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Best Of Indian Street Food That Will Leave You Drooling

By Sanjay Gouda

Updated - April 5, 2023 16 min read

Indian street food is as diverse and colorful as our culture and rituals. This is the thing that varies from state to state and we take the greatest pleasure and pride of. Whether it’s an office break or chilling time during tuition, no matter what age group, we Indians just can’t resist the urge of digging into these not-so-healthy, yet so-scrumptious roadside delights. The vast variety can’t even be categorized state wise as every city has its own specialty. Whether sweet or salty, Street Food in India offers it all. So keeping this in concern we gonna jot down all the ubiquitously known Indian Street Food across India that would leave you drooling unattractively.

 

1. Matar-Kulcha: Dhaba Style Taste At Every Corner

If you are a true street food lover, you surely can't miss this one. Delhi has some amazing street-side carts that serve this tantalizing treat. The combination of those delicious kulchas with Matar, garnished with heaps of onion, tomatoes and pickle and that thirst quenching glass of raita served with it. It is so popular that you are sure to find at least one cart in every nook and corner.
indian-street-food-_Matar_Kulcha

Image Courtesy: My Tasty Curry

 

2. Momos: The King of Street Food

Momo lovers, raise your hand! I know as well as you do this one dish needs no introduction. Although momos are native to Tibet and Nepal, in India, the North-East hold the bragging rights for it. A spicy roadside cuisine, this Indian street food has escalated from roadside stalls to food centers and food courts in all hot-shot Malls. Tangy spicy red sauce and steaming hot dumplings loaded with veggies or chicken and served with mayonnaise is something that we just cannot resist while walking past the stall on road.
indian-street-food-_Momos

Image Courtesy: Deccan Herald

 

 

3. Ram Laddo: A Blessing For Winters

If you haven't yet tasted this legendary street food, then you're certainly missing out on something special. Hot and delicious Moong dal ke ladoo, or Ram ladoo, is a perfect snack to satisfy your street food cravings. This lovely combination of fried moong dal ladoos with spicy coriander chutney is immensely appetizing. What makes it even better is the garnishing of grated mooli (radish), which compliments it like anything.

indian-street-food-_Ram_Laddo

Image Courtesy: Archana's Kitchen

 

Lakhanpur – the entry point to the state of Jammu & Kashmir is known among the masses as a place sacred for serving – ‘Bhalle’.  A fried snack made from lentils which are best served with shredded radish and green chutney. This is a close cousin of our favorite Ram Laddoos. Several Bhalle stalls line on the sides of the road day and night. Just the sight of vendors carrying this mouthwatering delicacy is enough for people to forget everything about street eating stigma and dig into these small bundles of joy.

indian-street-food-_Ram_Laddo

Image Courtesy: Archana's Kitchen

 

4. Aaloo Tikki: A Buffet of Spices

These fried potato patties, laden with mind-bursting spices, green peas, and onions, are bite-sized nuggets of joy. This crunch potato joy served with cool curd and garnished with the fruit of Pomegranate, Bhel & Coriander is a whole meal in itself. Don't ever compare it with McDonald’s Aloo Tikki burger. JUST DON'T!
indian-street-food-_Aaloo_Tikki

Image Courtesy: Archana's Kitchen

 

5. Dal Vada: Snack Down South

One of the popular Indian street food this crispy and flavourful street food is a welcome variation amidst those regular idlis and medu vadas in huge quantities all over South India. Dal vada is made with a mixture of urad, moong and chana dal. It tastes the best when served with generous portions of coconut chutney. Pair it with a piping hot cup of tea or filter coffee and satisfy those hunger pangs! 
indian-street-food-_Dal_Vada

Image Courtesy: Archana's Kitchen

 

 

6. Bhutta: Roasted Corn Cob

Whether you are wandering on the mall road of some hill station or it's just a rainy day in your city, smoky Bhutta has got to be your favorite Indian street food. Boiled or roasted, whatever way you like it these corn cobs have a very rustic and earthy feel to it. The joy of biting on roasted juicy corn kernels, with lemon and masalas smothered all over it, is above all. Just customize it, whichever way you like it!
indian-street-food-_Bhutta

Image Courtesy:  Love Laugh Mirch

 

7. Aaloo Chat: Potato Lovers' Delight

This is another one, which is a favorite of all Potato lovers. This legendary Indian street food snack is loved by people across the country and have a variety of kinds as well. Bite-sized pieces of potatoes tossed in a combination of tamarind and coriander chutney taste immensely good. Another seasonal chaat specialty is that of shakarkandi (sweet potato), which is available only during the bone-chilling months. Heated by the coals burning below, a nutritious portion of diced shakarkandi (sweet potato) with lemon juice and masala will quickly quell any stomach rumbles. This is one guilt-free street food at its best. 
indian-street-food-_Aaloo_Chat

Image Courtesy: Whisk Affair

 

8. Chole Bhature: Punjabi's Delight

Punjabi classic! If its bread and butter in English then this is our desi twist to it. They taste best when served hot, and are yummy and filing. You need an appetite to do justice to the dish. It is a staple breakfast in the majority of Punjabi Households. Mouthwatering green peas cooked in traditional Punjabi spices and curry along with fried bread is enough to salivate your taste buds. if you wish to get the taste of real Punjab then take a trip through narrow colorful streets of Amritsar and order a plate of this bombastic combination of Chhole Bhature.

indian-street-food-_Chole_Bhature

Image Courtesy: My Ginger Garlic Kitchen

 

9. Vada Pav or Dabeli: A Spicy Delight

Maharashtra runs on this Indian edition of a burger. It is every Mumbaikar’s take and goes quick bite. There is no better place than the roadside stall to enjoy this authentic Marathi cuisine. Batata vada neatly placed between buns with spicy powder and chutney is the secret of the amazing taste of this Indian burger. The satisfying balance of taste attracts people to this dish all the time!
indian-street-food-_Vada_Pav_or_Dabeli

Image Courtesy: Archana's Kitchen


Originating in the Kutch region of GujaratDabeli is an interesting blend of softness and crunch in one go. Enter Gujarat and you'll see big streets and narrow lanes filled with Dabeli stalls. This scrumptious cousin of vada pav is prepared by stuffing spiced potato mixture in buttered paos that are grilled on a tawa. A special Dabeli masala goes into the making of this delight along with garlic and tamarind chutney. To add an extra crunch to the dish, generous portions of sev gathia and juicy pomegranate seeds are sprinkled over the same. Indian street food is also very common in the state of Maharashtra.  
indian-street-food-_Vada_Pav_or_Dabeli

Image Courtesy: Mouth Shut

 

10. Papdi Chaat: A Colourful Fusion of Taste

Papdi Chaat or Dahi Bhalla or Dahi Puri or simply Chaat, Damn! that's too many names for a similar dish served authentically in different ways in different parts of the country! This Indian street food is your go to when you want to eat something cool, refreshing and sweet! It is the best way to soothe your palate. The dish can be made with the core ingredient of your choice, whether Besan Papdi, soft Bhallas or semi puffed pooris and are served with sweet and cool Curd, Bhel and Tangy Chutney. One of the perfect way to treat yourself! 

indian-street-food-_Papdi_Chaat

Image Courtesy: The Spruce Eats

 

 

11. Pav Bhaji: Maharashtrian Gems

Pav bhaji or Misal Paw is the most demandable Indian street food and a favorite amongst all the Mumbaikars for all the good reasons. Spicy, hot and flavourful bhaji served with butter-oozing pavs hails from the state of Maharashtra, which is loved by locals and tourists at the same time. The perfect blend of a myriad variety of veggies along with exotic spices is what makes this delight different from the rest. Squeeze a little lemon juice on the bhaji and you're done for the day. 

indian-street-food-_Pav_Bhaji

Image Courtesy: Cooking Carnival


Another delicacy hailing from Maharashtra, misal pav is a spicy flavourful curry. A mouthwatering mixture of tangy and spicy, a close cousin of Pav Bhaji. Misal Pav is more of a Railway station delight, in the midst of a busy Mumbai life where the eyes are always on tracks, this is certainly an easy “grab it – take it” meal. Made with moth bean sprouts and a melange of spices, this street delicacy is topped with chivdasev, chopped coriander, green chili and more. It is best paired with the buttered and toasted piece of pieces of bread.
indian-street-food-_Pav_Bhaji

Image Courtesy: Ruchik Randhap

 

12. Akki Roti: Staple Tiffin Snack

This quick bite is not only best feasted as an evening snack but is also one of the favorite common tiffin snacks. One of the most popular dishes from Karnataka cuisine, Akki roti is made with rice flour and served with coconut or tomato chutney. The dressing of onions, tomatoes, carrots and green chilies give it the extra punch of flavors.

indian-street-food-_Akki_Roti

Image Courtesy: Archana's Kitchen

 

13. Appe or Paddu: Health & Taste Go Hand In Hand

A very famous Indian street food, Appe & Paddu is also known as Ponganalu or Paniyaram. These shiny (rice batter) balls taste exactly like dosa, but with a slight hint of sourness. They are sold in literally every next 'tapri' around the corner. They taste best when served with coconut chutney or those craving a hint of chili, can have them with green chili chutney. 

indian-street-food-_Appe_or_Paddu

Image Courtesy: Palate's Desire

 

14. Litti Chokha: Simplicity At Its Best

Straight from the streets of Bihar, this is one street food dish that can be eaten for any meal of the day; whether breakfast, lunch, dinner or just as snacks with your filter coffee or hot pipping tea. Litti Chokha is made with sattu or grams and can be enjoyed with aloo, baingan bharta or any other spicy curry and curd. Amazingly mouthwatering cuisine is well enjoyed with a spoonful of ghee. 
indian-street-food-_Litti_Chokha

Image Courtesy: Whisk Affair

 

15. Tunday Kabab: Meal of The Nawabs

Straight from the city of Nawabs, these mouthwatering kebabs are worth trying. These Kebabs are the most relishing non-vegetarian cooking of Lucknow. Exceptionally soft and succulent till the core is what makes these kebabs an all-time beloved. Not only the dish, but the story behind its origin is as interesting. Haji Murad Ali, the creator of this authentic cuisine had only one hand and hence the name Tunday as in Hindi a person with one hand is called Tunde. And the dish was made to fulfill the dying wish of a toothless royal. 
indian-street-food-_Tunday_Kabab

Image Courtesy: Restaurant India

 

 

16. Kachori: Taste of Royals

When it comes to Rajasthan, nothing can beat their exotic and rich variety of food. The well famed Bikaneri Kachori is not only popular amongst the locals but is well known for enticing food lovers from all over the world. Made from maida, these deep-fried kachoris come with different fillings: onion, peas, potato, and dal. They taste delicious with pudina or imli chutney and or dipped in refreshing curd which makes it the light yet filling snack it is. 

indian-street-food-_Kachori

Image Courtesy: Archana's Kitchen

 

17. Rolls: Mine & Yours - This Is The One

Hot and delicious rolls are mouth-watering tasty snacks sold on the street sides of every city of the country. But if we had to give credits, we'll have to say that the city of Kolkata, thrives on rolls! Made with a delectable filling of your choice whether veg or non-veg, these rolls are not only a treat to the eyes but to the palate as well. The filling is stuffed inside a maida-based paratha, which is flaky and crispy. Just take one in hand and continue with your work, it's as easy as that!

egg_Rolls

Image Courtesy: One Green Planet

 

18. Poha Jalebi: Pride of Indore

Jalebi and Poha are famous throughout India, but the lip-smacking combination of these two tastes best on the streets of Indore. Indore is most popular for its culinary range and well known for its wide range of namkeens, samosa, chaats, lapsi, and the best one bafla. Poha-Jalebi is the best street food and the specialty of Indore served with sev & nukti and with jalebi. 
indian-street-food-_Poha_Jalebi

Image Courtesy: Outlook India

 

19. Pani Puri or Golgappe: Tangy-Minty Bombs

One thing Delhi and Mumbai People do not fight on is their love for their Golgappas or Pani Puri! West Bengal is not far behind for their love for their beloved Puchkas. Whatever the name be, but there is certainly no better alternative to beat the heat than these little tangy-minty delights. Not only street food, but no Indian festivity is complete without a plate of Golgappas. Places like Chandigarh & Ambala have special Golgappa selling stalls that serve more than 50 kinds of water to enjoy with it! These are ones you just can't resist.  And asking for an extra serving of that sweet minty water and a 'sookha puri' is our birthright! 
indian-street-food-_Pani_Puri

Image Courtesy: Archana's Kitchen

 

20. Makhan Malai or Malaiyo: Desi Richness

The people of Lucknow are proud of their food, and with biryanis to match those heavy delights of Hyderabad and kebabs is the flavorsome and subtle give Old Delhi’s offerings which gives a run for your money. This Desi richness is eaten all year round in the City of Nawabs. This classic is made from cow’s milk and then topped with saffron, pistachios, almonds (and if made overnight, a touch of morning dew). This is on the heavier sides of Street Foods. Varanasi & Kanpur sell it abundantly too. 
indian-street-food-_Makhan_Malai

Image Courtesy: Flickr

 

 

21. Fried Duck: Indian Twist to The French

If you’re traveling to the north-eastern states of India, this street food is sure to catch your non-vegetarian adventurous eye. Fried duck at a road-side stall is the authentic five-star experience without the eye-watering bill at the end. It's more of a specialty of Assam. Do ask for a Beer to go along with it and you are all set!

indian-street-food-_Fried_Duck

Image Courtesy: Delicious

 

22. Bedmi Poori & Halwa: The Go To Sunday Breakfast

This combination of sweet and savory flavors is sure to make any foodie crazy. Bedmi aloo sabzi with nagori puris and halwa is the favorite breakfast go-to option of almost every Delhiite. Commonly available in the streets of Chandni Chowk and Kamla Nagar, & also in Agra, these dal-stuffed puris are served with a spicy potato-based curry and sooji halwa. It is a complete meal in itself and is best relished when paired with a chilled glass of sweet lassi to bring down the heaviness. 
indian-street-food-_Bedmi_Poori__Halwa

Image Courtesy: The Delhi Walla

 

23. Mirchi Ke Pakode or Mirchi Bhajji: Spice Lovers Sin

This popular street snack in Rajasthan is also known as Jodhpuri Mirchi Vada. And in Hyderabad, this famous Hyderabadi style is known as Mirchi Bajji. It is a common snack or appetizer. The joy of bingeing on big-sized green chilies that are slit open and stuffed with spicy potato filling is above all. They are then made even more delicious by crispy deep frying it in besan batter. They can be found with different kinds of stuffings in different parts of the country. Pair it with Green Mint chutney
indian-street-food-_Mirchi_Ke_Pakode

Image Courtesy: food fellas for you

 

24. Ghugni Chaat: Healthy Heaven

A huge bowl of yellow matar or peas, surrounded by tomatoes, peas and lime juice, this luscious Bengali street food is the perfect snack. This Bengali street-side snack is quite popular in other north Indian states as well.  Ghugni is served as a chaat. Squeeze a little extra lemon juice on top of it to enhance the flavor of the delicacy.
indian-street-food-_Ghugni_Chaat

Image Courtesy: Naturally Nidhi

 

25. Chowmein: There Is Nothing Better Than Indian ‘Chauuu-Min’

Chow mein, is one dish that actually made street food all the more popular in India. There was a time in the ’90s when every next food stall had lines of people waiting for scoops of these noodles on their plate. Hot red noodles getting tossed and turned on an open flame is enough to salivate your mouth. A dish that is constantly evolving with more and more flavors being added to it, is undoubtedly the best snack to have with friends and family. Veg or Non-Veg, just take your pick.
indian-street-food-_Chowmein

Image Courtesy: Alica's Pepperpot

 

 

26. Thukpa Soup: Soupy Noodles Before It Was A Thing

This is definitely more than just soup or just noodles. A lip-smacking Tibetan soup, widely popular in the North East especially Arunachal Pradesh, Thukpa, is a delight, especially in winters. Strong spices, noodles, and veggies give an international touch to this ‘not-so-desi’ appetizer. The soup is not filled to the brim but is sufficient enough to make your noodles wet but not soggy. 
indian-street-food-_Thukpa_Soup

Image Courtesy: Vegan Sandra

 

27. Idli-Vada-Dosa-Sambar: South Indian Delight

These are the most favorite and famous South Indian dishes. A common breakfast item and served with a combination of. Sambhar which tastes so good with Idlis, Vadas & Dosas is made with tamarind and pigeon peas. This is the best food in the streets of Chennai, Tamil Nadu, etc. Idlis are steamed rice cakes, Vadas are spicy savory doughnuts & Dosas are savory, south Indian pancakes made from rice batter and black lentils. 
indian-street-food-_Idli-Vada-Dosa-Sambar

Image Courtesy: D for Delhi

 

28. Rabri Kulfi Falooda: Summer's Best Serving

When the temperature soars up high, this is the best option against your plain old Ice Creams. The Rabri Kulfi Falooda here is served in huge glasses is enough to fulfill your cool cravings loaded with generous amounts of everything. Kulfi is a slowly prepared Indian ice cream made with evaporated and sweetened milk. This kulfi is flavored with rose, basil, jelly, and tapioca pearls. It has a number of flavor offerings across the country than you can count. 
indian-street-food-_Rabri_Kulfi_Falooda

Image Courtesy: Sanjeev Kapoor

 

29. Bombil Fry: Sea Food Lovers' Delight

All-Time favorite seafood, this one's exclusively for you. It is a widely relished street food in the streets of Mumbai is actually a type of white fish that is exclusively available on Mumbai Coasts. A Goan inspired cuisine, Bombil or Bombala is certainly an ideal street food for seafood lovers. Though the fish does not smell so good while cooking, it is the end result that matters and it is AMAZING!
indian-street-food-_Bombil_Fry

Image Courtesy: Madhuras Recipe

 

30. Bhel Poori or Jhal Muri: Light Airy Puffs

Originating from Kolkata, this is a popular street food across the country which can be easily enjoyed on a move wrapped in a newspaper cone. It is made using puffed rice, Namkeens, and masalas. This is the perfect on-the-go snack, which is easily available at almost all nook and corner. What makes this street food item different from the others is it pungent taste, which is there because of the presence of raw mustard oil in it. 

indian-street-food-_Bhel_Poori

Image Courtesy:

 

I'm sure you all are salivating by now because we are! 

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