15 Street Foods that One Must Try when in India!

1. Pav Bhaji!

Pav Bhaji is a popular Indian street food originating from Mumbai. It consists of a spicy vegetable mash (bhaji) served with buttered and toasted bread rolls (pav).

2. Masala Dosa!

Masala Dosa is a delicious South Indian dish consisting of a crispy crepe made from fermented rice and urad dal batter, filled with a spiced potato filling.

3. Chhole Bhature!

Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish that consists of spicy chickpea curry (chole) and deep-fried bread (bhature).

4. Vada Pav!

Vada Pav is a popular street food originating from Mumbai, India. It consists of a spicy potato filling (called "vada") sandwiched between a soft bread roll (called "pav").

5. Litti Chokha!

Litti Chokha is a traditional dish from the Indian state of Bihar, also popular in parts of Jharkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh.

It consists of two main components:

1. **Litti**: These are round wheat flour dough balls stuffed with a spicy mixture of roasted gram flour (sattu), spices, and herbs like carom seeds, nigella seeds, garlic, ginger, and mustard oil. The stuffed dough balls are traditionally baked over a cow dung fire or in a charcoal grill, but they can also be baked in a modern oven or cooked over a gas flame.

2. **Chokha**: This is a mashed vegetable preparation usually made with roasted eggplant (baingan), boiled potatoes (aloo), and roasted tomatoes (tamatar). The vegetables are mashed together and mixed with chopped onions, green chilies, coriander leaves, and mustard oil, giving it a distinctive smoky flavor.

Litti Chokha is often enjoyed with ghee (clarified butter) drizzled over the littis, adding a rich flavor to the dish. It is a hearty and nutritious meal, reflecting the rustic culinary traditions of Bihar and its neighboring regions.

6. Idli Vada!

Idli vada is a popular South Indian dish consisting of idlis (steamed rice cakes) and vadas (deep-fried lentil fritters). It's often served together with chutneys and sambar, making for a delicious and satisfying meal or snack.

7. Dabeli!

Dabeli is a popular Indian street food originating from the state of Gujarat. It consists of a spicy and tangy potato filling with various chutneys, onions, pomegranate seeds, and peanuts, sandwiched between buttered buns. Dabeli is known for its unique combination of flavors and textures, making it a favorite snack among many.

8. Bhelpuri!

Bhelpuri is a popular Indian street food snack from Mumbai, made with puffed rice (murmura), vegetables like onions, tomatoes, and boiled potatoes, along with tangy tamarind chutney and a blend of spices. It's usually garnished with sev (thin strands of fried gram flour) and coriander leaves. Bhelpuri is known for its refreshing and tangy flavors, making it a favorite during evenings or as a quick snack.

9. Bhutta!

Bhutta, also known as roasted corn on the cob, is a popular street food in India. It's typically grilled or roasted over charcoal or open flame until the kernels are tender and slightly charred. After roasting, the corn cob is often brushed with butter and seasoned with salt, chili powder, and lemon juice for added flavor. Bhutta is enjoyed hot and is a favorite snack, especially during the monsoon season or winter evenings.

10. Samosa!

Samosa is a popular Indian snack that consists of a crispy, flaky pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes minced meat or lentils. It's typically triangular in shape and deep-fried until golden brown. Samosas are enjoyed throughout India and are often served with tamarind chutney or mint chutney. They're known for their savory flavor and crunchy texture, making them a beloved snack or appetizer.

11. Aloo Chaat!

Aloo chaat is a popular Indian street food snack made primarily from boiled and cubed potatoes (aloo). These potatoes are typically seasoned with various spices such as chaat masala, cumin powder, red chili powder, and salt. Additionally, aloo chaat often includes chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, coriander leaves, and a drizzle of tamarind chutney or yogurt. It's known for its tangy, spicy, and savory flavors, making it a delightful and satisfying snack option.

12. Kathi Rolls!

Kathi rolls are a popular street food from Kolkata, India. They consist of a paratha (a type of Indian flatbread) rolled up with a filling, which can include spiced meats like chicken, mutton, or beef, as well as vegetarian options such as paneer or spiced potatoes. The filling is typically complemented with onions, green chutney, and sometimes an egg.

13. Bhajjiya!

Bhajjiya, also known as bhajiyas or pakoras, are a popular Indian snack made by deep-frying vegetables dipped in a spiced gram flour (besan) batter. They are crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, often enjoyed with chutney or tea.

14. Kachori Sabzi!

Kachori Sabzi is a delightful combination of stuffed, deep-fried kachoris served with a spicy potato curry. It’s a popular breakfast dish in many parts of North India.

15. Pani Puri!

Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka in different parts of India, is a beloved street food that consists of crispy hollow puris filled with spicy and tangy water, tamarind chutney, and a savory filling.

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