Studying abroad is an exciting and life-changing experience for Indian students. Heading to the United States can be a great opportunity to explore the world as well as look at how you can grow personally and academically. Amid the cultural exploration and academic pursuits, there's often a longing for familiar flavours from back home. Carrying a selection of beloved Indian snacks can provide comfort, satiate cravings, and offer a taste of home to students during their journey and their time in the US.
Here's a curated list of 10 must-have Indian snacks that students should consider carrying with them for those lonely nights when they miss the warmth and love that they experienced in India.
Namkeen
Namkeen items like bhujia, chivda, and sev are popular snacks known for their crunchy texture as well as their long shelf life. These snacks are perfect for munching during long flights or study breaks when you have nothing else to eat or no time to cook. Packed with a variety of spices, they're a delightful reminder of Indian cooking that you might miss while studying abroad.
Thepla
Recipe - NishaMadhulika
Theplas are nutritious and travel-friendly snacks that you can carry with you. Theplas are soft, spiced flatbreads made from wheat flour, fenugreek or methi leaves, and spices. They are easy to carry, fuss-free to eat, do not spoil quickly, and can be enjoyed with pickles or spicy yoghurt.
Dry Fruits And Nuts
A mix of almonds, cashews, raisins, and pistachios can provide a quick energy boost and a healthy snacking option. These nutrient-dense snacks are perfect for staving off hunger during month-ends or when studying late at night. Dry fruits are pretty expensive abroad, so you can carry them home.
Khakhra
Khakhra is a thin wheat cracker with masala that makes it taste different from the plain crackers available in US markets. They come in various flavours like masala, jeera (cumin), and methi (fenugreek), making them an exciting and familiar snack for Indian students.
Shakkar-para
Recipe - Cooking With Chef Ashok
These tiny treats of joy can make your busy evenings cheerful with their sweet presence. Made with maida and sugar, they can be stored in an airtight container for months. They can come in handy when you have a mid-night craving for something sweet, but candy just does not make the cut. Ghar ke shakkar-pare remains unrivalled.
Mathri
If you are not the type to enjoy plain potato wafers or fancy pretzels, let home-made mathri be your comfort snack. This flaky, crunchy dish can stand the test of time and be your munching partner when you burn the midnight oil.
Roasted Makhana
Roasted makhana, or fox nuts, are a nutritious and crunchy snack that's gaining popularity for being light, healthy, and Sattvik for people who have certain dietary preferences. They come in various flavours and are a healthier alternative to traditional chips or crisps. Ghee-roasted makahnas can be saviours during busy nights while studying.
Laddoo
A sweet reminder of the love that your mother and grandmother have for you, laddoos made with rava, besan, gond, or atta are long-lasting as well as supremely satisfying in a foreign land. Carry them in an airtight container and enjoy them as a sweet treat.
Banana Chips
Slightly sweet and supremely crunchy, banana chips can be your taste of home in a land where you have to start from scratch. The USA might have lucrative opportunities, but the comfort you get after bingeing on home-made banana chips is irreplaceable.
Chikki
Who wants to have boring protein bars when you can have our very own Desi chikki made in your own kitchen back in India. Chikki, a traditional Indian sweet made from jaggery and nuts, is a protein-rich, delicious treat to carry. Its compact size, long shelf life, and satisfying sweetness make it a great snack for satisfying sweet cravings.
The journey of an Indian student to the United States is filled with new experiences, challenges, and opportunities. Amid the excitement, homesickness can sometimes creep in. Carrying a selection of these Indian snacks not only ensures that students have a taste of home at their fingertips but also provides comfort during those moments when the longing for familiar flavours arises.