From the spicy tang of chaat to the savory richness of biryani, Northern India boasts a diverse and vibrant street food culture that is bound to tantalize your taste buds. With influences from various regions and cultures, these street foods are not just a meal but an experience in itself.
In this article, we will take a deep dive into the top 10 street foods of Northern India that are loved by locals and travelers alike. So get ready to savor the flavors and explore the streets of Northern India through its delectable street foods.
1. Chaat – A Burst of Flavors in Every Bite
Chaat, meaning “to lick” in Hindi, is a popular street food snack that is known for its explosion of flavors in every bite. It is said to have originated in Uttar Pradesh and has now become a staple snack all over Northern India. This dish is a perfect blend of sweet, sour, tangy, and spicy flavors that leave your taste buds wanting more.
Origins of Chaat
There are many theories about the origin of chaat, but the most popular one dates back to the Mughal era. It is said that chaat was created by royal chefs who wanted to impress Emperor Shah Jahan with a unique and flavorful dish. They combined various spices, chutneys, and fried dough to create what we now know as chaat.
Another theory suggests that chaat was created in the 17th century by a Maratha ruler, Shivaji Bhonsle. He mixed different fruits and spices and served it to his soldiers to boost their energy and morale during long battles.
The Different Varieties of Chaat
Chaat has evolved over time, and now there are numerous varieties of this popular street food. Some of the most famous ones include:
- Aloo Chaat – Fried crispy potato cubes tossed in spices and served with a tangy tamarind chutney.
- Dahi Bhalla – Lentil fritters topped with yogurt, tamarind chutney, and spices.
- Papdi Chaat – A crunchy snack made with fried dough wafers, potatoes, chickpeas, and chutneys.
- Bhel Puri – A mix of puffed rice, vegetables, and chutneys that is both spicy and tangy.
- Paani Puri/Gol Gappa – Small crispy puris filled with a mixture of flavored water, boiled potatoes, and chickpeas.
Where to Try Chaat
Chaat can be found on almost every street corner in Northern India, but some cities are known for their famous chaat vendors. Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, Lucknow’s Hazratganj, and Kolkata’s College Street are some of the top places to try authentic and delicious chaat.
2. Chole Bhature – The Perfect Breakfast Combo
Chole bhature is a popular breakfast dish in Northern India that is loved by people of all ages. This dish consists of spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with fluffy deep-fried bread (bhatura). It is a filling and flavorful meal that is best enjoyed with a side of pickle or a cold glass of lassi.
Origins of Chole Bhature
Chole bhature is said to have originated in Punjab and has now become a staple dish in Northern India. It is believed that this dish was introduced by Punjabi refugees who migrated to Delhi during the partition of India in 1947. They started small eateries to make a living and brought along their traditional recipes, including chole bhature.
The Making of Chole Bhature
The preparation of chole bhature is an art that requires skill and patience. The chickpea curry is made with a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. It is slow-cooked until the chickpeas are soft, and the flavors have melded together. The bhaturas are made with refined flour, yogurt, and baking powder to make them soft and fluffy. They are then deep-fried until golden brown and served hot with the chole.
Where to Try Chole Bhature
Chole bhature can be found on the menu of most North Indian restaurants, but for an authentic experience, head to Amritsar, the food capital of Punjab. The street vendors at Amritsar’s Golden Temple serve some of the best chole bhature in the country.
3. Kebabs – A Meat Lover’s Paradise
Kebabs are a staple street food in Northern India that has its roots in Mughal cuisine. These succulent meat dishes have a smoky flavor and are cooked using traditional techniques and spices. From chicken to lamb to beef, kebabs come in various forms and are a must-try for all meat lovers.
Origins of Kebabs
The word “kebab” comes from the Arabic word “kabāb,” which means grilled meat. It is believed that the Mughals brought the concept of kebabs to India during their reign. These spices and meat delicacies were then transformed by Indian chefs to cater to local tastes and preferences.
Types of Kebabs
Kebabs come in many shapes and sizes, with each variety having its own unique flavor profile. Some of the popular types of kebabs found in Northern India include:
- Tandoori Chicken – Marinated chicken pieces roasted in a clay oven (tandoor) and served with mint chutney.
- Seekh Kebab – Minced meat skewers flavored with spices and herbs and cooked on a charcoal grill.
- Shami Kebab – Fried patties made with minced meat, lentils, and spices.
- Galouti Kebab – Melt-in-your-mouth kebabs made with finely minced meat, spices, and raw papaya.
Where to Try Kebabs
Delhi’s Old Delhi area is known for its mouth-watering kebabs. Karim’s in Jama Masjid, Al Jawahar in Matia Mahal, and Aslam Chicken Corner in Chandni Chowk are some famous eateries that serve delectable kebabs.
4. Jalebi – A Sweet Treat for the Soul
Jalebi is a popular dessert that is loved by people of all ages in Northern India. It is a deep-fried sweet made with flour batter, which is then dipped in sugar syrup. This crispy and sticky treat is often served with a side of rabri (sweetened condensed milk) and is a staple at weddings and festivals.
Origins of Jalebi
The origins of jalebi can be traced back to West Asia, where it was known as zulabiya or zalibiya. It was introduced to India during the Mughal era and has since become a part of Indian cuisine. In Northern India, jalebi is often served as a breakfast dish along with hot milk or lassi.
The Making of Jalebi
The process of making jalebi involves a mixture of flour, yogurt, and water, which is then fermented overnight. The batter is then piped into hot oil in a circular motion to create the iconic spiral shape. Once fried, the jalebis are soaked in sugar syrup until they absorb the sweetness. They are best enjoyed when served hot, but they can also be stored for a few days.
Where to Try Jalebi
Jalebi can be found in almost every sweet shop and street stall in Northern India. But for the best experience, head to Old Delhi’s Chandni Chowk, where you can find some of the oldest and most famous jalebi shops like Old Famous Jalebi Wala and Laxmi Mishthan Bhandar.
5. Samosas – The Ultimate Tea-Time Snack
Samosas are a popular snack in Northern India that is loved by people from all walks of life. This tasty treat consists of a crispy outer shell filled with spiced potatoes and peas. It is traditionally served with chutney or ketchup and is an essential part of Indian tea-time snacking.
Origins of Samosas
The origin of samosas can be traced back to Central Asia, where it was known as sanbusaj or samsa. It was introduced to India by traders and travelers and has now become a staple snack in various regions of the country. In Northern India, samosas are often served as a street food and are also a popular breakfast item.
The Making of Samosas
Making samosas is an art that requires skill and precision. The outer dough is made with flour, oil, and water and then rolled out into thin sheets. A mixture of mashed potatoes, peas, and spices is then filled in the center, and the dough is sealed into triangular pockets. The samosas are then deep-fried until golden brown and served hot.
Where to Try Samosas
Samosas are readily available on the streets of Northern India, but some cities are known for their unique and delicious variations. Lucknow’s legendary Tunday Kababi serves a melt-in-your-mouth keema samosa, while Mumbai’s Mohammad Ali Road is famous for its spicy and tangy chicken samosas.
6. Biryani – A Culinary Masterpiece
Biryani is a rice-based dish that originated in India and has now become popular all over the world. It is made with long-grain basmati rice, meat or vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. Biryani is often considered to be a meal in itself and is served on special occasions and family gatherings.
Origins of Biryani
The origins of biryani can be traced back to Persia, where it was known as pilaf. It was brought to India by Mughal emperors and was then adapted by Indian chefs to cater to local tastes. In Northern India, biryani is a popular street food and is also served in fine dining restaurants.
The Making of Biryani
The process of making biryani is time-consuming and requires patience and skill. The rice is cooked separately with whole spices and saffron, giving it a beautiful aroma and flavor. The meat or vegetables are cooked separately with a blend of spices and then combined with the cooked rice layers. The dish is then cooked on a low flame until all the flavors have infused together.
Where to Try Biryani
Hyderabad’s Charminar area is known for its famous biryani that is often served in large handis (pots). Kolkata’s legendary Aminia restaurant serves delicious Kolkata-style biryani, while Delhi’s Old Delhi area is home to Karim’s, which is famous for its Mughlai-style biryani.
Conclusion
Northern India’s street foods are not just about satisfying hunger but about experiencing the vibrant culture and history of the region. From the rich flavors of chaat to the mouth-watering kebabs, these street foods offer a glimpse into the diverse and unique culinary landscape of Northern India. So next time you visit this region, don’t forget to explore the streets and try these top 10 street foods of Northern India.
