Street food in India is an explosion of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds. It’s a gastronomic journey through the lanes and bylanes of the country, offering a myriad of culinary experiences at every corner. The best part about Indian street food is not only its diversity and flavor but also its affordability. There are countless delicious options available under ₹100, making it accessible to everyone.
In Mumbai, you can’t miss out on Vada Pav, priced at around ₹15-20 per piece. This iconic dish consists of a spicy potato filling sandwiched between two slices of bread and served with tangy chutneys. Another must-try in Mumbai is Pani Puri or Golgappa as it’s known in other parts of India. For just ₹30-40, you can enjoy this delightful snack consisting of hollow puris filled with flavored water, tamarind chutney, chili powder, chaat masala, potato chunks, onion pieces and chickpeas.
Moving towards Delhi – the paradise for street food lovers – one cannot overlook Chole Bhature or Aloo Tikki Chaat available for less than ₹50 each. Chole Bhature includes spicy chickpeas served with deep-fried bread while Aloo Tikki Chaat comprises crispy fried potato patties topped with yogurt and various chutneys.
Head south to Chennai where idlis rule the streets! Soft steamed rice cakes paired with coconut chutney and sambar make for a perfect breakfast or evening snack costing less than ₹30 per plate.
In Kolkata – often referred to as ‘the cultural capital’ – nothing beats Puchka (a variant of Pani Puri) or Jhal Muri (puffed rice mixed with vegetables). They are priced between ₹10-20 per serving making them an affordable treat for your taste buds.
While these are just some examples from major cities across India; every region, every city, and even every street in India has its unique and affordable street food to offer. From the spicy Mirchi Bajji in Hyderabad to sweet Ghewar in Jaipur; from flavorful Kebabs in Lucknow to tangy Dhokla in Ahmedabad – the list is endless.
Street food is not just about filling your stomach but it’s also about experiencing local culture and tradition. It brings people together irrespective of their social or economic status. The affordability of these delicacies makes them accessible to everyone thereby making street food a unifying element across diverse Indian cultures.
So next time you’re traveling through India or are out on the streets of your city, don’t hesitate to try that inviting stall serving mouth-watering dishes under ₹100. After all, there’s no better way to explore India’s culinary diversity than through its vibrant and flavorsome street food scene.
