Indian street food is a delightful experience that offers a wide array of flavors, textures, and spices. These snacks are an integral part of India’s vibrant food culture, providing a quick and satisfying bite on the go. From crispy, fried delights to tangy, spicy treats, Indian street food showcases the diversity of the country's regional flavors. In this article, we’ll explore some of the most popular and beloved Indian Restaurant Times Square NYC that you absolutely must try, whether you’re strolling through the bustling streets of India or enjoying Indian cuisine at restaurants like Empyrean Indian Kitchen.

1. Pani Puri (Gol Gappa)

Perhaps one of the most iconic Indian street foods, Pani Puri (also known as Gol Gappa) is a fun and flavorful snack that consists of hollow, crispy puris filled with spicy tamarind water, potatoes, chickpeas, and various spices. The puris are tiny, crunchy balls that are burst open and filled with the tangy, spicy water before being eaten in one bite. The explosion of flavors from the sweet, sour, and spicy fillings makes Pani Puri a must-try street food. It’s typically served in a group, allowing friends and family to share in the enjoyment of this flavorful snack. Pani Puri is a perfect combination of crunch, spice, and freshness, making it a popular snack in many parts of India.

2. Samosa

The Samosa is a beloved deep-fried pastry filled with a savory mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat like chicken or lamb. Crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside, samosas are often served with tangy tamarind chutney or mint chutney. They are a common snack at street food stalls and can be found in every corner of India. Whether served hot or cold, samosas are a delicious and satisfying snack that can be enjoyed at any time of day. The golden, flaky crust combined with the spiced filling makes for an irresistible treat, and it's no wonder that samosas are enjoyed by people around the world.

3. Chaat

Chaat is a broad term that refers to a variety of savory snacks that are popular in India’s street food scene. Chaat typically consists of crispy fried dough, chickpeas, potatoes, yogurt, chutneys, and a variety of spices. There are many different types of chaat, each with its own unique flavor combination. Some of the most famous types of chaat include Aloo Tikki Chaat, Bhel Puri, and Dahi Puri. The combination of crispy, crunchy, sweet, and tangy flavors makes chaat a refreshing and satisfying snack. Chaat is usually served as a quick bite, enjoyed by locals while they socialize or go about their day.

4. Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a flavorful, spiced vegetable curry served with buttered and toasted bread rolls, known as pav. Originating from Mumbai, this street food is a beloved comfort food for many. The curry is made by cooking a variety of vegetables, including potatoes, peas, carrots, and bell peppers, in a spicy, tangy tomato-based gravy. The mixture is then mashed and served with hot, buttered pav rolls. Pav Bhaji is a hearty, filling snack that is perfect for any time of day, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. The richness of the buttered bread combined with the spiced vegetable curry creates a satisfying meal.

5. Dosa

A Dosa is a thin, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, originating from southern India. This popular street food is typically served with a variety of chutneys (coconut, tomato, or mint) and sambar, a spiced lentil soup. Dosas come in many varieties, including Masala Dosa, which is filled with a spiced potato mixture, and Rava Dosa, which is made with semolina for a different texture. The crispy exterior and soft interior make dosa a delicious and light snack, perfect for breakfast or a midday meal. The blend of chutneys and sambar elevates the flavors, making this dish a true delight.

6. Vada Pav

A Vada Pav is often referred to as the Indian version of a burger. It consists of a spiced potato fritter (vada) placed inside a soft bread bun (pav). The fritter is deep-fried, creating a crispy exterior while keeping the interior soft and flavorful. Vada Pav is usually served with chutneys and fried green chilies for added flavor. This Mumbai street food is popular as a quick, affordable snack and is a favorite among locals. The combination of the crispy vada and the soft pav, along with the spicy chutneys, creates a tasty and satisfying bite. It’s an absolute must-try for anyone exploring Indian street food.

7. Aloo Tikki

Aloo Tikki is a deep-fried, spiced potato patty that’s a favorite street food snack in northern India. The patties are made by mashing boiled potatoes with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and then shaping them into patties before frying. Aloo Tikki is often served with sweet and tangy tamarind chutney, yogurt, and sometimes chickpeas, creating a delicious combination of flavors and textures. The crispy outer layer of the tikki combined with the soft potato interior makes it a satisfying snack that is perfect for any occasion.

8. Bhel Puri

Bhel Puri is a crunchy, tangy, and spicy snack that’s popular along the streets of Mumbai. It is made by mixing puffed rice with vegetables, chickpeas, sev (crunchy noodle-like snack), and a variety of chutneys (tamarind and mint). The result is a light and flavorful dish that’s both savory and sweet, with a satisfying crunch. Bhel Puri is typically served in small, paper cones and eaten on the go, making it a perfect snack for anyone looking to enjoy a quick, flavorful bite. The balance of spices, sweetness, and crunch makes Bhel Puri an irresistible treat.

9. Pesarattu

Pesarattu is a savory pancake made from green gram (moong dal) and is a popular street food in Andhra Pradesh. The batter is made by grinding soaked moong dal into a thick paste and then frying it into a crispy, golden pancake. It’s often filled with spicy onions, chilies, and sometimes even ginger. Pesarattu is typically served with a side of coconut chutney or sambar for added flavor. It’s a nutritious, protein-packed snack that’s both light and filling. The crispy edges and soft interior make it a favorite among street food enthusiasts.

10. Kathi Roll

A Kathi Roll is a street food from Kolkata, consisting of a skewer-grilled filling wrapped in a soft flatbread. Traditionally, Kathi Rolls were made with chicken or mutton, but now they’re often made with paneer or vegetables for vegetarians. The filling is marinated with spices and then grilled or cooked before being wrapped in a paratha or roti. Kathi Rolls are usually served with pickles, onions, and sometimes yogurt or chutney for added flavor. This street food is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal on the go, offering a delicious combination of textures and flavors.

Conclusion

Indian street food is an incredible journey for the senses, offering bold and exciting flavors with every bite. From the tangy, spicy Pani Puri to the crispy, golden Samosa, Indian street snacks are a perfect reflection of the country’s rich and diverse culinary traditions. Each region has its own unique street food offerings, but all share the common thread of vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and a bit of spice. Whether you're enjoying these snacks from a local street vendor or at your favorite Indian restaurant like Empyrean Indian Kitchen, these dishes will leave you craving more.