Street Food of India

India is known for its street food. The amazing variety and taste can tempt even the most disciplined eaters. As the country is vast and spread out, it becomes difficult to decide what street food is the best in India. North India is famous for its Chola Bhature, Gol Gappe, and Momos, whereas South India is known for Dosa and Idli. If you go to Mumbai, you will get Pao Bhaji and Vada Pav, and in Kolkatta, it's Kathi Roll and Pucchka. But what are these dishes? Let me help you understand your favorite Indian street food.

Gol Gappe/Pani Puri/Pucchka - A hollow, crispy, puffed, fried ball that is filled with spicy water, tamarind chutney, boiled chickpeas, and mashed potatoes. It is undoubtedly the most popular street food in India, especially among females.

Papdi Chaat - Deep-fried flat puris are served with yogurt, potatoes, and an assortment of sweet and tangy chutneys. The sweet and tangy taste can be really addictive.

Pao Bhaji - A medley of spicy mashed potatoes and other vegetables are cooked in onions, garlic, and tomatoes. It is eaten with bread (Pao) and dollops of butter. A very popular dish amongst Mumbaikars.

Chole Bhature - Spicy chickpea curry is eaten with fried fluffy bread (bhature), onions, and pickles. It is fattening but yummy. If you have not tasted Chole Bhature, you are missing something in life.

Dosa - Paper-thin, crisp pancake served with tangy lentils and coconut chutney. Dosas are served with a variety of fillings. This originated in south India but is now popular all over India.

Idlis - Soft, fluffy, steamed rice & lentil cakes are served with lentils and coconut chutney. One of the street food that can be eaten by health-conscious people.

Vada-pav - Deep-fried potato patty is placed inside a sliced bun (pav) along with spicy chutneys. One of the most humble street food in India.

Paratha - A flaky, layered, flatbread made with flour, ghee, and an assortment of fillings. It is not only popular street food but is cooked daily in most North Indian households. 

Kachori - Spicy, deep-fried, snack where the floured pastry is filled with spicy lentil mixture. It has many versions and is also eaten with potato curry.

Dahi Vada - Soft and fried lentil fritters are soaked in thick curd and spiked with tamarind and coriander chutney. The melt-in-the-mouth fritters will have you asking for more.

Momos - Steamed dumplings of refined flour with different fillings. Even though Momos originated in Tibet and Bhutan, it is a very popular street food in Delhi.

Bhelpuri - A popular chaat made of puffed rice, potatoes, onions, and an assortment of chutneys. Another dish that has originated in Mumbai.

So which of the above-mentioned street food tempts you the most? Have you heard of the famous sweets of India? And don't forget to follow a few tips when gorging on the street food in India.