Embark on a culinary journey through India's streets with 5 unique dishes that will tantalize your taste buds!
India, a land known for its diversity, also boasts an incredible variety of street food. Every
corner of this country offers a culinary adventure, with flavours that are both familiar and surprisingly new. Forget the usual samosas and vada pavs for a minute!
Let's explore five unique vegetarian street food dishes that you might not have heard of, but will definitely want to try on your next Indian food adventure. These dishes are regional specialities.
Gujarati street food: Dabeli - spicy potato mix in bun with toppings
First up is Dabeli from Gujarat. This spicy and sweet potato mixture is stuffed in a small burger bun and topped with pomegranate seeds, sev (thin gram flour noodles), and chutneys. Dabeli is a symphony of textures and tastes.
The soft bun, the mashed potatoes, and crunchy toppings all come together for a delightful experience that will make you crave for more. Many street vendors have their own special dabeli masala secrets. It comes in varied levels of spice, so you can choose it to your liking.
Rustic Bihar dish Litti Chokha: baked wheat ball with sattu, served with roasted veg mash
Litti Chokha from Bihar is a rustic dish cooked with basic ingredients. Litti is a ball made of wheat flour and stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour). It’s then baked over coal or wood fire, giving it a smoky flavor.
Chokha is a mashed preparation of roasted vegetables like eggplant, tomato, and potato, seasoned with spices and herbs. The combination is a complete and satisfying meal, full of earthy notes. Litti Chokha is a food that connects you to Bihar's traditions and culture.
It’s comforting and nutritious.
Paddu from Karnataka: crispy outside, soft inside, served with coconut chutney
Next, we have Paddu from Karnataka. These little round dumplings are made from fermented rice and urad dal (black lentil) batter, similar to idli and dosa.
The batter is seasoned with spices like mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies, and then cooked in a special pan with small, round molds. Paddu is crispy on the outside and soft on the inside, making each bite a textural delight. It’s typically served with coconut chutney.
A perfect breakfast to start your day!
Bhelpuri: Mumbai's iconic street food blend of flavors and textures
Have you tried Bhelpuri? This popular street food originates from Mumbai, Maharashtra. It's a delightful snack made from puffed rice, sev, vegetables like potatoes and onions, and a tangy tamarind chutney. Bhelpuri is more than just a snack; it's an experience.
The interplay of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, along with the different textures from the crispy puffed rice to the soft potatoes, makes it incredibly satisfying and a delight to eat. Each vendor has their unique blend of chutneys and spices.
Rajasthani Mirchi Bada: Spicy stuffed chilies in crispy batter
Lastly, we travel to Rajasthan for Mirchi Bada. These are large green chilies stuffed with a spiced potato mixture, dipped in gram flour batter, and deep-fried. Mirchi Bada is not for the faint of heart, as the chillies can pack a punch!
But the spicy filling combined with the crispy outer layer creates a unique and addictive snack. They are often served with a sweet and sour chutney to balance the spice. This particular snack is enjoyed during monsoon season along with a cup of chai.
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