10 Cities Known For Their Street Food That You Must Add To Your Wishlist

Are you on the search for the best street food in India? If yes, then you’ve come to the right place as we have curated a list of Indian cities that are known across the globe for their lip-smacking street food. We all know that Indian streets are heaven for food lovers, and each city has its signature dish that is loved not only by locals but tourists as well. From flavour-loaded chaat in Delhi to spicy misal pav in Pune, these street delicacies are not mere snacks; they reflect the city’s culture and its love for unique flavours. Come with us as we explore the 10 cities known for their iconic street food.

10 Indian Cities Known For Delectable Street Food 

1. Delhi – Chaat

Delhi is not Delhi without its famous chaat, especially aloo tikki chaat and papdi chaat. These street foods offer a perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours. You can find it in almost every corner of the city, especially in Chandni Chowk, which is a popular spot in the city for chaat papdi, aloo tikki chaat, bhalla papdi, and more. The vendors in the capital make sure to amp up the flavours with a generous sprinkle of masala on top. Apart from chaat, Delhi is also famous for its gol gappas and Ram ladoos.

2. Mumbai – Vada Pav

We can’t talk about Mumbai without mentioning the lip-smacking vada pav. A cheap and filling roadside street food snack, it is usually made by putting a fried potato vada between pavs, slathered with chutney, gunpowder, and green chilli. It’s so delicious that people rarely stop at one. Considered slightly spicy, it’s a favourite among those who like their snacks flavourful. Along with vada pav, Mumbai is also known for its Bombay sandwiches and pav bhajis.

3. Kolkata – Puchka

If there’s one thing that is adored by every food lover in Kolkata, it has to be puchka. People often compare it with Delhi’s gol gappas, but let us tell you, the spice mix, tamarind chutney, and the flavour of mashed potatoes used to fill crispy hollow puris in Kolkata taste entirely different. Its sour and tangy water makes it one of the most loved Indian street foods. Besides that, the city is also known for its iconic kathi rolls.

Also Read: From Locho To Bhajiya, Best Street Food In Surat You Have To Try

4. Lucknow – Tunday Kabab

A legacy of royal Nawabi kitchens, the streets of Lucknow are incomplete without their legendary Tunday kabab. Made with minced meat and special Indian spices, these melt-in-the-mouth kebabs are a favourite among both locals and tourists. They can be enjoyed alone or with soft rumali rotis. Additionally, the city is also known for street foods like galouti kebab and kulfi falooda.

5. Amritsar – Amritsari Chole Kulche

Visited Amritsar but didn’t eat the spicy Amritsari chole kulche? You’ve missed out big time! Stuffed with onion, potato, and paneer, these kulchas are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. Served hot with spicy chole and tangy onion chutney, it is one of the most loved Indian street foods. Commonly enjoyed as a breakfast dish, these buttery kulchas are quite filling too. Moreover, Amritsar is also popular for its bun chole and aam papad.

6. Indore – Poha

It’s a well-known fact that the streets of Indore are incomplete without their beloved Indori poha. It’s not just a breakfast option but a street food that holds emotional value in the hearts of locals. Made with flattened puffed rice, this Indian street food is tempered with mustard seeds, turmeric, and green chillies. What makes it even better is the generous topping of sev for an added crisp. Indori poha is often served with jalebis on the side, offering a perfect sweet and savoury balance.

7. Hyderabad – Keema Samosa

Hyderabad is a city with a vibrant street food culture and many hidden gems. However, one street food snack that stands out and is loved by everyone is the keema samosa. Unlike the usual samosa, these are stuffed with minced meat or chicken, onions, and spices, making it a hearty evening snack. People enjoy it alone or pair it with spicy green chutney or ketchup. Moreover, Hyderabad is also known for its Osmania biscuits, Irani chai, and mirchi bhaji.

8. Jaipur – Pyaaz Kachori

Jaipur, the pink city of India, is incomplete without its beloved pyaaz kachori. One of the best street foods in not just the Pink City but also India, kachoris are crispy, flaky pastries stuffed with a spicy onion filling. Served hot with tamarind chutney, this snack is bursting with flavours and loved by all generations. You’ll find this savoury delight at roadside stalls, sweet shops, and market corners. Additionally, Jaipur is also quite famous for its mirchi vada and mawa kachori.

Also Read: 7 Best Street Food Dishes In The World That You Probably Love!

9. Mysuru – Mysore Masala Dosa

Mysuru is known for its tempting masala dosa. With a crispy outer crust, it’s stuffed with spicy potato mixture and smeared with red chilli paste on the inside, which makes it stand apart from other dosas. This Indian street food is served hot with sambar and creamy coconut chutney on the side. You can find it easily at restaurants and roadside stalls, with people enjoying it with a cup of filter coffee for breakfast.

10. Bihar – Litti Chokha

Coming to another city, Bihar’s litti chokha needs no introduction. A relatively healthy option, litti is a round wheat flour ball stuffed with spiced sattu. It is roasted over coals and served with chokha, a spicy and smoky mash of roasted vegetables like brinjal, tomato, and boiled potato. Tempered with mustard oil, garlic, and traditional spices, this Indian street food is bound to leave an explosion of flavour in your palate.

Each city is known for its unique taste and flavour. In fact, Indian street food is not just about eating but also about experiencing the city’s culture and love. So, which one are you tempted to taste first?

Cover Image Courtesy: Freepik (Representative Image)