Street food is a universal favourite and one of the most lasting aspects of our hometowns. Finding street food at the many places they visit is also an essential component of the local experience for any adventurous foodies. Any place's street food offers a window into the lives of its people, revealing tidbits about their preferences, means of subsistence, ease of use, and frequently, inherited traits.
Every village, town, city, and metropolis in the world has a plethora of street food options to explore, which are a reflection of the local culture.
It makes sense that travel guide Taste Altas has created a Top 50 list of the world's most beloved street foods, considering the penchant that most foodies have for street cuisine. Good News: Our beloved and simple roti and its other stuffed variations known as paratha have been ranked fourth on the list of Taste Atlas, demonstrating how popular Indian bread has become among foodies and travellers worldwide.
Video Credit: YouTube/India Eat Mania
Let's explore the origins and scope of this humble Indian treat that dominates our food scene.
Originally created as sweet versions, the Indian stuffed paratha dates back to the early medieval era, before the 12th century CE. The Chalukya king describes a flatbread filled with gram paste, jaggery, and wheat flour in his work Manasollasa.
This created ways for many other regional varieties such as 'holige/obbattu' in Karnataka and 'puran poli' in Maharashtra and Gujarat. Other stuffed wheat parathas such as vestika, manda/mandaka, and polika are also mentioned in the book; the latter is a predecessor to the savoury angarapolika. Varanaka Samuchaya (1520 CE), a Gujarati text, mentions "methi theplas," which are spicy parathas prepared with wheat flour and eaten with raita.
Regardless of historical accounts, the paratha has become a vital element of Indian breakfasts and meals. As a side dish, parathas are frequently served with ketchup, yoghurt, raita, pickles, chutney, white unsalted butter (called Makkhan in Hindi), and yellow salted butter.
The versatility of parathas is demonstrated by the way they complement a wide range of foods, including omelettes, fried eggs, nihari, jeera aloo, dal, curries, and any other meat or vegetable-based items. Some even roll a simple paratha like a tube and enjoy it with tea for tiffin, dipping the paratha in the tea for a tasty treat.
North Indian Paratha Culture
In North India, stuffed parathas have become a culinary staple, with cauliflower, paneer, and aloo (potato) taking centre stage. These parathas are best enjoyed with pickles, curd, or occasionally curry; they are now regarded as a filling breakfast. The famous Parathe Wali Gali, a small alley committed to parathas that has flourished since the 1870s, is located in Delhi's Chandni Chowk. Parathas are the main breakfast option in many Punjabi and North Indian dhabas and hotels.
Venturing South Indian Paratha Culture
Heading south, the Kerala Porotta is made with layers of flaky maida that are cooked slowly. Commonly known as Malabari Porotta, it pairs well with calamari or roast beef. The famous Kothu Parotta in Madurai, Tamil Nadu, is transformed into a salad-like dish by the Porotta, which shreds the rice into tiny pieces and adds extra spices. The most delicious thing that can happen to leftover parathas is this egg Kothu Porotta, which is a daily breakfast staple in many houses.
Let’s Visit The Bengal And Their Paratha Culture
A tasty, fulfilling breakfast known as pitai paratha with ghughni sells like a hot cake on the streets of Kolkatta. This is a beaten, extremely soft paratha that is accompanied with curry. This paratha has crumbled and torn. You can connect this paratha with Sindhi Fulko, a dish in which the roti is crushed. The street sellers prepare enormous parathas and keep them in casseroles. They weigh it, take a portion off, and sell it. Different curries, such as Ghugni or Ghughni Aloo, are served with paratha.
Another stuffed paratha that is extremely popular among locals and tourists is the Mughlai paratha. This is a classic Indian dish that dates back to the Mughal era and originates from Bengal. This popular street food dish is traditionally made with a deep-fried paratha filled with minced chicken or mutton, but there are other variations available as well.
The Biggest Paratha In The World
While we are still talking about parathas, have you ever seen or heard of a paratha that is 32 inches in diameter and weighs 8 kilos? Surprise! It is there. An incredible video that was shot in Jaipur, Rajasthan, and has gone viral with people admiring the chef as he prepares the delicious treat.
At Jaipur Paratha Junction in Mansarovar, Jaipur, you can feast on this enormous paratha. It seems to be the largest paratha in the world.
You will get a variety of delectable parathas at Jaipur Paratha Junction, including mooli matar paratha, patta gobhi shimla mirch paratha, mushroom pyaz paratha, aloo paratha, aloo paneer achari paratha, gobhi gajar paratha, and gobhi methi pyaz paratha chhola paneer paratha. Additionally, it offers paneer chilli parathas and chef-special dry fruit parathas. Another best part is that you will get four sizes of these parathas: regular, medium, large, and extra large. The size of the jumbo extra-large parathas is 32 inches. Eat as you like!
You will get a variety of delectable parathas available at Jaipur Paratha Junction, including mooli matar paratha, patta gobhi shimla mirch paratha, mushroom pyaz paratha, aloo paratha, aloo paneer achari paratha, gobhi gajar paratha, and gobhi methi pyaz paratha chhola paneer paratha. Additionally, it offers paneer chilli parathas and chef-special dry fruit parathas. Another best part is that you will get four sizes of these parathas: regular, medium, large, and extra large. The size of the jumbo extra-large parathas is 32 inches. Eat as you like!