11 Indian cities that serve the best street foods (2024)

As historians and psychologists say, food says a lot about the place it belongs to. So, if you really want to know about the soul of a city, then it is necessary to explore the food (especially street food). To travel is to live and to live is to eat and this piece of information will definitely guide you regarding the street food that these cities of India offer. For these cities, food is an inseparable part of their culture and identity. Scroll below to know more about these places and what all they offer in terms of street food.

From Vada Paav to Masala Chai, the street food of this city has a special charm. To explore more, you need to visit the so-called ‘Mayanagri’. The best spots to explore are Juhu Chowpatty Beach or the Nariman Point while watching the sunset. Got it! Don't miss the Pav Bhaji, the Misal Pav, Bun Maska, Paani Puri, Bhel Puri and Chhana Bhatura when here.

The City of Joy is known for pocket friendly street food. Rolls, Jhalmuri, Chai, Telebhaja, Chop, Ghughni Chaat and Singhara are some of its popular street foods that you must not miss when in Kolkata. The best spots to explore are Park Street or New Market.

If you wish to have the real taste of ‘Nawabi’ food laced with 'nazaquat and tahzeeb', you should definitely visit the capital city of Uttar Pradesh. Nibble on the delectable Tunde ke Kebab, Galouti Kebabs, Kormas and Sheermaal in the Hazratgunj area of the city, which is also the epicenter of Nawabi and Awadhi cuisine. Kulcha-Nihari, Malai Makkhan, Lassi, Kulfi and Katori Chaat are other street foods that you must try.

It will not be incorrect to call Indore the food capital of Central India. From Kachoris to Tikkis, and Poha to Bhutte ka Kees, the colourful street market displays everything delicious that looks like an extravagant celebration, where food is the king.

Forget the Litti Chokha, if you think Patna is popular only for these. The capital of Bihar is the hot spot of some of the finest street foods that include-Anarsa, Poori Subzee, Jalebi, Imarti, Jhalmoodhi (yes, the Bihari Jhalmoodhi), Samosa, Cutlet, Rolls, Chola and Samosa Chaat, Gup Chup (the Bihari Golgappas), Ghughni, Khaja, Lavang Latika, Balushahi and Bihari Mutton Kebabs.

This city has the perfect blend of Mughlai, Turkish and Andhra cuisine best served on the streets. From Irani tea to Hyderabadi Biryani, you can try anything to have a wholesome experience. Don't miss the Biryani, Haleem, Phirni, Lukhmi, Nihari, Double ka Meetha and Keema Samosa when here.

The capital city of India deserves the top spot when it comes to street food. From innumerable offerings in Purani Dilli (Parathe wali Gali) to Dhabas, the city has a tasteful blend of ubiquitous flavours. Apart from visiting the monuments, you should not miss out the colourful platter of Dahi Bhalle, Golgappe, Papdi Chaat and Daulat ki Chaat the city offers. The Chhole Kulche and the Chhole served with spongy, soft bhatures are unforgettable here. Also, do give the Kachori and Aloo ki subzi a try here, which is the morning breakfast of hundreds of people.

If you think, that the way dosa and idli are served in other parts of the country, it is served same in South India too, you are highly mistaken. To experience the street style dosa and filter coffee you must travel to Chennai that is also known for coiled and crunchy murukkus, savory Mohinga and Kothu Parotta.

Though the North-Eastern cuisine is ubiquitous across the country, but if you are excited to taste the authentic North-Eastern street foods (from momos to pork roast), you need to travel to the Police Bazaar of Shillong that serves it all, along with a chic street fashion market.