What is better than some tangy golgappas or spicy bhel mix followed by some brain-freezing chuski or even a refreshing piece of paan! These popular lip-smacking street delicacies not only amplify our taste buds but also depict the flavours and hues of various parts of our country.
After an exhausting session of shopping or a monotonous day at college, scrumptious street delicacies are sure to salivate your mouth. So here I present the top 10 appetizing street foods of India that are surely worth the scrutiny:
1. Vada Pav-
The signature street food of Maharashtra is widely cherished by people in all parts of India, especially northern India.It is a simple creation involving a deep-fried potato patty with some coriander and spices; it is served with 2 types of dips-namely mint chutney and sweet tamarind chutney. It’s tangy taste and easy-on-pocket trait makes it quite popular among the youth. It is easily available in any nook and corner of the city and comes for as less as INR 10.
2. Paanipuri-
Paanipuri or paani ke batase (in Punjab and Haryana), phuchhka (in east India), golgappa (in northern parts of India); is a street delicacy that is savoured by people of all ages. It consists of a round, hollow puri, fried crisp and filled with a mixture of flavoured water (pani), tamarind chutney, chilli, chaat masala, potato, onion and chickpeas. It is especially savoured by girls and ladies because of its sweet and sour tangy flavour.
3. ChholeBhature-
Being a very apt breakfast options for the foodie Punjabis of north India, this savoury makes it to the top of their preference list. It is a combination of chana masala (spicy chickpeas) and fried bread (made with maida flour). Sometimes, this chickpea preparation is also served with kulcha ( a type of Indian flatbread) or rice. Delhi is quite popular for this drool-worthy delicacy.
4. Sambharidli/vada-
The most renowned south Indian dish and one of the healthiest of all, sambar idli/vada stands out from the list of spicy and fried street foods. It is served with a variety of tasty dips or chutneys-coconut chutney, tomato and chilli chutney, gunpowder chutney. Traditionally this dish is served with big banana leaves. It is served in breakfast buffets throughout India due to its nutritional benefits.
5. Poha-jalebi –
This interesting combination of breakfast is widely savoured in central India. Poha (or flattened rice) is a preparation using fried groundnuts, onions and green chilli. Poha is garnished with sev, pomegranate seeds and then served with hot jalebis. This handy and wholesome breakfast is trending nowadays all over India.Poha is light and low in fat and calories, hence is liked by many.
6. Littichokha-
Litti along with chokha is a complete meal popular in the state of Bihar. Although it is not much popular in other states of India it is recently gaining fame. It is a preparation of dough balls made up of whole wheat flour and stuffed with sattu (roasted chickpea flour) mixed with herbs and spices and then roasted over coal or cow dung cakes, and tossed with lots of ghee. It may be eaten with yoghurt, baiganbharta, aloobharta and papad.
7. Aloo Tikki-
This scrumptious-looking savoury is a fad in northern India and is usually served with chole (spicy chickpea curry), garnished with onions, sweet tamarind-jaggery chutney and hot green chutney made from chillies and coriander. In the capital, it is also served with curd topped with sev and pomegranate seeds. It is a perfect choice to fill your belly while enjoying some tanginess. A bit high on calorie, this counts for some extra workout session!
8. Momos-
Also known as dumplings, this dish of Tibetan origin has become a widespread delicacy in India. It is the type of steamed bun with some form of filling- vegetables, minced chicken or paneer. It is now available with various transformations, namely- tandoori momos, pan-fried momos, momo burger, momo sizzler. For all the momo lovers out there, it is a perfect choice to relish at any time of the day.
9. Bhelpuri-
Originally originated in the beach food stalls of Mumbai, this dish is sure to give you an amazing sweet and sour taste.Bhelpuri is made from puffed rice and Sev, mixed with potatoes, onions, Chat masala and chutney and mixture (a mix of different types of fried snacks). It is loaded with different textures as well, including crispy and crunchy from the puffed rice and fried sev. Other commonly used ingredients include tomatoes, chillies, raw mango. Being very light and tasty, it makes for a nice evening snack that can be relished while strolling on the streets of the market
10. Chuski-
This flavoured Popsicle made from shavings of ice is a palatable dessert which gives a sweet end to your food cravings. It can be customized with various syrups, namely- rose, khus, kalakhatta, raw mango, orange, cola, etc. It is widely available in all parts of India and is savoured by people from all age groups. You can easily witness cues at some of the most famous chuski joints in town.
After going through these extravagant descriptions of your favourite dishes, I am sure your hunger pangs would have hit you by now! There is no dearth to the amalgamation of flavours available in the busy streets of India. Try out these and you will be forever addicted!