Indian street food is fast, flavourful and fiercely loved by millions. Every region has its own specialities, its own twist on tastes and a long list of dishes you just have to try.
Vengaya Bonda is a South Indian favourite – crispy, golden-fried onion fritters bursting with spice. A Mumbai staple, Pav Bhaji is a food icon. It features a rich, buttery mashed vegetable curry served with soft, toasted bread.
So, keep reading to explore the mouthwatering street foods, loved by locals and craved by those who leave.
A Taste of India’s Bustling Streets
Pani Puri
Depending on where you are in India, you might hear it called Pani Puri, Golgappa or Puchka, but no matter the name, the obsession with this street food remains the same.
These crunchy little hollow balls of joy are stuffed with delectable potatoes, chickpeas and spice mix. It is then filled with spicy and tangy flavoured water.
Eat it in one whole bite! That first crunch is everything with a big surprise awaiting you. The puri erupts with a cascade of flavours that are sweet, tangy, spicy and refreshingly bold.
For those who love an extra kick, the spice is there, but if you want a sweeter variation, that is an option too. One pani puri is never enough and once you try it, you will understand exactly why.
Vengaya Bonda
Onion Bonda, the beloved Tamil Nadu street snack, commonly called ‘tea kadai (shop) bonda,’ is made by mixing thinly cut onions into a spiced chickpea flour batter and frying them until crispy.
Spiced to perfection, wonderfully crispy and packed with warmth – Vengaya Bonda is everything a snack should be. A crispy outer shell gives way to a tender, scrumptious centre with every bite.
This golden delight is a monsoon companion, especially when served with a side of coconut chutney. A little crunchy, a little bold and totally irresistible – this street food hits all the right notes.
Aloo Tikki
A North Indian street food gem, Aloo Tikki, wins hearts with its crunchy crust and deliciously spiced mashed potato stuffing. The word ‘aloo’ in Hindi means potato and ‘tikki’ is used to describe a small cutlet or croquette.
The snack might remind you of Hash Browns, but thanks to India’s diverse cuisine, it comes in many delicious versions. Shallow-fried until beautifully golden, these potato patties come with a side of chutneys – sweet tamarind, spicy green chilli and creamy yoghurt for the perfect flavour balance.
Whether topped with sev (crispy chickpea noodles) or enjoyed as is, Aloo Tikki is a snack that always satisfies your cravings. If comforting, lip-smacking food is your thing, you will want to add this to your foodie bucket list.
Vada Pav
In the heart of Mumbai’s food culture, Vada Pav shines as a tantalising snack, frequently compared to an ‘Indian burger’ but holds its own unique charm.
Vada Pav is not just street food – it is an emotion, cherished by people from all walks of life. It is the one snack that every Mumbaikars swear by.
A crispy, deep-fried potato dumpling, known as vada, is tucked inside a soft pav (bread), which is sliced almost entirely in half. It is generously coated with a fiery garlic chutney. A few fried green chillies on the side complete the dish.
Quick, inexpensive and so good, you will want seconds. Despite its humble origins, Vada Pav continues to tempt taste buds across different generations and regions.
Bhutta Masala
When the monsoon clouds roll in, there is no better way to enjoy the weather than with a piping hot Bhutta Masala in hand. It is a nice break from the usual deep-fried treats.
Grilled over open flames until just the right amount of smoky, the fresh corn is taken up a notch with a squeeze of lemon, a touch of salt, a pinch of chilli powder and a sprinkle of chaat masala.
The bold, smoky scent pairs perfectly with the zesty, spicy kick, making this snack both refreshing and satisfying. You do not have to feel guilty about indulging in this – it is one of the healthier street eats out there.
Every vendor has their own signature mix of spices and roasting methods to bring out the best flavours in every single corn kernel.
Samosa
Recognized worldwide, samosas have become synonymous with Indian street food and their popularity is well deserved. Wrapped in a crispy, deep-fried crust, these pastries are filled with a savoury mixture of potatoes and peas, seasoned to perfection.
Their triangular shape, flaky golden exterior and aromatic stuffing make them the kind of snack that disappears in no time.
Relish it with mint and tamarind chutney or go for the delectable ‘Samosa Chaat’, which has yoghurt, a variety of chutneys and crunchy sev for a taste and texture explosion.
As a quick bite or a tea-time indulgence, this street classic is always a timeless pleasure. A plate of samosas is not just about filling your stomach; it is about feeding your soul.
Kathi Roll
A savoury dish from Kolkata, Kathi Rolls has captured taste buds all over the country. A flaky paratha (flatbread) encases a delicious filling of spiced vegetables, paneer or protein like eggs and chicken. It gets even better by adding onions and tangy chutneys.
Since it comes with different fillings, you can easily customise it just the way you like. The magic of Kathi Rolls lies in their ability to bring together contrasting textures and bold flavours effortlessly in a single wrap.
The crunch of the paratha combined with the rich, buttery layers and the spicy-tangy goodness makes this a handheld feast you would not get enough of.
Pav Bhaji
There is something about Pav Bhaji that has made it an irreplaceable part of India’s street food for ages. A serving of Pav Bhaji is a complete flavour-packed adventure.
A rich and spicy mashed vegetable curry, known as bhaji, is cooked with butter. It is paired alongside warm, buttered pav (bread rolls).
A hearty combination of potatoes, tomatoes and peas, this bhaji is gently simmered with warming spices until it becomes absolutely rich and creamy. Once the pav soaks in all the masala, you get a luscious, fiery and utterly satisfying mouthful every single time.
Topped with finely chopped onions, a squeeze of lemon and extra butter, Pav Bhaji is totally worth sharing… but only if you really have to.
Milagai Bajji
The banana peppers, coated in a light batter of gram and rice flour, are deep-fried to create Milagai Bajji, a teatime snack that gives warmth and nostalgia with every bite.
It might look like they will set your mouth on fire, but it is actually much milder than you would expect. A simple dip in coconut chutney enhances the flavour beautifully.
Ask any local and they will tell you – this Tamil Nadu treat is unbeatable when it is hot and just out of the fryer. One bite of this bajji with a sip of masala chai on a chilly day and you will know what happiness tastes like.
And just like that, you now know which Indian street foods you need to savour at least once in your life. Until we meet again, keep exploring, keep tasting and keep falling in love with food – cheers from The Madras Diaries team!
