Street food in India is a vibrant and essential part of the culinary landscape of this country. With a rich variety of street food options available throughout the country, there is something to satisfy every palate. 

Typical flavor of Indian cuisines

Indian food is known for its rich and diverse flavors that tantalize the taste buds. The typical taste of Indian food is a harmonious blend of spices, herbs, and seasonings that create a symphony of flavors. From aromatic biryanis with fragrant rice and a variety of meats to flavorful curries bursting with spices, Indian cuisine offers a wide range of tastes to explore. Each region in India has its own unique culinary traditions, resulting in a diverse array of flavors and techniques. Whether it's the spiciness of a curry, the richness of a korma, or the tanginess of a chutney, Indian food is a delightful combination of savory, sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. It's a culinary journey that takes your taste buds on an adventure and leaves you craving for more.

Indian food is a symphony of bold flavors

6 Must-try street foods in India

Instead of dining in a posh restaurant, street food is the best way to sample Indian cuisine.

Bhurji pav

Bhurji pav is a popular street food dish in India that consists of spiced scrambled eggs served with pav, which is a type of soft bread roll. Bhurji, meaning scrambled, refers to the preparation of the eggs, which are cooked with a medley of aromatic spices, onions, tomatoes, and green chilies. The eggs are scrambled until they are light and fluffy, infused with the flavors of spices and vegetables. The bhurji is then served hot, often garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for added brightness. It is typically enjoyed with pav, which is lightly toasted with butter or oil to make it soft and slightly crisp. The combination of the flavorful and spicy bhurji with the soft and buttery pav creates a delicious and satisfying snack or meal option, perfect for breakfast or a quick bite on the go.

Bhurji pav

Vada Pav

Vada pav is a beloved street food dish originating from the state of Maharashtra in India. It consists of a deep-fried potato fritter known as vada, sandwiched between a pav, which is a soft bun similar to a dinner roll. The vada is made by mashing boiled potatoes and mixing them with a blend of aromatic spices, such as ginger, garlic, chili, and turmeric, along with chopped coriander leaves. This potato mixture is then formed into patties, coated in a gram flour batter, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The pav is typically sliced in half, spread with chutney made from green chilies and garlic, and stuffed with the vada. The combination of the spicy and flavorful vada with the soft and slightly sweet pav creates a delicious and satisfying snack or meal. 

Vada pav

Kathi rolls

Kathi rolls are a popular street food in India that originated in Kolkata. They consist of a flaky and crispy paratha or roti (Indian flatbread) wrapped around a flavorful filling. The filling can vary and may include marinated and grilled meats such as chicken, mutton, or kebabs, as well as vegetarian options like paneer (Indian cottage cheese) or mixed vegetables. The rolls are typically garnished with onions, fresh herbs, tangy chutneys, and a squeeze of lemon juice, adding layers of texture and taste. Kathi rolls offer a delightful combination of savory flavors, spices, and textures, making them a favorite street food choice for many.

Kathi rolls

Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers (Chicken Tikkas)

Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers, is a popular Indian appetizer or main course dish that showcases the rich flavors of tandoori cuisine. The chicken is marinated in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and herbs, including cumin, coriander, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and chili powder, which infuses it with a vibrant and aromatic blend of flavors. The marinated chicken pieces are then skewered and grilled in a tandoor oven or on a barbecue, resulting in tender and juicy meat with a slightly smoky and charred exterior. Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers are often served with mint chutney, sliced onions, and lemon wedges, adding freshness and tanginess to complement the bold and spicy flavors of the chicken. 

Grilled Tandoori Chicken Skewers

Samosa

Samosa is a popular Indian snack that has become a beloved street food delicacy worldwide. This triangular pastry is made by stuffing a savory filling, typically consisting of spiced potatoes, peas, onions, and sometimes minced meat or lentils, into a crispy and flaky pastry shell. The filling is seasoned with a combination of aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala, which lend a burst of flavor to the dish. Samosas are typically deep-fried to achieve a golden and crispy exterior, creating a delightful contrast with the soft and flavorful filling inside. The snack is enjoyed on its own or served with chutneys like tamarind or mint chutney for added tanginess and depth of taste. 

Samosa

Pani Puri

Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka, is a beloved street food snack that hails from various regions of India. It is a delightful combination of crispy hollow puris (fried dough balls) filled with tangy and spicy water known as "pani." The puris are usually stuffed with a mixture of boiled potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and tangy tamarind chutney, offering a burst of flavors and textures in every bite. The highlight of Pani Puri is the flavorful pani, made from a blend of mint, coriander, green chilies, tamarind, and spices, creating a refreshing and zesty taste sensation. Pani Puri is typically enjoyed by pouring the pani into the puri and popping it whole into the mouth, resulting in an explosion of flavors and a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy elements.

Pani Puri

When traveling to India, you must try as much food. Street foods in India will give you an experience of a side of Indian cuisine and allow you to truly immerse yourself in local Indian culture and everyday life.