Food represents the culture of any country, especially street food. The main reason for so much love for street food is its accessibility, cheap and taste. Once you eat you might keep licking your fingers. When you are out of budget and still you want to eat something good, street food is the best option and your go-to, because it has never disappointed anyone and the variety in street food is huge.
From Samosa Chat to, Golgappa, Bhel Puri, Vada Pav, Chaat, Dabeli, and the list goes on, each street food has its own flavour and taste. In every country street food is the centre of attraction among foodies and the food varies from country to country.
- INDIA
When it comes to street food, India has been known for a huge variety. Mughals were so much into food, especially spicy food apart from jewels and luxuries. Secondly, the subcontinent was known for growing a good number of spices and that’s why India and Pakistan both are known for their spicy street food. Some of the famous street food dishes in India are Chole Bhature, Vada Pav and Pav Bhaji.
- Chole Bhature
This is a mouth-watering street food of India. A combination of spicy and flavorful chole (Chickpeas) along with puffy hot Bhature is a perfect North Indian indulgence. It is true that Chole Bhature has earned its place and popularity across the world. It’s a Punjabi delicacy, with a tantalizing mixture of Indian spices, filled with well-cooked and boiled, chickpeas in a hearty mix of onions and tomatoes.
What is Bhatura? Let me tell you. Bhatura or bhature is deep-fried Indian inflate bread that is crisp on the outside, soft and fluffy in texture that can be served any time of the day. Chole Bhaturas can be served for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snack, it’s totally up to you, at what time of the day you want to eat.
- Vada Pav
Vada Pav is one of the most favourite and famous street foods of India, especially in Mumbai. It has grown to be the darling of the masses. People of Mumbai go crazy for these buttery soft pav buns that sandwich a crispy Aloo Bonda complete with spicy garlic, mint and peanut chutney, the Vada Pav is starch heaven, an instant energy booster.
- Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is again of the famous Indian snacks. It’s a combination of different vegetables cooked and mashed together. In different regions, it is cooked in different variations but this is a kind of dish that is loved by people of all ages. You can say the smartest way to have all the healthy vegetables together without compromising on the taste. This famous street food item is prepared with all sort of healthy vegetables which you might not like when eaten individually.
It’s totally up to you what kind of vegetables you want to add. You can skip the ones you don’t like. If your kids don’t eat vegetables then this dish can help you a lot. Potatoes, tomatoes, green chillies, green peas, all mashed together with spices and lemon and paired with buttery buns is a feast in itself.
- PAKISTAN
As we all know Pakistan was part of the previously known subcontinent, and Pakistan also lived under the rule of the Mughal emperors and that’s why we are very much known for the spices and food in general. Pakistani people spend a big chunk of their money on food and the Pakistani food sector is the largest food sector.
Most of the people eat from streets and that’s why the food street here is very vast. Here are some of the dishes found in the food street of Pakistan. Bun Kebabs (Ande Wala Burger), shawarma (chicken Wrappings), Bhutta (corn), Chicken Tikka and Falooda.
- Bun Kebabs
Bun Kebabs or locally known as Ande Wala Burger, are the traditional and addictive speciality of Pakistan, especially in Karachi. Where ever you in the city of lights you will see a lot of Bun Kebab vendors scattered all across the city. If you want to taste the famous ones, then try Bun Kebabs of Pakistan Chowk, Burns Road, and Gizri.
These are roadside attraction in the city Karachi, providing the people of Karachi a delicious snack to enjoy within the crowded city. When you see vendors making these Bun Kebabs In front of you, your stomach will definitely growl and will make one’s mouth water. There are other multinational fast-food providers like KFC, Burger King, but cannot provide a substitute for this locally made Burger. They have a unique taste and nothing can beat them with the flavour.
It’s a whole experience to have a Bun Kebab. It does not just involve eating but also watching while making it, frying, toasting the buns, adding other ingredients like chatni, sliced onions and then closing it, your mouth waters, I am sure.
- Shawarma
Shawarma is vastly popular across the middle east. Lebanon is famous for this dish, but now it’s popular street food in Pakistan and lots of other countries around the world. Chicken shawarma has gained a lot of fame and appreciation across the globe, particularly in Pakistan.
Shawarma is prepared by alternately stacking strips of chicken boneless pieces or, seasoned meat on a vertical spit. An onion or tomato is sometimes placed at the top for decoration purposes. The meat is then roasted slowly on all sides as the spits rotate in front of the flame for hours. When the stack is well roasted, it is shaved off with a large knife, dropping to a tray below to be retrieved.
It is eaten as fast food made up into a sandwich wrap with pita or lavash together with vegetables and dressing. A variety of vegetables are used which include onion, cucumber, tomato, lettuce, cabbage or French fries. In Pakistan, every food street is full of shawarma vendors.
I am sure Food has always been your comforter. Food is a sentiment, it connects us, connects us to the past, our memories, it isn’t just about eating. I started writing this food blog because of my love for food.
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