The

Mayonnaise

Debate: Where Does Mayo Belong In the Indian Kitchen?

Quick Summary

Mayonnaise was a luxury item a few years back and was seen only in supermarkets. But these days it has become a staple in Indian food, be it at home and at roadside stalls, served along momos, in sandwiches or kathi rolls. This article looks at the increasing popularity of mayonnaise in Indian food and looks at whether it actually belongs in the Indian kitchen or is an outside item that fits well in Indian cuisine. Dive deeper to know more.

Deep Dive

Indian cuisine is famous for its flavourful chutneys, masalas and chatpata mixes. One new addition to these condiments is mayonnaise, which has fit in perfectly because of the contrast it provides to Indian food. It cools down the heat, rounds off acidity and adds a silky texture to otherwise dry snacks. Street vendors are using the mayonnaise generously, especially in classic Bombay sandwiches, where mayo sits beside green chutney and beetroot perfectly. Chaat vendors, too, have discovered the magic; they add a drizzle of mayonnaise to sev puri, corn chaat or even aloo tikki chaat, making every bite richer without overpowering the spices. At home, mayo acts as a base that absorbs Indian flavours with ease. In minutes, it can become garlic mayo, tandoori mayo, pudina mayo, or spicy chilli mayo. Read this article to learn how this adaptability in mayonnaise is why it has earned a growing place in the Indian kitchen.

Why Mayo Works?

One of the biggest reasons mayonnaise gels well with Indian food is the perfect flavour balance it creates. Spicy snacks like aloo tikki and momos instantly feel more rounded when paired with something creamy. Dry sandwiches benefit from the added moisture without becoming soggy, and tangy chaats get a cooling element that softens the sharpness of lime or chaat masala. It follows the same principle as pairing curd with biryani or raita with kebabs, except mayo offers a more neutral, richer base that adapts beautifully to chatpata Indian flavours.

Mayo In Sandwiches

Indian sandwiches have quietly become mayonnaise’s biggest stage. Street vendors in Mumbai often combine mayo with butter, green chutney and special masala to create a creamy spread that defines their famous triple-decker toasties. At home, it is a quick fix layered with cucumber, carrot and capsicum to build fuss-free breakfast sandwiches. The richness of mayo ensures every bite feels delicious, even when the fillings are simple. Fusion versions such as spicy corn mayo sandwiches and schezwan-mayo toasties show just how effortlessly mayo has adjusted itself into the fabric of modern Indian snacking.

Mayo In Chaats

Across cities from Delhi to Bengaluru, chaat sellers have begun adding mayo to create fuller, more layered textures. Mayo has found its way into sev puri, corn chaat, dahi papdi-inspired plates, aloo tikki chaat and even bowls of fries dusted with chaat masala. While some people are still against the fusion, this results in a creamy–tangy–crunchy combination that many people find irresistible. The mix of mayo with chutneys, lime juice and masala creates a flavour that is familiar yet something new, proving that even the most traditional dishes can get better and better.

Desi Aioli

Aioli, which is essentially garlicky mayonnaise, becomes even more appealing when reinterpreted with Indian ingredients. A simple green chutney aioli made by mixing mayo with coriander–mint chutney and a touch of chaat masala turns into a versatile dip for sandwiches, samosas and pakoras. A tandoori masala aioli created by blending mayo with tikka spices and a squeeze of lemon turns into a perfect accompaniment for kebabs and fries. For those who like some heat in their food, garlic-chilli aioli with minced garlic and chilli flakes adds that extra punch to wraps and toasties. A small spoon of mango or mixed pickle stirred into mayo makes a tangy achaar aioli, which goes best with parathas and rolls, while curry leaf and pepper aioli, made by mixing mayo with tempered curry leaves and crushed pepper, pairs beautifully with dosa sandwiches and idli fries. Each variation keeps the simplicity of mayo while giving it a distinctly Indian identity.

A New Indian Staple In The Making

Although mayonnaise is not traditionally Indian, it has earned a comfortable place in the modern Indian kitchen. Its adaptability, ability to absorb spices and knack for lifting up simple snacks have made it a favourite in both home and street food. Whether drizzled over chaats, tucked into sandwiches or turned into quick dips, mayo brings creaminess that meets chatpata flavours. The debate may continue, but for many, mayonnaise has already made its safe space as a new condiment in Indian food.