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India’s streets are packed with flavours and aromas, offering some of the best street food in India. Every region has its own street food, shaped by local spices, ingredients, and traditions. From the spicy tang of Pani Puri to the comforting warmth of Thukpa Soup, these dishes showcase the country’s diverse food culture. Street food is more than just about the taste, it is about enjoying the buzz at a street food stall. In this blog, we explore ten of the best street foods in India, covering their regional variations, ingredients, cost, and the best places to try them.
10 Best Street Food In India
Here’s a list of the best street food in India for you to savour, featuring a diverse selection of flavours, textures, and culinary traditions that make Indian street food truly special:
1. Pani Puri
Photo: Teena Sometimes / Wikimedia Commons
Pani Puri is one of India’s most popular street foods, known for its crispy, hollow puris filled with tangy, spicy flavoured water, mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and chutneys. While its exact origins are debated, Pani Puri is widely believed to have originated in the Indian subcontinent, particularly in present-day Bihar. Each bite offers a mix of bold flavours, making it a favourite snack for people of all ages, especially enjoyed in Indian evenings.
What Is It Made Of: Atta (whole wheat flour) or Suji (semolina)
Cost Of The Food: ₹20 – ₹50 per plate
2. Samosa
Samosa is the best street food in India, a deep-fried snack with a crispy, golden crust and a flavourful spiced filling. Traditionally, the filling consists of mashed potatoes, peas, and spices, though variations with meat or lentils are also popular. The samosa traces its origins to the Middle East, where it was known as “sanbusak.” It was introduced to India between the 13th and 14th centuries by Middle Eastern and Central Asian chefs in the royal kitchens of the Delhi Sultanate.
What Is It Made Of: Maida (all-purpose flour), though some variations use atta (whole wheat flour)
Cost Of The Food: ₹10 – ₹30 per piece
3. Jalebi
Jalebi is a popular sweet known for its crispy texture and sugary syrup coating. Made by piping fermented batter into hot oil in circular shapes, fried until golden and then soaked in sugar syrup, giving it a caramelised flavour. Jalebi traces its origins to the Middle East, where a similar dish called “zalabiya” was popular. It was introduced to India by Persian-speaking traders and invaders and gradually became a beloved part of Indian sweets.
What Is It Made Of: Maida (all-purpose flour) for the batter.
Cost Of The Food: ₹30 – ₹100 per plate
4. Vada Pav
Vada Pav, often called Mumbai’s burger, is a popular street food made of a deep-fried spicy potato fritter (vada) placed inside a soft pav (bread roll). It is typically served with garlic chutney and fried green chilies for an extra kick. Originating in Mumbai in the 1960s, Vada Pav was created as a quick and budget-friendly meal for the city’s working class, combining the Portuguese-inspired pav with a spicy potato dumpling.
What Is It Made Of: Besan (gram flour) for the batter
Cost Of The Food: ₹15 – ₹50 per piece
5. Kathi Roll
Photo: Vivekpat30 / Wikimedia Commons
The Kathi Roll is the best street food in India, made with a flaky paratha wrapped around flavourful fillings like chicken, mutton, or paneer. Onions, sauces, and spices add extra layers of taste, making it a satisfying meal on the go. It was first created at Nizam Restaurant in Kolkata, where skewer-roasted kebabs were wrapped in paratha for convenience. Traditionally, the kebabs were cooked on bamboo skewers, known as “kati” in Bengali, which gave the dish its name.
What Is It Made Of: Maida (all-purpose flour) for the paratha
Cost Of The Food: ₹50 – ₹150 per roll
6. Chole Bhature
Photo: Aleemk72 / Wikimedia Commons
Chole Bhature is a well-loved North Indian dish known for its rich flavours and satisfying taste. It features deep-fried, fluffy bhature paired with spicy and tangy chickpea curry (chole). Often served with pickles, onions, and a glass of lassi, it’s a meal that feels both indulgent and comforting. Thought to have originated in Punjab, Chole Bhature has become a favourite breakfast or lunch choice across India, enjoyed for its perfect balance of crisp, soft, and spicy elements.
What Is It Made Of: Maida (all-purpose flour) for the bhature
Cost Of The Food: ₹50 – ₹120 per plate
7. Litti Chokha
Photo: RASHMITHAKURSHARMA / Wikimedia Commons
Litti Chokha is a traditional dish from Bihar, known for its rich flavours and simple ingredients. This dish has been a staple in Bhojpuri cuisine for centuries, especially in regions like Buxar and Banaras. Litti is traditionally baked over coal or cow dung cakes, giving it a distinct smoky taste. It is served with chokha, a mashed mixture of roasted eggplant, tomato, and potato, often topped with ghee. Litti Chokha also holds cultural significance, being associated with festivals and community gatherings.
What Is It Made Of: Whole wheat flour for the litti, sattu (roasted gram flour) for the stuffing
Cost Of The Food: ₹30 – ₹80 per plate
8. Idli Sambhar
Photo: Shafana jasmine / Wikimedia Commons
Idli Sambhar is a popular breakfast in South India, known for being light, nutritious, and easy to digest. Idlis are soft, fluffy steamed rice cakes, typically served with sambhar, a flavourful lentil-based vegetable stew. Coconut chutney adds an extra layer of taste, making it a well-balanced meal. With roots dating back over a thousand years, Idli and Sambhar have remained a staple in South Indian cuisine and have now become the best street food in India.
What Is It Made Of: Rice and urad dal (black gram) for the idli
Cost Of The Food: ₹40 – ₹100 per plate
9. Aloo Tikki
Photo: Nanditamomai / Wikimedia Commons
Aloo Tikki is the best street food in India, made from crispy, shallow-fried potato patties seasoned with spices. It’s typically served with tamarind chutney, yogurt, pomegranate, and sev, creating a mix of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavours. Some versions include a filling of lentils or peas, adding extra texture and taste. It’s a go-to snack at street stalls,markets and even Indian weddings, enjoyed fresh off the pan.
What Is It Made Of: Boiled potatoes for the tikki
Cost Of The Food: ₹30 – ₹80 per plate
10. Thukpa Soup
Photo: Arunabha.Goswami / Wikimedia Commons
Thukpa, a Tibetan-origin noodle soup, first became popular in Northeast India and has now spread across the country. It is a hearty, comforting dish made with noodles, vegetables, and a flavourful broth. Meat lovers can enjoy variations with chicken or beef, while the vegetarian version is equally delicious. The warm and spicy broth makes it a perfect dish for cold weather.
What Is It Made Of: Wheat or buckwheat flour for the noodles
Cost Of The Food: ₹50 – ₹150 per bowl
India’s street food culture is an exciting journey through flavors, textures, and culinary traditions. Whether you’re a fan of spicy, tangy, sweet, or savory, the best street food in India has something for every palate. Each dish tells a story of its region, making it a must-try experience for food lovers. Book your culinary journey with TripXL and explore the best local flavors across India.
Cover Photo: Marvin Ozz / Pexels
