DOSAS, idlis, roti, chai, lassi, samosas, gulab jamins – there are just so many fantastic things to eat in India and once you can get your mouth around the names you can also try getting your mouth around the food too. While a full meal won’t exactly break the rupee bank, tucking into the more budget-priced street food is a pleasure. Here are five budget snacks and treats you should try when hoofing it over the subcontinent, or anywhere else in the world you come across Indian cuisine.
Samosa
This deep fried snack might gum up the arteries, but it’s a pleasure worth risking. While it originated in Gujurat you’ll now find it all over India, and even through Asia, Africa and many other places. The triangular shaped pastry is usually filled with something delectably savoury and mouth watering like spicy potatoes, onions, peas, lentils or lamb/chicken. It is often eaten with chutney or sauce.
Various snack foods in Dehra Dun. Pic: Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com
Gulab jamun
If you’re more into the sugar rush that Indian sweets bring, you might like to try this popular dessert. Basically the gulab jamun is dough rolled in flour and fried and then dunked in a sugary syrup which could contain hints of rosewater, saffron or even cardamom seeds. You’ll usually spot the gulab jamuns swimming in this syrup in bazaars and marketplaces across India – don’t be put off now you know what it is. Of the Indian sweets this would be the pick (for me at least). Happily you won’t just find them just in India – the gulab jamun is popular across parts of Asia.
Gulab Jamuns. Pic: Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com
Jalabi
Think of a sweet pretzel and you’ve basically got a good picture of what the jalabi looks like, but not necessarily what it tastes like. This is one sweet snack, and unless you’re a diehard sweet tooth, you’ll probably find that one is enough. Like the gulab jamun, it consists of a deep fried batter but instead of one dense ball the batter is swirled in a circular motion around and around like a bullseye. It is then soaked in a syrup but unlike the gulab jamun that sort of crumbles in your mouth, the jalabi is more chewy in texture and the outside is decidedly more crunchy with crystallized sugar. Yum. You will commonly find the jalabi served on special national holidays. It is also found in Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bangladesh.
Jalabis. Pic: Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com
Lassi
Okay so the lassi is hardly food, but it absolutely deserves a mention. It’s certainly a pick you up and if you’ve tired of endless cups of sugary tea (chai) or strong coffee this might be just your bag. It’s particularly wonderful on a hot day. The lassi is made by blending yoghurt, water with spices or fruit. It does vary significantly from place to place but is usually served sweet and available around lunch time. While most are sweet you will find the odd salted lassi and even those with bhang (cannabis). If in doubt ask first!
Drinking tea in Gujurat. Pic: Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com
Naan bread
Most people start drooling at the mention of naan and for good reason. This oven-baked flatbread is one of India’s best breads – and that’s saying something as India has a lot of different and wonderful breads such as the roti and puri. The naan looks like a thick pita bread and is cooked in a tandoori oven. The common varieties come hot and brushed with butter, but you’ll also find them stuffed with cheese, minced meat, mashed potatoes and spices, or with some sort of topping such as cumin seeds. It’s the perfect way to start a meal, as a snack or an accompaniment to dinner – simply break it up and use it to pick up your rice and other food.
Gujurati woman cooking bread on the fire. Pic: Joanne Lane, www.visitedplanet.com
