Indian street Food is globally known for its delicious taste and unique flavors! The variety of Indian street food is vast, with each region having its specialties. One thing that ties all these street foods together is the use of aromatic spices and herbs that give them their distinct taste and flavor. When it comes to Indian street food, you cannot miss the “bandis,” these are the small roadside stalls that serve mouth-watering snacks and street food to the people.

In India, street food is not just a form of quick and affordable food but it is also a cultural experience! Bandis are the backbone of Indian street food culture, and they serve up some of the most popular and delicious snacks! From piping hot samosas with delish chutneys to spicy vada pavs and buttery pav bhaji, bandis have something for everyone!

One of the most popular bandi snacks is chaat. Chaat is a term used in India for a variety of spicy and savory snacks that are typically Served with tangy and spicy chutneys such as Red Garlic Chutney, Tamarind Chutney, Mint Chutney and others as dipping sauces.

Types of Indian Chaat: 

1. Golgappa or pani puri

The most famous is the golgappa or pani puri, the puri is a crispy and hollow sphere made of wheat which is then filled with a mixture of spiced potatoes, onions, chickpeas and tamarind chutney and water filled with tangy and spicy flavored pani puri and chaat masalas. When you have one, you just want more of them! It’s a sweet, tangy, spicy wholesome treat that is loved by many! Having a bad day? Just have a pani puri!

2. Bhel puri

Another favorite is the bhel puri, which is a mix of puffed rice, sev, chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander, with tamarind and mint chutneys. Bhel puri is a mix of sweet and salty flavors.

3. Vada pav

The vada pav is a spicy potato fritter served in a bun with chutneys and fried green chili. This snack originated in the state of Maharashtra and is now enjoyed all over India. The aloo tikki is another popular snack, which is a shallow-fried potato cutlet served with mint and tamarind chutneys.

4. Samosas

One cannot forget the samosas, which are triangular pockets filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or meat. These crispy snacks are usually served with mint chutney and tamarind chutney. Kachori is another similar snack that is a round, flaky pastry filled with spiced lentils or potatoes.

5. Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish that consists of two main components: chole (spicy chickpea curry) and bhature (deep-fried bread). It is a popular street food and is also served in restaurants and homes as a main meal or snacks. It is usually served hot, with the chickpea curry and deep-fried bread served on a plate, accompanied by pickles and chutney.

6. Kachori Chaat

Known for its combination of crispy, crunchy, creamy textures and a tangy flavor, the crispy, deep-fried Kachoris are small, round, flattened pastry pops filled with spiced lentils or peas. The Kachoris are broken into pieces and topped with a variety of savory and tangy chaat toppings, such as yogurt, tamarind chutney, mint chutney, chopped onions, tomatoes, and sev (thin, fried chips made from chickpea flour)

7. Jalebi

On a sweeter note, Jalebi is a deep-fried sweet pastry that is deep fried in circular patterns and then soaked in sugar syrup. The syrup gives the jalebi its sticky and chewy texture, while the deep-frying gives it a crispy exterior. The circular shape gives it a beautifully intricate maze-like look and it is perfect to hold with one hand and savor while multitasking!

8. Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a popular fast food dish in India! It is a spicy, buttery and flavorful curry made with mixed vegetables such as potatoes, peas, tomatoes, onions, and capsicum and an added blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, garam masala, and red chili powder. The dish is typically served with a soft, buttered bread roll called Pav, which is toasted and served alongside the curry.

9. Rasgulla

Rasgulla is a similar sweet as the famous and well-known Gulab jamun. Rasgulla is a spongy, soft ball made from chhena (unripened curd cheese) and soaked in sugar syrup.

  10. Aloo Chaat

Aloo Chaat is made with boiled and cubed potatoes that are mashed up and mixed with spices, chutneys and topped with sev. This chaat dish is usually garnished with fresh coriander leaves and pomegranate seeds, giving it a tangy and refreshing taste!

When it comes to street food and bandi snacks, there are many options to choose from! Whether you’re in the mood for something spicy, tangy, salty or sweet, you’ll definitely find it at a bandi! It makes the street food experience all the more special when you have it once in a while, this makes you savor it to the fullest! 

Street food is good once in a while, but if you’re up for some delicious home cooked food, hop onto Home’s Kitchen and explore the lip-smacking desi home cooked food scene and order your meal of paneer butter masala, dal tadka and wholesome aloo parathas! Order a delicious meal from Home’s Kitchen today!