Street food is loved by the common masses, especially in India. There’s always a possibility that you have no choice but to eat outside, and street food is one of the most accessible options, but, how is it different from home-cooked meals? Is Indian street food healthy and tasty? Take this with you on your next visit to India and find out the best healthy alternatives to try!
Healthy Indian Street Food Options
Choices for a healthy breakfast
A healthy, nutritious meal to start your day can provide you with enough energy to last until evening. However, if circumstances don’t allow you to make one, then you can try these healthy Indian street food when in India.
When you are planning to have breakfast outside, consider having Idli (otherwise known as steamed rice cakes). This dish can fill your tummy for the whole morning and is non-greasy. Also, due to its popularity, it can be found almost anywhere in India.
Next, we have Aloo Paratha, which is an Indian unleavened whole wheat flatbread stuffed with a spicy and super flavorful potato filling. It is one of the most popular breakfasts and is best enjoyed with plain yogurt and butter.
This dish can be made with or without oil and butter, so it’s considerable enough to be a healthy breakfast.
Another from this list is Oil-free Dosa. It is a thin batter-based dish that is famous in the street food scene. Moreover, it is made from a fermented batter predominantly consisting of lentils and rice. You can request the vendor to cook it without oil, which you can have it with unlimited Chutney and Sambhar.
Next, we have omelets, which are universally known even among First World Countries. Its recipe is self-explanatory, and I believe you have made it countless times. But, in case you haven’t realized, it’s a healthy Indian street food; and when in India, you can request the vendor to have your omelet added with more egg whites than the yolks, and cook it with either mustard oil or butter. That way, you can achieve an ideal ratio of proteins to fats, and it can be a healthy option for breakfast.
Indian healthy street food for lunch
Thali is more than just a street food dish, it’s part of India’s diversified culture. A thali is usually accompanied by small round bowls called katoris, much like a bento box.
Moreover, a thali consists of:
- a grain: rice or flatbread made with wheat, millet, etc.
- lentils: dal or sambar
- vegetables: a seasonal preparation
- chutney: a condiment made with fruit, herbs, spices, and even vegetables and fish
- raita: curds usually mixed with some kind of vegetable
- pickles: most commonly made from raw mango, though that varies by region
- papadum: a deep-fried, savory snack made with rice, flour, or lentils
Of course, some of these items listed are optional and if you’d rather not have pickles (which can unnecessarily heat up the body) or papadum (otherwise known as curry, which is oily), you can tell the vendor to exclude these dishes.
Choices for a healthy Indian streetfood dinner
Most of us tend to eat unhealthily at this point in time. At night, India’s street food scene becomes a haven of deep fried dishes that you should avoid it at all costs if you’re looking for a healthy Indian street food alternative.
To begin with, Bhelpuri is a savory snack originating from India, and is also a type of chaat. It is made of puffed rice, vegetables and a tangy tamarind sauce, and has a crunchy texture. With just its ingredients, bhelpuri is the better choice for an evening street food meal. This dish is a low calorie street food in India.
Next, we have Paneer tikka, which is an Indian dish made from chunks of paneer marinated in spices and grilled in a tandoor. It is a healthy vegetarian alternative to chicken tikka and other meat dishes. It is a popular healthy Indian street food that is widely available in India and countries with an Indian diaspora.
Another contender for best healthy evening meal is Soya Chaap. Soya chaap is one of the most popular healthy Indian street food. Moreover, it is also used in making curries and it is a smooth chewy version of soya chunks that are bind together.Â
If you wish to find more healthy Indian dishes, check out these 10 Best Indian Vegan Starter Recipes.
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