7 Lip Smacking Chaat Dishes From North India

Oh, chaat! Just hearing the word is enough to make my taste buds tingle with anticipation. Chaat is one of those iconic Indian street foods that has won the hearts (and stomachs) of people all over the country. So, why do people love chaat so much? Well, I can think of a few reasons. First of all, there's the sheer variety of chaat. From crispy samosas to tangy golgappas, there's a chaat for every palate. And that's just scratching the surface! Every region of India has its own unique take on chaat, with different flavours and ingredients that make it truly special.

But it's not just about the taste - chaat is an experience. It's about the sights, sounds, and smells of the street vendor's cart as you watch them assemble your chaat to perfection. It's about the sizzle of hot oil as they fry up your samosas, the sound of the chutney being drizzled over your papdi chaat, and the smell of the spices wafting through the air. And let's not forget about the social aspect of chaat. It's a food that's meant to be shared, whether you're with family, friends, or even strangers. There's something about standing around a chaat cart, chatting and laughing as you dig into your plate of deliciousness, that just brings people together. So, why do people love chaat? It's not just the taste - it's the variety, the experience, and the social aspect that make it so special. And if you've never had chaat before, trust me - you're in for a treat.

Aloo Tikki Chaat

Aloo Tikki Chaat is one of the most popular and beloved chaat dishes from North India. This delicious and flavorful dish consists of crispy potato patties (aloo tikki) that are topped with a variety of chutneys, yoghurt, sev, and sometimes even chickpeas. The aloo tikki itself is made by mixing mashed potatoes with spices, such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and shaping the mixture into patties. The patties are then shallow-fried until they're crispy and golden brown. Once the aloo tikki is ready, it's placed on a plate and topped with a generous helping of chutneys, including tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and sometimes even garlic chutney. A dollop of creamy yoghurt is then added to the plate, along with a sprinkling of sev, which are crispy noodles made from chickpea flour. Sometimes, the dish is also garnished with fresh coriander leaves and chopped onions.

Papdi Chaat

Papdi Chaat is another popular and delicious North Indian chaat dish that is beloved by foodies all over the world. It is a crunchy and flavorful snack that consists of crispy, deep-fried dough wafers called papdi that are topped with a variety of chutneys, yoghurt, and spices. The combination of crispy papdi, tangy chutneys, creamy yoghurt, and savoury spices makes Papdi Chaat a perfect snack or appetizer that's bursting with flavour and texture. It's a classic North Indian street food that has become a favourite of foodies all over the world. Whether you're enjoying it as a mid-day snack or as part of a larger meal, Papdi Chaat is sure to satisfy your cravings for something deliciously savoury and spicy.

Dahi Bhalla

Dahi Bhalla is a popular North Indian chaat that is made using lentil dumplings that are soaked in yoghurt and topped with a variety of chutneys and spices. The dumplings are made by soaking urad dal (black lentils) for a few hours and then grinding it into a fine paste. The batter is then whipped to make it fluffy and light and then shaped into small balls. The dumplings are then fried until golden brown and crispy on the outside, but soft and fluffy on the inside. Once the dumplings are fried, they are soaked in a mixture of whisked yoghurt, sugar, and salt, which helps to balance out the flavours and add a tangy taste. The Dahi Bhalla is then served with a variety of chutneys and spices, such as tamarind chutney, mint chutney, and cumin powder. Some people also like to add chopped onions, tomatoes, and coriander leaves to the Dahi Bhalla to add some crunch and freshness to the dish.

dahi bhalla/ pinterest.com

Samosa Chaat is a delicious and popular North Indian chaat that combines the classic flavours of samosas with a variety of chutneys and spices. To make Samosa Chaat, crispy samosas are broken into pieces and then topped with a generous serving of chana masala (spiced chickpeas), yoghurt, tamarind chutney, green chutney, and a sprinkle of chaat masala. The chana masala used in Samosa Chaat is typically made with a combination of boiled chickpeas and a tangy, spicy gravy made with onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. This mixture is then topped with the broken samosas and a generous serving of whisked yoghurt, which helps to cool down the heat from the spices and chutneys.

Chole Tikki Chaat

Chole Tikki Chaat is a popular North Indian chaat that combines spiced chickpeas with crispy potato patties and a variety of chutneys and spices. To make Chole Tikki Chaat, boiled potatoes are mashed and mixed with a variety of spices and herbs. The mixture is then shaped into small patties and fried until crispy and golden brown. Meanwhile, a spicy chickpea curry known as chana masala is prepared by cooking boiled chickpeas with a variety of spices, onion, tomatoes, and ginger-garlic paste. The chana masala is then served over the crispy potato patties.

Gol Gappe

Gol Gappe, also known as Pani Puri, is a popular North Indian chaat that is made up of crispy, hollow puris that are filled with a variety of spiced ingredients and tangy water. Gol Gappe is typically eaten in one bite, as the puris are small and crispy. They are a favourite street food in North India and are commonly found at chaat stalls and roadside vendors. The dish is known for its refreshing and spicy flavours and is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer. In some parts of India, Gol Gappe is also served with a side of sweet chutney, made of dates, tamarind, and jaggery, which balances out the spiciness of the water. The dish is also sometimes served with boiled potatoes, boiled moong dal, and a variety of other fillings, depending on the region.

Sev Puri

Sev Puri is a popular North Indian chaat that is made up of crispy puris that are topped with a variety of chutneys, veggies, and sev, a type of thin, crispy noodle made from chickpea flour.  The combination of the crispy puris, the flavorful chutneys, the tangy tomatoes, and the crunchy sev makes Sev Puri a delicious and satisfying snack. Sev Puri is a popular street food in North India and is commonly found at chaat stalls and restaurants. It is a refreshing and flavorful chaat that is perfect for any time of day. The dish is often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer and can be customized with different toppings and chutneys to suit individual preferences.