Street Food

History OF Street Food

Before talking about street food in India, let us go back in the time when street food was founded. The street food started way back in time like it's unbelievable to think that it started more than ten thousand years back. The most ancient evidence of food prepared on the street goes back to the dawn of civilization around ten thousand year. Back then people in less wealthy cities used stay in a square bedroom apartment with no kitchen so, they used in eat 'thremopolia'.

Picture shows 'thermopolia' in ancient pompeii

Thermopolia was the kind of mini kitchen facing directly to the street, used to sell cooked food. Buying from the nearest thermopolium which use served nourishing dishes was affordable by all and thus of the evaluation of the street food began with parallel to our civilization.

Street Food Of India

Now let us talk about the history of street food in India. As we all know India is land of many different types food. When it comes to food the first place that comes in mind is Delhi. Delhi saw very different influence of food which includes Hindu-Rajput, Mughlai, Kayastha, Arabic and so much more. Mughal food has more influence on Delhi food than any other.

For the best street food experience in Delhi you should visit old Delhi. The Jama Masjid area is ideal for mouth-watering and tasty non-vegetarian delicacies like mughlai, kebabs, tandoori items and Mughal sweetmeats at Ghantewala Sweet.

1. Chaat

Indian cuisine is synonymous with spice, and rich taste, and chaat is an excellent example of it. chaats or the way chaats are made, vary from region to region. Simple, yet delicious, chaat is an umbrella term that encapsulates several favorite snacks like Aloo Tikki, Aloo Chaat, Dahi Papri Chaat, Dahi Bhalla, Papri Chaat, Samosas and Samosa Chaat. Notice the common ingredient? That’s right, its potatoes. Potatoes are such a versatile item that their ability to be cooked and presented in a hundred different ways is almost magical, especially when it comes to Delhi street food. From a hot cutlet or tikki served with spicy sauces to a filling for samosas, potatoes are a staple street food ingredient.

Adress: Prabhu Chaat Bhandar, UPSC Lane, ManSingh Road

2. Kebab

A visit to old Delhi is incomplete without kebabs. Popularly known as the kebab town, the streets are full of shops and vendors selling all types of non-vegetarian delicacies. From Reshmi Kebab, made with minced meat and coriander to Kalmi Kebab – chicken legs marinated in yogurt and cream, there are tons of options when it comes to non-vegetarian street food options in Delhi. We indeed suggest the Kalmi Kebab if you’re not a fan of spicy dishes. Another dish that is incredibly famous in Delhi is the Galouti Kebab, a melt-in-your-mouth meat kebab mixed with spices and shallow fried on a wide pan.

Address: Al Jawahar or Qureshi Kebab Corner, Jama Masjid, Chandni Chowk

3. Chole Bhature

If you haven’t tried the famous Chole Bhature, then you’ve missed out on one of the most vital experiences when it comes to the best street food in South Delhi. Bhature or fluffy bread made out of self-rising and wheat flour is a crowd-pleasing item from Punjab. Combine this with a thick, tangy and spicy red gravy loaded with chickpeas, garnished with onion and coriander; and you’ve got a dish fit for the Gods. Served with a yummy tamarind sauce on the side, Chole Bhature is a heavy dish, so make sure you eat this on an empty stomach. It’s a go-to dish for Sunday brunches with the residents and a great way to round off a day of shopping.

Address: Nagpal Chole Bhature, Amar Colony Market, South Delhi

4. Dahi Bhalle

You just can’t miss this delight of the street food in Delhi that we call dahi bhalla. The sweet curd and mix of sweet red and tangy green chutney on top of soaked dal vada.

Adress: Natraj in Chandni Chowk, Atul Chaat Bhandar in Rajouri Market, Shyam Ji Corner at Old Delhi Road and Dahi Bhalla Corner at Karol Bagh.

5. Parathe

The most preferred breakfast of Delhi can be eaten at any time, nowadays. A healthy splash of butter and extravagant stuffing in the paratha makes it the best street food in Delhi.

Address: Parathe Wali Gali, Moolchand ke Parathe, Not Just Parathas at Rajouri Garden and Kakke di Hatti at Fatehpuri.