The Rise Of Indian Street Food

Ask any foodie what type of food they prefer to eat and you’ll instantly be answered with: Indian food. Indian food is taking the whole world by storm and many people now prefer ordering Indian food whenever they visit a restaurant or order from a food truck. Indian food was once considered an exotic option and is now a commonplace food.

Indian street food varies from vendor to vendor and region. It is mainly incorporated into fried dough, filled or not filled with vegetables, spices, or sauces. They can also include a wide range of meats as substitutes for a non-vegetarian option. Indian food also can also come in the form of dumpling creations and is served with spicy chili, kebabs on a skewer, and sometimes sandwiches filled with flavor.

There are snacks known as chat, which are Indian snacks that have a crunchy base and is then topped with chickpeas and potatoes and, other times, onions. They are usually served with chutneys or a sauce known as chat masala. Indian food also has a strong presence on fine dining menus, but it has the potential to grow exponentially and not be referred to only in the street food context.

Restaurant owners are now seeking to experiment with Indian street foods and find new ideas emerging from the contexts derived from these foods. Many restaurants are now broaching the idea of bridging the gap between Indian food and consumers interested in Indian cuisine. They’re mostly targeting the younger generation of consumers, who like to try out new flavors and enjoy eating snacks while sharing with others.

Paani poori — the first street food I had on my first day in India 😉

Indian street food has grown with prominence because of a number of factors. One of them is its prominence due to the high demand for it in the food market. Another factor that is facilitating its growth is the state of freshness and rich taste in the ingredients used to prepare the dishes. The growth of  Indian street food businesses has also been helped by the low investment required in establishing such a business. The low investment cost enables many vendors to start businesses and prepare quality food at a low cost.

Examples of restaurants offering Indian cuisine include:

Jamavar Restaurants

Set in London, Jamavar offers fine dining services and consumers can enjoy a wide variety of Indian cuisine while surrounded in a luxurious atmosphere.

Kanishka Restaurant

Kanishka restaurant is located at Heathrow airport in London. They offer fine dining services and mainly deal with Indian cuisine.

Indian food is delicious af!

Theka

Theka is a food and bar that specializes in Indian cuisine. They’re located in Oslo, Norway. Their dishes mainly consist of Indian fast food and they serve them with a modern twist.

Gymkhana

Gymkhan is a restaurant located in London that mainly deals in fine dining and elite clubs where members of high society can socialize. The restaurant offers a polished and luxurious ambience for guests looking to enjoy their meals.

Chicken Malai gravy

Despite many challenges, the Indian street food industry has continued to persevere and grow even further. Some people in India tend to avoid street food because of their concern for hygiene, but even that has not stopped the major role Indian street food plays in sustaining the economy. Street vendors also face the possibility of eviction every day, but that does not stop them from opening up and starting anew. It is important to understand that the Indian food economy is mostly sustained by the people who serve food on the street and perhaps a change of perception in people could make it become more recognizable to governments and the world at large.

What is your favorite Indian street food?

Enjoy it? Tell a friend
About Derek Freal

"Some people eat, others try therapy. I travel."   Cultural enthusiast. Adrenaline junkie. Eater of strange foods. Chasing unique and offbeat adventures around the world since 2008. Derek loves going to new destinations where he does not speak a word of the local language and must communicate with hand gestures, or places where he is forced to squat awkwardly to poo -- supposedly its healthier and more efficient. For more information (about Derek, not squat pooing) including popular posts and videos, check out his bio.

1 thought on “The Rise Of Indian Street Food”

Leave a Comment