A video showing a street vendor frying chips in sand has gone viral on social media, sparking a heated debate online. While the clip itself caught attention for its unusual cooking method, it was the reactions
underneath that truly set off discussion. Users were divided over whether the technique was unsafe or simply misunderstood.
The original video was shared with a sarcastic caption that mocked the vendor’s method. It read, “This Street food from India is rich in protein, calcium, magnesium, aluminium, titanium, uranium, platinum, cryptonium etc,” with a joker emoji.” The exaggerated list of elements was clearly meant as a joke, but it triggered mixed responses from viewers.
Hot Salt Frying Video Sparks Debate
Among the replies, one comment in particular grabbed attention. Responding to the clip, user Dr. Bohra MD. AIRD wrote, “When will these folks understand that sand frying is healthier than deep Oil frying?” The remark quickly gained traction, with many users jumping into the thread to agree or disagree.
When will these folks understand that sand frying is healthier than deep
Oil frying?
What a 🃏 https://t.co/QWR2mla3TJ— ????????. ???????????????????? ????????. ????????ℝ???? (@Vasheegaran) February 17, 2026
What Was Internet’s Concern?
Several people said their concern was not the method itself but the hygiene. One user commented, “I think the concern stems from multiple examples of bad hygeine and assuming the sand is literally from the ground they are stepping on. But i guess there is designated and pure sand pits exist for sand frying specifically in other places.” Others argued that viewers may have misunderstood what they were seeing.
A few users pointed out that in many cases, vendors use salt rather than sand for roasting. One comment read, “Ps- 90% of time that is salt fried. Yup I’ve asked some vendors personally. Very few people nowadays use sand.” This added another layer to the debate, shifting focus from sand to salt frying as an alternative cooking technique.
One user even turned to Grok to ask whether salt frying is actually healthier. In response, Grok stated, “Salt frying is often seen as a healthier alternative to oil frying, as it cuts calories and fats while evenly cooking food. However, it adds sodium, which can be harmful in excess, raising risks of high blood pressure or heart issues for some. Use clean salt and enjoy in moderation for best results.”
Are The Practices New?
Hot sand frying and hot salt frying are not new practices. They have long been used by street vendors across parts of South Asia and even in some households. While the viral clip has raised questions, it has also opened up a wider conversation about traditional cooking methods and how they are perceived in the age of social media.
