India is home to 1.4 billion people. It is one of the most diverse countries on the planet, with each region and subculture having its own take on traditional cuisine so it is no surprise that Indian street food is deliciously diverse too.
Everyone will warn you cordially about the looming and inevitable Delhi Belly. Though you can ignore those ones and their well-meaning advice.
Instead know that when you are travelling to India for the first time there are some essential and more important must-try foods you don’t want to miss out on! You just need a few tips to try those street foods safely.
Here are some of the most famous Indian street foods to try in India and where to find them. Plus, tips for how to safely navigate the deliciously diverse street food scene of India.
- About Indian street food
- What about Delhi Belly?
- Tips for eating street food safely
- Indian street food to try
Savouries
Sweets
Drinks - How to choose?
- More about India
- Accommodation
What are the most popular and ‘must-try’ Indian street food to try in India on your first trip?
The country is unarguably diverse. And so, seemingly, is every list you turn to for famous Indian street foods to try in India.
But these favourites of ours (and soon to be yours) are the street food dishes and treats most recommend for a first time. They are foods that are easily recognisable and available pretty much anywhere you are traveling in India on your first time, and with a heads up on where we recommend the best place to safely and enjoyably find these Indian street foods.
- Read our complete travel guide to your first time in India with all of your questions answered about planning, booking, safety and travel in India.
What about Delhi Belly?
Indian street food has a mixed reputation. On one hand everyone acknowledges the incredible depth and range of flavours of Indian cuisine. Then on the other hand there is always that looming anxiety of the much-dreaded Delhi Belly.
If you get the chance to do an Indian street food tour in the cities – Amritsar, Delhi, Kolkata or Mumbai especially – we recommend you grab it.
It is always more relaxing going with someone who knows where to eat!
- Read about how to avoid Delhi Belly in India and enjoy eating your way around the subcontinent.
How to eat Indian street food safely
Its undeniable there is a stigma for any traveller to India that you make us all a little (or a lot) hesitant to try Indian street food. I completely understand.
But the truth is that street food is the heart of Indian cuisine and there is a plethora of unique tastes you don’t want to miss out on.
There are more details in this post about how to avoid Delhi Belly and with a few tips to eat street food safely you won’t miss out.
- Follow the crowds. Look for popular street food stalls with a high turnover.
- Do not drink the water. Watch out for raw fruits, salads and vegetables that have been rinsed in unfiltered water.
- Be careful of foods stored in the heat. Many stalls might use ice to keep food cool though the ice is unlikely to be filtered either.
- Eat at recommended or large chain stores if in doubt. Haldiram’s is an India-wide chain that specialises in street food and packaged traditional snacks and drinks.
- Avoid ice.
- Go vegetarian. If in doubt of how meat has been stored opt for vegetable-based snacks.
- Wash your hands.
Don’t be shy to use sanitiser and wash your hands regularly.
Savoury – Indian Street Food
In no particular order, here are the most famous (and findable) savoury Indian street foods to try on your first time in India.
Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish, especially in Delhi and Punjab. It consists of spicy chickpeas (chole) paired with a fluffy, deep-fried bread called bhature.
- Find Chole Bhature from our favourite hole-in-the-wall style Dhabar in Chandni Chowk in Delhi as well as in Amritsar (all over the city).
Aloo Tiki
Aloo Tikki is made with mashed potatoes, and a few spices and dipped into an egg wash before being fried.
They are a popular Indian street food of potato patties from all over the country.
- Find Aloo Tiki at the markets in Delhi, Bikaner and Jaisalmer.
Laccha Paratha
Laccha Paratha is believed to have originated in the subcontinent in the 12th century which is a pretty epic consideration.
The word ‘Lachha’ is Punjabi for ‘ring’, which refers to the dough’s ring-like layers.
The dough is folded over while adding ghee, then fried in a pan or tandoor making a unique, flaky, layered Indian flatbread.
Fried bread always just sounds delicious!
- Find the best Laccha Paratha in Amritsar at the small backstreet Kale Da Dhabar.
Aloo Paratha
This was a firm favourite on our India Group Trips. Albeit it is debatable as an Indian street food as it is most commonly served for breakfast (all over the country).
‘Aloo’ means potato and ‘Paratha’ is a fried bread.
The outcome is a deliciously fried flatbread stuffed with lightly spiced potato that is usually served with fresh curd and pickle.
- Find the best Aloo Paratha for breakfast at Wanderlust Guesthouse in Jaisalmer.
Paani Puri
This is one of the most famous Indian street foods.
Pani Puri, also called Gol Gappa or Puchkas in some regions, are one of the street foods in India that absolutely taste the best when eaten from a roadside stall.
the dish consists of a small, hollow, fried wheat or semolina shell filled with spiced mashed potatoes and served with either a green or a brown-coloured dipping chutney.
Note sometimes the dipping chutney can be watery (having been mixed with water). Albeit this is a popular Indian street food but skip the sauce if it looks diluted with water.
- Find Paani Puri on carts in Main Bazar, Paharganj and Chandni Chowk in Delhi.
Dal Pakwan
Dal Pakwan is typically a breakfast or morning snack from the Sindh region of South Asia, and consists of a lentil dish which is scooped up with a thin, crisp fried bread called a Pakwan.
The Pakwan is a deep-fried and crisp un-puffed type of Puri (fried bread) flavoured with salt and pepper.
It comes served with a side of Chana or Dal though we usually just get the Pakwan topped with coriander or tamarind chutney and/or chopped onion. It’s seriously good!
- Find the small Dal Pakwan cart at the entrance to the market in Jaisalmer on Geeta Ashram Road.
Pyaz ki Kachori
Kachori is a round, deep-fried snack stuffed with a spicy lentil or pea mixture originating from the Rajasthan region of India.
You can find different varieties of Kachori depending on the region and culture, making it one of the most wide-spread famous Indian street foods.
It is a popular Indian street food snack and another fast-food type of dish commonly enjoyed for breakfast in northern India.
Most Kachori is vegetarian and stuffed with spicy pulses and onions. We thought at first it might be Samosa. But where Samosa is made with a hard dough, Kachori will have a soft, outer layer of hand-patted flaky fried pastry.
- Find Kachori at street food stalls all over Rajasthan and especially at breakfast time.
Bread Pakora
Bread Pakora is a popular breakfast and North Indian street food made with bread, potatoes, spices and herbs.
It is quite simply a deep-fried snack prepared with potatoes stuffed between two triangle shaped bread slices.
Note to check the cleanliness of the oil the bread is being prepared in. Otherwise, this could be one of the less traditional but eye-catching Indian street food to admire in passing!
Kulcha
Kulcha is a popular, flavourful flatbread and perhaps the most iconic bread snack of Punjab.
It is made with a soft, leavened dough and a spiced mashed potato filling.
Locals in Punjab eat Kulcha for breakfast and brunch or can be served as a snack. People usually eat it with spicy Chole (chickpeas) and sliced onions.
- Find delicious generations old Kulcha at Bhai Kulwant Singh Kulchian Wale in Amritsar.
Samosa
Samosa is perhaps the most recognisable Indian street food and one of the oldest dishes of the subcontinent. It is a deep-fried flaky parcel snack filled with a mix of potatoes, peas, lentils and spices and typically served with yoghurt and chutney.
The Samosa fillings can be meat or vegetarian and depending on the region in India the shape of the fried dumpling varies.
- Find Samosa at street food stalls all over the country including for sale as a walk-through snack on the railways.
Momos
Momos are a steamed or fried variety of dumplings. They originate in Tibetan and Nepali cusine though they are another popular Indian street food especially in the north.
The momos are served as a snack of dough-wrapped pockets with spiced vegetables or meat, with a variety of sauces, gravies and condiments.
- Find Momos especially in the northern areas of Uttar Pradesh and Sikkm though there are lots of street stalls selling Momos in the cities.
Masala Dosa
Dosa is a light, South Indian dish made from rice flour. (South Indian cuisine is typically lighter than the northern style of cooking).
It is like a huge, light crispy pancake and comes filled with an aromatic potato curry that is popular as a light, vegetarian breakfast or lunch served along with dal (lentil curry) and an array of southern Indian chutneys.
- Find Dosa at any South Indian restaurant or try the highly recommend international Saravanna Bhavan in Delhi.
Dessert / Sweet Indian Street Foods
If you have a sweet tooth, keep an eye out for these Indian street foods. Many of these sweet dishes are served as desserts in the restaurants as well as in street food carts.
Jalebi
Jalebi is a popular dessert and snack sweet in South Asia originating in Persia. It is a crispy, pretzel-like and syrupy sweet that is easily recognisable by its usual bright orange or yellow colour.
The sweets are made by frying batter into crispy swirls, then will be dipped in a sugary syrup made with cardamom and saffron. A bit like a syrupy, spiral of sweet donut!
- Find Jalebi all through India at sweet shops and street food stalls. You won’t be mistaken for the queue of customers and the bright yellow winds of sweet Jalebi stacked up above the cauldrons of sugar syrup.
Gulab Jaman
Gulab Jamun is one of India’s most cherished festival desserts, believed to originate from Persia.
It is a type of fried dough (like a spherical donut) made with milk solids kneaded into a dough with sugar, rosewater, saffron and cardamom powder. Dried nuts are often added to enhance the flavour and texture.
- Find Gulab Jumun while its warm straight out of the vat on the street or find it on most Indian restaurants on the dessert menu.
Phirni
Phirni is a creamy, nutty cold Punjabi dessert. It is made with rice, milk, and loads of dry fruits and topped with edible silver warq (silver foil).
This is a popular dessert food of Punjab and you’ll find many places to try it.
- Find fresh Phirni at Ahuja Milk Bhandar in Amritsar to try it in its authentic form.
Kulfi
Kulfi is a type of traditional Indian street food dessert a bit like ice cream. However it differs from ice cream in that it is made with dairy and un-churned, so it has a more solid finish when frozen.
If you haven’t yet tried Kulfi this is a worthwhile (and cooling) food in India to try – especially in the summer!
- Find Kulfi at carts in the market or head to Crème & Crisp in Connaught Place, Delhi to try an upmarket (clean) Kulfi.
Drinks / Indian Street Foods
You can’t go to India and not try the most famous drinks too.
Lassi
Lassi is a traditional yoghurt-based drink that is hugely popular in South Asia and the Indian subcontinent.
It’s a bit like a milkshake and deliciously refreshing. Even more so when served in single use clay cups which keep it lovely and cool!
- Find the best Lassi in India at Lassi Wala 312 on M.I. Road in Jaipur (or try the Lassi in Chandni Chowk in Delhi).
Kesar Badam Milk
Kesar is an Indian beverage where milk is flavoured with saffron. While Badam milk is a popular Indian drink where almonds are blended with milk and then flavoured with saffron and cardamom.
We had seen this unusually yellow tinged milk drink being made in various places around Amritsar. You can’t not notice it for the yellow colour of the milk!
- Find Kesar Badam Milk at Ahuja Milk Bandar in Amritsar or try it at Haldirams all around Delhi.
Masala Chai
Masala Chai – a sweetened and spiced, milk tea – is the most consumed beverage in India and one that every visitor must try. It is made by brewing black tea with spices, sugar and milk.
Although, like many travellers, we don’t drink tea with sugar, there is something so comforting and delicious about Indian Masala Chai.
- Find Masala Chai on the Indian Railways or find the ever-busy Prabhu Tea Stall in Chai Chowk, Jaisalmer and enjoy a cup of truly traditional Indian chai for just 10 INR (0.12 USD).
What are the absolute must-try Indian street foods?
It’s hard to narrow down but if I had to choose five must-try Indian street foods from the list above to recommend for your first time in India I would choose:
- Masala Chai
- Pakora
- Aloo Paratha
- Chole Bhature
- Jalebi
The fried breads are a great option to ease into it as the deep-fried hot oil gives more confidence of eliminating any bugs.
Though you truly can’t leave India without trying Masala Chai – and Jalebi too!
Enjoy the famous street foods in India
Enjoy these famous Indian street foods and indulge in the countrys rich culinary heritage.
There’s no better way to experience the true flavours of India than by trying its street food. There is something for everyone!
Accommodation we recommend in North India
These are the hotels and guesthouses we stay in travelling in India and can recommend for your trip.
- Delhi (Airport) / Mid-Range: Taurus Sarovar Portico
Beautiful hotel only a few km’s from Delhi International Airport and great first stop arriving in India with buffet breakfast included and a restaurant onsite.
- South Delhi / Mid-Range: Haveli Hauz Khas
A homestay style Haveli in the popular Hauz Khas area of South Delhi.
- New Delhi / Mid-Range-Luxury: Shangri La’s Eros Hotel
The hotel has a few in house restaurants, including the signature Shang Palace and Sorrento. There’s also a gym, an outdoor pool and a spa.
- New Delhi / Budget: Smyle Inn
Extremely basic hotel in small back alley but with very friendly, helpful staff and simple breakfast included. Just off Main Bazaar.
- Agra / Budget-Mid: Aman Homestay
Very friendly family-run homestay with rooftop views of The Taj Mahal. Great rickshaw driver service and home cooked meals. We stay here with our Group Trips to India.
- Agra / Budget-Mid: The Coral House Homestay by the Taj
Located only 700 metres from Taj Mahal with a relaxing homestay feel and comfortable common areas. A great dinner and breakfast option. We really enjoyed staying here.
- Agra / Mid-Luxury: Hotel Taj Resorts
Beautiful resort style accommodation only 600 metres from the Taj. Enjoy the incredible restaurant on-site and refreshing swimming pool.
- Amritsar / Mid: Hotel Regency Amritsar
Fabulous hotel in Amritsar with swimming pool and restaurants on site.
- Varanasi / Budget-Mid: Hotel Temple of Ganges
Simple rooms with options for triple/family accommodation. Close to Assi Ghat with rooftop views to the River Ganges.
More accommodation we recommend in North India
- Jaipur / Mid-Range: Jaipur Haveli
We recommend Jaipur Haveli and stay here on our India Group Trips. It is an incredible old haveli home in heart of Jaipur with beautiful rooms, great attention to detail and very friendly staff and owners.
- Jaisalmer / Budget: The Wanderlust Guesthouse
AMAZING guest-house! We love staying here and can highly recommend. Great rooms; rooftop restaurant overlooking the fort; awesome camel safaris!
- Bikaner / Budget: The Prince Haveli
The haveli has been lovingly restored and is located right in the centre of the old city. It is a basic accommodation, but the rooms are comfortable, and it is an affordable way to experience a traditional Haveli in Bikaner.
- Jodhpur / Budget: Raj Mandir Boutique Homestay
Good location in Blue City, spacious room with small balcony inside Haveli style home. Tiny little doors, lots of unique decor and artefacts.
- Udaipur / Budget: Hotel Lake Star
The hotel is a family run business with breakfast included and great views from the simple, but spacious rooftop restaurant.
Read more about travel in North India
- Epic 10 Day Rajasthan Itinerary
- Things to do in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan
- What to see in Jaisalmer Fort
- Local desert cuisine and the food to try in Jaisalmer
- Getting the bus from Jaisalmer to Jodhpur or Bikaner
- Overnight train Delhi to Jaisalmer
- Taking the train Jaipur to Jaisalmer
- Leaving Jaisalmer to Jaipur (and Jodhpur too) by overnight train
- Choosing the best camel safari in Jaisalmer
About travel planning for India and beyond…
These are the companies we use and can recommend for planning and booking travel.
- Booking.com – The best all-around accommodation booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates.
- 12GoAsia – Book trains anywhere in India.
- Skyscanner– This is by far our favourite flight search engine. They are able to search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites often miss. We book all our flights through Skyscanner.
- GetYourGuide– Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions offered all around the world including everything from walking tours, to street-food tours, cooking classes, desert safaris and more!
- SafetyWing – A global travel insurance that covers people from all over the world while outside their home country. You can buy it short or longterm; and even if you are out of the country.
- World Nomads – Travel insurance tailored for longterm travel and nomads (including those who have already left home). Make sure you have insurance before embarking on your itinerary for Indian street food!
