People who say popcorn is the only “real” binge-watching snack have clearly never tried watching a thriller while juggling a hot samosa or absent-mindedly finishing an entire packet of aloo bhujia during an emotional breakdown scene. Indian snacks don’t sit quietly in a bowl; they come with personality, drama, loud flavour, and exactly the kind of energy a good series deserves. So if you’re settling in for a long night with your favourite show, here are ten Indian snacks that don’t just compete with popcorn; they outshine it the way a solid plot twist overshadows a predictable love triangle.
10 Indian Snacks That Make The Binge-Watching Experience Slap
1. Murukku / Chakli
There’s something deeply satisfying about Indian snacks, especially the tight spiral of a chakli. You take a bite and it snaps cleanly, the way a good episode cuts to a cliffhanger. Made with rice and urad dal flour, it’s crisp without being oily and holds its crunch for hours. This makes it perfect for shows where you physically cannot look away; it is the “blind grab and bite” snack.
2. Aloo Bhujia
Aloo bhujia is one of the Indian snacks that should have its own IMDb page at this point. It quietly turns up in every Indian household, steals the spotlight, and leaves everyone wondering how half the packet disappeared so fast. The mixture of spice, tang, and that feather-light texture makes it dangerously binge-compatible. Eat it straight from the pack or sprinkle some on top of Maggi; you’ll still finish the whole thing before the opening credits end.
3. Makhana
If someone ever studied the glow-up trajectory of Indian snacks, makhana would be the prime case. What used to be a temple food is now a peri-peri-coated, ghee-roasted, fitness-influencer-approved binge essential. It’s light, it’s crunchy, and it’s ideal for multi-episode marathons where your stomach needs to keep up with your curiosity.
Also Read: Did You Know How Makhana AKA Fox Nuts, Is Actually Made? Chef Sanjyot Kheer Breaks It Down!
4. Samosa
A samosa is one of the Indian snacks that basically has a subplot of its own. The crisp exterior, the soft-spiced filling – everything inside is a surprise, just like a chaotic season finale. If you’re worried about mess, go for mini samosas. They still deliver the full “chai-time-meets-OTT” vibe without requiring a plate, napkin, or a tactical eating strategy.
5. Bhel Puri
No snack feels more alive than bhel. It’s bright and unpredictable, and your entire experience depends on the exact spoonful you pick up. One bite is all puffed rice, the next is a mint chutney explosion, and the next is raw mango hiding like a cameo appearance. If your show is fast-paced, Bhel is the only snack that can keep up with the energy.
Also Read: It’s A Girl For Rajkummar Rao & Patralekhaa! Kailash Parbat Catered Chaat For Baby Shower
6. Paneer / Chicken Tikka Bites
Sometimes you want more than crunch; you want real food while still pretending you’re “just snacking.” Tikka bites strike the perfect balance. Juicy, smoky, and coated with masala, they deliver restaurant-level happiness without the drama of a full meal. Mint chutney on the side, optional; bingeing another episode while eating them, guaranteed.
Also Read: Eat Like A Local: 12 Best Restaurants In Varanasi Across Budgets And Cuisines
7. Khakhra
Khakhra isn’t dramatic. It is one of the Indian snacks that doesn’t crumble all over your bedsheet or coat your fingers in masala. It simply exists with confidence, thin, crisp and unbothered. And flavoured khakhras? They turn into an entire tasting session while you binge. Methi, jeera, cheese, garlic, pav bhaji, and pani puri – every flavour feels like a quick detour to a different cuisine without leaving your sofa.
8. Chole Kulche Roll / Frankie
This is the binge snack you reach for when the plot thickens and your stomach demands a real supporting character. Take soft kulcha or roti, pack in spicy chole, a handful of onions, and chaat masala, and roll it tight. It’s portable, satisfying, and gives you that cosy street-food joy without pausing the show. If you prefer protein, swap the filling for paneer tikka or chicken, still a star.
9. Kerala Banana Chips
You know a snack means business when you can hear its crunch from another room. Kerala banana chips, whether the classic salted kind or the jaggery-coated sarkara varatti, are impossible to stop eating once you open the packet. They’re crisp without being fragile, well-spiced without being overwhelming, and honestly, way more dependable than popcorn, which loses half its charm once it cools.
Also Read: Diwali 2025: 47 Incredible Gifts For Every Budget To Make Your Loved Ones Smile
10. Masala Peanuts / Moongfali
Masala peanuts are the “background score” of Indian snacking, always present, always elevating the mood. Warm, spicy, and coated with that chatpata seasoning that clings to your fingers in the best possible way, they pair perfectly with cold drinks and suspense-filled shows. They’re filling, inexpensive, and universally loved – a true Indian classic.
Popcorn has nostalgia. Fair. But Indian snacks have a range. They can be crunchy, light, spicy, comforting, rich, nostalgic, or full-blown indulgent, all depending on your mood and the madness unfolding on screen. The next time you sit down to binge something, skip the predictable stuff. Grab chakli, bhel, or even a tikka roll. Your show will feel better, the evening will feel better, and you’ll suddenly realise why Indians never really needed popcorn in the first place.
Cover Image Courtesy: subodhsathe/CanvaPro and anastasiasuravera/CanvaPro
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE.