From Heirloom Tomatoes To Chhattisgarh’s Fiery Ants, Chef Varun Gives Pani Puri A Makeover; Netizens Say, “Save Pani Puri”

Indian street food is OG! Nothing can replace the delicious street food of India like aloo chaat, samosa, or pani puri. As times change, people try different variations of classic street food. In restaurants, Pani Puri is served with pani in syringes, while Pav Bhaji is served in a fondue pot. However, a new Pani Puri variation has come across on social media. A video that went viral on Instagram features chefs transforming a popular dish, Pani Puri, which includes ant-garnishing.

A Look In The Video Featuring Pani Puri With Ants

Indian Chef Varun Totlani recently collaborated with Thai chefs Dej Kewkacha and ThTid Tassanakajohn in making some fusion dishes, which Varun called the ‘perfect crossover between India and Thailand.’ This crossover features Thai curry innovation with Pani Puri.

The chefs made this combination with puri’s from India; the stuffing is Thai heirloom tomatoes with fermented beans. The pani is coconut milk with tonnes of different aromatics. However, the highlight is that they are topped with tangy fire ants from Chhattisgarh.

The video showcases puris filled with tomatoes and beans, coconut milk instead of the classic tamarind or pudina water, and a unique ant topping. The post has garnered 65,000 views and 1000 likes, resulting in diverse comments from users.

Chef Varun Totlani has his own restaurant called Masque Resturant, which comes in at the 23rd number in Asia, 78th in the world, and has been ranked as the best Indian food for 3 consecutive years.

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Netizens’ Reaction To This Innovation

The comments on the video for this innovation are varying in different directions. Some people were intrigued by the ant-based variation of Pani Puri, while others were dissatisfied with this innovation added to Indian street food. Here are the comments.

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Well, the original Indian street food will remain a classic, despite the emergence of various fusions and unique flavours.

Cover Image Credit: Instagram/@varuntotlani

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