30 Best Street Food You Must Try In India

1. Vada pav (sandwiched deep-fried potato dumplings)

One of the best and most popular street foods in India is the vada pav. It’s a vegetarian delicacy having its origin in the Indian state of Maharashtra. Food vendors spice up potato dumplings with turmeric, garlic, green chili, and salt, give the spiced potato dumpling a coating of gram flour, and deep fry it. Hot, deep-fried potato dumpling is called vada. The half-sliced bread bun is called pav. Place the vada in the half-sliced bread bun and eat it with spicy deep-fried green chili or red chutney. Do not leave India without sampling a fresh, hot vada pav.

2. Tunde kebab (mashed meat kebab)

Are you a non-vegetarian and traveling to Lucknow in India? If yes, make sure that you feast on tunde kebab. Sample this delicious Awadhi delicacy, which is quite famous in Lucknow in Uttar Pradesh. Indian cooks prepare it by using minced meat, and the addition of about 160 spices to it makes it super tasty. Tunde kebab is quite succulent and soft to its core. It serves as a perfect treat for non-vegetarians. So, gorge on this spicy, non-vegetarian street food while touring through spectacular India.

3. Paddu (steamed batter in a mould)

Do not miss devouring paddu, which is also famous as ponganalu or appe, in India. This Indian delicacy is quite famous in south India, and you can also find it in many other parts of the country. Paddu is a small and round-shaped steamed delicacy that tastes great. The batter is made up of rice and black lentils, and it is poured in round-shaped molds and steamed. It is one of the best street food for vegetarians to snack on. Relish savory paddu with coconut chutney and filter coffee.

4. Paya (meat soup)

If you are craving to have hot and spicy soup when in India, choose to have delicious paya. It is also called paya shorba, and it is quite famous in Bhopal in India. This non-vegetarian local specialty is prepared by using lamb trotters and spiced up with tantalizing spices. Please your taste buds with this warm, mouth-watering, and soothing stew. If you are a non-vegetarian and touring through Bhopal or North India, take a break and enjoy devouring this non-vegetarian street delight.

5. Aloo tikki (mashed potato cutlet)

Aloo tikki is a mouth-watering snack that you should not miss eating when touring through India. Even though it is famous for its origin in North India, you can easily find it in numerous parts of India. Aloo tiki is prepared by mashing boiled potatoes and peas, adding various spices and salt to the mashed mixture, giving it a round shape, and shallow frying it. Food vendors on the Indian streets serve it fresh and hot. You can enjoy devouring aloo tikki with delectable sweet and spicy chutneys.

6. Mirchi bajji (deep-fried chili fritter)

Make sure you munch on appetizing mirchi bajji when touring through South India. It’s a widely famous South Indian street delicacy that people snack on. Mirchi means chilies, while bajji means crispy gram flour fritters. Enjoy eating these stuffed, lip-smacking green chili fritters with lemon. Also, it tastes great with a cup of hot tea. Even though every region in India may have its unique version of this delicacy, Hydrabadi-style mirchi bajji is popular throughout the country. So, do not miss sampling them when holidaying here.

7. Panipuri (spiced water-filled hollow crispies)

Enjoy the unique culinary experience of eating panipuri during your holidays in India. It’s a peculiar snack comprising a small, round, and hollow puri that consists of mashed chickpeas and potatoes, peppermint-flavored water, chaat masala, and tamarind and chili chutney. Panipuri is one of the most relished street foods in India. This mouth-watering, tangy culinary delight is easily available anywhere in India. Once you eat one puri, you will only crave to have another. Also, you can find a variety of lip-smacking flavors of this street food nowadays.

8. Dabeli (mashed potato buns rolls)

Do not miss eating soul-satisfying dabeli, a famous local specialty that originates in Kutch in Gujarat. Dabeli masala from Kutch is the most authentic and widely used in several parts of the country. You can easily find it in Western India as you stroll the streets. It consists of ingredients, such as mashed potatoes, dabeli masala, and butter, that food vendors cook on the pan and serve it filling the half-slicked bread bun. Spicy and sour chutney, finely chopped onions, and fresh coriander leaves are used to garnish it.

9. Kathi roll (frankie)

Originating from the capital of West Bengal called Kolkata, kathi roll is another famous street food in India. Today, different states in India offer a diverse variety of delicious kathi roll. Food vendors prepare this delicacy by filling Indian flatbreads with a lip-smacking blend of vegetables, paneer, chicken, or mutton and spices. The inner side of the roll has spicy and tantalizing chutneys that enhance its taste. Kathi roll is not only a tasty delicacy but also healthy food as it’s filled with a variety of nutrients from vegetables and other fillings.

10. Samosa (spice and veggie-filled triangular pastry)

You simply can’t resist eating the mouthwatering samosa, another popular street delicacy in India, when exploring the country. Samosa is a crispy baked or fried pastry that contains appetizing fillings. The filling of samosa comprises mashed and spiced potatoes, lentils, peas, or onions. Commonly, you can find it in a triangular or cone shape, though its form and shape may vary according to different regions of India. Enjoy eating it with spicy green chutney, tamarind chutney, or sauce.

11. Momo (steamed dumpling with filling)

If you are holidaying in the northeastern or northern tourist destinations in India, do not miss the fantastic opportunity to devour momo. Momo is a smaller version of steamed dumpling that comprises tasty fillings. This famous local delicacy is available for both vegetarians and non-vegetarians, depending on the type of filling. The appetizing filling within it varies; it can be delicious vegetable blend or chicken. You can find it by the roadside in Northeast India, Darjeeling, and Ladakh easily. Dip the steaming hot momo in tangy red sauce, and have a bite of it.

12. Litti chokha (spice-filled bread with delicious curry)

Snack on the mouthwatering litti chokha, a traditional Indian street delicacy, while vacationing in India. It’s a Bihari local specialty that you can have as breakfast or meal. Chokha is a spicy, tantalizing curry comprising mashed potatoes or brinjals. Litti is a bread that comprises a hearty filling of authentic spices, such as kalonji and ajwain. You can find it easily on the streets of Patna in Bihar. Enjoy this street delicacy with a spoonful of ghee.

13. Dahi bhalla (fried pulse-dumplings with curd)

Dahi bhalla, also famous as dahi vada, is another popular Indian local chaat delicacy that you can find on the streets of various regions of the country. As the name suggests, it comprises curd in which the vendors soak the bhalla, which is a delicious fried dumpling of mashed pulses. Pepper powder, salt, red chili powder, tamarind chutney, and green chutney garnish this delicacy. It is not just appetizing due to various flavors but also healthy and filling street food. So, please your taste buds by eating Dahi Bhalla as you walk past the food stalls in India.

14. Poha-jalebi (spicy rice flakes & crunchy pretzel)

If you are looking for a tantalizing combo of sweet, salty, and little spicy delicacy, make sure you taste poha-jalebi when touring through India. It is the best street food of the Indian state of Madhya Pradesh. Jalebi is a deep-fried sweet that comes in a circular shape, while poha is a mouth-watering food preparation of rice flakes, various spices, and rich garnishing. Bite the luscious, hot jalebi and eat exotic and garnished poha. It’s not only tasty food but also a filling delicacy that satisfies your appetite.

15. Kachori (spicy lentil-filled pastry)

A spicy Rajasthani snack that pleases your taste buds, Kachori is a widely famous roadside delicacy in India. It is a deep-fried bread of maida comprising delicious filling of sautéed ground pulses and tantalizing spices. Bikaneri kachori is quite famous not only in Rajasthan but also throughout the country. While touring through India, you can find a variety of kachoris that vary as per the filling within it. Some kachoris may have the filling of a blend of mashed potato, onions, lentils, peas, and spices. Enjoy devouring this crunchy roadside treat with spicy chutney or fried chili and hot gravy.

16. Akki roti (flat rice bread)

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Another famous street specialty that you can enjoy in India is akki roti. It’s unique to the Indian state of Karnataka and means ‘rice bread’ as per the state’s native language. Fine rice flour, with an addition of a little salt and some water, turns into a soft dough after kneading it well. Addition of sesame seeds, chopped onions, cumin seeds, pieces of fresh carrot, and chopped coriander leaves while kneading the dough infuse great flavor to the akki roti, which you prepare from the dough. Food vendors cook the roti on a hot griddle and serve it to you with lip-smacking chutney.

17. Ragda pattice (potato patty with spicy gravy)

Sample lip-smacking ragda pattice, one of the favorite Indian fast food delicacies, and can please your taste buds. It’s a very popular street side that you can find in Mumbai and Gujrat. Devour shallow-fried, hot potato pattice which comes with a spicy curry of dried peas and blend of various tantalizing chaat chutneys. Spice powders and crunchy chickpea noodle garnish this mouthwatering delicacy. It is not just a tasty treat but also healthy and nutritious food that will make you feel full.

18. Bhelpuri (spicy puffed rice with mixed vegetables)

If you want to taste a delicious blend of sweet, sour, and spicy Indian roadside treat, try savory bhelpuri. This lip-smacking chaat delicacy comprises puffed rice, chopped tomatoes, onions, coriander leaves, chaat masala, spicy chutneys, tamarind sauce, a small flour crispy, and garnishing of crunchy chickpea noodle. This crispy delicacy is low in fat, quite nutritious, and mouth-watering food that will make you crave for more. Enjoy devouring scrumptious bhelpuri while exploring various beaches in Mumbai.

19. Misal pav (spicy curry of beans with bread)

Feast on misal pav, a savory Maharashtrian street food, when touring through western India. It comprises misal, which is a spicy gravy of beans and pulses, that has delicious garnishing of chopped onions, coriander leaves, crunchy chickpea noodles, and fresh lemon juice. Food vendors serve your misal with bread, and you will finish this tangy and spicy delicacy off in no time. If you are a vegetarian and looking for scrumptious and healthy food while exploring Mumbai, opt for misal pav.

20. Chole bhaturey (spicy chick peas with fried flat bread)

Originating from Uttar Pradesh in India, chole bhaturey is yet another soul-satisfying local specialty that you should sample. Today, it’s quite popular in Punjab and also available in various parts of India. It comprises a tantalizing gravy of chana masala and peas called chole that you get with bhatura, a deep-fried bread of maida. Top up chole with chopped onions, coriander leaves, and fresh lemon juice, and eat it with a piece of bhatura. The addition of Punjabi spices to it while cooking makes it more appetizing. Eating this delicacy fresh and hot is sure to salivate your taste buds.

21. Pav bhaji (spicy mix vegetable mash with soft buns)

One of the most loved Indian street foods is pav bhaji. It is a mouth-watering blend of spiced mixed vegetables that you get to eat with soft butter buns. Food vendors steam mixed vegetables, mash them, and cook it in butter and authentic Indian spices that give you bhaji. Coriander leaves, chopped onions, a teaspoon of lemon juice, and a spoonful of butter garnish it, and you get to eat it with butter-layered warmed soft buns. The presence of a variety of vegetables makes it a nutritious delicacy and makes you full.

22. Chowmein (fried noodles with vegetables or meat)

If you love to eat delicious, spicy noodles, please your taste buds by devouring chowmein, a street-side delicacy famous in India. Noodles are a favorite of kids and adults alike, and you can find mouthwatering versions of this recipe in numerous streets in India. Food vendors stir-fry noodles either with mixed vegetables, tofu, or meat, and serve you hot topped with tangy and spicy sauces. So, whether you are a vegetarian or non-vegetarian, you can find your suitable savory blend of this delicacy at almost any Indian street.

23. Bombil fry (fried Bombay duck)

If you are a non-vegetarian food lover looking for appetizing seafood when touring through India, go for bombil fry. It is one of the most famous street-side non-vegetarian delicacies available in Mumbai. Roadside food vendors marinate the fish with various spices, coat it with the rice flour, dip it in the batter of gram flour, and deep fry it. Enjoy munching on this spicy, crunchy seafood preparation during your trip.

24. Idli (rice cake)

Do not miss relishing soft and warm idlis with tantalizing sambhar and chutney when holidaying in India. Idli is a famous South Indian specialty that you can find in various parts of India today. Indians love having idli sambhar, and it has become one of the most-loved street foods here. Food vendors steam the batter of fermented rice and black gram in circular molds and prepare these delicious rice cakes. Sambhar is a savory curry comprising many healthy vegetables and authentic Indian spices. Enjoy the gastronomic experience of eating idli with mouthwatering sambhar in India.

25. Dosa (crispy thin-layered pancakes)

Another lip-smacking South Indian dish extremely popular in India is dosa. It is a crispy, thin-layered pancake that roadside food vendors prepare by fermenting the batter of black gram and rice, spreading it on a big heated pan with a dash of butter, and rolling it off once it’s crispy. Today, dosa is available in various tasty versions, such as Masala dosa comprising spicy potato bhaji within the dosa roll. Dosa tastes the best with lip-smacking sambhar and spicy coconut chutney. So, please your taste buds by devouring this delectable street-side treat.

26. Raggi mudde (crispy ragi balls with gravy)

The aroma of ragi balls and delicious tomato gravy is sure to please you and tempt you to devour ragi mudde when exploring Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka in India. This delicacy is the staple food in some areas of these states. Find crispy balls of ragi that you received dipped in a gravy of tomato or chicken. Both vegetarians and non-vegetarians can enjoy this roadside treat when touring through India.

27. Daulat ki chaat (milk-based dessert)

Sample daulat ki chaat, a flavorful dessert that melts in your mouth, when strolling on the street of Delhi. This soul-satisfying, sweet chaat delicacy consists of milk as its prime ingredient. Food vendors mix the raw milk with cream, place it on an ice slab, and let it cool for 8 to 10 hours. Later, they remove a portion of the cooled milk-cream mixture, whisk it till it turns frothy and light, and blend it with chenna (unripened curd cheese) and khoya (sweet cheese). Food vendors garnish it with a pinch of saffron and various dry fruits and serve you. This rich, sweet roadside treat is highly nutritious and gifts you a soul-satisfying feel.

28. Bhutta (roasted corn cob)

Enjoy the unique experience of eating spicy, lip-smacking bhutta during your excursion in India. Bhutta is roasted corn on the cob, which food vendors prepare in a unique street-style. Applying fresh lime juice, chaat masala, chili powder, salt, and ground cumin seeds to this roasted delicacy imparts its lip-smacking taste. Relish it like you enjoy barbecue delicacy. Hold the cob on both sides and munch on the spicy, roasted corn pleasing your taste buds.

29. Vada (deep-fried rice doughnuts)

A crispy, deep-fried roadside delicacy that you should not miss as you pass the streets of India is vada. Usually, food vendors prepare it by deep-frying the batter of black gram and serving it to you with spicy chutney. However, you can also find different types of vadas, such as dumplings of mixed vegetables and potato famous as cutlets, various fritters with a coating of Bengal gram flour, and many more. Medhu vada and bata vada are the most popular types of these delicacies that you can devour when touring through India.

30. Ghugni (yellow pea curry)

Feast on ghugni, a traditional Indian recipe, as you pass the Indian streets. It is the most-loved Bengali snack. Food vendors prepare it using black gram, dried white peas, and yellow peas following the authentic eastern Indian cooking style. It tastes fantastic with the garnishing of chopped onions and coriander leaves. You can relish it with puffed rice, or devour it with hot poori.

Enjoy a fantastic gastronomic experience in India

India is not just a beautiful destination to explore but also world-famous for its authentic, flavorful food preparations. No matter which part of India you are touring, you are sure to find delicious roadside treats. Varied street treats here are available to devour in different styles. So, make your trip here enjoyable and memorable by sampling all these street foods. Authentic Indian flavors await you!