A Culinary Tour of Iconic

Street Foods

Mumbai: The City of Dreams and Delicacies

Mumbai is known as the city that never sleeps but it also never fails to tempt the taste buds. The street food here is a way of life, one which keeps the city's residents going. 

Visit any of the famous "Khau Gallis" or food streets near business areas to get a real taste of Mumbai’s street food, one of them being the famous Vada Pav — a scrumptious potato fritter sandwiched between a soft bun. 

Delhi: A Melting Pot of Culinary Delights

Next up is the capital city of Delhi, where history and food have merged seamlessly. First, we visit Chandni Chowk, the oldest and busiest part of Delhi, and a street food lover’s haven.  

Treat your taste buds to the oh-so-delicious Dahi Bhalle near Fatehpuri Masjid, the savoury Aloo Tikki near Kinari Bazaar or Natraj, or the stuffed parathas at Parathe Wali Gali. 

Old Delhi is also the birthplace of butter chicken as we know it, and one must try it with butter naan at the world-famous Karim’s restaurant. Delhi is also a city that experiences many seasons, and the street food changes with the change in weather. One could get Paya soup in Karol Bagh in the winter and roasted sweet potato or Bhutta in Lajpat Nagar during the monsoons. Every corner of Delhi has a new dish ready to make you fall in love. As any street food lover will tell you, Delhi’s street food will have you coming back for more.

Bengaluru: The Delectable World of Street Food Snacks

The culinary scene in India's Silicon Valley brings you an array of savoury treats and sweet delights. From the legendary Masala Dosa in Vidyarthi Bhavan or CTR (Central Tiffin Room) in Basavangudi, to the delicious pani puris you’ll find in Malleswaram’s V.V Puram or Thindi Beedi, Bengaluru is a street food haven. 

If you’re looking for something unique, but mouth-watering, bun nippat is a delectable combo of pav served with a spicy, crunchy mixture known as nippat. You can find these at food stalls near Gandhi Bazaar or Bugle Rock Park.  

To satisfy your sweet cravings, try the delightfully sweet and fluffy Mangalore Buns infused with bananas and deep-fried to perfection. Relish it at popular breakfast joints like Airlines Hotel in Lavelle Road or Brahmin’s Coffee Bar in Basavanagudi. 

Obbattu (holige) is another tasty flatbread filled with a variety of fillings like lentils, coconut or jaggery and can be found in popular sweet shops like Sri Venkateshwara Sweetmeat Stall in Balepet or Srinivasa Brahmins Bakery in Jayanagar.

Hyderabad: An Array of Flavours in the City of Pearls

With a rich history and culture, this city offers a selection of street food snacks that combine tradition with innovation. Begin your culinary journey with the world-famous Hyderabadi Biryani which needs no introduction. Savour this royal dish at iconic eateries like Paradise, Shah Ghouse, or Shadab. 

For the best Haleem, we suggest you visit Hyderabad in the holy month of Ramadan, and head to Pista House or Shah Ghouse for the most authentic experience. Stop by Nimrah Café or Shadab for a taste of Irani chai served with crispy Osmania biscuits, a true reflection of the city’s unique cultural influences. To balance the sweetness of the chai and biscuits, treat yourself to refreshing and tangy dahi puri at Gokul Chat or Govind ki Bandi.  

Conclude your culinary feast with Double ka Meetha, a rich bread pudding infused with saffron and dry fruits, a traditional Hyderabadi delight to be relished at Shadab or Shahran Café.

Chennai: Spices, Seafood, and South Indian Delights

For our final destination, we visit Chennai, the cultural capital of South India. The street food in Chennai is influenced by the region’s diverse culinary traditions. Some of the best places to visit for street food in Chennai are George Town, Anna Nagar, Richie Street on Mount Road, Burma Bazaar, and East Mada Road.  

When there, begin your journey with the iconic Masala Dosa, a crispy pancake filled with a spicy potato mixture. Next, one must try Chettinad cuisine by tasting the Chicken Chettinad and the aromatic biryani. Do not forget to try the famous Fish Fry and Meen Kuzhambu (fish curry) if you love seafood.

Embracing Local Cuisines: The Ultimate Choice

People say that to know a city well one must try its street food. So, grab a plate next time you are in any of these five cities and you will find the true delicacies that are served on Indian streets. You will also understand how different the local food of your city or town is from these metropolitan cities. Find the minute differences between people, food, and cuisines by roaming the streets without a filter!