Most Popular Indian Street Food - Part 1

India is a huge (size:-3.287km2, population:-1.324 billion )country that is alive and buzzing with billions of people who come in swarms to relish the street foods that are literally located on each and every street corner. Street food is the most common and cheaper alternative to curbing ones hunger in India whilst having a delicious meal.If you are looking to please your taste bud without giving much thought to presentation or location then look no further. I have picked the street foods that are common to almost all states.These street vendors have stalls selling food for generations thus the food is authentic & exquisite. Given the diversity of food across 29 each state deserves its own food review. This blog is especially for those who are planning to travel to India for a short while and may be confused at the variety of dishes available hence am going to narrow it down for you.

1. Pani Puri

Pani puri aka (Gol Gappas or Puchkaas) are probably the most popular snacks in the Indian street food list. They are an absolute burst of flavours in your mouth with different consistencies depending on the flavor you opt for. The crispy fried wheat ball with a hole in the centre is filled with flavoured mashed potatoes or chickpeas the best part is of course the "pani" which is a tangy,spicy tamarind water infused with mint leaves and black salt that combine for a savoury, crunchy delight. Pani puri is usually served on a cone shaped leaf or a bowl made of leaves and the vendor serves it at quite a fast pace so you must keep up and devour it quickly. 

2. Momo aka (Dumplings/Dim Sum)

Momo's are Tibetan dumplings which can be found in any street corner in India, best served hot from the steamer. They are small bite-size dumplings stuffed with vegetables, cottage cheese (paneer) or meat and served with a spicy sauce topped off with some masala powder. This soft delicacy melts in your mouth and is absolutely lip smacking.

3. Chaat

Chaat is quite a combination of various ingredients layered together, to create an unique and scrumptious piping hot dish. Chaat is commonly prepared using mashed potatoes infused with various Indian spices, onions, chills, chick peas, coriander leaves, tomatoes, lemon etc fried in oil making the first layer, the next layer consists of sev ( deep fried gram flour noodles), bhujiya (crunchy mix of roast chick peas or puffed rice), papadi (deep fried flour) and finally several aromatic sauces such as mint leave chutney, tamarind sauce and yogurt. Now there are several variations of chaat throughout India but to get that extra kick to your taste bud have it whilst its steaming hot!

4. Dahi Vada 

Dahi Vada is basically round balls made from deep frying grounded lentils and served in a yogurt sauce. The mouthwatering combination of sweet and sour forms a delightful infusion of taste and is quite mild compared to other street foods. This dish is the true definition of comfort food and is quite filling.The picture below has an extra addition of potato curry for a more flavourful and spicy taste.

5. Dhokla

Dhokla is a popular dish that originates from the state of Gujarat and has a savoury cake like structure that melts in your mouth in the first bite. It is made out of chick peas ( I am starting to see a trend here :p) which is lightly flavoured and is probably the least spiced yet incredibly delicious delicacy. You may gulp down several Dhoklas without realising so as it is really light.

Dhoklas topped with mustard seeds and shaved coconuts served with lentil curry.

6. Pav Bhaji

Now this dish is my ultimate favourite street food, if you like to indulge in buttery delights I would recommend you order Pav Bhaji first thing in India. It originates from the state of Maharashtra and Mumbai is said to have the best Pav Bhaji's to date.The soft buns are fried in melted butter until crisp and you scoop it up in a mixed vegetable curry infused with aromatic spices. The onions, chilli and lemon provided on the sides add an extra pinch of flavour creating a delightful and filling meal.

7. Samosa

I left the fried delights to the very end. This crispy, golden brown delight has been a tea time must since centuries. Samosas are wheat or flour rolled, cocooned and stuffed with either potato or minced meat and sealed shut before being deep fried. The crispiness and hot steam combined with mint chutney is sure to put you in a food trance. It is best enjoyed steaming hot with tamarind or minty chutney and of course Chai (tea).

8. Pakora

Ah the best for the last, these are usually fried at homes all over India during the rainy season as somehow a combination of Pakora & Chai (tea) with a downpour creates an immense sense of tranquillity and satisfaction. Pakoras are made by combining gram flour and several spices and creating a liquid texture then you may take anything literally from vegetables to cottage cheese to chicken and dip it in the mixture after which it is deep fried till golden brown. It is such a simple dish yet delightful &  lip smackingly good, you can never have one too many of these!

Paneer Pakora

Onion & Potatoe Pakora

So I hope you guys enjoyed my first ever food blog. I was quite excited to rave about food since I am a huge foodie and pretty much enjoy every cuisine on this planet. These dishes are few of many street foods in India but I just mentioned the ones that I feel are the very best must haves. I shall be uploading several other cuisine stay tuned and do give me ideas if you would like me to review a specific cuisine. 

Cheers!