10 Street Food Items in India That Will Tantalize Your Taste Buds

From the bustling streets of Delhi to the vibrant markets of Mumbai, every corner of this incredible country offers a plethora of mouth-watering street food delicacies that are hard to resist. In this article, we bring you the top 10 street food items in India that you must try on your next visit to this food paradise.

1. Pani Puri (Golgappa)

A popular street food item across the nation, Pani Puri is a delicious concoction of crispy hollow puris filled with a tangy-spicy mixture of tamarind water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas. This delightful snack is known by different names in different regions, such as Golgappa in Delhi, Puchka in West Bengal, and Gup Chup in Odisha. The explosion of flavors in your mouth with every bite of Pani Puri is an experience you simply cannot miss.

Variations:

Dahi Puri: Pani Puri filled with sweet yogurt, tamarind chutney, and sev

Sev Puri: Flat puris topped with mashed potatoes, chutneys, and sev.

2. Vada Pav

Originating from the bustling city of Mumbai, Vada Pav is often referred to as the Indian burger. This scrumptious snack consists of a spiced potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between a soft bun (pav) and served with an assortment of chutneys. Vada Pav is not only a popular street food in Maharashtra but has also gained immense popularity across India as an affordable and filling snack.

Variations:

Cheese Vada Pav: Vada Pav with a slice of cheese

Schezwan Vada Pav: Vada Pav with spicy Schezwan sauce.

3. Samosa

A classic Indian street food, Samosa is a deep-fried, triangular pastry filled with a mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. Crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, Samosas are best enjoyed with a side of spicy green chutney or tangy tamarind chutney. This delightful snack is a popular choice for evening tea-time treats and is available in almost every street food vendor's menu across India.

Variations:

Punjabi Samosa: Larger-sized samosa with a thicker pastry and different filling

Keema Samosa: Samosa filled with minced meat.

4. Pav Bhaji

A quintessential Mumbai street food, Pav Bhaji is a spicy and flavorful vegetable curry served with buttered pav (bread rolls). Prepared with a mix of mashed vegetables and pav bhaji masala, this lip-smacking dish is best enjoyed hot with a generous dollop of butter and a side of chopped onions and lemon wedges. This wholesome meal is available at almost every street food vendor in India, especially in the western regions.

Variations:

Cheese Pav Bhaji: Pav Bhaji topped with grated cheese

Paneer Pav Bhaji: Pav Bhaji with added paneer (cottage cheese) cubes.

5. Kebabs

Having their roots in Mughal cuisine, Kebabs are a popular non-vegetarian street food item in India. Made from marinated and grilled meat, Kebabs come in various forms like Seekh Kebab, Galouti Kebab, and Shami Kebab. These succulent and juicy kebabs are best enjoyed with a side of mint chutney and crisp onions. The bustling streets of Old Delhi, Lucknow, and Hyderabad are famous for their delicious kebab offerings.

Variations:

Tandoori Chicken: Marinated chicken grilled in a Tandoor (clay oven)

Hara Bhara Kebab: Vegetarian kebab made with spinach, peas, and potatoes.

6. Chaat

Chaat is an umbrella term for a wide variety of savory snacks that are typically served at road-side stalls in India. The word "chaat" is derived from the Hindi word "chaatna," which means to lick, indicating the finger-licking goodness of these snacks. Some popular varieties of chaat include Bhel Puri, Aloo Tikki, and Papdi Chaat. Each region of India has its own unique chaat delicacies, making this street food item an integral part of Indian cuisine.

Variations:

Dahi Bhalla: Soft lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt and topped with chutneys

Kachori Chaat: Crispy kachoris filled with spicy lentil mixture and topped with yogurt, chutneys, and sev.

7. Momos

Originally from the northeastern states of India, Momos have now become a popular street food item across the country. These steamed or fried dumplings are filled with a variety of ingredients like minced vegetables, chicken, or pork and are usually served with a spicy dipping sauce. The soft and juicy momos are a perfect treat for those looking for a quick and satisfying snack.

Variations:

Tandoori Momos: Momos marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled in a Tandoor

Cheese Momos: Momos filled with a mixture of vegetables and cheese.

8. Dosa

A popular South Indian dish, Dosa is a thin and crispy pancake made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (black lentils). Dosas are usually served with a side of coconut chutney, tomato chutney, and sambar (lentil soup). This versatile dish comes in various forms like Masala Dosa, Rava Dosa, and Mysore Dosa, making it a favorite among street food lovers.

Variations:

Onion Rava Dosa: Dosa made with semolina and topped with chopped onions

Paneer Dosa: Dosa filled with spicy paneer (cottage cheese) masala.

9. Chole Bhature

A popular North Indian dish, Chole Bhature is a combination of spicy chickpea curry (chole) and deep-fried, fluffy bread (bhature). This flavorsome and filling dish is often served with a side of yogurt, pickle, and salad. Chole Bhature is a popular choice for breakfast or lunch and is widely available at street food vendors across North India, especially in Delhi and Punjab.

Variations:

Pindi Chole: A slightly tangy and dry version of chole.

Aloo Bhatura: Bhatura stuffed with a spiced potato mixture.

10. Kathi Rolls

Originating from the city of Kolkata, Kathi Rolls are a popular street food item in India. These delicious rolls consist of a paratha (flatbread) stuffed with a choice of fillings like marinated and grilled chicken, mutton, or paneer, along with a mix of vegetables and sauces. Wrapped in paper and served hot, Kathi Rolls make for a perfect on-the-go snack.

Variations:

Egg Roll: Kathi Roll with an added layer of egg on the paratha.

Veg Kathi Roll: Kathi Roll with a mixture of vegetables and paneer (cottage cheese).

These top 10 street food items in India are not only a treat to the taste buds but also offer a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of the country. So, the next time you visit India, make sure to indulge in these delectable street food delicacies and experience the true flavors of this incredible land.