WHEN it comes to street food, India has an incomparable number of choices across different regional cuisines. Among the plethora of mouth-watering options, egg-based dishes hold a special place in the hearts of food enthusiasts. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the narrow lanes of Kolkata, let's embark on a gastronomic journey and explore some of the most popular and delectable egg-based street food dishes that will leave you craving more.
Egg Bhurji Pav
One of the most beloved egg-based street food dishes in India is Egg Bhurji Pav. This dish features scrambled eggs cooked with a medley of aromatic spices such as cumin, turmeric, and chili powder. The eggs are sautéed with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and green chilies, resulting in a tantalising blend of flavours. Served with buttered pav (bread rolls), this dish is a perfect combination of spicy and savoury, making it an ideal choice for breakfast or a quick snack.
Egg Roll
When it comes to on-the-go street food, Egg Roll takes the spotlight. Originating from the vibrant streets of Kolkata, this dish is a perfect blend of Indian and Chinese flavours. A thin and crispy paratha is layered with a spicy egg omelet, finely chopped onions, green chilies, and a tangy sauce. The roll is then tightly wrapped, creating a portable and flavoursome delight. The combination of textures and flavours in Egg Roll makes it a popular choice among college students, office-goers, and anyone looking for a quick and satisfying snack.
Egg Dosa
South India is renowned for its delectable dosas, and Egg Dosa adds a delightful twist to this traditional dish. A thin and crispy dosa is spread with a layer of beaten egg and cooked until the egg is perfectly set. The dosa is then filled with a flavourful potato masala and served with coconut chutney and sambar. The combination of the crispy dosa, fluffy egg, and aromatic masala creates a symphony of flavours that will leave you craving for more. Egg Dosa is a popular breakfast option in South India and is loved by locals and tourists alike.
Egg Frankie
Mumbai, the city of dreams, is also known for its vibrant street food culture. Egg Frankie is a prime example of the city's culinary creativity. A soft and chewy roti (Indian bread) is filled with a spicy egg mixture, finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and a tangy sauce. The roll is then wrapped tightly, creating a handheld delight bursting with flavours. Egg Frankie is a favourite among Mumbaikars and is often enjoyed as a quick meal or a late-night snack.
Egg Ghotala
Egg Ghotala is a popular street food dish from Mumbai that takes scrambled eggs to a whole new level. In this dish, eggs are scrambled with a variety of ingredients such as finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and a blend of spices. What sets Egg Ghotala apart is the addition of minced meat, such as chicken or mutton, which adds a rich and savoury flavour to the dish. Served with buttered pav or bread, Egg Ghotala is a hearty and satisfying street food option.
Egg Kothu Parotta
Originating from the streets of Tamil Nadu, Egg Kothu Parotta is a popular street food dish that combines flaky parottas (layered flatbread) with eggs and a medley of spices. The parottas are shredded and stir-fried with beaten eggs, finely chopped onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices such as turmeric, chili powder, and garam masala. The result is a flavourful and aromatic dish that is often garnished with fresh coriander leaves and served with raita (yogurt dip) or salna (spicy gravy).
Egg Appam
Appam is a traditional South Indian pancake made from fermented rice batter, and Egg Appam adds a delightful twist to this beloved dish. A ladleful of the batter is poured onto a hot appam pan, and a cracked egg is added to the centre. The appam is then cooked until the edges are crispy, and the egg is perfectly set. The combination of the soft and fluffy appam with the runny yolk of the egg creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavours. Egg Appam is often enjoyed with coconut chutney or a spicy curry.
Egg Pattice
Pattice is a delicious street food snack that though not originally a local invention, is enjoyed in bistros, cafes and street side stalls across India. It consists of a crispy and flaky pastry filled with a spiced egg mixture. The pastry is made with a combination of flour, butter, and spices, and the egg filling is made by combining boiled eggs with a blend of aromatic spices. The filled pastry is then deep-fried until golden brown, resulting in a savoury and satisfying snack that is perfect for any time of the day.
From the spicy Bhurji Pav to the fusion delight of Frankie, egg-based street food dishes in India offer an array of flavours and textures. These local delicacies not only satisfy your taste buds but also provide a glimpse into the rich culinary heritage of the country.