India is a country renowned for its rich culture, diverse traditions, and most importantly, its vibrant cuisine. Among the many culinary delights it offers, Indian street food stands out for its taste, variety and affordability. These cheap yet delicious dishes have become an integral part of India’s gastronomic landscape.
One must-try street food dish is Pani Puri or Golgappa – hollow crispy balls filled with tangy tamarind water, potato chunks and chickpeas. This popular snack is loved by all ages due to its unique blend of flavors – spicy, sweet and sour in each bite.
Another classic Indian street food is Chole Bhature – a combination of spicy chickpeas curry served with deep-fried bread called Bhature. The fluffy Bhatura perfectly complements the hearty Chole making it a filling meal that’s surprisingly affordable.
For those who enjoy non-vegetarian fare, Kathi rolls are a must-try. Originating from Kolkata in West Bengal state, these mouthwatering wraps consist of skewer-roasted kebabs rolled up in paratha (Indian flatbread) along with sliced onions and tangy sauces.
No discussion about Indian street food can be complete without mentioning Samosa – triangular pastries stuffed with spiced potatoes or meat fillings. They are usually served hot with mint chutney or tamarind sauce on the side which enhances their flavor even more.
If you have a sweet tooth then Jalebi should be on your list. It’s made by deep frying wheat flour batter in pretzel-like shapes which are then soaked in sugar syrup until they become crispy and chewy at the same time.
Bhelpuri is another popular snack that originates from Mumbai but has found fans across India due to its perfect balance of sweet-sour-spicy tastes achieved through puffed rice mixed with various chutneys along with chopped onions and tomatoes.
Dosa deserves special mention as well. This thin, crispy pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter is a South Indian staple but has gained popularity across the country. It comes with various fillings like spiced potatoes or paneer (cottage cheese) and served with coconut chutney and sambar (lentil soup).
Finally, Chaat is an umbrella term for a variety of savory snacks that are typically served at roadside stalls or food carts in India. They are known for their complex flavors – tangy, spicy, sweet and crunchy all at once.
In conclusion, Indian street food offers an array of diverse flavors at very affordable prices. So whether you are a local or a tourist visiting India, these cheap yet tasty dishes provide an authentic taste of Indian cuisine that shouldn’t be missed.