12 Unforgettable Indian Street Foods You Have to Experience!

India has one of the most vibrant street food cultures in the world! Every corner, every city has its own tasty local snacks that are an important part of daily life.

From spicy samosas in the north to crispy vadas in the south, street food represents India's incredible diversity.

In this blog, we'll talk about 12 lip-smacking street foods you must try in India! 

Most popular street food in India

1. Mumbai's Vada Pav - Potato Heaven!

First stop is Mumbai, where vada pav rules the streets! A flavourful mix of mashed potatoes and spices battered and fried till crisp. This is then served between soft buns alongside some mint chutney, dry garlic chutney and fried green chillies. 

PS: Pair this with Naagin’s Kantha Bomb for that extra fiery kick!

2. Gujarat's Soft and Spongy Dhokla

In Gujarat, enjoy dhokla, a steamed and spongy cake made from chickpea flour, mustard seeds, and lemon. Served with a spicy sugar syrup on top and chutney on the slide, this tangy-spicy delight is a famous comfort food! Dhokla is a classic Gujarati breakfast but also makes a light, anytime snack.

PS: Pair this with Naagin’s The Original hot sauce for an added burst of flavour.

3. Punjab's Chole Bhature - Spicy and Crispy!

This dish combines spicy chickpea curry with puffy, fried leavened bread, aka Bhatura. The soft curry paired with crispy bhatura is total soul food. Add spicy pickles and you're in food heaven!

PS: Drizzle some of Naagin’s Crispy Chilli Oil on top for some added texture and flavour!

4. Pani Puri - A Blast of Flavors!

Eating pani puri is almost a sport in India! Crispy shells filled with potatoes or chickpeas and spicy or sweet-spicy water will leave you feeling satisfied from within. From the streets of North India to fancy restaurants, pani puri, also called golgappa or puchka, is loved all over for its playful flavors and textures.

PS: If you dare, have your pani puri with a sprinkle of Naagin’s Fire Flakes.

5. Mumbai Pav Bhaji - Comfort in a Bun

In Mumbai, try pav bhaji, a flavorful mashed veggie curry served with soft bread rolls. This comfort food takes the rainy days' blues away! Pav bhaji is now a popular street food across India. Treat your tastebuds to this buttery, bread-soaked delight.

PS: For an extra fiery kick, mix in some of Naagin’s Smoky Bhoot Hot Sauce.

6. Crunchy, Savory Samosa

You can't talk about Indian snacks without the samosa! This crispy, fried pastry filled with spiced potatoes & peas is a hot favourite. Though samosas are found across India, every shop adds their own special masala. Try samosas with sweet tamarind chutney for a flavour twist!

PS: All of Naagin’s hot sauces pair beautifully with the samosas. Our favourite is the Kantha Bomb.

7. The Crunchy, Tangy World of Chaats

Chaat is a family of street snacks like panipuri, dahi puri, papdi chaat, and bhel puri. They all share ingredients like crisp fried dough, chutneys, yoghurt, potatoes, chickpeas and chow mein noodles. Chaats refresh your senses with sweet, tangy and spicy flavours in every tasty bite!

PS: Add in some of Naagin’s The 65 hot sauce for that masaledar finishing touch.

8. Momos - Delhi's Darling Dumplings!

Originally from Tibet, momos are now a popular street food in North India. With their soft, steamed casing and savoury veggies or meat filling, momos make for an excellent snack, especially during Delhi's cold winter evenings!

PS: Try it with Naagin’s Smoky Bhoot Hot Sauce or the Crispy Chilli Oil to tie it all together.

9. Rajasthan's Spicy Kachoris

In the desert state Rajasthan, try kachori - flaky fried pastry stuffed with spiced lentils or peas. Kachoris, eaten with sweet and tangy chutneys or lentil curry, provide a savoury start to your day. The crispy kachori just melts in your mouth!

PS: We highly recommend some of Naagin’s Kantha Bomb to go with this one.

10. Kulche in Amritsar, Chole in Delhi

For breakfast in North India, dive into soft amritsari kulchas served with nutty chickpeas curry, aka chloe. This wholesome combo provides you energy to keep going through the day!

PS: If you have Naagin’s The 65 hot sauce on the side of this, there is no way you won’t love it. 

11. Litti Chokha - A Bihari Treat

In Bihar and Jharkhand, litti chokha is a specialty. Littis are baked dough balls stuffed with sattu (spiced roasted gram flour). They are paired with mashed veggies and spicy chutneys. This hearty, rustic dish packs nostalgia and flavour!

PS: Litti Chokha with Naagin’s The Original hot sauce is an unforgettable pairing.

12. Gujarat's Sweet-Spicy Dabeli

In Gujarat, enjoy sweet-spicy dabeli - soft buns stuffed with a zingy mix of potatoes, peanuts, pomegranate, and chutneys. Dabeli, also called 'Kutchi Burger', perfectly combines sugar, spice and crunch in one roll!

PS: Naagin’s The Original hot sauce on the side is a must have!

Final Thoughts 

The streets of India offer a wide range of lip-smacking snacks, meals and drinks. These 12 iconic foods give you a delicious introduction to the regional culinary treasures across the country.

For an unforgettable food adventure, dive headfirst into India's vibrant street food culture!