In this guide, you will learn about some of the top Indian Street Foods, and where to eat them.
Few countries are as culturally diverse as India, meaning there’s a wide range of street foods to try, depending on where you visit.
India is known for its mouth-watering traditional cuisines. The street-foods in India are no exception be it samosas, pani puri and chole bhature. No trip to the country is complete without fully experiencing their culture and the taste of the local food.
Attending cultural or music festivals in India is another way to taste the best street and traditional cuisines in India.
Wouldn’t it be wonderful to share some of your foodie adventures on social media by using an Instagram reel maker to showcase street food preparation and skilled vendors in action on your Insta story?
Have you watched Mark Weins’s YouTube Food videos? I love his videos. Here’s a video of him savouring street food in Bengaluru in Karnataka, India –
So, if you’re planning a trip to India, do not miss out on these top Indian street food.
Here are 9 Top Indian Street Foods you must try
1. Samosas
One of India’s most iconic street dishes is the humble samosa, and you’ll find it sizzling in almost every market or neighbourhood shop.
These crispy, pyramid-shaped pastries come bursting with deliciously spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes even minced meat if you’re looking for a non-veg alternative.
Whether wandering through the narrow lanes of Chandni Chowk or exploring the busy paths of Mumbai’s Juhu Beach, we can guarantee you’ll find at least one street vendor serving up hundreds of samosas to hungry locals and visitors alike.
Samosas are mostly found in the north, west, and eastern parts of India.
2. Jalebi
When it comes to desserts, there are few more delicious than the sinfully sweet Jalebi.
Golden spirals of sweetness, jalebi is a treat to the senses — visually appealing and an absolute delight to the taste buds.
Available at most street vendors or “mithai” shops and a treat that you can expect to see being served during various Indian festivals, this is one sweet that you won’t want to miss out on.
Jalebis are made by battering flour and deep-frying it to a golden perfection. They are then left to soak in a sweet sugar syrup that makes them even sweeter and more irresistible.
The syrupy goodness oozes out when you take the first bite. Jalebis are popular in households too.
3. Sweet and Spicy Chaat
If you’re after something savoury yet equally refreshing, look no further than Chaat. Chaat features a base of crispy dough, drizzled with sweet and tangy tamarind chutney, creamy Indian yoghurt/curd and a generous handful of mixed spices.
Each bite is a delightful explosion of textures and tastes, with the crunch of the fried dough complemented by the creaminess of the yoghurt and the kick of the spices.
If you’re after something a little more hearty, many street vendors also sell a few different variations of this dish, whether that’s Samosa Chaat or Aloo Tikki Chaat.
Here, traditional snacks are taken to the next level with tamarind chutney, yoghurt and spices, offering a satisfying blend of textures and flavours.
No matter which variation you choose, Chaat is the perfect street food indulgence when travelling through India.
4. Pani Puri
No trip to India is complete without trying pani puri, also known as Golgappa or Phuchka, depending on which region of India you’re in.
This iconic street food snack is made by filling hollow, crunchy balls with a seasoned mélange of spiced potatoes, chickpeas and tangy tamarind water.
Aside from being incredibly delicious, the experience of eating Pani Puri is unlike any other — you pop one of these little balls into your mouth, and it explodes with a mix of spicy, tangy goodness that you don’t expect. It’s truly heaven on earth, in our opinion!
As to where you can get your Pani Puri fix, well… that’s simple. Especially during festivals, tons of pop-up stores line the busy streets of India, inviting locals and tourists alike to partake in this culinary delight.
And it’s not just about the food. This is a full-fledged social event, from waiting in line to get your hands on a plate of Pani Puris to seeing the vendor lay it out for you and eating it with friends or relatives.
So, next time you’re out and about on the streets of India, be sure to grab a plate of Pani Puri and watch as your taste buds do a very, very happy dance.
5. Keteli Pitha
Tekeli Pitha, also known as Keteli Pitha, is one of the popular street food in Assam, Northeast India.
It is a type of traditional rice cake made by steaming a mixture of ground rice, grated coconut, sugar, and molten jaggery.
The name comes from the cooking method, where the pitha is traditionally steamed at the mouth of an earthen pot (Tekeli) or in a kettle (Keteli) wrapped in cheesecloth.
It’s a gluten-free, easy-to-cook snack, making it a favourite among office-goers and daily workers, often enjoyed with tea or coffee.
This simple yet delicious dish is widely available in tea stalls across major towns in Assam and is also a common household recipe.
To truly savour Tekeli Pitha and other ethnic delicacies, visiting Assam during the Magh Bihu (in January) or Bohag Bihu (in April) festivals is ideal.
Keteli Pitha is also eaten in other parts of India like West Bengal, and Bihar. It somewhat resembles Idly but tastes different.
6. Gulab Jamun
Gulab Jamun is a staple of Indian cuisine. Famous in India and beyond, Gulab Jamun is the epitome of indulgence.
These golden-brown dumplings are made from khoya (reduced milk solids) and are perfumed with cardamom and saffron.
But it doesn’t end there — after frying, Gulab Jamuns are dunked in a sinfully sweet sugar syrup, and left to absorb as much as possible before entering your mouth!
The result is a journey to dessert heaven, with the syrupy sweetness melting in your mouth and leaving you wanting many, many more.
Oh, and the good news? You can indulge in this iconic Indian dessert because they’re easily found in any sweets (mithai) shop all around India. Served warm or cold, no one will be able to resist the iconic Gulab Jamun.
7. Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature is a rich North Indian dish often sold by street vendors. This staple features fluffy deep-fried bread called “bhature”, similar to Puris or small parathas. It’s served alongside a tantalising spicy chickpea curry, also known as “chole”.
It’s a savoury delight that features a variety of sensations — the warm and fluffy bhature melts in your mouth, while the spicy chickpea chole transports you straight to ‘Flavourtown’. Words don’t do it justice.
Watch this video on how to cook Chole Bhature –
The best news is that you’ll be able to satisfy all your Chole Bhature needs at bustling markets and local eateries across North India throughout the year.
So, next time you’re craving a hearty and satisfying meal, head to the nearest market or street food vendor to experience the joy of this iconic North Indian treat.
8. Thayir Vadai
Now, let’s take a trip to the South with a delicious plate of Thayir Vadai. This popular South Indian delight is a fan favourite throughout the year, offering the best of two worlds: a savoury fried lentil dumpling that’s covered in a cool and creamy yoghurt topping.
But that’s not all — the dish is finished with tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and a sprinkle of aromatic spices for the ultimate in refreshingly satisfying snacks.
Each bite is a burst of flavours, textures and temperatures, making it a favourite among foodies.
Here’s a video on how to prepare Thayir Vadai –
Having stayed in Pondicherry for two years, Vada was one of my favourite snacks!
You’ll find Thayir Vada at most street vendors anywhere in Southern India, whether you’re in the bustling streets of Chennai, Bengaluru, or Kerala.
So, if you’re craving a taste of the South, be sure to indulge in a plate of Thayir Vada and experience the culinary magic of this iconic South Indian snack.
9. Aloo Tikki
Lastly, we’re suckers for ANYTHING potato, but if there’s one potato dish to consume during a culinary journey across India, it’s the Aloo Tikki! This traditional Indian street food is a must-have for the season and with good reason.
It’s a delectable blend of flavours and a variety of textures — for lack of better words, picture a spicy mashed potato mixed with peas, and coriander, and then lightly fried until golden and crispy on the surface.
Watch this video on how to prepare Aloo Tikki –
It’s the most delightful potato patty you’ve ever tried, with an Indian twist.
However, what truly sets Aloo Tikki apart is its flexibility. You can enjoy Aloo Tikki on its own with a range of chutneys, as a sandwich/burger in a tender bun, or even as a full Aloo Tikki chaat topped with yoghurt, tamarind chutney, and green chutney.
Summing it Up
And there you have it, some of the top Indian street foods to try and where to find them. Whether it’s chomping down on a juicy Gulab Jamun, or indulging your senses with the textures of a delicious street-side Chaa, Aloo Tikka and Keteli Pitha there is certainly no shortage of delicacies to treat yourself to when in India.
Which Indian street foods do you eat in your locality and your state? Share it in the comments.
Until next time, happy eating!
