The winter season offers many reasons to rejoice. But the most important thing is the variety of food that the season brings. Basically, it’s the time of year when our desire for all things fun is on the rise. And why not? After all, we have plenty of winter specials to enjoy. Taking our love for seasonal delicacies to the next level, we bring you some street food options from across India that every foodie should try. From Kashmiri fries to Bengali bhaja, the list covers it all. Sound delicious? So, without further ado, let’s move on.
Also Read: 9 Varanasi (Benaras) Street Food You Shouldn’t Miss
Here are 7 Special Winter Street Foods From 7 Indian States You Must Try:
1. Nader Monje from Kashmir:
Winter brings a variety of fresh vegetables that cheer up our food regime throughout the season. One popular example is the Kashmiri nader monje. Explore the streets of Kashmir, and you will find street vendors selling at every nook and cranny. This is a regional version of French fries, made with lotus stems (nadru in Kashmiri). To prepare this dish, you need to wash and cut the lotus stems into fritters and then dip them in the besan-rice flour batter. Next, deep fry and serve with salt. Super simple recipe. You can also make it at home. Find it here.
2. Babru from Himachal Pradesh:
Are you planning to visit Himachal Pradesh this winter? Then we say, don’t forget about the popular breakfast food babru, available in every roadside restaurant. Popular in the Mandi, Chamba, and Kangra regions, it is a relative of the North Indian bhatura. You can have sweet and savory versions, where the former is filled with fresh jaggery syrup and the latter includes urad dal and spices. We’ve also got a recipe for babru, if you want to try it at home. Click here for the recipe.
Also Read: A Foodie’s Guide to Delhi: Classic Street Food You Must Try At Least Once In Your Lifetime
Photo Credit: Pallav Pandey
3. Makhan Malai from Uttar Pradesh (Lucknow):
As the name goes, it is soft, smooth, and buttery and melts in the mouth immediately. Also known as daulat ki chaat in Delhi, it is a traditional Indian sweet dish, available in winters. You will find makhan malai being sold on Lucknow and Purani Dilli roads. According to food experts, the process of making this cloudy makhan malai is complex and requires patience and expertise. It is traditionally prepared in the morning, with a traditional hand blender to grind the makhan from the malai, which is then mixed with sugar, elaichi, food coloring, and pistachio flakes. Try this delicacy for a unique experience. Click here for the recipe for reference.
4. Doodh-jalebi from Punjab:
For the people of Punjab, doodh-jalebi is as popular as a glass of creamy lassi. While lassi is more of a summer dish, winter calls for a glass of milk, boiled for hours with a thick layer of malai on top. This full-fat creamy milk is served hot and fresh in a tall earthen glass, along with a plate of crispy, fried jalebi to taste. Have a slur? We recommend trying it at home too. Click here for the original halwai style jalebi recipe.
Photo Credit: iStock
5. Shakarkandi chaat from Delhi:
Delhi (or as it is called ‘Dilli) and chaat go hand-in-hand. You get a variety of delicious chaat on the streets of the national capital, serving hundreds of people every day. In winter, we suggest you try the shakarkandi chaat available at ‘thela’ in every nook and corner. Sweet potatoes baked, peeled, diced, and served with salt, lime juice, and spices – this dish defines everything healthy and delicious. You can also replicate it at home. Click here for the recipe.
Photo Credit: iStock
6. Phini/Feeni from Rajasthan:
If you thought Rajasthan was all about mirchi vada, kachori, and dal-bati-choorma, then dear readers, you are in for a surprise. It is sweet and crispy Feni. It is a portion of vermicelli as thin as hair, fried in ghee and then dipped in sugar syrup infused with turmeric. This crispy delight is served with hot milk poured on top for a summer snack. You will find it easily in every halwai shop in the streets of Rajasthan. Click here for the homemade feeni recipe.
7. Phulkopir singara from West Bengal:
In simple terms, it is a Bengali-style samosa made with fresh and delicious cauliflower, available exclusively in the season. Adding cauliflower to the samosa filling makes for a rich, flavorful, and seasonal dish. Pair the hot and crispy singara phulkopir with a cup of chai and enjoy a cold winter evening with your loved ones. Click here for the recipe.
Try these winter specialty street foods from across India and make the season merry. Happy winter, everyone!
