25 BEST Indian Snacks (+ Easy Recipes)

These Indian snacks are an explosion of flavor!

From samosas to fruit chaat, India is a haven for scrumptious snacks. The different spices and textures will ignite your taste buds.

Easy and Delicious Indian Snack Recipes

Every region of the country has so much to offer. You can taste the culture in every bite. 

There’s savory Vada Pav from Mumbai and sweet Shakarpara from Northern India.

Then there’s the mouthwatering Frankie- a street food favorite.

Say goodbye to basic bites. These Indian snacks are full of exciting flavors you have to try.

1. Shakarpara

Shakarpara is a mildly-sweet delicacy. It’s a crispy fried flour cookie coated with sugar. 

Across Northern India, it’s a popular snack. It is much-loved during special occasions like weddings or the Diwali festival.

The snack contains only four ingredients: flour, sugar, ghee, and water. Sometimes, it’s flavored with other spices. 

Like this version, for example. It includes saffron in the syrup, making it even more enticing. 

2. Namak Para

Namak Para is so tasty- it’s hard not to eat the whole batch!

It’s like the savory sibling of Shakarpara. Both are crunchy and fried. They even have similar ingredients.

The difference is Namak Para doesn’t have sugar. 

Instead, it has chili powder. Other spices like ajwain often get added in, too. 

Next time you need a little nibble, try it. The crunch and flavor are oh-so-satisfying.

3. Poha Chivda

Do you like munching on all the flavors of a snack mix? Poha Chivda is right up your alley!

Poha Chivda is an Indian snack mix. It’s sweet, salty, savory, nutty, tangy, and slightly spicy. 

The ingredients include poha (flattened rice), nuts, dried coconut, raisins, and several seasonings.

It’s a great one for those who love seasoned snacks.

4. Chakli

Chakli is a mesmerizing vegetarian fried snack. 

The spiral shape beckons you to take a bite. Once you do, the crunchy texture and savory flavor make you instantly want another.

What is it, though, that makes it so savory? Rice flour, chickpea flour, cumin seeds, and seasonings. 

It may also be known as Chakri, Chakali, and Murukku (depending on the region). No matter what you call it, it’s delicious!

5. Khaman Dhokla

Khaman Dhokla doubles as a snack and a breakfast. 

Popular in Gujarati, it’s a steamed chickpea flour cake that’s vegan and dairy-free.

Turmeric gives it a golden color, and leavening agents give it fluffiness. It has just a hint of sugar to balance out the flavors.

Top it with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chili. It’s a flavor sensation!

6. Banana Chips

Banana chips are an Indian snack you might be familiar with. They’re a little sweet and very crunchy.

Beloved in South India, banana chips are made with plantains or green saba. 

They’re great plain, sprinkled with salt, or seasoned with spices. 

I’m fond of this version. Each slice has an extra coating of sugar and turmeric. 

It makes every nibble a bit more sweet and peppery.

7. Vada Pav

Want to eat like the locals? Then you’ve got to try Vada Pav!

Vada Pav is a street food favorite in Mumbai. It’s a savory potato sandwich you’ll want to sink your teeth into bite after bite.

Vada refers to the potato patty. Pav refers to the slider bun. Add the two chutneys, and it’s bursting with flavor. 

You can get a little taste of everything- earthy, salty, spicy, and sweet. 

8. Frankie

Need a more substantial snack than chips or crackers? Head to the street food vendors and grab a Frankie.

Frankie is like an Indian burrito. Spiced mashed potato and toppings get rolled up in a flaky flatbread.

Some call it a Bombay burrito because it came from Mumbai. But I call it vegetarian heaven! 

The Bombay Veg Frankie is possibly the best vegetarian Indian snack ever.

There are so many spices and toppings- it puts your taste buds on overdrive. 

9. Savory Paneer Puff Pastry

These vegetarian turnovers are absolutely delectable. 

The golden brown puff pastry is so flaky and buttery. Hiding inside is a spicy surprise. 

It’s stuffed with paneer, onions, and tomatoes seasoned with garam masala. There’s also cayenne for a spicy kick. 

Enjoy one with a cup of tea. Or share the love and serve them at a party.

10. Traditional Indian Samosas

If you only have time for one snack, make it a samosa. Samosas are synonymous with Indian street food. 

They’re so loved, they’re known worldwide!

These triangle-shaped fried snacks feature a crispy crust and savory filling. 

Meat or potatoes are the main filling options. But these traditional samosas are the best!

The inside has a curried veggie filling featuring potatoes and peas. 

They’re so good- you don’t even need a dip. Although, they’re mighty tasty with chutney.

11. Sev Puri

You can’t have just one bite of Sev Puri. These savory tidbits are too delicious!

Sev is a thin gram noodle, like vermicelli. Puri is a whole wheat cracker.

Each cracker gets topped with boiled potato, onion, tomato, chaat masala, and sev. 

It also comes with not one but three types of chutney! There’s a green, sweet, and spicy chutney. 

12. Rava Dhokla

If you like fluffy, savory cakes, try Rava Dhokla. It is another Gujarati favorite. 

Similar to Khaman Dhokla, it’s a fluffy steamed cake. It has many of the same ingredients too. 

The main difference is Rava Dhokla has semolina flour.

It’s the perfect little nibble that won’t ruin your appetite. 

13. Sabudana Vada

Here’s an afternoon pick-me-up to enjoy with a cup of tea.

Sabudana Vada is a vegan fritter. They are made with potatoes, peanuts, and tapioca pearls. 

With ingredients like that, you know you’re in for a ton of texture!

Each one is crispy, crunchy, and tender. These are seasoned with a hint of spiciness from green chili.

Try them with an Indian sauce like cilantro chutney.

14. Tandoori Gobi

Tandoori Gobi is great for a party and low-cal snack alike. 

Gobi refers to cauliflower, which is what this snack is all about. It’s yogurt-marinated cauliflower, cooked tandoori style. 

And it’s mouthwatering!

The spices, yogurt, and lemon make the cauliflower so flavorful. The smokiness from cooking is the perfect touch.

15. Idli

Idli has the most heavenly texture. It’s soft and satisfying. 

At a glance, it looks like a white pancake. Yet it’s made with steamed rice and lentil flour. 

The seasoning is very light, letting the flavors of the flour shine.

For a flavor boost, try it with a delicious chutney.

16. Kala Chana Chaat

Want an Indian snack that’s bright and refreshing? Go with Kala Chana Chaat. 

Kala Chana Chaat is a summery salad. It’s a fresh mix of black chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, avocados, lime, and spices.

Herbs like cilantro and mint make it extra refreshing. 

It’s a terrific protein boost in the afternoon. You can also double up on the serving and turn it into lunch.

17. Tandoori Paneer Naan Pizza

Tandoori Paneer naan is not your average takeout. The combination of toppings on this pizza is out of this world!

Naan crust gets covered in paneer, mozzarella, green onion, bell pepper, cilantro, and sauce.

The paneer is dripping with a spicy yogurt marinade. As for the sauce, you have four options. 

I like the fresh burst of the cilantro chutney. Although spicy Sriracha ketchup is rather intriguing. 

18. Pakora

Do you love the crispy crunch of fritters? If so, pakora is a must for you!

These Indian vegetable fritters have the most satisfying texture. 

The veggies and spices can vary. I’m a fan of this version, though. 

All the spices enhance the savoriness of the potato and cauliflower. 

The minted yogurt sauce is the perfect accompaniment. It adds a burst of freshness to this fried snack.

19. Handvo

Handvo is a comforting Gujarati snack. It’s a type of cake comprising lentil flour, rice, veggies, and spices. 

The flavor is so unique- it’s a must-try! 

It’s savory, earthy, spicy, and protein-packed. 

You can eat it for breakfast. But it’s also nice in the afternoon with tea.

20. Khandvi

Khandvi is another Gujarat snack that’s fun to munch on. 

It’s a rolled batter of gram flour and curd, garnished with coriander and coconut.

They’re so soft they melt in your mouth.

Serve them hot or cold. Either way, they’re a gratifying snack.

21. Tandoori Aloo Tikka

Need a crowd-pleasing party snack? You can’t beat Tandoori Aloo Tikka. 

Tandoori Aloo Tikka features potatoes marinated in spiced yogurt cooked tandoori style. 

Each little morsel is tender, crispy, and full of Indian spices. 

Serve them on skewers and watch them disappear. 

22. Fruit Chaat

If you’re looking for something healthy, opt for fruit chaat. 

Fruit chaat is a very refreshing Indian-style fruit salad. It comes with an assortment of fruits, chaat masala, mint, and lemon.

You can whip it up in less than 10 minutes. So it’s great for a quick bite. It’s also very refreshing on a hot day.

23. Hesarubele Carrot Kosambari

Hesarubele Carrot Kosambari is a refreshing South Indian salad.

It’s tangy, sweet, earthy, and delightfully spiced. 

The main ingredients include moong dal, carrots, coconut, herbs, citrus, and spices. 

Serve it like a salad or pair it with rice.

24. Dahi Puri

These savory morsels are irresistible! 

Dahi Puri are like little flavor bombs. A crispy puri shell gets stuffed with potato, onion, chaat masala, and chutney.

But it doesn’t end there! 

Each bite gets topped with yogurt, spices, sev, and coriander leaves. 

It’s an impressive nibble for a gathering. Just be sure there’s plenty to share. 

25. Masala Vada

Masala vada is another type of Indian fritter. It’s a street food favorite and a tea-time snack.

Also called Chana Dal Vada and Paruppu Vadai, it hails from South India.

It typically features chana dal, onion, chilis, ginger, fennel, and curry leaves.

Crispy and tender, the texture is as enticing as the flavor!