India is a paradise for food lovers, and its vibrant street food culture reflects the diversity of flavors, spices, and culinary traditions across its states. From spicy chaats to delectable sweets, every region has its own signature street food that draws locals and tourists alike. Here’s a guide to the must-try street food from every Indian state.
North India
1. Delhi – Chole Bhature
Delhi’s most beloved street food, Chole Bhature, is a combination of spicy chickpea curry and fluffy deep-fried bread. Served with pickles and onions, it’s a must-try for anyone visiting the capital city.
2. Punjab – Amritsari Kulcha
A crisp and buttery stuffed bread filled with spiced potatoes or paneer, Amritsari Kulcha is best enjoyed with chole (chickpea curry) and a glass of lassi.
3. Uttar Pradesh – Tunde Kabab
A delicacy from Lucknow, Tunde Kabab is a melt-in-the-mouth minced meat kebab infused with over 160 spices, served with parathas or roomali rotis.
4. Himachal Pradesh – Siddu
A steamed wheat-based bread stuffed with nuts, potatoes, and poppy seeds, Siddu is a local favorite in the hilly regions of Himachal.
5. Uttarakhand – Aloo Ke Gutke
This simple yet flavorful dish consists of spiced potatoes sautéed with mustard seeds, served with puris or rotis.
West India
6. Maharashtra – Vada Pav
Known as the Indian burger, Vada Pav is a spicy potato fritter sandwiched between a bun, served with chutneys and fried green chilies.
7. Gujarat – Dabeli
Originating from Kutch, Dabeli is a sweet and spicy potato-based filling inside a bun, garnished with pomegranate seeds and sev.
8. Rajasthan – Pyaaz Kachori
A deep-fried pastry stuffed with spicy onion filling, Pyaaz Kachori is best enjoyed with tamarind and mint chutneys.
9. Goa – Ros Omelette
A Goan favorite, Ros Omelette is an omelette drenched in a spicy coconut and chicken gravy, served with pav.
East India
10. West Bengal – Puchka
The Bengali version of pani puri, Puchka is crisp semolina shells filled with tangy tamarind water, spiced mashed potatoes, and chickpeas.
11. Odisha – Dahi Bara Aloo Dum
A unique combination of soft yogurt-soaked lentil dumplings paired with spicy potato curry, this dish is a popular street snack in Odisha.
12. Bihar – Litti Chokha
Litti is a roasted wheat ball stuffed with spiced gram flour, served with mashed spiced eggplant (chokha) and ghee.
13. Jharkhand – Thekua
A deep-fried sweet snack made of whole wheat flour, jaggery, and coconut, Thekua is a common street food in Jharkhand.
South India
14. Tamil Nadu – Kothu Parotta
A delicious mix of shredded parotta, eggs, and spicy curry, Kothu Parotta is a must-try street delight in Tamil Nadu.
15. Karnataka – Mysore Masala Dosa
A crisp dosa with a spicy red chutney spread inside and stuffed with a flavorful potato filling, Mysore Masala Dosa is a classic street food item.
16. Kerala – Pazham Pori
These deep-fried banana fritters are a sweet and crunchy snack popular across Kerala.
17. Andhra Pradesh – Punugulu
Crispy deep-fried dumplings made from fermented rice and urad dal batter, Punugulu are served with coconut chutney.
18. Telangana – Hyderabadi Mirchi Bajji
Green chilies stuffed with tangy and spicy filling, dipped in gram flour batter, and deep-fried to perfection.
Northeast India
19. Assam – Aloo Pitika
A simple yet flavorful mashed potato dish with mustard oil, green chilies, and onions, Aloo Pitika is a common street food in Assam.
20. Nagaland – Smoked Pork with Bamboo Shoot
A Naga delicacy, this dish features tender smoked pork cooked with fermented bamboo shoots and spices.
21. Manipur – Eromba
A tangy and spicy dish made from mashed boiled vegetables and fermented fish, Eromba is a street food staple in Manipur.
22. Mizoram – Bai
A healthy broth made from boiled vegetables and flavored with local herbs and fermented pork.
23. Tripura – Mui Borok
A traditional dish made with dried and fermented fish (berma) cooked with vegetables.
24. Arunachal Pradesh – Thukpa
A hearty noodle soup with meat and vegetables, Thukpa is popular among the street food stalls in Arunachal Pradesh.
25. Meghalaya – Jadoh
A Khasi delicacy, Jadoh is a rice dish cooked with pork and local spices, making it a unique street food option.
26. Sikkim – Momos
Steamed dumplings filled with vegetables or meat, served with spicy red chutney, momos are a staple in Sikkim’s street food culture.
Central India
27. Madhya Pradesh – Poha Jalebi
A combination of flattened rice cooked with onions and spices, paired with sweet and crispy jalebis, Poha Jalebi is a popular breakfast street food.
28. Chhattisgarh – Chana Samosa
A crunchy samosa served with a spicy chickpea curry, Chana Samosa is a street food favorite in Chhattisga
From the spicy delights of North India to the coconut-infused treats of the South, and from the tangy chaats of the West to the exotic flavors of the Northeast, India’s street food is an experience that no traveler should miss. Whether you’re exploring the bustling streets of Mumbai or the serene landscapes of Arunachal Pradesh, the street food scene offers an authentic taste of India’s rich culinary heritage.