3 Popular Indian Snacks and Starters

December 30, 2020

If there is anything better than the main course when it comes to Indian cuisine, it is the authenticity of the smaller dishes that are meant to be enjoyed as a starter or a mid-afternoon snack. In fact, India has one of the most successful street-food trades in the world which form an important part of the countries culture. Here at Royal Nawaab, our dedicated chefs work hard in order to bring the traditional flavours of India to the table. Read on as we go over three popular snacks and starters that you might recognise…

Onion Bhaji

These spicy and crispy balls of goodness are perhaps the most recognisable starter in any Indian restaurant and they are made by mixing onion slices into a batter that has been infused with spices like chilli powder, turmeric and green chilli and then frying the mixture in hot oil to form a round or oval shape. As one of the easiest snacks to make, it is surprising how many amateur chefs are yet to whip up their own!

Samosa

Known for their recognisable triangular shape, the samosa is a staple of Indian cuisine. The crispy pastry can be fried or baked and may be filled with spiced potato, onions, peas, cheese, lentils and/or meat like beef and lamb. It is actually a rather versatile snack due to the number of ingredients that the chef can select from, and they are just as tasty when eaten cold! Did somebody say leftovers?

Chaat

Locals and tourists will be able to explain the popularity that Chaat has in India as almost every street-food vendor sells their own recipe. This traditional dish is making big waves in the West and is made from a wide range of different ingredient like crispy puffed rice, vegetables and chutneys. In fact, it is quite hard to explain the ‘correct’ way to make chaat because there are so many variations of it across the world.

With so many Indian restaurants and takeaways in the UK, it is not uncommon for the authentic taste of Indian street-food to be altered in order to please the Western palate, however it is safe to say that there is nothing better than a crispy onion bhaji bursting with spices. To experience the real-taste of India in a way you never have before, get in contact with the best restaurant Manchester has to offer and speak to a member of the Royal Nawaab team today!