Indian street food is a vibrant and integral part of the country’s culinary landscape. From spicy snacks to sweet treats, each city offers its own unique street food specialties that capture local flavors and traditions. Here are ten must-try street foods from various Indian cities, each offering a distinct taste of regional cuisine.
Top 10 Street Foods to Try in Different Indian Cities
1. Pani Puri – Mumbai
Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka in different regions, is a popular street food in Mumbai. These crispy, hollow puris are filled with spicy tamarind water, tangy chutneys, boiled potatoes, and chickpeas. The burst of flavors and textures makes Pani Puri an irresistible street food experience.
- Where to Try: Aaram Vada Pav, near CST Station
2. Chole Bhature – Delhi
Chole Bhature is a classic street food in Delhi, consisting of spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature). This hearty combination is often enjoyed with pickles, onions, and yogurt, making it a satisfying meal for breakfast or lunch.
- Where to Try: Chache Di Hatti, Chandni Chowk
3. Dosa – Chennai
Dosa is a popular South Indian delicacy that originates from Chennai. This thin, crispy pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter is usually served with coconut chutney and sambar (a spicy lentil soup). Variants like Masala Dosa, filled with a spicy potato mixture, are also widely enjoyed.
- Where to Try: Murugan Idli Shop, Near Kuppaiah’s Sweets
4. Vada Pav – Mumbai
Vada Pav is Mumbai’s answer to the burger. This iconic street food features a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between a bun (pav), often accompanied by chutneys and fried green chilies. It’s a flavorful, affordable snack that’s popular among locals and tourists alike.
- Where to Try: Ashok Vada Pav, near Kirti College
5. Puchka – Kolkata
In Kolkata, Puchka (known as Pani Puri in other regions) is a beloved street food. These crispy puris are filled with a mixture of tamarind water, mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and spices. The tangy and spicy water makes each bite an explosion of flavors.
- Where to Try: 81C Puchka, near Gariahat
6. Pav Bhaji – Mumbai
Pav Bhaji is another Mumbai street food favorite. This dish consists of a spicy vegetable mash (bhaji) served with buttered bread rolls (pav). It’s a flavorful and filling snack that’s often enjoyed with chopped onions and a squeeze of lemon.
- Where to Try: Aaram Vada Pav, near CST Station
7. Kachori – Jaipur
Kachori is a popular street food in Jaipur. These deep-fried pastries are stuffed with spicy lentils or potatoes and served with tangy tamarind chutney and yogurt. The crisp exterior and spicy filling make it a delectable treat.
- Where to Try: Rawat Misthan Bhandar, Near MI Road
8. Chaat – Lucknow
Chaat in Lucknow includes a variety of dishes like Aloo Tikki Chaat and Papdi Chaat. These dishes combine crisp fried dough, spicy potatoes, tangy chutneys, and yogurt, creating a delicious mix of textures and flavors.
- Where to Try: Royal Cafe, Hazratganj
9. Idiyappam – Cochin
Idiyappam (also known as string hoppers) is a traditional Kerala street food. These steamed rice noodles are usually served with coconut milk, curries, or sweetened coconut. It’s a light yet satisfying dish with a delicate texture.
- Where to Try: Dosa World, Near M.G. Road
10. Bhutte Ka Kees – Indore
Bhutte Ka Kees is a unique street food from Indore made with grated corn cooked with spices and milk. This mildly sweet and spicy dish is often enjoyed with roti or as a standalone snack.
- Where to Try: Sarafa Bazar, Indore
Indian street food offers a window into the country’s diverse culinary traditions, with each city presenting its own specialties. From the tangy Pani Puri in Mumbai to the flavorful Kachori in Jaipur, these street foods reflect the rich tapestry of flavors that define Indian cuisine. Exploring these dishes is a delicious way to experience the vibrant food culture across different Indian cities.
