Introduction:
The street food business in India has flourished to a vast extent. Many people love to eat it. Street food contains a vast variety of food items that are available to people in the form of meat, vegetables, chicken, cheese products, etc. Indian street food is the most popular food all over the world.
There are a large number of street food items in India, such as Parataha’s, Golguppa, Tandri chicken, Egg rolls, Bhel puri, Alu tikil,pakoda, samosa, Kebab, etc.
According to a report of FAO(Food and Agriculture Organisation)there are around 2.5 million people who tend to eat street food daily. In I ndia the food service market is at $65 Billion & food tech industries to richINR 1868 Billion by 2025.
The annual growth rate (CAGR) is 39% during the 2021-2025 period. The street vendor market estimated to be around INR 8000 Crores daily.
Here are some of the more popular options for street food in Delhi loved by both residents and tourists.
(A)New Delhi:-
1. Chole Bature:-
The first place that comes to our minds after coming across the above dish is Delhi. Delhi is an apt place to get a taste from. Perhaps, the best street food in Delhi; this dish is known for its fluffy Bhature and an appetizing Chole. There is a special chutney that these vendors tend to offer, making it even better for street food lovers. This is one of the best Indian street food in India.
2. ROLLS:-
No matter at which shop you try rolls in Delhi, it will give you a lifetime experience. Each vendor tries its stuffing recipe, allowing the patrons to get diverse tastes. You can go for Paneer Rolls, Chicken Rolls Mix Veg Rolls, Manchurian Rolls, and so forth.
3. KULFI:-
Kulfi is something that gets a positive response from everyone going out to have a superb dessert. The flavor and taste together make way for this delicious dish carrying caramelized milk and finely crushed granules of dry fruits.
4.RAM LADOO:-
Ram Ladoo is fried small pakoras stuffed with potato or dal that is sufficient to make any event a happening one. The crispiness of these fried balls with the taste of chutney is all that you want for a memorable getaway.
5. KABABS:-
With over 25 different varieties of Kebabs ruling the Delhi street foods, this dish will give you the best reminder of the Mughal era. It includes Kakori Kebab, Shami Kebab, Galouti Kebab, and much more. This is one of the best Indian street food in India.
(B). KOLKATA-
It is the Cultural capital of India. Kolkata is heaven for foodies and especially for people with a sweet tooth. Bengali sweets are famous and certainly need no introduction. However, all street foods in Kolkata are very spicy, tangy, and mouth-watering street food of Kolkata. At Kolkata, you can find traditional Chinese and Tibetan foods.
1. KATHI ROLLS-
Did you know the now famous ‘Kathi Rolls’ were first invented in Kolkata? This shop called Zaika owns the credit for the delicious stuffing wrapped in thin roti that is now found in every city.
Though there have been variations and twists as it found its way across cities, the original and authentic Kathi Rolls can still be found at Zaika. For more lip-smacking? rolls, try Nizam’s and Badshah in New Market and Kusum’s and Hot Kathi Roll in Park Street.
2. SWEETS-
The dripping Roshogolla, thick Misti Doi, innumerable varieties of Sandesh, mouthfuls of Rasmalai, unmatched Rajbhog, and the sweet Payesh; it is impossible to come to and not head for a sweetshop.
Though these sweetmeats are found practically everywhere in Kolkata, Balaram Mullick and Radharam Mullick are nothing short of a brand when it comes to sweets in Kolkata. You’ve not Kolkata Street Food until you’ve visited this amazing sweet shop. This is one of the best Indian street food in India.
3. PAO BHAJI-
If you have a pav bhaji craving while you’re in Kolkata, this is where you should be heading to! Mayaram makes one of the best pav bhajis in all of Kolkata. If you’re crossing the shop on your way, I assure you, you can’t go on without surrendering to the charms of a plate of the most fragrant, paradisaical pav bhaji. This is one of the best Indian street food in India.
4. FRUIT KULFI-
If you think Kulfis come in a regular shape, taste, and size? Then you surely haven’t visited Camac Street’s most amazing Kulfiwallah! This person, who is found on Camac Street, somewhere between Pantaloons and St. Xavier’s, has the most low-key establishment and he keeps a box of dry ice near his basket of yum to stuff his delectable kulfis.
5. Mughlai Paranthas:-
If you are a fan of great Mughlai food then you cannot miss the very famous Mughlai Parathas of Kolkata. This is one of the most delicious street foods that one must try when in Kolkata.
It is made with a rich and heavy stuffing of well-chopped chicken or Keema along with onions, eggs, and pieces of broken cutlets. This stuffing is well packed in rotis and which are fried in oil. Therefore, you must keep an eye on the calories that you are gaining.
(C)BOMBAY:-
1. Vada Pao-
The Vada Pav is the holy grail of all the famous street food in Mumbai. Although it is available at most local restaurants in Mumbai, the best experience of eating a vada pav is at a street food cart. The vada is a potato patty, deep fried with gram flour (besan).
It is served with a spicy-sweet chutney (sauce) and bread. Rs. 10 should be enough to get you a nice sumptuous vada pav, but if you go to one of those fancy restaurants, it could cost you more. This is one of the best Indian street food in India.
2. SANDWICH-
In Mumbai, you get a different version of a sandwich when compared to what you get abroad. Toasted on a grill with a potato filling and green, mint chutney, the Mumbai sandwich is a popular snack on Mumbai’s street food scene.
At most places, you will find this being had by office goers either on their way to work or back home and college-going students. Apart from the typical Mumbai sandwich, you also get other varieties with cheese, paneer, and even with schezwan sauce.
3. MOMOS-
Another new entrant to the street food scene in Mumbai, Momos are now a favorite. You will find momo carts across the city, with vendors serving both vegetarian and non-vegetarian delights.
Healthier than many of the other options in the regular steamed version, you’ll also find them fried if you’re feeling like treating yourself. This is one of the best Indian street food in India.
4. CHICKEN EGG ROLL-
Though the name of this treat may have been pinched, the plot is mostly the same but the result is something familiar with a twist at Breadcraft.
The Chicken Frankie here is probably even better than the delicious Tibbs Frankie sold at franchises all over the city. One particular variant, the Chicken Afghani Frankie is a must-try. This is one of the best Indian street food in India.
5.Gr eat Paneer Bhurji Pav at Andheri West
Popular veg or non-veg dish, bhurji served with bread is Mumbai’s answer to scrambled eggs on toast. The vegetarian paneer variant of this dish has probably got an equally large fan following in the city too.
If you happen to be in Andheri West and looking for a late-night bite then head toward the railway station and be amazed by the bustling activity, especially the food stalls that pop up after 11 pm. Suresh ki Bhurji Pav is the best place in Mumbai to try both options of this dish.
(D)CHANAI:-
Chennai is known for its diverse and delicious street food scene. From crispy dosas to spicy vadas here are the top 5 street foods you can not miss in Chennai.
1. Masala Dosa-
This iconic dish is a must-try in Chennai. Crispy and thin dosas filled with a spicy potato filling and served with chutney and sambar are very delicious to eat. This is one of the best Indian street food in India.
2. Bonda:-
A popular snack made of mashed potato balls dipped in chickpea flour and deep fried. It is best enjoyed with a cup of hot chai.
3. Egg Kothu Parotta-
A delicious blend of flaky parotta, egg, and spices, this dish is a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
4. Fish Fry:-
Chennai’s coastal location means you can not miss the fresh and crispy fish fry served with spicy masala and lemon, which is very delicious to eat.
5. Filter Coffee:-
To wash down all the delicious street food, try Chennai’s famous filter coffee.Served in a tumbler and dabara it is a rich and aromatic wat to end your street food journey in Chanai.
CONCLUSION-
Today, there are an estimated 50 to 60 lakh street vendors in India, with the largest concentrations in the cities of Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Ahmedabad.
India’s food service market is expected to reach USD 79.65 billion by 2028, growing at a CAGR of 11.19 percent from USD 41.1 billion in 2022, according to a report.
Which city is the 1 street food in India?
The Indian snacks market size reached INR 38,603 Crore in 2022. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach INR 70,731 Crore by 2028, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 10.4% during 2023-2028.
The capital Delhi-of the country is also known to be the food capital of India for food lovers. They have some of the best street food cities in India, widely famous for its range of street food like Chaat, Chhole Bhature, to the amazing Butter Chicken.