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Indian street food has embarked on a truly bizarre journey, where culinary creativity knows no bounds. Vendors across the country are fearlessly merging the most unexpected ingredients and flavours, resulting in concoctions that defy tradition and expectations. Imagine savouring a fusion of spicy samosas with gooey marshmallows or relishing a dosa stuffed with chocolate and cheese.
It's not uncommon to stumble upon vendors crafting vada pav ice cream sandwiches or pav bhaji-flavoured pizzas. These audacious combinations, although unconventional, are a testament to the fearless spirit of Indian street food vendors and their willingness to push the boundaries of taste. In a world where culinary experimentation is celebrated, Indian street food has become a playground for the adventurous palate.
Here are some bizarre street foods you can find only in India:
Momos Pizza
In the ever-evolving world of Indian street food, the latest sensation that has captured the taste buds of adventurous eaters is the mind-boggling fusion of momos and pizza. Street vendors across the subcontinent are now dishing out momos pizza, an unexpected mashup that defies culinary norms.
The tender, steamed momos, bursting with flavourful fillings, were artfully arranged on a pizza crust instead of the usual tomato sauce and cheese. The momos pizza is then garnished with toppings, from spicy chutneys to grated cheese, ensuring each bite is a tantalising journey through diverse flavours and textures. This innovative twist and experimentation define India's street food scene.
Chocolate Samosa
A chocolate samosa is a twist on the classic Indian snack. Instead of the usual savoury filling, this sweet variation features a rich and gooey chocolate interior encased in a crispy, golden-brown pastry shell. Chocolate samosas may seem quite unusual to some people because they combine two very different culinary elements: the savoury, crispy samosa pastry and the sweet, gooey chocolate filling.
The fusion of these disparate tastes and textures can be surprising and intriguing. However, the concept of sweet samosas is not entirely unheard of, as many cuisines have variations of fried pastries filled with sweet fillings like fruits or chocolate. Whether enjoyed as street food or homemade, chocolate samosas can be a treat for those with a sweet tooth craving something out of the ordinary.
Kurkure Maggi
Kurkure Maggi is a street food that combines two beloved Indian snacks: Kurkure and Maggi noodles. In this unique creation, Maggi noodles are first cooked in a spicy and flavourful sauce, creating a saucy and savoury base. Then, kurkure, a popular Indian snack known for its crispiness and wide range of flavours, is sprinkled on top.
The taste of Kurkure Maggi can vary greatly depending on individual preferences. Some people may enjoy the unique combination of Maggi noodles and Kurkure, finding the mix of textures and flavours appealing. Kurkure's crunchy and spicy profile can add an interesting twist to the typically soft and savoury Maggi noodles.
However, others may find the combination unusual or even unappetizing, as it blends two distinct snacks with different flavour profiles. The spiciness and crunchiness of Kurkure might not complement the taste and texture of Maggi noodles to everyone's liking.
Kulhad Pizza
Kulhad pizza is an innovative street food creation that merges the traditional Indian kulhad (clay pot) with the classic Italian pizza. In this unique dish, a mini pizza is prepared within a small clay kulhad, adding an earthy and rustic touch to the culinary experience. The kulhad serves as both a cooking vessel and a serving dish, enhancing the pizza's flavour by imparting a subtle smokiness from the clay.
The pizza toppings typically include a mix of Indian and Italian flavours, such as spicy paneer, tandoori chicken, or even butter chicken toppings, combined with classic tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese. The result is a fusion of textures and tastes that caters to both Indian and pizza enthusiasts, making kulhad pizza a delightful and visually appealing street food option.
Coca-Cola Golgappe
Coca-Cola golgappe is an intriguing twist on golgappa (also known as pani puri or puchka). In this inventive concoction, the traditional golgappa shells are filled not with the usual spicy and tangy tamarind water but with a refreshing mixture of Coca-Cola.
As you bite into one of these golgappas, you're met with an unexpected explosion of fizzy soda, which mingles with the familiar crunch of the shell. The result is a burst of sweet, bubbly flavour that offers a playful and quirky take on a street food classic, making Coca-Cola golgappe a unique and memorable treat for adventurous taste buds.
Gulab Jamun Paratha
Gulabjamun Paratha is an inventive street food that blends the sweet and indulgent flavours of Gulab Jamun, a popular Indian dessert, with the savoury delight of paratha. In this unique dish, pieces of Gulab Jamun are mashed or finely chopped and incorporated into the paratha dough. The resulting dough is then rolled out into thin, round discs and cooked on a griddle with ghee or oil until it turns golden and crispy.
The end result is a paradoxical creation that offers a chaotic collision of textures and tastes—a dessert-like sweetness enveloped by the hearty warmth of a paratha. Gulab jamun paratha is a testament to the limitless boundaries of gastronomic creativity, appealing to those who dare to explore the unconventional in the world of food.
Pav Bhaji Dosa
Pav bhaji dosa is a culinary fusion that combines two iconic Indian foods into one novel dish. It begins with the traditional dosa, a thin and crispy South Indian rice crepe, but takes an unexpected turn with the addition of pav bhaji, a spicy vegetable curry typically served with soft bread rolls known as pav.
In this inventive creation, the dosa is generously smeared with a savoury and aromatic pav bhaji mixture, which includes a mix of mashed vegetables cooked with flavourful spices. The result is a mouthwatering blend of textures and flavours, as the crispy dosa provides the perfect contrast to the hearty and spicy pav bhaji filling. This innovative street food adaptation offers a twist on beloved classics, showcasing the ever-evolving nature of Indian cuisine.
