The best Indian street foods you have to try

India ignites the senses. Amid the relentless honking and lively chaos, delicious aromas waft through the air. An estimated 10 million street vendors sell from their carts and stalls across the country, and it’s easy to see that Indian street food lies at the heart of the culture. Eating street food is one of the best things to do in India. Conversations flow and smiles are shared over a samosa or steaming cup of chai, something that will become a cherished part of your adventures in India, too.

So, what exactly is the best street food in India? People have many opinions on that, but here are our top street foods and drinks to try.

A brief history of Indian street food

The concept of street food in India dates back centuries, originating in bustling markets, caravanserais, and along ancient trade routes where vendors catered to travellers, merchants, and workers seeking quick and affordable meals. India's street food evolved with its history of migrations and invasions. Persian, Mughal, Portuguese, and British influences brought new ingredients and techniques, blending with regional flavours to create a variety of what's now considered traditional Indian cuisine. Each region of the country then developed its own street food specialties shaped by local produce, spices, and culinary traditions. Today, travelling and eating your way around India feels like a never-ending journey of delicious discovery.

Samosa

Did you know India’s street food superstar, the samosa, traces its roots to the Middle East and Central Asia, not India? While the fillings and flavours vary slightly by region, the essence of the samosa remains the same. Street vendors deep-fry samosas to perfection before filling them with potatoes, peas, lentils, or meat seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. Each messy, satisfying crunch is as delightful as the burst of flavour that follows, making samosas irresistible wherever you find them.

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Vada pav

Nicknamed the "Indian burger," vada pav has become a fan favourite for Mumbaikars since its invention in 1966. It's so popular that Mumbai has more than 20,000 vada pav stalls. This iconic vegetarian snack consists of spicy deep-fried potato dumplings (vada) placed inside a soft bread roll (pav), served with chutneys and green chillies for an extra kick.

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Bhel puri

If you’re in a rush but need a substantial snack, bhel puri is your perfect go-to Indian street food. This creative concoction is made of puffed rice, sev (crunchy chickpea noodles), and chopped vegetables like tomatoes, onions, and potatoes, all tossed together with tamarind chutney and spices. Don’t wait too long to dig in — enjoy bhel puri immediately to savour its signature crunch. If you let it sit, the crispy textures quickly transform into a soggy, though still flavourful, mix.

Poha

Poha is a popular breakfast dish across India and a great way to start the day. The dish typically involves cooking flattened rice with onions, potatoes, and green chillies and seasoning it with spices such as mustard seeds, turmeric, and curry leaves. The final touch is adding garnishes like fresh coriander, lemon juice, and sometimes roasted peanuts for added crunch. Known for being both filling and easy to digest, it’s the perfect fuel for a day of adventures in India.

Pav bhaji

Breaking off bite-sized pieces of these lightly toasted buttery buns and scooping up spiced vegetable curry are part of the joy of eating pav bhaji. It’s packed with hearty vegetables like potatoes, carrots, peas, and bell peppers, making for a nourishing meal or snack. Deceptively filling, this popular Indian street food from Mumbai will leave you rubbing your belly in satisfaction. You’ll do that a lot in the City of Dreams, one of the best places to visit in India, especially for street food.

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Panipuri

Up for a challenge? Try fitting a whole panipuri in your mouth without making a mess! Biting into a panipuri, also known as golgappa in some regions, offers an exciting explosion of taste as the crispy shell breaks open, releasing a flood of spicy, sweet, and sour flavours. These golden hollow balls are usually stuffed with a spicy mixture of tamarind water, chickpeas, and chopped potatoes.

Tawa pulao

Tawa pulao sounds simple: rice, vegetables and pav bhaji masala. How mind-blowing can it be? Like all Indian street food, don’t underestimate it. This dish might become the best thing you’ve tried — at least until your next meal! Tawa pulao, which gets its name from the pan it's cooked in, is made by stir-frying pre-cooked rice with vegetables like onions, tomatoes, bell peppers, and peas, and a blend of spices. The critical ingredient is pav bhaji masala, a spice mix that gives the dish its signature taste.

Idli

These fluffy white circles give nothing away regarding their taste. Idlis are made from fermented rice and lentil batter, typically served with coconut chutney or sambar, a flavorful lentil soup with a spicy kick. A popular snack or breakfast in South India, these savoury steamed rice cakes offer tremendous gut-health benefits because of the fermentation process, exactly what you need to keep the dreaded "Delhi belly" away.

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Dosa

No list of the best Indian street food would be complete without the iconic dosa. A traditional South Indian dish with roots that date back to the 5th century, it’s a crispy, golden crepe made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils. The fermentation process gives it a unique tang and a light, bubbly texture. Dosas are best enjoyed with your hands, so dig in — it’s part of the experience. Vendors serve them hot and often pair dosas with a variety of flavorful sides, such as spicy chutneys or a steaming bowl of sambar. Dosas are primarily eaten for breakfast, though they are served all day long.

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Gulab jamun

After all those savoury dishes, your sweet tooth probably craves dessert. Galub jamun is a classic Indian dessert made from deep-fried dough balls soaked in sugar syrup infused with cardamon, rose water, or saffron. They are favourites at festivals across India and South Asia, and once you pop one of these golden balls into your mouth, it's hard to stop!

Jalebi

The vibrant orange colour of jalebi instantly sparks curiosity in anyone passing by. Most people can't help but stop and try, often captivated by street vendors cooking up the dessert in a streaming hot pan of oil. Vendors become artists, creating intricate spirals and circular shapes with the batter. Once ready, jalebi are soaked in a sugar syrup flavoured with saffron or rose water. A guaranteed sugar rush, these crispy sweet treats are best enjoyed hot while standing on the side of the road as the chaos passes you by.

Peda

Originating in Uttar Pradesh’s Mathura, the birthplace of Krishna, pedas are more than a sweet treat. They are an essential part of Janmashtami, a Hindu festival celebrating the birth of the god Krishna. During the festival, they’re prepared as an offering, but you can eat them on any other day of the year, too. This rich, fudge-like sweet is made from mawa (evaporated milk solids), milk, sugar, and ghee, creating a creamy, melt-in-your-mouth texture, often infused with cardamom, saffron, or nuts. To finish, pedas are garnished with crunchy pistachios or almonds, adding an extra layer of flavour.

Lassi

A refreshing lassi is the perfect antidote for a burning belly after a spicy meal. Order with care because this traditional yogurt-based Indian drink comes in two distinct variations, each offering a different taste. Sweet lassi is a delightful blend of yogurt, sugar, and sometimes fruit: mango, bananas, strawberries, or whatever the vendor wants to throw in there. On the other hand, salty lassi is made with yogurt, salt, and a mix of spices, providing a tangy, savoury alternative. Try both and pick your favourite.

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Chai

It’s nearly impossible to walk down India’s streets without spotting someone sipping a cup of chai or hearing the chaiwallas (tea vendors) shouting "chai, chai, chai." In India, chai means tea. Drinking chai is so deeply embedded in Indian culture that you won’t be able to avoid it. No matter how busy your schedule is, there’s always time for a chai break! Masala chai is made by brewing black tea with milk, sugar, and fragrant spices, setting it apart from regular chai. After one sip, you’ll quickly see why Indians drink it all the time.

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