31 Best Indian Street Foods To Try in 2025

The wondrous world of Indian street food is like a culinary treasure box where every dish is a new jewel waiting to be discovered. Many of the restaurant dishes you already know and love are part of the Indian street food scene, while others are enticing creations you will be delighted to encounter for the first time. However you approach your exploration of Indian street fare, you're bound to taste something unique and wonderful. 

According to the Association for Asian Studies, Indian cuisine is deeply connected to its regional and seasonal diversity, with food traditions varying based on geography, climate and locally available ingredients. This explains why Indian street food offers such a vast array of flavors, from the tangy and spicy chaats of North India to the coconut-rich delicacies of the South.

If you're new to the diverse dishes that make Indian street food a global favorite, what are some good options to test out? This insightful guide is your introduction to some of the best Indian street food inventions on the menu. If your knowledge of cuisine from the region is limited to curry and butter chicken, prepare to have your horizons broadened by these incredible possibilities. 

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• What Is Indian Street Food Like?
• 31 Popular Indian Street Foods To Try
• Learn How To Cook Indian Food

What Is Indian Street Food Like?

Indian street food is a vast variety of sweet and savory selections that are perfect for eating on the go. The ingredients in flavors reflect the culinary culture of the country, with portions often being more portable than creations found in a sit-down restaurant environment. 

Since street food in India can be quite a portable cuisine, dishes often take on a snack-like status. A few well-chosen possibilities can comprise a ready meal that’s great for sharing with fellow foodies.

You may notice several Indian street food offerings that feature common components. Though many creations use overlapping ingredients, each region presents its own take on the basic recipes; you may encounter several variations of similar Indian street foods depending on where you find them. 

Some dishes even reflect the cultural exchange between locals and settlers or migrants from China or other parts of the Indian subcontinent. And of course, you can find many Indian street food selections on restaurant menus in the U.S., providing an easy way to sample the selections from your own city. 

31 Popular Indian Street Foods To Try

1. Vada Pav

Vada pav, a signature Indian street food from the Western state of Maharashtra, is a slider-like sandwich that gives vegetarians a savory dish to snack on. Consisting of a fried potato dumpling surrounded by a fluffy roll, this Mumbai favorite brings flavor with a variety of chutneys and peppers that spice up the profile. The batter used to coat the potato uses gram flour, also known as besan, which is made from pulverized chickpeas, giving the patty a warm, nutty flavor. 

2. Samosas

Perhaps one of the most familiar Indian street foods with Western eaters, samosas are pastries similar to hand pies filled with vegetables and spices, though there are versions that make use of meat or fish fillings as well. Samosas are presented differently in various regions of the country, with an array of sumptuous fillings like raisins and green chiles livening up the centers. You can even find syrup-coated sweet samosas filled with mashed nuts and fruits, largely during late-winter as part of Holi celebrations and festivals.

3. Pani Puri

One of the most unique Indian street foods is pani puri, a hollow ball of fried dough that serves as a shell for boiled beans, typically, white peas, chickpeas or moong beans and potatoes and flavored with both spicy water and sweet chutney. The delicate husk takes on the appearance of an eggshell, with savory, highly seasoned goodness waiting inside. Pani puri is a popular choice of street vendors in Mumbai, though it also shows up under the name puchka in Bengal and golgappa in India’s northern regions.

4. Momos

Fans of dumplings will find a kindred snack in momos, an Indian street cuisine take that uses thin, flour-based dough filled with meat, vegetables or a mix of the two. The finished dumpling is either steamed or fried, resulting in a choice of different textures to suit your preference. The history of momos is thought to extend into Nepal, where the dish originated before traveling through the Himalayas and becoming part of the Indian menu. Now, they can be found in cities around India for locals and visitors to savor.

5. Pav Bhaji

Pav bhaji, which is also known as pao or paw bhaji, is a curry featuring mashed vegetables in a tomato-based gravy. The combination of peas, onions, carrots and potatoes may remind you of a hearty stew from the American South. This version gets a powerful flavor punch from the use of bhaji masala, a blend of regional spices that adds authentic Indian character to the recipe. The finished mash is served with buttered rolls used to scoop up the mixture — another similarity that gives this quintessential Indian street food a ready familiarity for anyone trying it for the first time.

6. Bhel Puri

The intriguing textures in bhel puri make it one of the more distinctive Indian street foods and a favorite among diners in Mumbai. This dish merges the sweet and tart elements of multiple chutneys with crispy puffed rice and fried chickpea-flour noodles called sev. Beans and fresh herbs can be tossed in to add even more enticing bits and bobs. The finished mix resembles a tossed rice pilaf and can be eaten directly or with papdi/puris.

7. Dahi Vada

One of the best representations of North Indian food on the overarching regional menu, dahi vada has been around India since 500 BC by some accounts. The dish is composed of crispy lentil fritters coated in creamy yogurt, giving the finished plate a striking, luxurious appearance. Some recipes incorporate golden raisins into the fritters and use whole herbs, crushed spices or chutney as a garnish that adds tasty dimensions. Cities all around India serve dahi vada among their most well-loved Indian street food selections; variations can also be found in Pakistan, India’s neighbor to the west.

8. Aloo Tikki

With a name that translates to potato cutlets, aloo tikki tells Indian street food fans exactly what they’ll be enjoying! The round, patty-like croquettes resemble potato pancakes or hash browns and may also contain peas and an array of curry seasonings. Aloo tikki invites diners to dig in with their fingers, dipping these savory patties in a suite of tangy and creamy sauces to add texture and powerful flavors that contrast with aloo tikki’s humble personality. Chutney made from tamarind is also a great partner that gives the patties a dose of fruit essence to dress up the base flavor.

9. Kachori

Kachori is an Indian street food that’s reminiscent of the English pasty. With a pastry crust wrapped around a veritable feast of different fillings. The familiar pairing of potatoes and peas is a definite possibility, though you can also find kachori that uses corn, beans and lentils, or dal. There are also kachori with sweet centers made from condensed milk and dipped in simple sugar syrup after being lightly fried. Whatever you find inside, kachori makes a great handheld treat to dine on while you explore India’s legendary cities. 

10. Poha

Poha is an Indian street food that makes use of a specific type of rice that arose on the subcontinent as an original creation. Poha rice comes preprocessed, already de-husked and lightly boiled, then dried, roasted and flattened. In this form, the rice requires no cooking and can be prepared simply by adding liquid to soften the grains. Flavored with onions and spices and sometimes topped with peanuts, the finished product is a beloved breakfast food for eaters in the Northern and Western regions of India.

11. Dabeli

The dabeli is a sandwich created in the 1960s by a vendor named Keshavji Gabha Chudasama. His invention sandwiched a sweet and spicy blend of boiled potatoes seasoned with dabeli masala, a diverse seasoning mix that includes roasted coriander, cloves, cinnamon and fennel seeds. Served in a sliced dinner roll with tamarind chutney and garnished with pomegranate seeds and peanuts, dabeli is an original from the town of Mandvi, where the inventor’s shop is still run by his descendants.

12. Bhutta Masala

If you adore roasted street corn from any locale, bhutta masala is the one Indian street food you shouldn’t miss out on! Bhutta, the Hindi term for corn on the cob, is rubbed with lemon or lime and masala spices, then grilled or roasted to create a sweety-spicy-smoky blend that’s practically irresistible. Monsoon season in the region heralds the corn harvest, which brings this delicacy to vendor stalls and street food markets all around the country.

In addition to being a delicious snack to enjoy while on site in India, bhutta masala is also one of the easiest street food creations to replicate at home. All you need are a few ears of corn, some lemon or lime juice and masala spices, which can be found online or at a grocery store with an inclusive spice aisle.

Rub the corn with the citrus juice, sprinkle on the spices, wrap the corn in foil and roast at 425 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes. You can bring an exotic new take on your usual offerings straight to your home table, no travel agent required!

13. Chole Bhature

Another creative use for chana, or chickpeas, comes into play with chole bhature. This Indian street food serves up the legume as a chutney, spiced with a specialized masala seasoning. Imparting fresh flavors of green chili and cilantro, chana masala lends a warm, earthy essence that accents the umami notes of the chickpeas. The tangy and spicy elements are perfect for pairing with bhature, a leavened bread that puffs up whimsically when fried.

14. Dosa

The classic French crêpe meets its Indian twin in the dosa, a savory form of the thin pancake-like bread usually enjoyed as a breakfast dish. Dosas combines rice and black lentils into a fermented batter that brings about a somewhat slightly sour flavor. The finished dosas can be served with chutneys on the side for dipping. 

15. Chili Chicken

Indian street food pulls in a bit of Asian influence in chili chicken, a super spicy dish that blends Indian and Chinese heat into a flavorful inferno. Tender chicken chunks are fried in a light batter, then tossed in a tangy sauce that fuses soy sauce, ketchup, chili powder and vinegar with a touch of sugar to temper the heat.

For fans of blistering Szechuan-style specialties, chili chicken is a sure-fire hit. You may also find versions that reduce the heat by including more vinegar or sugar, a kitchen hack to take note of if you decide to try your own Indian chili chicken recipe at home. You can always cut back on the chili powder to start as well, adding small amounts until you reach a tolerable level. 

16. Lassi

As cool and refreshing as it is thick and sweet, lassi is a yogurt-based beverage that comes close to the texture of a smoothie. It’s one of India’s best-loved street treats, available in fruit flavors like strawberry and mango. Sweet lassis are often featured in Indian restaurants around the U.S. as a dessert-like drink. Throughout India, you can also enjoy a selection of savory lassis that utilize spices such as cardamom and saffron or nuts like almonds and pistachios. 

17. Bombay Sandwich

Think of a Bombay sandwich as similar to a panini but with a distinctive Indian character. Lore surrounding this popular Indian street food suggests it provided sustenance for migrant textile mill workers arriving in Mumbai, the city formerly known as Bombay. The creation itself is a hearty mix of vegetables, chutney and cheese flavored with chaat masala that’s grilled to give the bread delicious crispiness that contrasts with the fillings.

18. Kati Roll

The kati roll, an Indian street food that could easily be mistaken for a tortilla wrap, is a product of Kolkata, West Bengal, though it’s become a familiar street food of India beyond its place of origin. The outer wrap can be a paratha or roti, both of which are traditional flatbreads, while the interior holds a roasted vegetable or meat kebab flavored with chutney and other sauces. The name comes from the skewers, or kati, that hold the fillings as they cook before becoming the roll’s tempting center.

19. Misal Pav

Usal, a type of curry that uses moth bean sprouts, is the featured player in misal pav, a healthy Indian street food that vegan eaters are sure to love. This invention springs from Kolhapur in the Indian state of Maharashtra, located on the Arabian Sea in the central west region of the subcontinent. Thanks to the generous inclusion of moth beans, diners can get a protein boost while savoring one of the finest Indian street food options for plant-based nutrition. 

20. Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is a familiar find in restaurants and kitchens around the U.S., giving this cherished Indian street food a powerful presence on the domestic dining scene. Prepared as chicken tikkas, or skewers, tandoori chicken features chunks of chicken marinated in a host of spices and grilled until smoky and tender. Basmati rice or flatbread make equally delicious partners for an Indian street food that never loses its charm.

21. Hakka Noodles

Hakka noodles arose as an Indian street food when 18th-century Kolkata settlers from China introduced the dish to the local populations. Noodle dough is boiled and then stir-fried in a wok to create a characteristic texture. Soy sauce and sliced vegetables elements are added making for one of the best Indian street foods for lovers of fusion cuisine with a backstory!

22. Pakora

Vegetable and meat fritters fried lightly in batter become pakora, a much-loved Indian street food that resembles Japanese tempura. Recipes for pakora date back as far as 1130 CE and may even appear in early Sanskrit texts. Though gram flour is traditionally used, other flours have become part of the creation, as have seasonings based on customs and ingredients available in the regions where pakora is served. 

23. Idli Sambar

Steamed rice cakes made of fermented rice and black lentil flours are called idli; sambar is a stew that uses vegetables and lentils, along with plenty of aromatic herbs. The combination becomes idli sambar, an Indian street food enjoyed as a savory breakfast per the long-held traditions surrounding South Indian food. The idle is served on the side, or it can be dropped into the sambar to soak up the saucy flavors, similar to a dumpling.

24. Akki Roti

Akki roti is a rice flour version of the traditional roti, which makes this Indian street food a fantastic option for gluten-free eaters. Akki roti comes in two versions, one in which the flour is mixed with savory vegetables and fried directly on a griddle, the other in which the dough is cooked before frying. Both take on this specialty from the state of Karnataka are commonly eaten as breakfast fare, topped with coconut chutney and other sauces.

25. Paratha

A highly popular version of flatbread found in many Indian street food creations, paratha is simply unleavened flour-based dough heated on a griddle. The finished bread is flaky and takes on the flavor of the ghee used in the dough. Paratha is a perfect blank slate for holding enticing toppings like chutney, as well as a familiar Indian bread for accompanying soups, stews and grain dishes.

26. Litti Chokha

Litti are small balls of wheat dough filled with chickpea mash and cooked over coal fire. Chokha can be made with various vegetables like potatoes, eggplant (baingan) or tomatoes, and is roasted and spiced. When served together, litti choka becomes a flavor festival from the Bhojpuri region of Northern India that sometimes comes with pickles or peppers. With its bite-sized pieces and flavorful combination proudly representing its home region, this tapas-style treat can be found in cities all around India.

27. Ragda Chaat

Chaat refers to a style of food that includes tangy, sweet and spicy elements. Ragda chaat takes the concept into a unique territory by providing a white pea gravy with a topping of chopped onions, roasted cumin, lemon juice and sev. The resulting creation is a must-have on every foodie bucket list, a dippable delight that lends itself to flatbreads, crackers or fresh vegetables. 

28. Nimbu Paani 

In a region known for its sweltering heat, having a refreshing drink like nimbu paani as part of the Indian street food experience is essential. This regional twist on fresh-squeezed lemonade takes the usual combination of lemon juice, water and sugar and adds quintessential spices that give the finished beverage a flavor all its own. Black salt and roasted cumin are commonly used, lending savory layers to the sweet and tangy base. 

29. Masala Chai

The world-famous spiced tea of India, masala chai is an Indian street food accompaniment no one should miss. The simplicity of black tea enriched with vibrant crushed spices like cloves and cardamom imparts a soothing warmth like a few other regional beverages. Masala chai can be enjoyed as-is or with a splash of milk, plus a little honey or sugar to make the flavors even more complex. 

30. Paan

Traditional paan presents the Indian street food tradition of betel nut chewing, a post-meal practice for cleansing the palate that reaches back to historic China. Carrying into modern Indian street food customs, paan presents a leaf from the betel tree wrapped around fragrant elements such as rosewater and cardamom, as well as flavorful bits like chocolate or dried fruit. Paan is enjoyed by holding the filled leaf in your cheek and allowing the juices to arise, discarding the leaf and its contents once the flavor is gone.

31. Paneer Frankie

Vegetarians will be in foodie heaven when they sink their teeth into Paneer Frankie, an Indian street food that brings regional cottage cheese into a recipe that has much in common with the breakfast burrito. Paneer is marinated in spiced yogurt, then cooked with vegetables and rolled up into a paratha. Even the appearance gives the impression of a tortilla wrapped around veggies and cheese, making this Indian street food familiar even for those who have yet to make the discovery. 

Learn How To Cook Indian Food

Once you've become familiar with the best Indian street foods, creating your own through cooking classes near you is the next best thing to visiting India itself. Learn from local experts in Indian cooking with a passion for sharing their knowledge. They'll show you how to create Indian food from recipes that are perfect additions to your growing global dining collection. And if you're a fan of digital learning, you'll find Indian online cooking classes that bring gourmet expertise into your home. 

The street food of India is a walkable banquet that shows off the pride and character of the country’s culinary landscape. Familiar ingredients reassemble in curious and compelling ways, creating a panoply of flavors that make each Indian street food its own magical mix — recipes that can vary based on city and state. With so many rich possibilities in the lineup, trying bites from each region is the only way to find out which Indian street food possibilities are your favorites! 

For even more ways to explore your favorite foods, check out other experiences happening on Cozymeal.