Without a mouthwatering snack, evening tea would be lacking. There are numerous types of street foods eaten throughout India. South Indians typically eat vadas with their chai, while North Indians traditionally eat pakode. Bengalis, on the other hand, typically eat telebhaja with their chai. Clearly, there is much more to tea-time snacks than what you find on your local streets. Here are the all-time popular street foods that you can easily find or, better yet, prepare at home.
Best Street Foods You Must Try
1. Aloo Tikki
Anyone who has ever tried aloo tikki will find themselves drooling whenever they pass a tikki stall on the street. This fried potato tikki lathered in curd, tamarind chutney, and mint chutney explodes with flavour in your mouth with every bite. Some vendors top it off with spiced chickpeas as well, adding more flavour.
2. Dabeli
The main ingredient in dabeli is its special masala, which has people coming back for more. It is primarily an aloo patty placed inside a bun and topped with the flavourful special masala and an explosive chutney made with chillies, dates, tamarind, and garlic. Sometimes it is served with condiments like roasted peanuts and pomegranate, which add some crunch to the dish.
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3. Bhelpuri
One street food that we can all enjoy without feeling guilty later is Bhelpuri. This low-calorie mixture of flavour and joy is available everywhere you go. Originally from the beaches of Mumbai, it is a lip-smacking treat. Primarily made with puffed rice, it is thoroughly tossed in spices, chutneys, onions, and tomatoes. Bhelpuri offers a burst of flavour and crunch in every bite.
4. Dahi Bhalla
Soft balls of sweet and tangy flavours are a favourite of every person who tries them once. Popular in Delhi, dahi bhalla is basically lentil fritters soaked in dahi, chutneys and spices. They are sometimes topped with cashews and pomegranate seeds.
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5. Ram Laddoo
Delhi special ram laddoos are delicious, crispy fritters made with moong dal. Topped with condiments like radish and tangy green chutney, this dish is simple yet immensely flavourful.
6. Pakoras
Crispy and deep-fried, pakoras are the quintessential companion to a steaming cup of chai. Whether they are made with potatoes, onions, or spinach, these savoury fritters offer a perfect blend of spices and textures. The spicy kick of the pakoras contrasts delightfully with the soothing warmth of your chai, creating a harmonious symphony of flavours.
7. Samosas
The crispy triangular pockets filled with spiced potatoes and peas are an iconic street food in many parts of the world. Pairing a hot samosa with your chai not only satisfies your craving for something crunchy but also introduces a burst of flavours that elevates your tea-drinking experience.
8. Vada Pav
Hailing from the streets of Mumbai, vada pav is a spicy and flavourful street food that consists of a deep-fried potato dumpling (vada) sandwiched between a pav (soft bread roll). The chutneys and spices used in vada pav provide a tantalising taste experience, perfectly complementing the robustness of a cup of chai.
9. Kachori
Kachori, a round, deep-fried pastry filled with a spicy mixture of lentils or peas, is a flavoursome street snack enjoyed across India. Its crispy exterior and savoury interior create a delightful contrast that enhances the chai experience, providing a burst of spices with each bite.
10. Dhokla
Originating from the western Indian state of Gujarat, dhokla is a spongy, steamed cake made from fermented rice and chickpea flour batter. Light and fluffy, dhokla pairs exceptionally well with chai, offering a subtle and tangy flavour profile that balances the richness of the tea.
11. Pav Bhaji
A beloved street food from Mumbai, pav bhaji is a medley of spiced mashed vegetables served with soft buttered pav. The buttery goodness of the pav, combined with the flavourful and mildly spicy bhaji, creates a comforting and satisfying street food experience when enjoyed alongside a cup of chai.
12. Jalebi
For those with a sweet tooth, jalebi is the perfect street dessert to enjoy with your chai. These coiled, deep-fried jalebis are soaked in sugar syrup, resulting in a sticky and sweet indulgence that contrasts beautifully with the warmth of your tea.
What are you still holding out for? Try out these treats and let us know what you think of them in the comments section.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons
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