Craving a comforting snack that satisfies your taste buds and transports you to the vibrant streets of India? Look no further than the delightful world of Indian street food snacks! From crispy samosas to mouthwatering pav bhaji, these savory treats are sure to leave you craving for more. Whether you’re a fan of spicy flavors or mild tang, there’s a street food snack for every palate. So, prepare your taste buds for a tantalizing journey and discover your preferred Indian street food snack for an indulgent and comforting treat.
Traditional Indian street food snacks
Samosa
Samosas are a beloved street food snack in India that you simply cannot resist. These triangular pastries are typically filled with a mouthwatering mixture of potatoes, peas, and spices. The outer shell is crispy and flaky, making every bite a delightful experience. Whether enjoyed on their own or accompanied by tamarind chutney or mint chutney, samosas are a perfect blend of flavors and textures that will leave you wanting more.
Vada Pav
Originating from the state of Maharashtra, Vada Pav is often referred to as the Indian version of a burger. It consists of a spicy potato fritter, known as vada, sandwiched between a pav, a soft bread roll. This street food delight is commonly served with garlic chutney and fried green chili for an extra kick of flavor. Vada Pav is a go-to snack for many, as it is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying.
Pani Puri
Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka, is a popular street food snack that is loved throughout India. This tangy and spicy treat consists of hollow crisp puris filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes, sprouts, and flavored water made with tamarind, mint, and chaat masala. The burst of flavors when you pop a Pani Puri into your mouth is simply irresistible. If you’re in the mood for a refreshing and flavorful snack, Pani Puri is the way to go.
Bhel Puri
Bhel Puri is a delightful combination of puffed rice, mixed with chopped onions, tomatoes, potatoes, and an assortment of tangy and savory chutneys. This light and refreshing snack is typically garnished with sev, a crispy noodle-like snack, and fresh coriander leaves. The combination of textures and flavors in Bhel Puri make it a popular choice for those who crave a delicious and satisfying street food snack.
Aloo Tikki
Aloo Tikki, or potato cutlets, are a classic street food snack that will leave you craving for more. These crispy and golden brown potato patties are usually flavored with a blend of spices such as cumin and coriander. Aloo Tikki is often served with a variety of chutneys like mint chutney, tamarind chutney, and yogurt, creating a tantalizing mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors. Whether enjoyed on its own or in a bun as an Aloo Tikki burger, this snack is a crowd pleaser.
Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is a Mumbai street food favorite that consists of a thick and flavorful vegetable curry, known as bhaji, served with buttered pav, a soft bread roll. The bhaji is made by simmering a medley of vegetables, such as potatoes, peas, carrots, and capsicum, in a fragrant tomato-based sauce. The dish is typically garnished with chopped onions, coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lime juice. The combination of the rich and spicy bhaji with the buttery pav is a match made in street food heaven.
Regional street food specialties
Chole Bhature from North India
Chole Bhature is a famous street food from North India, particularly Punjab. It is a combination of fluffy deep-fried bread, known as bhature, and spicy chickpea curry, called chole. The bhature are soft and crispy, while the chole are packed with aromatic spices, creating a delectable and comforting meal. This indulgent street food specialty is often garnished with pickles, onions, and a side of yogurt, providing a burst of flavors with every bite.
Dabeli from Gujarat
Originating from the state of Gujarat, Dabeli is a unique and flavorful street food snack that is sure to leave you wanting more. It is made by stuffing a pav with a spiced mixture of mashed potatoes, onions, peanuts, and a special dabeli masala. The stuffed pav is then toasted in butter and garnished with sev, pomegranate seeds, and crispy fried onions. The combination of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors in Dabeli makes it a must-try street food snack.
Misal Pav from Maharashtra
Misal Pav is a popular street food dish from the western state of Maharashtra. It is a spicy curry made with sprouted moth beans (matki) and a blend of spices, topped with farsan (crispy snack mix) and served with buttered pav. The flavors of Misal Pav vary from region to region, but it is typically garnished with finely chopped onions, coriander leaves, and a squeeze of lime juice. The spiciness and crunchiness of the farsan combined with the softness of the pav make Misal Pav a beloved street food choice.
Aloo Tikki Chole from Delhi
In Delhi, Aloo Tikki Chole is a street food specialty that is a favorite among locals and tourists alike. It consists of crispy potato patties (aloo tikki) served with a flavorful chickpea curry (chole) and an assortment of chutneys. The combination of the crunchy exterior of the aloo tikki, the creamy chole, and the burst of flavors from the chutneys creates a delightful culinary experience. Aloo Tikki Chole is often garnished with finely chopped onions, green chilies, and fresh coriander leaves for an added kick.
Indulgent street food treats
Jalebi
Jalebi is a beloved Indian sweet that is often consumed as a street food treat. These deep-fried pretzel-shaped desserts are made by fermenting a batter made from all-purpose flour and yogurt, which is then soaked in sugar syrup. Jalebis are crispy on the outside and syrupy on the inside, and they are often enjoyed warm. The sweet and aromatic flavors of Jalebi make it a popular choice for those with a sweet tooth.
Kulfi
Kulfi is a rich and creamy frozen dessert that is often enjoyed as a street food treat on a hot day. It is made by boiling milk with sugar and cardamom until it thickens, then freezing it in molds. Kulfi comes in various flavors such as pistachio, mango, and saffron, and it has a dense and smooth texture. The cool and refreshing taste of Kulfi is a perfect way to beat the heat and indulge in a delightful sweet treat.
Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is a classic Indian sweet that is a favorite at street food stalls and during festive occasions. These deep-fried milk-based dumplings are soaked in a sugar syrup infused with rose water, giving them their distinctive sweet and floral flavor. Gulab Jamuns have a soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture, making them a popular choice for those craving a rich and indulgent dessert.
Rabri Falooda
Rabri Falooda is a decadent street food dessert that is loved throughout India. It is made by layering rose-flavored vermicelli, known as falooda, with thickened sweetened milk, called rabri. The dessert is often garnished with a variety of toppings such as chopped nuts, rose petals, and a scoop of ice cream. The combination of the silky rabri, the chewy falooda, and the assortment of flavors and textures make Rabri Falooda a delightful and satisfying treat.
Healthy street food options
Chana Chaat
Chana Chaat is a nutritious and flavorful street food snack that is popular across India. It is made with boiled chickpeas, chopped onions, tomatoes, and cucumber, mixed with spices, lemon juice, and tangy tamarind chutney. Chana Chaat is often garnished with sev and fresh coriander leaves. This protein-packed snack is not only delicious but also a healthier alternative to some of the more indulgent street food options.
Fruit Chaat
Fruit Chaat is a refreshing and healthy street food option that is widely enjoyed. It consists of a variety of seasonal fruits, such as apples, bananas, pomegranates, and oranges, mixed with spices, chaat masala, and a squeeze of lemon juice. The combination of sweet and tangy flavors in Fruit Chaat makes it a perfect snack for anyone looking for a light and refreshing treat.
Sprout Bhel
Sprout Bhel is a nutritious twist on the classic Bhel Puri. It is made with sprouted lentils, such as mung beans or chickpeas, mixed with puffed rice, chopped onions, tomatoes, and a variety of chutneys. The sprouts add a healthy dose of protein and fiber to the dish, making it a satisfying and energizing street food option. Sprout Bhel is often garnished with sev and fresh coriander leaves for that extra crunch and burst of flavors.
Masala Corn
Masala Corn is a popular and healthy street food snack that is loved by both kids and adults. It is made by boiling or roasting sweet corn kernels and tossing them with a blend of spices such as chaat masala, red chili powder, and lemon juice. Masala Corn is a great source of fiber and minerals, and it is a guilt-free option for those who want to enjoy a savory and flavorful street food snack.
Vegan-friendly street food snacks
Pav Bhaji without butter
Pav Bhaji can easily be made vegan-friendly by omitting the butter in the recipe. The delicious vegetable curry, made with a mix of mashed potatoes, peas, and various spices, can still be enjoyed with butter-fried pav. The absence of butter does not compromise the flavor of the dish, and it makes it suitable for those following a vegan lifestyle.
Vegetable Momos
Vegetable Momos are a popular street food snack in India, particularly in the northern regions. These steamed dumplings are filled with a mixture of finely chopped vegetables and spices. They are typically served with spicy dipping sauces such as tomato chutney or Szechuan sauce. Vegetable Momos are a healthy and satisfying vegan option that is enjoyed by many.
Pani Puri without yogurt
Pani Puri can be easily adapted to a vegan diet by simply omitting the yogurt from the filling. The tangy and spicy flavored water, made with tamarind, mint, and chaat masala, combined with the crispy puris and the mixture of mashed potatoes and sprouts, still creates a burst of flavors without the need for dairy products. Vegan Pani Puri is a light and refreshing street food snack that is perfect for those who want to enjoy the experience without any animal-derived ingredients.
Aloo Tikki without yogurt
Aloo Tikki is a vegan-friendly street food snack that can easily be enjoyed without the addition of yogurt. The crispy potato patties, seasoned with spices and served with a variety of chutneys, are flavorful on their own. The absence of yogurt does not compromise the taste or texture of the dish, making it a delicious option for vegans and non-vegans alike.
Street food snacks for spice lovers
Mirchi Vada
Mirchi Vada is a street food snack for those who love spice. It consists of large green chilies filled with a spicy potato filling, dipped in a gram flour batter, and deep-fried to perfection. The crispy and fiery Mirchi Vada is often enjoyed with a side of fresh yogurt or mint chutney to help cool down the heat. If you’re a spice lover, this snack will provide a fiery kick that you won’t forget.
Pakoda
Pakoda is a deep-fried snack that comes in various forms and flavors. It typically consists of sliced vegetables, such as onions, potatoes, or spinach, coated in a spiced gram flour batter and fried until golden brown. Pakodas are perfect for spice lovers as they can be made as mild or as spicy as desired by adjusting the amount of chili powder or other spices. Whether enjoyed on a rainy day or as a tea-time snack, Pakodas are sure to satisfy your craving for spice.
Dahi Vada
Dahi Vada is a popular street food snack that combines the coolness of yogurt with the heat of spices. These lentil-based dumplings are soaked in water, then topped with whisked yogurt, tamarind chutney, and an assortment of spices such as cumin, chili powder, and chaat masala. The combination of the soft and tangy vadas with the creamy yogurt and spicy chutney creates a harmonious balance of flavors that spice lovers will appreciate.
Dabeli
Dabeli, mentioned earlier as a regional street food specialty, is also a great choice for spice lovers. The spiced potato mixture, known as dabeli masala, provides a savory and fiery flavor that is complemented by the sweetness of pomegranate seeds and the crunchiness of sev. With various chutneys and fried green chilies added to the mix, Dabeli is a street food snack that will satisfy your spicy cravings.
Vada Pav
Vada Pav, another street food snack mentioned earlier, is a suitable choice for spice lovers. The spicy potato fritter, served between a pav and accompanied by garlic chutney and fried chili, delivers a burst of heat and flavor. The combination of the spiciness with the softness of the pav creates a tantalizing experience for those who enjoy a bit of spice in their street food snacks.
Sweet and savory street food combinations
Kachori with Aloo Sabzi
Kachori with Aloo Sabzi is a popular street food combination that offers a mix of sweet and savory flavors. Kachori is a deep-fried pastry filled with a spiced lentil or potato mixture. It is often enjoyed with a side of aloo sabzi, a spicy and tangy potato curry. The combination of the flaky kachori with the flavorful aloo sabzi creates a delightful experience that is both satisfying and delicious.
Bread Pakora with Chutney
Bread Pakora with Chutney is a street food combination that is commonly enjoyed as a tea-time snack in India. Bread Pakoras are made by dipping slices of bread in a chickpea flour batter, then deep-frying them until golden and crispy. These crunchy fritters are often served with a variety of chutneys like mint chutney or tamarind chutney. The combination of the crispy pakoras with the tangy and flavorful chutneys is a match made in street food heaven.
Samosa Chaat
Samosa Chaat is a mouthwatering combination of two beloved street food snacks: samosas and chaat. It involves breaking open samosas and topping them with a mixture of spiced chickpeas, yogurt, chutneys, and an assortment of crunchy sev and chopped onions. The blend of textures and flavors in Samosa Chaat creates a unique and delicious street food experience that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Dahi Puri
Dahi Puri is a popular street food option that combines the sweet and tangy flavors of Pani Puri with the creaminess of yogurt. In this delightful snack, hollow puris are filled with a mixture of mashed potatoes, sprouts, and flavored water, then topped with whisked yogurt, tamarind chutney, and spices. The combination of the crispy puris, the tangy yogurt, and the burst of flavors from the chutney creates a sensational taste that will surely leave you wanting more.
Street food snacks for the adventurous
Chaat Pizza
Chaat Pizza is a fusion street food snack that combines the flavors of Indian chaat with the popular Italian dish. It typically involves topping a pizza base with a mixture of chopped onions, tomatoes, and other vegetables, along with an assortment of tangy and savory chutneys. The pizza is then baked to perfection, creating a unique and adventurous combination of flavors that will satisfy your cravings for both chaat and pizza.
Cheese-filled Golgappa
Cheese-filled Golgappa is a mouthwatering twist on the classic Pani Puri. Golgappas, or hollow puris, are filled with a mixture of melted cheese and flavored water, creating a delightful burst of flavors with each bite. This innovative and indulgent street food snack is perfect for those who love cheese and want to experience a different take on a traditional favorite.
Maggi Bhel
Maggi Bhel is a creative street food snack that combines the popular instant noodles, Maggi, with the flavors of Bhel Puri. It involves boiling Maggi noodles, then mixing them with chopped onions, tomatoes, spices, and a variety of chutneys. The result is a crunchy and flavorful snack that offers a unique twist on the traditional Maggi noodles and Bhel Puri. Maggi Bhel is a must-try for those who enjoy experimenting with different flavors.
Noodle Dosa
Noodle Dosa is an interesting fusion of two beloved street food items: dosa and noodles. It involves spreading a thin layer of dosa batter on a hot griddle, then sprinkling cooked noodles on top. The dosa is cooked until crispy and golden brown, creating a delightful combination of the South Indian staple and the flavors of noodles. Whether enjoyed on its own or with chutney, Noodle Dosa is a fun and adventurous street food snack.
Popular street food snacks with a twist
Kathi Roll
Kathi Roll is a popular street food snack that originated in Kolkata. It is made by wrapping a variety of fillings, such as spiced chicken or paneer (Indian cottage cheese), in a paratha or roti. The filling is often accompanied by onions, chutney, and a sprinkle of lime juice. The Kathi Roll is then rolled up tightly and served as a convenient and flavorful street food option. This twist on the traditional wrap is a favorite among street food enthusiasts.
Butter Chicken Naanwich
Butter Chicken Naanwich is a creative spin on the classic Butter Chicken dish. It involves filling a soft and fluffy naan bread with succulent pieces of butter chicken, along with onions, tomatoes, and a drizzle of creamy sauce. This fusion street food snack combines the flavors of a traditional Indian curry with the convenience of a handheld sandwich. The Butter Chicken Naanwich is a savory and indulgent treat that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Chow Mein Samosa
Chow Mein Samosa is a unique fusion snack that combines the flavors of Chinese stir-fried noodles, known as chow mein, with the crispy goodness of samosas. It involves stuffing samosa wrappers with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, noodles, and spices, then deep-frying them until golden brown. The result is a crispy and flavorful snack that offers a delightful blend of Indian and Chinese cuisines. Chow Mein Samosa is perfect for those who enjoy the bold and savory flavors of both cuisines.
Street food snacks for a quick bite
Pav Sandwich
Pav Sandwich is a popular street food option for those looking for a quick and filling bite. It involves stuffing a pav with a variety of fillings such as sliced vegetables, cheese, or grilled paneer. The sandwich is often accompanied by a spread of chutney or mayo for added flavor. This convenient snack can be enjoyed on the go and is perfect for anyone in need of a quick and satisfying street food fix.
Veg Frankie
Veg Frankie is a street food snack that offers a flavorful combination of Indian spices and rolled bread. It involves stuffing a roti or paratha with a mixture of sautéed vegetables, along with chutney and spices. The roti is then rolled up tightly, creating a convenient and delicious snack that can be enjoyed anytime. Veg Frankie is a popular choice for those who want a quick and flavorful street food option.
Masala Dosa
Masala Dosa is a quintessential South Indian street food snack that is perfect for a quick bite. It consists of a crispy and thin rice and lentil crepe, known as dosa, filled with a spiced potato mixture. Masala Dosa is typically served with coconut chutney and sambar, a flavorful lentil soup. This satisfying and convenient snack is enjoyed by many for its delicious flavors and its ability to be eaten on the go.
Cheese Corn Balls
Cheese Corn Balls are a delectable street food snack that is quick and easy to make. They are made by combining corn kernels, cheese, and spices, forming them into balls, and deep-frying until golden and crispy. These cheesy and flavorful bites are perfect for those craving something savory and satisfying. Cheese Corn Balls are often enjoyed as an appetizer or a quick snack, making them an ideal choice for a quick bite on the streets.
Indian street food offers a plethora of options for every palate, from traditional snacks to indulgent treats, healthy options, vegan-friendly choices, and dishes that cater to spice lovers. Whether you prefer the savory and crispy samosas, the refreshing and tangy Pani Puri, or the creamy and indulgent Gulab Jamun, the vibrant street food scene in India has something for everyone. So the next time you find yourself craving a comforting treat, head to the streets of India and indulge in the incredible flavors and aromas of traditional Indian street food snacks.
