India is a land rich in tradition and culture, and much of that can be seen in its cuisine. Whether you fancy something spicy or sweet at any time of the day, India’s street food joints will cover you. You can say, it’s one of India’s unique specialties as a country.
If you want to experience this gastronomic interstellar, we’ve listed some of the best places for street food in India. Take a break from your sightseeing and savor a bit of the street’s cuisine. It’ll be an act that could also cover your entire visiting or touristy experience altogether.
Kolkata
We kick off this list with Kolkata, the City of Joy. And indeed it’s full of joy not because the folks of Kolkata know how to celebrate, but also their streets are filled with vendors selling scrumptious street food.
As soon as you walk down your apartment into Kolkata streets, you’re greeted with the aroma of spicy Kathi rolls, roasted chickpeas (chana jor garam), and papdi-chaat. Stroll a bit further and drop into any Bengali sweet shop, you’ll find tins of rasgulla and sandesh sitting on the shelves.
Drop into the Maharaja Chat Center located outside Swami Vivekananda Park, or Bhawanipore, to taste Kolkata’s version of pani puri called puchkas. Those two places can be considered a chaat heaven since hundreds of people swamp these streets for an evening snack. Those kathi rolls that we mentioned earlier can be found at Kusum Rolls on Park Street or at Nizams in the New Market area. For those who are gulab jamun and other sweets enthusiasts, visit Chanar Jalebi at College Street.
Lucknow
Adab and Tehzeeb (hospitality and ethics) floor through the broad streets of Lucknow. Since this city is known as the City Of Nawabs, you’d feel like you’re given a kind of royal importance when you’re been served. Whether you’re vegetarian or non-vegetarian, the royalty doesn’t discriminate.
There’s this unique blend of Nawabi and Awadhi cuisines in Lucknow’s street food. You’ll relish the Tunday Ke Kabab (minced buffalo meat, known to be made with 160 spices) and the Mutton Nihari. Both of these delicacies can be found at the food stalls at Chandni Chawk. Various dhabas (roadside food stalls) sell mutton biryani that’ll indeed blow your mind away as soon as you have the first spoon. Some other special mentions are Moti Mahal Sweets Corner Pvt Ltd and Royal Cafe, both of which are in Hazratganj. They serve some of the city’s best chole bhature.
If you fancy a cuppa chai after a day’s worth of shopping, then drop into Sharma Ji ki Chai for some fresh maska buns and kachoris. Refresh yourself by having a kulfi falooda at Prakash Ki Mashoor Kulfi.
Amritsar
Amritsar is another city that attracts many visitors to not only appreciate its vivid attractions but also its delicious and diverse street food. Food is an important element of Punjabi culture, and that’s why it’s bound to be on any list having the best places for street food in India. Their servings include an extra dollop of ghee and butter. The aroma of mixed masalas along with this buttery smell is certainly going to make your tummies rumble.
For all your non-vegetarian needs, visit Beera Chicken Corner. They have the tastiest Shammi kebabs, juiciest chicken tikkas, and drool-worthy mutton chaap. If you want to know what Amritsari fish tastes like, head over to Makhan Fish Corner. If you feel like eating someone’s brains (not literally!), you can do so by having bheja fry at Mame Da Dhaba.
Amritsar equally caters to vegetarians as well. Special Amritsari kulchas are prepared at Harbans Lal Kulche Wala, and Punjab’s signature combo, Makke Ki Roti and Sarso da Saag at Kesar da Dhaba.
Having all that spicy flavored food is going to make you want something sweet; it’s completely natural. Relish some one-of-a-kind faloodas and syrup-laden jalebis at Gurdas Ram Jalebi Wala.
Delhi
India’s capital also has a strong foothold in being one of the best places for street food. There are all sorts of gastronomic innovations happening on the streets of Delhi. Walk through any of its gullies, but, with an empty stomach because there will be so much to pamper your tastebuds with!
Delhi’s Chandni Chowk is famous for its paranthas made by Paranthe Wali Gali. If you have the space in your stomach after a heavy feed of paranthas, then head over to Karim’s Mughlai Restaurant for something spicy. Savor some halwa at Chaina Ram Sindhi Halwa, and then finish off with some chaat at Khemchand’s Daulat ki Chaat. Wait for a few minutes, give your stomach some time to digest, and then head over to Amritsari Lassi Wala for a glass of cold buttermilk.
Despite all of that, if you’re still begging for more, then head over to Lajpat Nagar and grab a few moong dal pakodas from Rama Palace. Last but not the least, Avantika Momos is the place you need to try for delicious, juicy momos.
Indore
Indore’s street food cuisine is a culmination of the flavors of Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Maharashtra. That means you’re going to be having a ball of a time tasting the street food stalls in Indore. It’s going to be like a little party in your mouth!
Sarafa Bazaar is the place for finding those diverse flavors. Dahi vadas at Joshi Dahi Bada House, flavorsome khatta samosas at Swadisht Samosa Corner, khopra patties at Vijay Chat House, and the list goes on. Sarafa Bazaar is a food lover’s paradise!
Finally, you can conclude your food adventure by nibbling on some malpuas, jalebis, and hapus ice cream on the ancient streets of Indore.
Bikaner
Bhujia, papads, namkeens, and kachoris – you think of these munchies and the first name that would pop up is the city of Bikaner. Bikaner, situated in the royal state of Rajasthan, is known for its Bikaneri kachori and mirchi vada. Almost every nook and corner of the street of Bikaner serves these two signature delicacies. Apart from that, you can easily relish some mawa – a sweet made of milk and the authentic Rajasthani dish – dal baati churma. Don’t forget to eat like a king though!
From sweet to spicy, the streets of Bikaner offer a plethora of dishes on a platter and that’s why the city has rightfully earned a place on the list of the best places for street food in India. No matter what your tastebuds are craving for, you’re likely to find something on every nook and corner that can satiate your hunger pangs.
Bikaner’s station road is a popular location among locals who like to flock to the street to catch a snack, no matter the time of the day. Apart from street-side stalls, you also have a few popular restaurants like Chotu Motu Joshi Sweet Shop and Sankhla’s Kesar Kulfi that are almost always crowded with people wanting to get a taste of the best of Bikaner.
FAQs
Which Is The Food Capital Of India?
Delhi is not only the country’s capital but is also the food capital of India. Its streets are filled with delectable street foods in little stalls at affordable prices. From momos to parathas – you name it and you’ll find it all. Delhi has a vivid culinary world adorning its busy streets.
What Are Some Of The Best Places For Street Food In India?
India has a ton of places that serve delicious street food. It was tough to narrow down our top picks, but these places below are some of the most prominent ones on everyone’s tongue:
- Kolkata
- Lucknow
- Amritsar
- Delhi
- Indore
- Bikaner
What Is The Famous Food Of Lucknow?
Kebabs taste a lot different when they’re prepared in Lucknow. From Shammi kebabs to Tunday kebabs, each variety has a certain character that calls people back to the streets to have them again. If you’ve been looking for a city with a huge kebab culture, then Lucknow is where you should go.
What Food Is Famous In Amritsar?
Amritsar’s dhabas are filled with a variety of tempting dishes ready to tickle your taste buds. Here are some of the most popular ones that many tourists and locals alike are drawn to:
- Amritsari Kulcha
- Sarson Da Saag & Makke Ki Roti
- Keema Kulcha
- Mutton Chaap
- Bheja Fry
Which Area Is The Best For Street Food In Delhi?
Connaught Place, Yashwant Place, Chandini Chowk, Chawri Bazar, INA Market, Dilli Haat, and Jama Masjid are some of the best neighborhoods in Delhi that offer a lip-smacking variety of street foods.
Where Is The Khau Galli In Indore?
The Sarafa Bazaar is dubbed the Khau Galli of Indore. You can indulge in some delicious samosas, kachoris, Dahi vada, and a wide variety of chaats and sweets here.
Which Is The Most Famous Savory Snack Of Bikaner?
The Bikaner Bhujia is one of the most famous savory snacks of Bikaner. The bhujia has truly put Bikaner on the foodies’ map due to its fragrant spice mix and light texture.
