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There is a wide variety of healthy street food in India that is both delicious and nutritious. Many street foods are made with fresh vegetables, lentils, fruits, and whole grains, making them a great choice for a balanced diet. These dishes are prepared using simple cooking methods like steaming, roasting and minimal frying, which help retain their nutrients. From light snacks to filling meals, these low-calorie Indian street food options are enjoyed by people of all ages. Street vendors nationwide serve these foods daily, providing quick, affordable and tasty meals with essential health benefits.
Top 10 Healthy Street Food In India
Here is the list of the top 10 healthy street food in India, bwinf nutritious and guilt-free, offering the unique experience of street food hopping:
1. Fruit Chaat
Photo: Josh Sorenson / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Fruit chaat is a refreshing and naturally sweet dish made from freshly chopped fruits like apples, bananas, pomegranates, and guavas. Vendors add a pinch of black salt, roasted cumin powder, and lemon juice to enhance the taste. Some versions also include boiled chickpeas or sprouts for added nutrition. This healthy street food in India is a great way to enjoy fresh fruits deliciously and conveniently. It is a popular snack during festivals and fasting periods, as it provides instant energy while being light on the stomach.
Best Cities To Try: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata
Average Cost Per Plate: ₹30 – ₹50
Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
2. Masala Dosa
Photo: Yakshitha / Wikimedia Commons
Masala dosa is a thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter. The filling consists of spiced mashed potatoes, cooked with mustard seeds, onions, and green chillies. The dosa is cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown and served with coconut chutney and sambar. This traditional Indian street food with health benefits is a staple breakfast dish in South India. Fermentation improves its nutritional value and makes it easier to digest. It is loved for its light, crispy texture and the balance of flavours between the dosa, chutney, and sambar.
Best Cities To Try: Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad
Average Cost Per Plate: ₹50 – ₹100
Nutritional Benefits: Good source of carbohydrates and protein, low in fat
3. Bhel Puri / Jhaal Muri
Photo: Sumit Surai / Wikimedia Commons
Bhel puri or jhaal muri is a crunchy and tangy street food. It is made with puffed rice, chopped onions, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, and green chillies. It is mixed with tamarind and mint chutney, giving it a sweet, spicy, and sour flavour. Roasted peanuts and sev (thin fried chickpea noodles) are sprinkled on top for extra crunch. This low-calorie healthy street food in India is light yet satisfying. It is commonly eaten as an evening snack. Many street vendors customise it to suit different spice levels, making it enjoyable for everyone.
Best Cities To Try: Mumbai, Pune, Kolkata
Average Cost Per Plate: ₹20 – ₹40
Nutritional Benefits: Low in calories, high in fibre
4. Dhokla
Photo: Mustafa Fatemi / Unsplash
Dhokla is a soft and fluffy steamed cake made from fermented chickpea or rice flour batter. It is lightly seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chillies. The steaming process makes it a light and easily digestible snack. This healthy vegetarian street food in India is popular in Gujarat, where it is commonly eaten for breakfast or as a snack with tea. The fermentation process increases its probiotic benefits, which help digestion. Dhokla is usually served with green chutney and sometimes topped with grated coconut for extra flavour.
Best Cities To Try: Ahmedabad, Surat, Rajkot
Average Cost Per Plate: ₹30 – ₹60
Nutritional Benefits: High in protein, low in calories
5. Idli
Photo: SwatiGupta1986 / Wikimedia Commons
Idli is a traditional South Indian dish made from fermented rice and urad dal (black lentils) batter. The batter is poured into molds and steamed to make soft, fluffy cakes. It is usually served with coconut chutney and sambar, a spicy lentil-based stew. As a traditional Indian street food with health benefits, idli is considered one of the healthiest breakfast options. It is light, low in fat, and easy to digest. Many people enjoy it as a morning meal because it provides energy without feeling too heavy.
Best Cities To Try: Chennai, Bengaluru, Kochi
Average Cost Per Plate: ₹20 – ₹50
Nutritional Benefits: Easily digestible, low in fat
6. Chana Chaat
Photo: Miansari66 / Wikimedia Commons
Chana chaat is a protein-rich street food made with boiled chickpeas, chopped onions, tomatoes, coriander, and green chillies. It is tossed with lemon juice and chaat masala for a tangy flavour. Some versions include pomegranate seeds for a hint of sweetness. This nutritious street food to try in India is a popular snack, especially during monsoons. Chickpeas are an excellent source of plant-based protein and fibre, making this dish both healthy and filling. It is often served in paper cones, making it easy to eat on the go.
Best Cities To Try: Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur
Average Cost Per Plate: ₹30 – ₹50
Nutritional Benefits: High in protein and fibre
7. Sweet Potato Chaat
Photo: Alikiiaa / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Sweet potato chaat is made by roasting or boiling sweet potatoes. These are cut into cubes and mixed with black salt, lemon juice, and chaat masala. Some vendors add fresh coriander and pomegranate seeds for extra taste. This low-calorie Indian street food option is a great alternative to fried snacks. It is especially popular during fasting periods in India, as it provides energy and essential nutrients. The potatoes’ natural sweetness pairs well with the spicy and tangy seasoning, making it a favourite among street food lovers.
Best Cities To Try: Delhi, Varanasi, Kolkata
Average Cost Per Plate: ₹20 – ₹40
Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamins A and C, high in fibre
8. Roasted Bhutta
Photo: Gopi Sutar / Wikimedia Commons
Roasted bhutta, or grilled corn on the cob, is a simple yet delicious street food found across India. The corn is roasted over an open flame until slightly charred, then rubbed with salt, chilli powder, and lemon juice. This healthy street food in India is widely available during the monsoon season. It is a great source of fibre and provides a satisfying smoky flavour. Many vendors offer different spice blends, allowing people to customise the taste. Roasted bhutta is a favourite snack for those looking for a light and nutritious option.
Best Cities To Try: Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai
Average Cost Per Plate: ₹15 – ₹30
Nutritional Benefits: High in fibre, contains essential minerals
9. Dahi Vada
Photo: Mdsmds0 / Wikimedia Commons
Dahi vada consists of deep-fried lentil dumplings soaked in thick yoghurt and topped with tamarind and mint chutneys. A sprinkle of roasted cumin powder and pomegranate seeds enhances the taste. This traditional Indian street food with health benefits is known for its cooling effect, making it a perfect summer snack. The combination of lentils and yoghurt provides a balance of protein and probiotics, supporting digestion. It is commonly served during festivals and special occasions, as it is both delicious and nutritious.
Best Cities To Try: Delhi, Mumbai, Hyderabad
Average Cost Per Plate: ₹40 – ₹70
Nutritional Benefits: Good source of protein and probiotics
10. Poha
Photo: Kxnyshk / Wikimedia Commons
Poha is a light and nutritious dish made from flattened rice, cooked with mustard seeds, turmeric, green chillies, and onions. Some versions include peanuts and boiled potatoes for added texture and taste. It is a popular healthy vegetarian street food in India, often eaten for breakfast. Poha is quick to prepare and provides sustained energy throughout the day. The addition of turmeric gives it anti-inflammatory properties. It is commonly served with lemon wedges and coriander for extra flavour.
Best Cities To Try: Indore, Bhopal, Nagpur
Average Cost Per Plate: ₹20 – ₹40
Nutritional Benefits: Low in calories, easy to digest
These healthy street food in India options are great choices for those looking for tasty and nutritious street foods. They are made with simple ingredients, cooked in traditional ways, and offer many health benefits. Whether you enjoy light snacks or filling meals, these low-calorie Indian street food options are perfect for every taste. To explore more food adventures, visit these places by planning with TripXL.
Cover Photo: Zoshua Colah / Unsplash
