23 Best Indian Snacks You Must Try

Indian snacks are an integral and huge part of the Indian food scene. As a tourist, one of the greatest things about travelling across the length and breadth of India is that you get to taste a variety of food that reflects the local heritage. 

In every Indian snack and food enthusiasts will find a unique blend of flavours, be it on the streets or at a restaurant. From sweet dishes to spicy delicacies, there is a plethora of Indian snacks you can enjoy.

Here are some of the best Indian snacks list you must try:

1. Samosa
2. Calcutta Chop
3. Bhel
4. Frankie
5. Momo
6. Murukku or Chakli
7. Vada Pav
8. Medu Vada
9. Puran Poli
10. Pav Bhaji
11. Khakra
12. Sev Puri
13. Dabeli
14. Mathri
15. Pakora
16. Dhokla
17. Khandvi
18. Kothimbir Vadi
19. Sabudana Vada
20. Aloo Chat
21. Kachori
22. Ragda Pattice
23. Shakarpara

Read on to know more about each of the dishes in the above Indian snacks list.

• Samosa

With just the mention of this Indian snack, food lovers will surely drool. Popular mostly in northern parts of India, it is available in different forms and shapes throughout the country. Samosa is basically a deep-fried savoury pastry filled with the goodness of mashed potatoes, onions, peas, lentils, meat and a medley of spices. 

This Indian snack is made of all-purpose flour and flavoured with spices like cumin and fennel seeds. The crispy outside and soft inside provide a wonderful textural contrast, making it a delight to eat. The hit of spices in your mouth makes you crave more. 

Undoubtedly one of the most popular Indian snacks, you can have samosas any time of the day. While some like to have it in the morning, most prefer eating it with their evening tea. Usually served with mint and yoghurt chutney or a sweet date and tamarind chutney, you can increase or decrease the spice levels to suit your palate. 

• Calcutta Chop 

As the name suggests, Calcutta Chop is one of the best Indian snacks that comes from the ‘Land of Joy’, ’Kolkata. Foreword – don’t be deceived by the word, ‘chop’ as it does not look or taste anything like a chop. Instead it is more of a croquette or a cutlet. 

Calcutta Chop is usually made of a whole egg, or minced meat, which is coated with batter and deep-fried until it is golden brown on the outside and crispy. In short, Calcutta Chop is the Indian version of Scotch eggs. It has hard-boiled eggs that are covered with a spice-laden potato mash mixture, which is then covered in breadcrumbs and deep-fried. 

It is one of the most favourite street foods for many, and it is available throughout Kolkata. The chop is best enjoyed with chutney, and nowadays vendors serve with an array of sides such as mayonnaise, tomato ketchup, and more. 

If you are vegetarian, you can also find a vegetarian version of Calcutta Chop, which includes potato, cottage cheese or paneer and spices that amp up the flavours!

• Bhel

Simple yet complex, Bhel is a popular Indian snack food that is popular throughout the length and breadth of the country. Available in different forms and known by different names, every mouthful of Bhel is a flavour bomb. In the western parts of India it is called Bhel or Bhel Puri, whereas, in eastern states like Kolkata, Bihar, and Orissa, it is called Jal Muri. In south India, it is called Churmuri. 

Easy to make, Bhel is made by mixing together a bunch of ingredients like puffed rice, peanuts, roasted chana dal, sev, onions, tomatoes, coriander, lemon juice, potato, tangy tamarind sauce, spicy mint chutney. All the ingredients are tossed together and usually served in a leafy or paper cone. 

With every bite of Bhel, you get different textures, like the soft and melt-in-your-mouth texture of the puffed rice, the crunch of the nuts, the gooey potato, and the crispy sev, all mixed together with the sauces. Apart from the textures, you get the taste of different ingredients. 

Bhel is a tasty, light, healthy, and guilt-free snack that you can have to beat your untimely hunger pangs!

• Frankie

Inspired by the Lebanese Pita bread wrap, Frankie is a delicious and healthy Indian snack that is made of juicy naan bread coated with egg, stuffed with chicken or mutton meat and rolled up. A combination of different spices is sprinkled over the stuffing to elevate the flavours. 

This is not like many of the typical Indian snacks, but it is a popular street food that can be eaten on the go. Just like the Pita bread is inherently Lebanese, Frankie is one of the quintessential Bombay dishes. Just as tasty and delicious it tastes, how the dish got its name has a fascinating story. 

The dish was invented by Mr. Amarjit Singh Tibb. He went to Beirut, Lebanon in 1967 and had Pita Bread. He was so fascinated by it that he wanted to bring the dish to India. Mr. Tibb was a huge fan of a yesteryear West Indian cricketer, Sir Frank Worrel, and he used to cheer for him by saying ‘Frankie.’ Thus, he named his Indian version of Pita Bread as ‘Frankie’ because he wanted to serve a dish to the people that everyone would cheer for. 

Thus, in 1969, after much experimentation, he rolled up different ingredients in naan bread to suit the Indian taste, and started the popular ‘Tibbs Frankie’. Originally, the dish had only meat filling, but nowadays, Frankie has vegetarian fillings and is served with sides of chilli, and mint chutney. 

• Momo

Many hardcore foodies would say Momo are not any ordinary Indian snack but is an emotion; it is a state of bliss and happiness. Yes, that’s how much Indians love this delectable snack. Inspired by the famous Chinese dumplings, Momo made their way to the hearts of Indians across the country from the northeast. 

Delicious and humble, Momo are the Indian version of dumplings and one of the best Indian snacks.  The outer wrap is made of wheat or all-purpose flour, and the filling consists of a mix of vegetables or meat. It is then deep-fried or steamed. Both versions have different tastes and textures but are equally delicious and worth tasting. 

The original dumpling recipe from China has stuffing made of corn, cheese, beef, duck, and pork. 

However, the Indian variants mostly include paneer and chicken filling. These delicious bite-sized snacks are best enjoyed with spicy chilli dip. But, Indians have their own variation of dips and serve with tomato ketchup, mint chutney, and sometimes mayonnaise. 

• Murukku or Chakli

When your hunger pangs hit, you may invariably like to munch on to something spicy and crunchy, right? Well, hence Chakli is considered one of the best snacks for evening; it is crunchy, and utterly delicious. Above all, it goes well with a cup of hot tea.

Murukku is a Tamil word, which means twisted and the name refers to its shape. This is one of the Indian snacks that is popular all over the country, especially in southern states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala and Karnataka. In the south, it is made of rice flour, urad dal and an assortment of local spices. The flour is then kneaded into a dough and then shaped into spiral or coil shapes either by hand or a mould and then deep-fried. 

Chakli is the same as murukku; it is a crunchy and spicy savoury snack. The only difference is this name is mostly known in the western and northern parts of India. Also, other than in South India, Chakli is made of chickpea flour, and the level of spice used here is higher. 

Today, there are different variants of murukku and chakli like butter chakli, garlic chakli, schezwan chakli, coconut chakli and more.

• Vada Pav

The best Indian snacks list cannot be complete without Vada Pav featuring on it. The pride of the Mumbai street food, and an integral part of Maharashtra cuisine, it is everyone’s favourite. From kids to adults, everyone loves it and for a good reason. It is super tasty, and makes your tummy and heart feel full.  

Vada Pav consists of two elements, i.e., vada and pav. Vada is made of potato that is mashed and mixed with an assortment of spices and then dipped into chickpea flour and deep-fried. It has a crispy outside and a soft filling inside. The taste and flavour come from the use of spices in the potato mix and even in the batter. The Vada is then served with a pav that is laden with a generous dollop of garlic, peanut-chilli chutney and mint chutney.

Termed as a common man’s food, Vada Pav is a humble dish but it can give any gourmet food a run for its money in terms of taste and popularity. With the monsoon season around the corner in India, Vada Pav is the perfect snack to have in the evening to get that feeling of warmth on a cold and cosy rainy evening. 

• Medu Vada 

Medu Vada is a south Indian delicacy from Tamil Nadu and is loved by all throughout India. If there ever was an Indian snack food hierarchy, Medu Vada would comfortably and rightfully take the top position. 

A doughnut-shaped fritter, it is soft on the inside and crispy on the outside. The traditional Medu Vada recipe is made of black lentils and rice flour mix. The mixture or the batter is leavened with curd and seasoned with a tempering of mustard seeds, onions, and green chillies. 

A common breakfast dish in south India, it is served with a side of sambhar, i.e., a lentil soup and freshly made coconut chutney.

• Puran Poli

Puran Poli is another popular healthy Indian snack that is known in different regions by different names. Also, as per the region, its taste differs based on the ingredients used. But, it is a popular Maharashtrian dish, a sweet flatbread, which looks like a chapati or paratha but the only difference is it has a sweet filling. 

The filling is made of chana dal and jaggery. Generally, in Maharashtrian homes, the dish is made during festivals and special occasions like Diwali, or Ganesh Chaturthi. It is best eaten when it is hot with a dollop of desi ghee that adds aroma, and flavour. Not to mention, the ghee makes the humble poli a decadent treat, which is food for the tummy and soul. 

While the Maharashtrian version is popular, its South Indian variants from Tamil Nadu, and Kerala are also quite delicious and worth tasting. In south Indian states, it is mostly known as Boli or Obattu and based on the region, the filling is made of grated coconut, mixed with spices like cardamom. 

• Pav Bhaji

Pav Bahji is a fast-food dish is definitely on the best Indian snacks list. It consists of a thick vegetable gravy or bhaji served with bread or pav. The dish originated in Mumbai and was a favourite quick lunchtime meal for the textile mill workers who preferred robust and tasty food.

The bhaji is made of mashed vegetables like potatoes, onions, peas, bell peppers, tomatoes, chillies and carrots, which is mixed with an array of spices. Originally, a street food, today, Pav Bhaji is now available at street hand carts and fancy restaurants across India and overseas. 

The street sellers cook the vegetable mix, i.e., the bhaji mix on a tawa or flat griddle and serve the dish hot. The bhaji is now laded with a generous amount of butter and the pav is spiced with the gravy masala and coriander. While the dish tastes amazing by itself, people now prefer having it with cheese, and Cheese Pav Bhaji has become the go-to easy evening snack for modern-day youngsters.  

• Khakra

Khakra is one of the popular Indian snacks from Gujarat, now loved all over India for its tasty and long-lasting appeal. Made from whole wheat flour, salt, oil, and water, the dough is rolled into thin sheets and cooked on a hot griddle until crispy and golden brown. These thin rounds come in different flavours like masala, jeera, methi, and ajwain, each bringing its own unique taste. Khakras are versatile and pair well with chutneys, pickles, or yoghurt. What's great is that they are not just delicious but also a healthy option – low in calories and high in fibre, making them perfect for those looking for a light and nutritious snack. 

• Sev Puri

It is a delightful combination of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours that tantalize the taste buds. The dish from Maharashtra consists of small, round puris (crispy flatbread) that are topped with boiled potatoes, finely chopped onions, diced tomatoes, and sweet and spicy chutneys, such as tamarind and green chutney. The puris are then generously garnished with sev (crunchy chickpea noodles), chopped coriander leaves, and sometimes yoghurt, adding to the flavour explosion. This is one of the best Indian snacks, often enjoyed as a quick snack or appetizer at street food stalls, parties, and gatherings, making it a true crowd-pleaser. 

• Dabeli

Dabeli, also known as Kutchi Dabeli or Double Roti, is one of the Indian snacks that hails from the Kutch region of Gujarat. It is a spicy, tangy, and sweet snack made by stuffing a soft bun, typically a pav or burger bun, with a flavourful mixture of mashed potatoes, tamarind chutney, garlic chutney, and a special dabeli masala (spice mix). This spice mix usually consists of dried red chillies, cumin, coriander, cinnamon, and other spices that give dabeli its unique taste. The stuffed bun is then toasted on a griddle with butter or oil until it turns crispy and golden brown. Finally, it is garnished with a generous helping of sev, pomegranate seeds, and chopped onions, adding a delightful crunch and burst of flavour. Dabeli is commonly served as a street food snack and is loved for its perfect balance of flavours and textures. 

• Mathri

Mathri  is a beloved one on the Indian snacks list, known for its rich, flaky, and crispy texture. Made from a mix of all-purpose flour, semolina, and spices like carom seeds, cumin seeds, and black pepper, the ingredients are combined with water and oil or ghee to create a firm dough. This dough is then rolled out and cut into small, round shapes, which are deep-fried until they achieve a golden brown, crispy finish. Mathris are a favourite with tea or as a quick snack, and their extended shelf life makes them an ideal travel companion, lasting for weeks in an airtight container. Besides being a popular everyday snack, they're often served during festive occasions and celebrations. 

• Pakora

Pakora, one of the best Indian snacks, is crispy on the outside and tender inside. Made by dipping ingredients like vegetables or paneer in spiced gram flour batter, then deep-frying until golden brown. They are seasoned with turmeric, red chilli powder, and ajwain for a rich flavour. Common veggies used are onions, potatoes, cauliflower, spinach, and green chillies. Enjoy it with green chutney, tamarind chutney, or ketchup. Perfect for monsoon season with hot tea or as a crowd-pleasing appetizer at parties. 

• Dhokla

Fermented rice and chickpea flour are brought together to bring you one of the tastiest Indian snacks - Dhokla from Gujarat. The batter, mixed with water, yoghurt, and a pinch of turmeric, is left to ferment before being steamed until it becomes soft and spongy. It's then cut into squares and seasoned with mustard seeds, green chillies, and curry leaves. Dhokla is commonly served with green chutney and can be enjoyed for breakfast, tea time, or as an appetizer. 

• Khandvi

This is among the best Indian snacks from Gujarat and is loved for its delicate texture and flavourful taste. It is made from a smooth batter of gram flour (besan) and yoghurt, which is seasoned with ginger, green chillies, and turmeric. The batter is cooked until it thickens and then spread into thin layers on a flat surface, such as a greased plate or countertop. Once the layers have cooled and set, they are rolled into tight rolls and cut into bite-sized pieces. Khandvi is garnished with grated coconut, chopped coriander leaves, and a tempering of mustard seeds and curry leaves, which add flavour and colour. This delicious snack is often enjoyed with tea and is popular for parties and special occasions. 

• Kothimbir Vadi

Kothimbir Vadi is a popular Maharashtrian snack made with fresh coriander leaves (kothimbir), gram flour (besan), and a mix of spices such as turmeric, red chilli powder, and garam masala. The ingredients are combined with water to form a thick batter, which is then poured into a greased tray and steamed until it sets. Once set, the steamed mixture is cut into squares or diamond shapes, which are then shallow-fried or deep-fried until they become crispy and golden brown. Kothimbir Vadi is one of the Indian snacks known for its unique combination of flavours and textures, with the freshness of coriander leaves and the warmth of spices coming together in a delicious snack. It is usually served with green chutney or tomato ketchup and can be enjoyed as an appetizer or tea-time snack. 

• Sabudana Vada

Also known as Sago Vada, Sabudana Vada from Maharashtra  is one of the best Indian snacks that is often enjoyed during fasting periods or as a delicious tea-time snack. It is made by combining soaked sabudana (sago pearls) with mashed potatoes, crushed peanuts, green chillies, and spices such as cumin seeds and salt. The mixture is shaped into small, round patties and deep-fried until they turn golden brown and crispy. Sabudana Vada is known for its crunchy exterior and soft, chewy interior, which makes it a satisfying and delicious snack. The dish is often served with green chutney, sweet yoghurt, or tamarind chutney, providing a perfect balance of flavours. Sabudana Vada is not only popular during fasting periods but also enjoyed at parties, gatherings, and as a comfort food during monsoon season. 

• Aloo Chaat

These crispy fried or roasted potato cubes with spices are one of the best Indian snacks. The potatoes are seasoned with spices like chaat masala, red chilli powder, cumin powder, and black salt, giving the dish a tangy, spicy, and savoury flavour. It's often topped with chutneys like tamarind, mint, green chilli, onions, tomatoes, and coriander. Some versions include a drizzle of yoghurt for a cooling touch. Aloo Chaat is a popular and satisfying street food snack enjoyed for its burst of flavours and crunchy texture. 

• Kachori

Kachori is one of the popular Indian snacks that consists of a round, flaky pastry filled with a spiced mixture, which is then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The filling can vary depending on the region, but some common fillings include moong dal (split green gram), urad dal (split black gram), and spiced mashed potatoes. The pastry is made from all-purpose flour, oil, and water and is rolled out into small circles before being filled and sealed. Kachoris are often served with tamarind chutney, green chutney, or a spicy yoghurt raita. The dish is enjoyed across India during festive occasions, as a tea-time snack, or as a satisfying street food treat. 

• Ragda Pattice

A warm serving of crisp and soft pattice bathed in delicious ragda, such a soothing dish. It is just too popular not to have it on this Indian snacks list. Ragda Pattice originated in Mumbai and is now enjoyed across the country. The dish consists of two main components - the ragda (a spicy, tangy curry made from dried white peas) and the pattice (spiced potato patties). The ragda is seasoned with a blend of turmeric, red chilli powder, and garam masala, while the patties are made from mashed potatoes, green chillies, and various spices. The pattice is shallow-fried or deep-fried until they become crispy and golden. The patties are placed on a plate and smothered with the hot ragda and then topped with a variety of chutneys, sev, chopped onions, and coriander leaves, creating a delightful combination of flavours and textures. 

• Shakarpara

Shakarpara, also known as shankarpali or shakkarpare, is one of the best Indian snacks. It is enjoyed during festive occasions and celebrations, such as Diwali and Holi. The snack is made from a dough of all-purpose flour, sugar, and either ghee or oil, which is then rolled out, cut into small diamond or square shapes, and deep-fried until golden brown and crisp. In some regions, the shakarpara is also coated with a sugar syrup after frying, giving it a sweet, glossy finish. The snack is known for its delightful crunch and subtle sweetness, making it a perfect accompaniment to a cup of tea or coffee. Shakarpara can be stored in an airtight container for several weeks, and is one of the Indian snacks
that’s a popular choice for gifting during festive occasions. The snack also has savoury versions, where spices like cumin seeds and carom seeds are added to the dough, giving it a different flavour profile.

In conclusion, the popular Indian snacks list mentioned above is not an exhaustive one, but we have meticulously chosen these as we firmly believe they are the best amongst the lot and are a crowd favourite. So, if you are travelling across India, make sure to try one or all these Indian snack foods to get the real taste of the Indian food culture.