If you are a true Indian by heart then you’ll know the love for Indian snacks. Whether it is the samosa with chai or payaj pakora on a rainy evening, can you ever give them up for a burger or pizza. Well, exactly never…ever. So, what are these favourite Indian snacks that give tough competition to our western counter parts? Let’s indulge in some gourmet delight.
- Pakoda
If its fried it has to be good, right?
Observable in almost every Indian family, the deep affection each of us feel for pakodas remain universal amongst members of the family. If every rainy or windy day brings with it the yearning for a plate of hot pakodas, that’s a result of your Indian roots, my fellow desi.
- Samosas
Triangular perfection.
Samosas are a delicacy to the extent that even people travelling to India from all over the world completely freak out on them. Our relationship with samosas date back to decades ago and has only grown stronger with time. Ask any child having studied in a school in India, they’ll tell you.
- Dhokla
Fermented to perfection.
A true companion to anyone trying to lose weight. The very light yet flavourful dhokla has saved the lives of innumerable kitty party attendees, and continues to play a crucial role in our chai time snack menus.
- Gol Gappa
The only way water could get any better.
Popular to the extent to be known by several names over the country, call it gol gappa, paani puri, puchka or any other name, the star stall at any public gathering is always the one with the spicy water.
- Idli
Fast food, the Indian way.
Traditionally from South India but devoured on a regular by people all over the country, the idli is the king of several canteens. Generally eaten with chutney or gunpowder, it is healthy and delicious which makes it popular enough that if you’ve lived in India, you’ve probably tasted their goodness.
- Momos
North Eastern treasures.
An Indian twist to the dimsum, momos are but a short distance away no matter where you are. These are so popular that in an attempt to make them even more enjoyable, several variations were birthed. Steamed, friend or tandoori? Vegetarian, chicken or paneer? Maida or wheat? With so many variations available, if you enjoy a plate of momos, chances are you probably know exactly what you want because you’ve had to make this decision before.
- Jalebi
Invented to add colour to our lives.
A dessert to die for, jalebi’s are hard to say no to no matter what time of the day, especially if you’ve grown up in an Indian household. From a Sunday morning breakfast to a dessert for after meals, the jalebi’s sugary goodness will always trick you into thinking there is space for one more.
- Thepla
Small but they pack a punch.
Don’t let their small thin structure fool you, theplas have saved hundreds of lives over the years. A friend to every vegetarian Indian traveller, you know there are always a few packed away in case of an emergency meal.
- Chutney
Add a little colour to your plate.
Essentially a paste of coriander or our mothers favourite pudina leaves, these green chutneys are any Indians kryptonite. Bring out a bowl full, some onions, some snacks and you know your guests will be pleased.
- Kulfi
Ice cream – Desi version
It may just be ice cream with an Indian twist, but boy do us desis have a soft corner for these. One bite of your kulfi and you feel like you’re at an Indian wedding all over again.
Author: Asavri Misra
