I heard this line somewhere and I feel it completely justifies the term ‘street food’.
“If you wanna eat the best, visit a famous restaurant.
But if you wanna beat the best, visit a street food stall.”
By now, we are all familiarized with the street food culture in India. These are traditional food items, sold by a vendor in markets or open places. Street food in India is as diverse and colourful as its culture. All states have different types of street foods prepared in different ways. Nevertheless, the end result is always finger-licking delicious. One cannot resist the urge to pick up a Vada Pav on the streets of Mumbai or get a staple Chole Bhature breakfast on the streets of Delhi, or steaming hot appes with a cup of coffee in the southern streets of India. From sweet to salty, you can find delectable and appetizing items on almost all streets of the country.
So, keeping ours and your palate needs in concern we’re going to list down all popular street food items you can find in almost every nook and corner of the country, leaving you drooling unattractively:
Chole Bhature:
If you’re hailing from the north, you definitely are head-over-heels for this dish. It is a Punjabi classic and the staple breakfast in Punjab households. Chickpeas cooked in Punjabi spices and curry, along with the Bhature, which is a fried bread, will definitely leave you salivating.
Vada Pav/Dabeli:
Roaming on the streets of Mumbai, something you cannot afford to miss is ‘Vada Pav’. Batata (or Potato or Sweet Potato) stuffed in between buns with a spicy powder and chutney is like a go-to for the Mumbaikars.
Another street food similar to the Vada Pav is Dabeli, which is the Gujarati cousin of Vada Pav. Tava-grilled paos stuffed with a spiced potato mix, Dabeli Masala and garlic and tamarind chutney topped with sev gathia and pomegranate seeds will make you drool just at the sight of it.
Appe/Paddu:
It is a famous finger food in the Southern states of India. Also known as Ponganalu or Paniyaram, these are shiny, rice batter balls, which almost taste like a dosa but have a sour tinge to them. These taste best served with coconut chutney or a spicy, green chilly chutney too.
Tunday Kabab:
Coming straight from the city of Nawabs, Lucknow, these kebabs are simply irresistible from the get go. Extremely soft and succulent to the core is what makes these kebabs a crowd favourite almost all over the country. Not only is the dish exceptional in taste, but the story behind it is an interesting one too. Hagi Murad Ali, the creator of this dish, curated it using only one hand, and hence the name Tunday as in Hindi a person with one hand is referred to as Tunde. Also, this dish was created to fulfill the last wish of a toothless king.
Bhutta:
Whether it’s a rainy day or a wintry one, whether you’re up in hills, roaming on mall roads, or on a drive with your loved ones, smokey corn on the cob will always lift up your mood like nothing else. The joy of biting into these roasted corn kernels, smothered with lemon, butter and heaps of spices is incomparable to any other street food. Just customize these earthy and rustic beauties and experience heaven on earth.
Rolls:
There isn’t an exact history of origin of the ‘rolls culture’ in India, but if we really have to give credits then it’s all goes to Kolkata! Rolls are super customizable - choose a filling of your choice, veg or non-veg, which is stuffed inside a super crispy and flaky maida based parantha. Roll in one hand, a pen in the other, you can nibble onto this and continue with your work-it’s as simple as that!
Papdi Chaat:
The word ‘Chaat’ is enough in itself to make our mouths water! And Papdi Chaat hits us right in the core of our heart! Similar dishes to the Papdi Chaat are Dahi Bhalle, Dahi Puri and Aloo Chaat. You could choose the core ingredient of your choice-soft bhallas, besan papdis, semi stuffed pooris or potato. The Aloo Chaat is topped with tamarind and coriander chutney, whereas all others are topped with curd and bhel along with the two chutneys. One bite into it, and with the blink of an eye you are finished with a whole plate of the chaat and craving for more!
Pav Bhaji:
Another thing Maharashtra is known for, apart from Vada Pao, is the irresistible Pav Bhaji or Misal Pav. Spicy, tangy and flavorsome Bhaji served with buttery pavs, with a nice squeeze of lemon on top is the best way to satisfy your savoury palate.
Made with Moth Bean sprouts and a blend of exotic spices alongside butter oozing pavs Misal Pav is definitely a crowd favourite in Mumbai. This street charm is topped with chivda, sev, coriander and a lot more.
If you’re in Mumbai, you cannot afford to miss these specialties at any cost!
Litti Chokha:
If you’re are roaming on the streets of Bihar, one thing which you cannot escape your eye is from the Litti Chokha. These are small balls made up of sattu or grams topped with a generous spoonful of ghee. They can be paired with aloo, baingan (eggplant) bharta or any other curry and curd, and can be eaten as any meal, anytime of the day.
Poha Jalebi:
You may have heard of these two dishes separately, but to experience the real taste of them, you have to visit Indore! It is the staple breakfast of most of Madhya Pradesh. Flattened or beaten rice is cooked in onions, tomatoes, curry leaves and a combinations of traditional spices, making Poha a light and tasty snack.
And this combination of spicy poha with the Jalebi may sound like a weird one, but wait till you taste it - and you’ll want it every day! We can surely vouch for it!
Momos:
If you’re a true street food enthusiast, you surely cannot afford to miss this one! Momos are a North eastern delicacy who’s roots can be traced back to Tibet and Nepal, whereas in India, the North East takes all credit! Steaming hot momos, in veg and non-veg variety, along with a spicy, hot red sauce and mayonnaise will make you drool just at the sight of it! These small bundles of joy really do make one feel heavenly!
Pani Puri/Golgappe:
If there is one thing which is supremely similar between Delhites and Mumbaikars is their shared love for Golgappe or Pani Puri. And well, West Bengal isn’t too far behind with their Puchkas too! No matter the name, there is just no alternative to these flavour bombs! Stuffed with boiled potato and channa, served with two kinds of water: the sweet tamarind one and the tangy minty one . These small pieces of joy are something you can eat endlessly but still won’t feel content!
Bhel Puri/Jhal Muri:
Coming straight from the streets of Kolkata, this is one of those few things you can enjoy on the go. Newspaper shaped like a cone and stuffed with this amazing mixture of puffed rice, namkeens and masalas, along with a tangy sauce and the pungent smell of raw mustard is what makes this delicacy to moreish and different from others!
Kachori:
There is nothing that can match the taste of Rajasthani Royals, and the best is from the city of Bikaner! Made from maida, these deep fried kachoris, are stuffed with a variety of fillings-onion, potato, peas and dal and are served alongside a refreshing bowl of curd, and imli and pudina chutney, making them a true paradise treat for foodies!
Chowmein:
Desi Chinese lovers, raise your hand! Chowmein is that one dish which dates back to the 90s and is one of the most popular street food delicacies of all times. Chowmein tossed on an open flame with veggies, spices and heaps of sauces is enough to make your mouth salivate at the mere sight of it! Veg or non-veg, just choose your pick and get swallowed into this world of tangy, peppery goodness!
We’re sure you all are salivating right now, because we definitely are! Stay tuned as we take you on our journey of the best street foods we’ve tasted all till date!
Comments