Chai and coffee aren’t just beverages in Indian culture but an emotion. Anybody who enjoys these beverages knows that indulging in them on any evening means also loading up on dry snacks that go with it. Of course, you may think of a simple pack of biscuits to go with your tea or coffee this evening, but what can easily turn your chai experience into a complete party scene are delicious dry snacks from across the country.
If you are throwing a tea party this monsoon, then you should know that whipping up dry snacks is one of the best ways to make the experience easier for you—while being delicious too. Dry snacks are easy to prepare in advance and can be stored without spoiling. This convenience allows hosts to focus on other party preparations instead of slogging hard in the kitchen. Dry snacks are typically bite-sized and easy to handle without the need for utensils, so that makes throwing a party with these goodies even easier.
Indian cuisine offers a wide range of dry snacks with diverse flavors and textures, all of which cater to various tastes and preferences. Given the variety of dry snacks available across India, everyone can enjoy something they love at a party with these snacks. Call them biscuit, namkeen, farsaan or by any other name, but the fact remains that dry snacks will be your favourite accompaniments during evening chai time.
Video Credit: YouTube/Hebbar's Kitchen
Here are some incredible Indian dry snacks you should try for your next evening chai or coffee party.
Khakhra
Ask any Gujarati what they love to travel with and Khakhra is likely to top the list. Usually made with wheat flour, the dough is flattened into thin discs, which are then dry roasted until they turn crispy. Khakhra is now also made with bajra, jowar and other millet flours and flavoured with spices like fenugreek leaves, cumin seeds and red chilli powder to provide you with a variety of tastes. Enjoyed with chutneys and pickles, Khakhra is a must-have dry snack.
Murukku
Murukku, a beloved South Indian snack, is known for its crunchy texture and spiral shape. Made with rice and urad dal, this snack is often infused with spices, sesame seeds and is now even available in green-coloured spinach-infused versions. Also known as Chakli, this snack is very easy to carry and store for long periods of time.
Khari
Khari is known for its layers of crispy goodness and this dry snack has been around as a teatime treat for decades. While traditionally made with refined flour, Kharia is now also made with whole wheat, bajra and other millet flours to add a bit of health factor to the snack. Commercially available with flavour additions like fenugreek leaves, spices and even garlic, this versatile dry snack is usually it in its standalone avatar.
Achappam
Also known as flower cookies thanks to their intricate shape, Achappam is a sweet-ish South Indian dry snack from Kerala. A batter made of rice flour, coconut milk and sugar forms the base of this snack. Specially crafted molds are dipped in this batter and carefully deep-fried to form these delicious snacks. Sweet, crispy and crunchy, Achappam pairs really well with both tea and coffee.
Namakpare
Originating in North India, Namakpare are now popular all over the country as a dry snack that is very easy to travel with. Also known as Nimki, this snack is made with a wheat flour dough that is cut into diamond shapes and deep-fried until golden and crispy. Many people also add spices like cumin seeds and carom seeds to add flavour to the Namakpare.
Bhakarwadi
A popular snack from Gujarat and Maharashtra, Bhakarwadi is known for its crunchy texture and spicy filling. A dough made with gram flour, wheat flour and spices is rolled out and stuffed with a filling of coconut, poppy seeds and spices. The dough is then rolled up, thinly sliced and deep-fried to get these crispy, spicy dry snacks. Easy to store and travel with, Bhakarwadi is a dry snack you simply shouldn’t miss out on.
Makhana
Also known as fox nuts, Makhanas are a low-calorie ingredient that can be turned easily into amazing party snacks. All you need are fresh Makahanas and any spices you may choose to add. Heat ghee or butter up in a wok, add the Makhanas and roast until they are crispy. You can toss the roasted Makhanas in anything you choose, from black pepper and black salt to garam masala or even paprika and cheese powder.
Thattai
Thattai is a beloved South Indian snack made with a blend of rice flour, urad dal, and spices. The spiced dough is shaped into flat rounds and deep-fried to perfection. Thattai's distinct textures and rich flavors, often enhanced with curry leaves, red chili, and asafoetida, offer a burst of taste in every bite. This crispy dry snack is very easy to store and make ahead for parties.