Street Food of India: History, Significance, Popular Cities & 5 Must-Try Indian Street Foods

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What is Indian Street Food?

The term “Street Food” is well-known to all of us. Indian street foods are a vibrant and flavourful part of the country’s culinary culture, with a wide variety of snacks and dishes on offer. From the spicy and savory chaat, Vada pav, and samosas, to the sweet and creamy kulfi and Jalebi, Indian street food is diverse, delicious, and often affordable. Mouth-watering snacks are widely renowned throughout the country, and a significant portion of the population relies on street food as it is easily accessible and affordable.

History of Indian Street Food

Indian street food is a vibrant and diverse culinary tradition, with a rich history and cultural significance. Street food has long been a part of Indian culture, with vendors selling snacks and meals on the streets of cities and towns throughout the country. The following is a brief overview of the history of Indian street food.

Ancient and Medieval Periods History of Street Food

In ancient and medieval India, street food was an important part of the culture, with vendors selling a wide variety of snacks and meals to travelers and local people. These vendors were known as “hawkers,” and they sold everything from sweets and snacks to meals and drinks.

One of the earliest known street foods in India is chaat, which originated in the ancient city of Mathura in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh. Chaat is a snack made with crispy fried dough, yogurt, spices, and chutneys

Street Food History in Mughal Period

The Mughal Empire, which ruled India from the 16th to the 19th century, had a significant impact on Indian cuisine, and this influence can still be seen in many Indian street foods today. The Mughals were known for their rich, meat-based dishes, and they introduced many new ingredients and cooking techniques to Indian cuisine.

One popular street food that originated during the Mughal period is kebabs. Kebabs are skewered and grilled meat dishes, often made with lamb or chicken, and flavoured with spices like cumin, coriander, and ginger.

Street Food History in Colonial Period

During the colonial period, street food in India continued to evolve and adapt to changing circumstances. With the arrival of the British, Indian street food began to incorporate new ingredients and cooking techniques, such as the use of flour to make breads like naan and paratha.

One street food that emerged during this period is the Vada pav, a popular snack from Mumbai made with a spiced potato fritter served on a bun with chutneys and spices.

Street Food History Post-Independence Period

In the post-independence period, street food in India became even more diverse and popular. The rise of urbanization and the growth of the middle class led to an increase in demand for street food, and vendors began to experiment with new dishes and flavours. Some popular street foods that emerged during this period include pav bhaji, a spicy vegetable curry served with bread, and dosa, a crispy rice and lentil pancake.

Today, Indian street food continues to evolve and innovate, with new dishes and flavours emerging all the time. From the vibrant chaat stalls of Delhi to the spicy biryani stands of Hyderabad, street food remains a beloved and essential part of Indian culture.

Top 5 Cities in India popular for street Foods

India is known for its diverse and delicious street food, and there are many cities in India where you can find a variety of street food options. Here are five cities in India that are particularly popular for their street food: These are just a few examples of the many cities in India with rich and vibrant street food cultures.

Mumbai Street Food

Mumbai is known for its street food culture, and there are countless street food stalls and carts selling a variety of delicious dishes, including Vada pav, pav bhaji, sev puri, bhel puri, and kebabs.

Street Food of Delhi

Delhi is a foodie’s paradise, and the city is famous for its chaat, which includes dishes like aloo tikki, papdi chaat, and dahi bhalla. Other popular street food items in Delhi include parathas, chole bhature, and kebabs.

Kolkata Street Food

Kolkata is known for its unique street food culture, which includes dishes like kathi rolls, phuchka (a type of crispy, hollow puri filled with spiced potatoes and tamarind water), and jhal muri (a spicy snack made with puffed rice, peanuts, and various spices).

Street Foods in Chennai

Chennai is a city in South India that is known for its delicious street food, including dosas (thin, crispy crepes made with fermented rice and lentil batter), idlis (steamed rice cakes), and vadas (deep-fried lentil fritters).

Street Food in Amritsar

Amritsar, located in the north-western state of Punjab, is famous for its Punjabi cuisine, including street food items like kulcha (a type of flatbread stuffed with spiced potatoes), chole bhature, and tandoori chicken.

Top 5 Street Foods in India

1. Vada Pav: Vada Pav is a popular street food in Mumbai, consisting of a potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between two slices of bread (pav) and served with chutney.
2. Golgappa/ Panipuri: Golgappa, also known as Panipuri, is a popular street food across India, consisting of a crispy hollow puri filled with spiced mashed potatoes, chickpeas/peas, and chutney, and filled with tangy tamarind water.
3. Pav Bhaji: Pav Bhaji is a popular street food in Mumbai, consisting of a spicy vegetable curry (bhaji) served with buttered buns (pav) and garnished with onions, coriander leaves, and lemon wedges.
4. Dosa: Dosa is a popular South Indian Street-food, consisting of a crispy crepe made with fermented rice and lentil batter, served with a variety of chutneys and sambar.
5. Aloo Tikki: Aloo Tikki is a popular street food across India, consisting of a potato patty seasoned with spices and fried until crispy, and served with chutney and other toppings like onions, coriander leaves, and sev.