kathi Rolls
The delectable Kathi Roll comprises succulent kebabs wrapped in a multi-layered paratha bread. Within the confines of a Kati roll, one can expect to find a tasty fusion of flavors and textures. The dish typically features a medley of ingredients, including coriander chutney, eggs, mutton, beef, paneer, and chicken slices. These components are marinated in creamy yogurt and a blend of spices before being skillfully cooked on a tawa. The final product is then garnished with a tantalizing array of toppings, such as onions, chili, black salt, peppers, lime juice, chaat masala, tomatoes, and a combination of different sauces. It is then spread in a linear fashion and enveloped within the luscious, delicate paratha bread, imbued with buttery goodness. One of the most enduring and beloved street foods, it has stood the test of time despite its age. The grilled meat pieces are remarkably flavorful and succulent, offering a swift protein intake while delivering a piquant sensory experience.
Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji, or Pao Bhaji, a quintessential Indian street food delicacy, is comprised of luscious vegetable curry (bhaji) and a fluffy bread roll (pav). The curry is typically composed of a medley of ingredients, such as potatoes, onions, carrots, chili, peas, bell peppers, green peppers, coriander, cauliflower, ginger and garlic paste, chaat masala, and tomatoes. The delectable dish is imbued with the rich flavors of butter and cheese and is customarily presented piping hot with a delicate hint of tangy lime juice. A delectable vegetarian delicacy, pav bhaji features a staggering consumption rate of nearly 5 million servings per day in the bustling city of Mumbai. A common treat enjoyed globally, this party favorite can be relished as a delectable snack to savor between meals.
Jhal Muri
Jhal Muri, a cherished Indian street delicacy originating from Bengal, takes its name from the terms ‘Jhal’ and ‘Muri’, signifying spicy and puffed rice. It is a culinary delight that transcends the boundaries of imagination and creativity. It is a true masterpiece, depicting a symphony of textures and flavors, featuring a diverse range of crisps, including puffed rice, fried lentils, fried peas, sev, and peanuts, along with a medley of savory components, including finely diced onions, ginger, coriander leaves, tomatoes, red chili powder, chaat masala, black salt, cumin powder, and green chilies. Each bite is a revelation because the creation of this tantalizingly spicy snack involves the additional garnishing of chopped coconut and boiled potatoes, along with a dash of lemon, which add a subtle yet satisfying texture to the overall composition. Abundant in availability and bursting with an unparalleled flavor, it reigns supreme.
Idli
Idli, an appealing South Indian delicacy, is a soft, fluffy, and steamed savory rice cake. The batter, which is a blend of fermented black lentils and rice, is steamed to perfection to create this culinary masterpiece. The modest idlis may appear unremarkable on their own, with a subtle taste that hardly registers on the palate. However, when accompanied by a savory sambar, a nutritious stew made from lentils and vegetables, as well as tangy tomato and coconut chutneys, their character is utterly transformed. A genuine superfood, this low-calorie and extremely nourishing option not only aids in digestion but also satisfies hunger.
Aloo Chaat
The tantalizing aroma of Aloo Chaat emanates through the bustling streets of India, calling out customers to indulge in this beloved street food. The dish is crafted by frying potatoes to a perfect crisp, then expertly blending them with a medley of spices, including coriander, tomatoes, and dry mango powder. The addition of chaat masala, black salt, and peppers balances the spiciness of green chilies and the tang of onions. A splash of yogurt adds creamy richness, while nuts provide a satisfying crunch. The finishing touch is a drizzle of lime juice and tamarind chutney, creating a symphony of flavors that dance on the tongue. The intricate combination of different elements in this dish boasts a tantalizing blend of textures, with a satisfying crunch and crispness that delight the palate and leave one yearning for more.
Partaking in street food is a quintessential aspect of experiencing a new destination, yet in India, the consumption of street food is ingrained in the very fabric of daily existence. There are literally hundreds of different mouthwatering street foods that can be found all over the country. Each community, whether it is a region, state, or even a city, has its own unique culinary delights that its residents adore. These dishes are simple and easy to prepare but difficult to forget, leaving a lasting impression on the palate. India is like a colossal, delectable prison of food, from which there is no escape. The sole means of escape lies in justifying the senses through indulging in a plethora of culinary delights for as long as possible. However, just like a single drop in the vast ocean, one article is not enough to encapsulate the myriad of mouth-watering street foods that flourish in India. You cannot help but wonder: can a single lifetime be enough to relish the complete gastronomic marvels that India has in store? Only you can answer that.
Creating content and capturing images requires time and effort. I am extremely appreciative to the designers, photographers, and artists whose images helped me complete this article. Please note the image attributions used in the preceding content.
FEATURE IMAGE
Pani Puri Kolkata
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Arghamallick5151, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Fuchka 002
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Vaadapav
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Steamed momos
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Indian cuisine-Chaat-Bhelpuri-03
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Litti chokha of Bihar
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Samosachutney
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Patiala Lassi
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Jalebis
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Yogendra Singh, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
Dosa (36400591833)
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Ghugni
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Corn on the Cob- Kolkata – West Bengal – DSC 0009
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TAPAS KUMAR HALDER, CC BY-SA 4.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
BHALE PAPDI
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Kaanda-bhaji
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Poori & Aloo Sabji
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Odia Style Dahi bara Puri Odisha-IMG 953
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Egg pork roll – self innovative – self made – Kolkata- west bengal -DSC0104
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Jhalmuri-ready-StreetFood
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Idly with Chutney, Tamil Nadu
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Alu Chaat
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