India is a paradise for food lovers due to its diverse cultures and cuisines. Every state has its unique street food that not only satisfies your taste buds but also doesn’t burn a hole in your pocket. Here are some top affordable street foods to try from every Indian state.
Starting with the northern part of India, Punjab is renowned for its Amritsari Kulcha, a stuffed bread served with chole (spicy chickpea curry). Moving eastwards, Bihar’s Litti Chokha – baked dough balls filled with spicy gram flour and served with mashed potatoes or eggplant, is an absolute delight.
In Rajasthan, Pyaaz Kachori – deep-fried pastry filled with spicy onion filling is widely loved. Uttar Pradesh offers Pani Puri or Golgappa – small round hollow puris filled with tangy tamarind water and potato stuffing which can be found at every nook and corner of the state.
Coming down south, Kerala’s Puttu Kadala Curry – steamed rice cake layered with coconut and served with black chickpea curry is a must-try. In Tamil Nadu, you cannot miss out on the famous Idli Sambhar – steamed rice cakes served hot with lentil soup and coconut chutney. Andhra Pradesh’s Mirchi Bajji – large green chillies dipped in gram flour batter and deep-fried until golden brown are simply irresistible.
Moving towards the west coast of India, Maharashtra’s Vada Pav – spiced potato fritter sandwiched between bread buns should not be missed. Gujarat’s Dhokla – fermented rice batter steamed cakes seasoned with mustard seeds are light yet flavorful.
In eastern India, Bengal’s Puchka or Pani Puri stands out due to its distinct flavor profile compared to other states’ versions of this popular snack. Odisha’s Dahi Bara Aloo Dum – lentil dumplings soaked in yogurt and served with potato curry is a unique combination that you won’t find anywhere else.
In the hilly states of Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Sidu – wheat flour bread stuffed with poppy seeds and walnuts, and Aloo ke Gutke – spicy potato dish are popular street food delicacies.
Lastly, in the North-Eastern states, Assam’s Pitha – rice cakes filled with sweet or savory fillings, Meghalaya’s Jadoh – rice cooked with pork or chicken, Nagaland’s Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoots are some of the must-try dishes.
India’s street food scene is indeed diverse and rich. Each state has its own special dish that reflects its culture, tradition, and local produce. These affordable street foods not only offer delicious flavors but also provide an insight into India’s culinary diversity. So next time you travel across Indian states, make sure to savor these delightful street foods.
