Ten Most Popular Street Foods of India – India Tourist Visa Food Guide
For true food lovers, eating isn’t just about satisfying hunger—it’s about discovery, experience, and joy. And if street food has a special place in your heart, then India is a paradise waiting to be explored. Every lane and city square here has a culinary surprise, offering something spicy, sweet, tangy, or crunchy—all ready to delight your taste buds.
Whether you’re strolling through Delhi’s buzzing markets or enjoying the coastal breeze in Mumbai, the street food in India mirrors its vibrant culture and diversity. So, if you’re planning to explore India with a tourist visa, don’t miss this flavor-packed journey! Here’s our specially curated guide to ten unmissable street foods you must try in India.
1. Pani Puri (a.k.a. Golgappa, Puchka, Gupchup)
This iconic snack has countless regional names and flavors, but the core experience remains the same—crispy hollow puris filled with spicy, tangy water and a potato-mash mix. Whether you’re in Delhi, Mumbai, or Kolkata, each version will surprise your taste buds. A true symbol of India’s culinary diversity!
2. Aloo Chaat
A delightful medley of fried potato cubes tossed in spices, herbs, lemon juice, and sometimes tamarind chutney. This tangy and spicy treat is especially popular in Delhi and Kolkata. It’s light, flavorful, and customizable—perfect for a quick nibble.
3. Chole Bhature
Rich, bold, and satisfying—chole (spiced chickpeas) paired with deep-fried fluffy bhature is more than street food; it’s a North Indian legend. Best enjoyed in Delhi or Amritsar, it’s often garnished with onions, green chilies, and a squeeze of lime for the ultimate comfort meal.
4. Vada Pav
Often called Mumbai’s answer to the burger, this humble potato fritter tucked inside a bun, served with spicy chutneys, packs a punch. It’s not just food; it’s a part of Mumbai’s culture. Grab one from a street stall and eat like a local.
5. Ghugni
A flavorful dish made from dried white peas cooked with spices and topped with chopped onions, green chilies, and sometimes boiled egg. Found widely across Eastern India, especially in Kolkata and Bihar, ghugni is wholesome and hearty.
6. Kathi Rolls
Straight from the streets of Kolkata, Kathi rolls are flaky flatbreads rolled with fillings like spiced chicken, egg, paneer, or vegetables, dressed with tangy sauces and onions. They’re portable, delicious, and endlessly customizable—a perfect on-the-go snack.
7. Pav Bhaji
A buttery, mashed vegetable curry served with toasted bread rolls—Pav Bhaji is Mumbai’s ultimate comfort food. Watch it being made on sizzling tavas and enjoy it hot off the street cart, usually with a dollop of extra butter and a slice of lemon.
8. Jalebi
Golden spirals soaked in sugar syrup, Jalebi is the sweet crown jewel of Indian street desserts. Served piping hot, especially in the mornings or during festive evenings, this treat is crunchy, gooey, and utterly addictive.
9. Litti Chokha
A traditional dish from Bihar and Jharkhand, Litti Chokha is earthy and rustic. Litti (stuffed wheat dough balls) are baked or grilled, served with mashed spiced vegetables like potatoes, brinjal, or tomatoes (chokha). It’s nutritious, flavorful, and rich in tradition.
10. Akki Roti
A beloved street breakfast in Karnataka, Akki Roti is a rice flour-based flatbread mixed with veggies and herbs, cooked over a hot griddle and typically served with coconut chutney. Light, healthy, and packed with local flavors—it’s a South Indian gem worth waking up for.
Bonus Tip for Travelers
While indulging in these flavorful delights, ensure you opt for vendors who maintain hygiene. Carry bottled water, and don’t shy away from asking locals where to find the best stalls—they always know!
Ready to travel?
India welcomes foodies with open arms and even wider flavor palettes. With the ease of applying for a tourist visa to India online, your culinary adventure is just a few clicks away.