1. Dosa
Dosas are crispy, stuffed paper-thin Indian crepes. Masala Dosas are traditionally stuffed with seasoned potatoes and served with coconut chutney, but they are made with many variations including fillings of chicken, cheese and veggies. Ask for the potatoes as your filling and it will be as Indian vegan as it can get!
2. Pani Puri
Pani puris are bite-sized, deep-fried puff pastry balls filled with seasoned mashed potato and sauces. How are they eaten? It has to be eaten immediately after the sauces are poured into the puri – simply take the puri and stuff the whole thing inside your mouth! Your mouth will be filled with a sweet and tangy flavor of the sauces and the crunchy texture of the puri. They are simply delicious! You can even have an eating competition with these with your friends – see how many you can chow down at once!
3. Bhel Puri
Bhel Puri is almost like a “taco” salad bowl with a mixture of ingredients. It has mini deep fried crunchy puris which are topped with many ingredients including minced tomatoes, onions, potato, and sev. Then it’s drizzled with several different flavors of chutneys, making it a sweet and tangy treat that is bursting with flavor.
4. Vada Pav
Can you imagine eating a ball within a bun? Well, that’s essentially what they are. The “ball” part of it is a stuffed fritter, usually made with potato, vegetables, and spices. It is served in a bun spread with tasty chutneys. This is common street food in India and most popular with those who are on-the-go. If you’re in a hurry, this can be the perfect meal option.
5. Dabeli
Dabeli is a softer version of a burger. The filling is made out of a spicy potato mixture with toppings like sev, onions, peanuts and more – all served on a hot bun. This treat is best eaten warm.
6. Aloo Tiki
“Aloo” means potato and “tiki” means a small cutlet. These are fried potato patties served with chutneys and sauces. Aloo tiki is served with a variation of dips though the standard accompaniment is cilantro chutney.
7. Samosa
Samosas are a deep fried, triangular savory pastry containing spiced vegetables (usually potatoes and peas) or meat. They are eaten hot while dipped in a spicy green or sweet red chutney–or both! Simple tomato ketchup makes a great dip for samosas too.
8. Puri
A type of deep fried whole wheat bread that balloons up when frying and then deflates as it cools. Puris are usually served with stews and curries. The ingredients are simple – made from wheat flour, oil, salt, and water – yet the taste is blissful. These can be eaten alone as a snack or for a main meal. Puri with potato bhaji is a popular breakfast option in India.
9. Spinach Pakora
These deep fried spinach fritters made from chickpea flour and a medley of spices. When they are well done they are crunchy in texture and served with chutney (a cilantro based sauce). Pakoras are can be eaten as an appetizer before a meal or snack during the afternoon.
10. Pav Bhaji
This is a vegetarian main course made from onion, peas and potatoes. This is a very popular Indian street food. Originally, pav bhaji is made by sautéing the ingredients in butter. When pav bhaji is made with loads of butter, it brings out the flavors better. However, when you go out, you can request the meal to be made in oil instead. It is eaten with soft bread rolls or hamburger buns, garnished with cilantro, onion, and lime juice. The flavors are both spicy and tangy. It can be eaten for lunch or dinner.
Featured photo credit: Photo: Madhuli Ajay via archanaskitchen.com
