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Vijayawada, a bustling city in Andhra Pradesh, is a food lover’s paradise known for its vibrant street food scene. Explore the city’s bustling markets and roadside stalls to savour the bold flavours and unique twists of the best street food in Vijayawada. From spicy mirchi bajji and tangy pulihora to flavorful chicken 65 and crispy rava dosa, the city offers a diverse array of delectable street food options. Locals and travellers can indulge in these must-try dishes that showcase the culinary richness of Vijayawada. Whether you’re a fan of vegetarian delights or non-vegetarian delicacies, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
12 Must-Have Street Food In Vijayawada
The best of the street food in Vijayawada offers a varied taste and flavour to everyone. These options primarily include:
1. Punugulu
Photo: Balajijagadesh / Wikimedia Commons
Punugulu is a quintessential street snack in Vijayawada, made from fermented idli or dosa batter. The batter is mixed with chopped onions, green chillies and coriander before being deep-fried into small, round, crispy balls. Punugulu is usually served with an assortment of chutneys. These include coconut chutney, tomato chutney and tangy ginger chutney. It’s a popular evening snack among the locals and is best enjoyed with a hot cup of tea.
Location: Ravi Punugu Bajji Stall
2. Poornam Boorelu
Photo: Abhinavsikharam / Wikimedia Commons
Poornam Boorelu is a traditional sweet delicacy that is a must-try when in Vijayawada. These deep-fried dumplings are made with a stuffing of chana dal (split chickpeas) mixed with jaggery, cardamom, and grated coconut. The outer layer is made from a rice flour batter, which gives it a crispy texture when fried. Poornam Boorelu is a festive treat often made during local festivals like Sankranti and Diwali. You can find them in local sweet shops year-round. The sweet and nutty filling combined with the crunchy exterior makes it one among the best street food in Vijayawada.
Location: Sweet Magic
3. Mirchi Bajji
Photo: Tonynirappathu / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Mirchi Bajji is a spicy, flavorful street food, a favourite among spice enthusiasts in Vijayawada. Large green chillies are slit open and stuffed with a mixture of tamarind, spices and sometimes a bit of mashed potato. These are then dipped in a gram flour (besan) batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The bajji is typically served with a side of spicy chutney or a sprinkle of chaat masala for an extra kick. Despite its heat, the bajji is incredibly addictive. Its crunchy texture paired with the spicy stuffing makes it a memorable street food experience.
Location: Andhra Canteen
4. Idli With Karampodi
Photo: Sumita Roy Dutta / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Idli with karampodi is a unique variation of the traditional idli that you’ll find in Vijayawada. Soft, fluffy idlis are sprinkled with Karampodi, a spicy powder made from a blend of lentils, red chillies, and spices. The idlis are then drizzled with ghee, which enhances the flavours and gives them a rich, buttery taste. This dish is a popular breakfast item and is often accompanied by coconut chutney and sambar. The combination of the mild idli and the spicy, flavorful Karampodi creates a delicious balance. This makes this dish a must-try among the best street food in Vijayawada.
Location: Soul Of South Vijayawada
5. Rava Dosa
Photo: Dheerajk88 / Wikimedia Commons
Rava dosa is a crispy, thin dosa made from semolina (rava), rice flour and spices. Unlike the traditional dosa, which requires fermentation, rava dosa is made from a quick batter, making it a popular choice for a fast and delicious meal. The batter is spread thinly on a hot griddle, resulting in a lace-like, crispy dosa. It’s typically served with coconut chutney and sambar, and sometimes with potato masala. The dosa’s light, crunchy texture, and the subtle flavours of the spices in the batter make it a delightful dish.
Location: Dosa King
6. Pesarattu
Photo: ukanda / Wikimedia Commons
Pesarattu is a savoury pancake made from green gram (moong dal) and is a speciality of Andhra Pradesh. This protein-packed dish is flavoured with ginger, green chillies, and cumin, giving it a distinctive taste. In Vijayawada, pesarattu is often served with upma, a semolina-based dish, or with ginger chutney, adding a unique twist to the traditional recipe. It’s a wholesome and nutritious breakfast option, popular among health-conscious foodies. The crispy edges and the soft centre of the Pesarattu, combined with the spicy ginger chutney, create a delicious and satisfying meal.
Location: Sai Ram Hotel
7. Bobbatlu
Photo: Irrigator / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Bobbatlu, also known as puran poli in other regions, is a traditional sweet flatbread that’s especially popular during festivals in Vijayawada. The flatbread is made by stuffing a mixture of cooked chana dal, jaggery and cardamom into a thin layer of dough made from all-purpose flour. The dough is then rolled out and cooked on a griddle with a generous amount of ghee until golden brown. Bobbatlu is soft, sweet, and aromatic, making it a beloved treat during celebrations like Ugadi and Diwali. The rich filling and the flaky exterior make Bobbatlu a must-try among street food in Vijayawada.
Location: Anubhava Foods
8. Mysore Bonda
Photo: Thamizhpparithi Maari / Wikimedia Commons / Image For Representation Only
Mysore Bonda is a popular deep-fried snack that originated in Karnataka but is widely enjoyed in Vijayawada as well. The bonda is made from a batter of urad dal, rice flour, and spices like cumin seeds and green chillies. The batter is shaped into small balls and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Mysore Bonda is typically served with coconut chutney and is a favourite evening snack, especially during the rainy season. The soft, fluffy interior and the crispy exterior, combined with the mildly spiced flavour, make Mysore bonda a comforting and delicious snack.
Location: Shirdi Canteen
9. Garelu
Photo: SRIPADA STUDIOS / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Garelu, also known as medu vada, is a classic South Indian dish that is a staple in Vijayawada’s street food list. Made from urad dal batter, these doughnut-shaped fritters are seasoned with spices, onions, and curry leaves before being deep-fried to a golden brown. Garelu is often served with sambar and coconut chutney, making it a perfect breakfast or snack option.
Location: United Food Place
10. Masala Vada
Photo: OMKITCHEN / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Masala Vada is a crunchy, spicy fritter made from chana dal and a mixture of onions, green chillies, and spices. The batter is shaped into flat discs and deep-fried until crispy and golden. Masala Vada is a popular tea-time snack in Vijayawada, often enjoyed with a hot cup of chai. The vada is crispy on the outside and slightly soft on the inside, with a burst of flavour from the spices and onions. It’s a filling snack that’s perfect for satiating your hunger between meals and is especially popular during the monsoon season.
Location: Good Morning Fast Foods
11. Bongu Chicken
Photo: Harry Dona / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Bongu chicken is a unique option, a must-try among street food in Vijayawada for meat lovers. The chicken is marinated with a mixture of spices and herbs, then stuffed inside a bamboo stick and slow-cooked over an open flame. The bamboo imparts a smoky flavour to the chicken, making it incredibly flavorful and aromatic. The slow cooking process ensures that the chicken remains juicy and tender. The combination of the smoky flavour and the spicy marinade makes this dish a standout among other street foods.
Location: Bamboo & Biryani
12. Crispy Corn
Photo: Kayode Balogun / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Crispy corn is a modern street food that has quickly gained popularity in Vijayawada. Corn kernels are deep-fried until golden and crispy, then tossed with a mixture of spices, onions, and lime juice. The result is a crunchy, tangy snack that’s perfect for any time of the day. Crispy corn is often served in a paper cone, making it easy to eat on the go. The combination of the sweet corn and the spicy, tangy seasoning creates a burst of flavour in every bite.
Location: Asian Food Bowl Restaurant
The street food in Vijayawada is a vibrant reflection of its rich culinary heritage, offering a diverse range of flavours and dishes that cater to every palate. From spicy snacks like mirchi bajji to sweet treats like poornam boorelu, the city’s street food has something to offer everyone. These options capture the essence of Vijayawada’s cuisine, each one offering a unique taste of the city’s culture and traditions. Plan with TripXL to explore street food in Vijayawada, offering you an unforgettable culinary experience.
Cover Photo: Luke John / Wikimedia Commons
