Welcome to India!

India has one of the best cuisines in the world. Being a huge country, it has a vibrant and diversified street food scene. You’ll find a delectable choice of mouth-watering street food dishes from the North to the South in India. Indians are fond of cooking and trying newer food recipes.

So whether you are a first-time visitor to India or a local, here’s a list of 47 street foods in India you have to try in your lifetime!

What is street food in India?

Most Indian street food recipes are quick to prepare and simple. Still, you’ll be left with various rich, exotic flavors, leaving you wanting more. India has 28 states and 48 cities, and people speak 22 languages. Still, there are uncountable dishes; the only way out is to eat your way through them!

Why is Indian street food so popular?

We all enjoy eating Indian street food because it is far more affordable than the cuisine served in restaurants and hotels. Because street food is affordable for middle-class consumers, a sizable portion of this group favors it over all other options.

Here are the 47 best Indian street food in a list, in no particular order!

1. The Mouth-watering Roadside Vada Pav (Maharashtra)

Indians, especially Maharashtrians, have a particularly vibrant street food culture, and the vada pav is another local favorite. Vada pav is casually called the ‘poor man’s burger.’  And the no. 1 street food in India – the ‘vada’ is a mixture of mashed potato, chopped garlic, and green chilies with besan batter coating deep-fried and gently placed inside the ‘pav.’ It is seasoned with green or red chutney. One can have this at any point of the day.

2. The Spicy Misal Pav (Maharashtra)

Misal pav is a well-known Maharashtrian snack that consists of a soft bread roll with a tasty spicy curry. The curry is prepped with sprouts(matki), farsan, variety of regional spices to make the hot curry, which is then garnished with coriander, chilies, chivda, and sev.

Misal Pav is top Indian street food while you’re having roadside chitchat.

3. Maharashtra’s beloved Pav Bhaji (Maharashtra, North India)

The pride of Mumbai, Maharashtra, is the Pav Bhaji, a spicy, fiery, and savory dish. A soft bread bun is served with a good semi-thick spicy vegetable gravy that first hits your sense of smell. It is topped with a big block of butter floating, building a tempting aroma. This dish is originally from Maharashtra, yet now it is one of the favorite street foods of India.

4. The Lip-smacking Kachhi Dabeli (Gujurat, Western India)

Gujarati food names have always sounded funny yet catchy! One of them is ‘Kachhi Dabeli’. Gujju meals are always very filling and delicious. Dabeli is essentially a hot potato sandwich with onions, sev, and hot peanuts on top served with namkeen. Tamarind chutney and dabeli filling make up the tangy essence of the food item.

5. The Piping Hot Samosa and Kachori (Mumbai, Delhi, Gujurat)

Even outside the nation, one of the top Indian street foods is ‘Samosa’ and ‘Kachori.’ It is a fine filling with potato mashed up and deep-fried in oil. It is dipped with red or green pudina chutney while serving. Samosa and Kachori are the best complimentary dishes with a cup of hot ginger tea during rain! Have you not tried it yet?

6. All time favourite Bhutta or Roasted corn (Hill stations)

Grilled corn cobs or ‘bhutta’ are a common street food staple almost everywhere in the world. The Indian version is topped with masala and lemon for a uniquely regional taste. If you visit India during the monsoon, bhutta will be your perfect companion!

7. Lazeez Murg Tikka (North India & Western India)

Are you a chicken lover? If so, ‘Chicken tikka’ is the right dish for you on an Indian street. It is marinated boneless chicken that is cooked in a tandoor. Licious and tender chicken cooked with coal smoke will surely entice your taste buds. Wherever you see it cooking, pick it up and relish it because the aroma is divine, and the juicy, soft meat comes apart on your tongue.

8. Scrumptious ghee-flooded Parathas (Delhi, North & Western India)

Paratha is a favorite dish throughout India. It goes perfectly with almost every curry or vegetable as a side bread. Parathas include Aloo, Pyaaz, Muli, Gobi, Gajar, Methi, Palak, Paneer, Cheese paratha, etc. This snack will undoubtedly become one of your go-to meals during your visit to India.

9. Chilling Roadside Falooda (Northern & Western India)

Are you looking out for relief from the scorching hot summer? Here is Falooda, a hybrid milkshake/dessert that includes jelly, syrup, candy, and various other strange, fantastic, and delectable components.

10. Lassi For The Soul (Delhi, North India)

‘Lassi’ is India’s version of the milkshake, are yogurt-based drinks that can be either plain or fruit-flavored. If you are visiting India for the first time, you cannot miss out on this sweet drink.   

11. The South Indian Bite “Dosa” (Tamil Nadu, South India)

‘Dosas’ are authentic south Indian snacks originating in Tamil Nadu. Dosa comes in a large variety: masala dosa, Mysore dosa, pepper dosa, cut dosa, etc. It is a famous breakfast appetite in almost every corner and nook of India.

12. Steamed Idli & Sambar

Idli Sambar is among the most recognizable delicacies from southern India, along with dosas and appams. Idlis are served with vegetable curry called ‘Sambar.’ They are among the most popular breakfast options in Chennai, the capital of Tamil Nadu. However, idli sambar is readily available on almost every foodie street in India.

13. Crispy Kathi Rolls (Calcutta)

The ‘Kathi Roll’ is a treat for your taste buds because they are made with a delicious filling of vegetables and kebabs. It is made of maida, which makes it crispier yet soft from the inside. If you are strolling on the streets of Kolkata, Kathi rolls is something you shouldn’t miss out on!

14. Bhelpuri from Aamchi Mumbai (Mumbai Maharashtra)

‘Bhelpuri’ is a must-try while at a chaupati! Bhelpuri has spread from the Mumbai beaches to other regions of India, becoming one of the must-have street food delicacies whenever in a market. It is made of puffed rice thoroughly blended with tangy spices, chutneys, tomatoes, and finely chopped onions. Bhelpuri is one of the  Indian food loved by foreigners.

15. Fiery Pani Puri (Western & Northern India)

A hollow puri filled with a delectable, savory filling is what makes up the street food known as ‘Panipuri.’ It is found throughout India and is a delectable treat at any time of day. Regarding chaat, Pani puri is the best Indian street food. And do remember to ask for the ‘sukhi puri’ in the end!

16. The North Indian Delicacy: Chhole Bhature (Uttar Pradesh, Delhi)

Chana masala and heated bhatura are combined to make chhole bhature (fried bread made from maida). It’s the ease of preparation, outstanding flavor, and low price, especially in Punjab, where you can find some of India’s greatest Chhole bhature. It is the best meal-maker.

17. The Mind blowing Darjeeling Momos (Darjeeling, Delhi, Western India)

If you visit Darjeeling in India, don’t miss out on its famous ‘Momos.’ Although momos is a Tibetan dish, it still has captured roots in India. For example, the famous ‘Chandni Chowk’ in Delhi has numerous momo stalls. You can get different momos: steam veg, nonveg, fried, tandoor, etc.

18. The Crunchy Sabudana Vada (Maharashtra)

The delicious snack known as ‘Sabudana vada’ or ‘Sago vada’ is perfect for ending a fast. The Sabudana, potatoes, and roasted peanuts are the major ingredients. People in Maharashtra and the rest of India consume this dish during fast. A filling plus healthy item.

19. Super Cool Ice (barf) Gola (All parts of India)

An ‘Ice Gola’ might be what you need if you’re seeking something to keep you cool in the sometimes stifling Indian heat. Crushed ice is molded onto a stick and colored with various sugary syrups in vibrant colors. Ice Gola is every kid’s eye candy.

20. Poha first! (Maharashtra, Indore)

Indore, a well-liked city in Madhya Pradesh, the “heart of India,” is well known for its mouthwatering assortment of snacks. ‘Indori Poha’ is a famous dish from Madhyapradesh and is consumed as a breakfast snack. Poha is famous in Maharashtra as well. It is usually eaten complimentary with Chai (tea). There are other varieties of Poha throughout India, namely ‘Tarri Poha,’ Dahi Poha, ‘ Dadpe Poha,’ etc.

21. The Flavorful Litti Chokha (Patna)

‘Litti’ resembles Rajasthani baati in appearance, but its recipe gives it a different flavor. The dough is filled with ground gram nut flour and then cooked over an open flame. Potato, brinjal, and tomato are used to make chokha. The dish is excellent for lunch, dinner, or breakfast. Don’t pass up the chance to sample Patna’s fantastic street food.

22. The Classic Chana Jor Garam (Jaipur)

Start walking down the streets of Jaipur, and you’ll find hawkers selling the tangy ‘Chana Jor Garam.’ Chana chor is a flattened black Bengal gram (Kala chana) topped with papdi, chopped onions and tomatoes, and powdered spices. Remember, the more you eat, the more you want it!

23. ‘J’ for Jalebi Rabdi! (Maharashtra, North India)

In Western India, ‘Jalebi’ is a common dessert and morning food. Like a south Asian funnel cake, the batter is spiraled into hot oil before dipping into a sugar syrup. The batter can be produced from many types of flour, such as chickpea flour, maize flour, or all-purpose flour. Jalebi rabdi is a famous delicacy from North India.

24. Drooling Malai Kulfi (Maharashtra)

A common Indian ice cream treat called ‘kulfi’ is created with milk, sugar, almonds, and cardamom. A delicious summer treat that is simple to prepare at home is Malai kulfi—walking on an Indian street on a hot day. Kulfi could be your savior!

25. Make Way For The Shahi Tukda (Lucknow)

Lucknow is well-known as ‘The Land of Nawabs.’ The recipe is constructed with rich ingredients; it is best tried after meals. Since it has a sweet flavor, it completes the meal by being a delectable sweet dish. This meal is one of the most widely consumed in Lucknow. Thus you can readily find it anywhere.

26. The Aromatic Lucknowi Chicken Biryani (Lucknow)

With just one bite, the mouthwatering flavor of this cooked rice with vegetables and chicken will win your heart. On the streets of Lucknow, you can also find a wide variety of biryani, which vary in spice levels from very spicy to mild.

27. The Appetizing Kahwa (Kashmir)

We can understand why the Arabic term “qahwah,” which denotes an aromatic beverage, is the source of the English “kahwa.” Ingredients for Kashmiri kahwa include dried rose petals, cardamom, saffron, and other delectably fragrant spices cooked in water before being soaked with Kashmiri green tea.

28. The Beautiful Phirni (Hyderabad)

A rich, creamy pudding made from pulverized rice is called ‘Phirni.’ This dish comes from the Mughal dynasty yet is cherished by locals of Hyderabad and its vicinity. Phirni counts as one of the beautiful Indian street foods.

29. The Tasty Haleem (Hyderabad)

With this recipe for ‘Hyderabadi Haleem,’ you may get lost in Hyderabadi food. This is a slow-cooked dish, with mutton as its main ingredient. Pure desi ghee forms a divine layer and can be served with any Indian bread. Mutton can also be replaced with chicken, but haleem has no replacement!

30. The Rajasthani Ghewar (Rajasthan)

Preserving the traditional taste in itself, Marvaris cooked ‘Ghevar’ for the Teej festival still today. The disc-shaped treat is primarily manufactured from all-purpose flour, which is then dipped in sugar syrup to sweeten and soften. Ghevar is of wide varieties, including plain Ghevar, Malai Ghevar, and Mawa Ghevar. For first-time visitors to Rajasthan, Ghewar is your sweetest choice!

31. The Indian Masala Omelet (South India)

South India originates the traditional egg-based delicacy known as the ‘Indian masala omelet.’ Eggs, onions, chilly green peppers, coriander, chili powder, and turmeric powder are used to make the dish. The dish is frequently made and served at street stalls in the neighborhood. Some vendors top the omelet with cheese, tomatoes, and coriander leaves.

32. The Perfect Patra (Gujurat)

Patra is made by besan with spicy, sweet, and sour flavors applied over the leaves, rolled, and then steamed. The Patra is made from Colocasia leaves which are nutritious and tasty! Patra is a perfect side meal during snack time. Also, in Maharashtra, simply ask for ‘Alu Vadi,’ just another name for Patra in Marathi.

33. The Fluffy Khaman (Gujurat)

Without ‘Khaman,’ any discussion of Gujarat and Gujarati food is lacking. Khaman is a Gujarati specialty that is frequently confused with Dhokla. They are made with besan and topped with fried mustard, chili tadka, coriander leaves, and cilantro. The menu also offers a great selection of other mouthwatering Gujarati snacks like “Navtaadna samosa,” “Patra,” “Sev-khamni,” and “Vaatidalno Khaman.”

34. The Delicious Jalebi-Fafda (Gujurat)

Enjoy the delicious flavor of jalebis while balancing it with a mouthful of fafda. These two snacks are commonly mixed and frequently taken in excess. Jalebi-fafda is a fond snack item at any point in time.

35. All-time Favourite Egg Bhurji (Western India)

The Indian equivalent of scrambled eggs is called ‘Egg bhurji.’ A simple meal is made with a few ingredients, including onion, tomato, green chilies, and Indian spices, to entice the taste! Egg bhurji is the savior for your hunger at almost every hour.

36. The Sweet ‘n’ Sour Dahi Bhalla (Punjab)

The most popular street meal in Punjab is Dahi Bhalla. Bhallas are prepared using soaked urad dal, followed by frying the urad dal mixture combined with spices. They are best served with different chutneys, such as email, pudina, dhaniya chutneys, and lots of Dahi (curd). It is garnished with coriander leaves, pomegranate, and aloo bhujiya.

37. The Succulent Aloo Tikki (Punjab)

One of the best street foods is ‘also Tikki.’ The good thing is that every other street has it. Aloo Tikki is beloved by Punjabis. Aloo Tikki is a dish of shallow-fried, mashed potatoes typically served with chutneys and white chhole. Some prefer eating with curd, and some like chutney over it.

38. The Crunchy Onion Pakoda (Kanda Bhajji) (Maharashtra, Punjab)

A ‘pakoda’ is a deep-fried snack, usually served with hot tea. They are made of onions and besan. Monsoon season is when onion pakoda is most popular. Punjabis often prepare it at home and on the streets as a popular street cuisine and a late-night snack. Get the best onion pakodas at Sinhagad Fort, Pune, Maharashtra!

39.The Buttery Keema Pav (Maharashtra, North India)

You won’t know what a real Keema Pav tastes like unless you have had it. Keema is the spicy chicken or mutton minced, slow-cooked with spices, and loaded between buttered pav. It is one of the iconic street foods of India. Keema Pav is the ultimate treat for those looking for something meaty, spicy, and Bon appetite.

40. The Royal Kolkata Masala Paan (Kolkata)

Another common Indian street dish isn’t quite a meal, but it may pass for one.

Paan is a beloved food in every corner of the nation. It is generally consumed after a meal as a sort of tongue freshener. Kolkata’s paan is authentic in taste and has been known for years together.

41. The North-Indian Pancake:Malpua (North India)

‘Malpua’ is a sweet dessert that resembles a pancake and is enjoyed throughout India. It may contain bananas in certain areas, while in others, it may just be cooked before being covered in syrup or sugar.

42. The Sugarcane Juice (Maharashtra, North India)

This Indian street food drink’s sweet flavor is unlike any other sugar’s; it’s all-natural and cooling, especially on a hot day. The drink is popularly known as ‘Ganne ka ras’ in India. It is one of the best solutions to beat the heat! You will get sugarcane juice stalls at almost every corner in Maharashtra and the rest of India.

43. Aloo chaat from Uttar Pradesh (Uttar Pradesh)

This street food meal will delight your taste buds because it is made of crispy potatoes mixed with spicy and sweet chutneys. In different states, the cubed, fried potatoes that are sour and delicious are prepared differently. The greatest pairing for them is masala chai in the winter and coke in the summer.

44. Breakfast-friendly Dahi Vada (South India)

A variety of street food meals require dahi as a condiment. Another delicious street meal is’ Dahi vada,’ which employs vada made in the South Indian tradition and serves it with tangy chutneys and fresh yogurt for a truly wonderful taste.

45. Crispy Dal Vada (South India)

‘Dal vadas’ are delicious and incredibly crisp. Street cuisine is very popular in southern India and Gujarati cities like Ahmedabad. It is prepared using split moong dal, onions, common Indian spices, chana dal, or a combination of split moong dal and served with slices of onions with Pudiney Ki Chutney or coriander dip!

46. Mirchi Pakoda from Rajasthan (Rajasthan)

The standout of this meal is the mild green chilly. Before being deep-fried in oil and served hot with regional chutneys, it is covered in a batter made of spice-mixed wheat dough. Hence, it is also known as ‘Chilly Fritters.’ A good mild-spicy dish to serve your taste buds! This is surely one of the lip-smacking items on the Indian veg street food list.

47. The Irresitible Daulat ki Chaat (North India)

You will undoubtedly fall in love with Daulat Ki Chaat, a North Indian delight that melts on your tongue. Although its origin is contested, nobody questions the amazing relief it offers. Interestingly, Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk market is the greatest place to find foamy Daulat Ki Chaat.

We hope you liked this list of 47 best Indian street foods for everyone out there who is looking for tasty, delicious, mouth-watering, and tempting dishes to feast on. Thank you for taking the time to join us in this food quest. Feel free to leave a comment and share the post with your friends. Visit Deshpee India for more such cool blogs related to India.!

Here is a famous quote by the Indian Chef. Sanjeev Kapoor to fuel your culinary fire: “Food street will showcase Indian heritage to people from outside and also show how Indians adapt to foreign food.“

Written by Ashay Chandekar from Deshpee. Images have the copyrights of the respective sources.