Best Indian Snacks Recipes - Here is a list of quick, easy, and healthy Indian snack recipes that can be served with a cup of coffee or tea or even as a mid-day snack.
About this post
In this post, I have shared recipes for dry namkeens, Indian chaats and street food (roadside food), fritters and pakodas (bhajiyas, pakoras, or bajji), healthy after-school snacks or lunch box snacks for kids like sandwiches, quesadillas and rolls, party snacks and more. All of these can be prepared in any part of the world if you have the necessary ingredients in your pantry or Indian/Asian stores nearby. Snacks shared below can be prepared throughout the year - although certain snacks like pakoras are much craved and enjoyed in cold or rainy weather.
I have included both North Indian and South Indian snacks in the list below. You will also find some easy snacks you can make in 5 minutes.
What is the famous snack in India?
Some of the most popular Indian snacks include samosa, sev, bhel, banana chips, murukku, roasted makhana, chivda, murmura, vada pav, chikki, etc.
Indian Chaats and Street Food
India is famous for its variety of food recipes, and chaat is something people of all ages love. I cannot explain in words the explosion of flavors that occur when you bite into any chat, the satisfaction to your taste buds, and the happiness on your face when you have Indian chaat with a cup of chai. It has to be experienced firsthand. You can experience all this from the comfort of your home by preparing the simple recipes I have shared below with ingredients that are either readily available in your pantry or easily available in any Indian/Asian store.
Some of the Indian roadside chaats that you can easily make at home for evening snack includes
- Crispy Samosa
- Aloo Pyaz Kachori
- Batata Vada (Aloo Bonda)
- Dahi Bhalla (Instant and Traditional version)
- Dabeli
- Vada Pav
- Dahi Aloo Chaat
- Aloo Chana Chaat
- Pav Bhaji
- Aloo Tikki
- Dahi Poha
- Mini Veg Puff
Crispy and flaky samosa
Make crispy and flaky samosas with melt-in-mouth filling at home any time of the year when you are craving these delicious bites following this simple samosa recipe. This samosa recipe is vegetarian/vegan and can be served as an appetizer, snack, or finger food with mint chutney, dates chutney, or tomato ketchup.
Check out this recipe.
Street Style Kachori Recipe
Aloo Pyaz Kachori or Onion Potato Dumplings are popular Indian snack with crispy and flaky texture on the outside and spicy, delightful and flavorful filling on the inside. I bet you just can't stop after eating one!
Check out this recipe.
Quick Dahi Bhalla
Instant Dahi Bhalla or Dahi Bread is a super easy-to-make yet delicious, addictive, and filling Indian chaat recipe that you should try whenever you have a craving for street food.To make this chaat, all you need is the bread of your choice, green mint chutney, and tamarind or date chutney with sev, onion, and pomegranate for garnish. Instant Dahi Bhalla is one of the best and easiest snack recipes to try for your Holi and Diwali parties.
Check out this recipe.
Batata Vada , Aloo Bonda
Batata Vada or Fried Potato Dumpling is a simple and easy to make, spicy and delicious Indian snack prepared using potatoes and aromatic spices in less than 30 minutes. This potato recipe is gluten free and vegan. These batata vadas or aloo bonda are crispy on the outside with melt in mouth filling inside.
Check out this recipe.
Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is a very popular Indian street food where spicy and irresistibly delicious curry (bhaji) prepared using mixed vegetables is served with homemade warm rolls or pav that are toasted in butter. The recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and comes to about 270 calories per serving.
Check out this recipe.
Street Style Dahi Aloo Chaat
Dahi Aloo Chaat is a popular, lip-smacking Indian street-style snack recipe that has sweet, spicy, and tangy – all flavors in every single bite.
Check out this recipe.
Dahi Bhalla
Dahi Bhalla or Dahi Vada is a popular and delicious Indian snack recipe where vadas or lentil fritters are soaked in lightly sweetened thick yogurt and then garnished with chutney, sev, coriander leaves, pomegranate and spices.
Check out this recipe.
Kali Pav Bhaji
Black Pav Bhaji is the newest trend in Mumbai, which is a sister version of the traditional, famous fast food dish - Pav Bhaji. The color, change in texture, and mouthwatering taste makes it different from traditional pav bhaji.
Check out this recipe.
Aloo Chana Chaat
Aloo Chana Chaat or Potato Chickpea Salad is a sweet, spicy and tangy - all in one Indian chaat recipe that can be served as a starter or even had as an evening snack. One of the best dishes that you can make this Diwali, Thanksgiving or Christmas.
Check out this recipe.
Mini Veg Puff
Veg Puffs or Curry Puffs are bakery-style mini snack bites that are golden, crispy, and flaky with flavorful vegetarian filling inside. A perfect evening snack, appetizer, or finger food recipe using puff pastry sheets.
Check out this recipe.
Aloo tikki or Potato Patties
Aloo Tikki or Potato patties are vegan, quick and simple, easy-to-make snack recipe prepared using potatoes, peas, and spices.This recipe is prepared using leftover samosa filling and is pan-fried instead of the traditional deep fry or shallow fry method.
Check out this recipe.
Fried Snacks
Fried Snacks are easy to make, irresistibly delicious, plus a perfect accompaniment on a hot sunny day or cold rainy day with a cup of coffee or tea.
Some of the best Indian fried snacks that can be made ahead and stored, dry namkeens and pakoras (pakoda and bhajiyas), are shared here.
- Banana Pakora
- Peri Peri Paneer
- Mirchi Bajji or Mirapakaya Pakora
- Sabudana Vada (Traditional and Instant versions)
- Chakli or Murukku
- Banana Buns or Mangalore Buns
- Kadi Patta Paneer
- Masala Kaju or Roasted Cashews
- Jeegujje Podi
- Special Appe (Paniyaram) recipe with a twist
- Cajun Potatoes
- Mushroom Potato Pie
- Spiral French Fries
- Onion Pakoda or Onion Rings
- Jackfruit Fritters or Mulik
- Nippattu
Banana Pakora or Pakoda
Banana Pakora is an easy-to-make, spiced and crisp Indian fritter that is addictive and so delicious that you just can’t stop eating one. This recipe is vegan. gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto friendly.
Check out this recipe.
Peri Peri Paneer with Cheese Sauce
This Diwali & Holiday season, try this chatpata, spicy peri peri paneer topped with creamy cheese sauce. It is an explosion of flavors in the mouth like a Diwali firecracker.You will surely go for the second and third servings. This piri piri paneer is going to be a total crowd-pleaser.
Check out this recipe.
Mirchi Pakora or Mirapakaya Bajji
Mirchi Bajji is a popular, quick & easy to make, and addictive Indian snack recipe that is crispy and crunchy on the outside.
Check out this recipe.
Traditional Sabudana Vada
Sabudana Vada is a crispy and addictive popular Indian snack or finger food prepared using sago, potatoes, and a few spices. These fried vadas are crunchy on the outside and chewy on the inside. Sabudana Vada is specially made during fasting, vrat, and upvas days like Navratri, Ekadashi, etc.
Check out this recipe.
Murukku or Chakli
Murukku or Chakli is a crunchy, highly addictive, savory Indian snack made with five ingredients. It is traditionally prepared during festivals like Janmashtami, Ganesh Chaturthi, Diwali, and Navratri and is frequently served at home as a tea-time snack.
Check out this recipe.
Soft & Fluffy Buns
Mangalore Buns or Banana Buns are soft & fluffy, sweet, and delicious buns or pooris prepared using ripe bananas. Mangalore buns can be served for breakfast or as an evening snack. It is one of the best recipes that people of all age groups love.Â
Check out this recipe.
Kadi Patta Paneer
Paneer Pepper Dry (Paneer Kadi Patta) is an easy-to-make, flavorful recipe that is crispy on the outside with a soft melt-in-mouth texture inside, prepared mainly using curry leaves, peppercorns, and paneer (Indian cottage cheese).
Check out this recipe.
Instant Sabudana Fries
Sabudana Fries or Instant Sabudana Vada is an irresistibly delicious and addictive snack or finger food crispy on the outside, chewy, and melt in mouth texture inside. I bet you just can’t stop having one.
Check out this recipe.
3 ingredient banana chips
Banana Chips or Plantain Chips are a salty, crispy and irresistible snack that can be prepared using just 3 ingredients in less than 20 minutes and gets over in no time. This recipe is vegan and gluten-free. A great food recipe for your football party, Super Bowl, tailgating events, Diwali parties or any holiday get-togethers.
Check out this recipe.
Masala Kaju or Roasted Cashews
Roasted Cashews or Indian Masala Kaju are a crispy and delicious snack that you can make in 20 minutes. In this post, you will learn how to roast cashews and three interesting flavors. Serve these as an evening snack or include them in a gift box for the Diwali and Christmas holidays. These also make the best accompaniment for your cocktail and mocktail parties. Cashews can be deep-fried, air-fried, oven-baked, or roasted in the microwave. I have shared all 4 methods to roast cashews. Store them in an airtight container for up to 1 month.
Check out this recipe.
Crispy Jeegujje Podi
Jeegujje Podi or Jeev Kadgi Podi or Jeev Kadgi Kebab, also called Kadgi 65, is a popular recipe from the coastal Karnataka region where the breadfruit is dipped in aromatic batter and fried until crisp. With easy substitutions, these fritters can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Interesting twist to traditional appam or paniyaram
Appe 65 or Paniyaram 65 is one of the tastiest and easiest vegetarian appetizers. Appe 65 makes a good substitute for chicken 65 and a perfect accompaniment for beer. This can be prepared in less than 30 minutes. Soft appes are first cooked in an appe pan and then deep fried with a coating of flavored batter. Finally, fried appes are tossed in an aromatic seasoning and served. I bet you can't stop after eating one.
Check out this recipe.
Mushroom Potato Pie or Curry Puff
Flaky potato mushroom pie or crispy samosa pastries are delicious, melt-in-mouth, easy-to-make pastry recipes prepared using a few basic ingredients from your kitchen. These can be served as an evening snack or appetizer for your lunch or dinner.
Check out this recipe.
French Fries with twist
Crispy Spiral French Fries, also known as tornado fries or mashed potato fries, is the new trending way to enjoy the potatoes. These fries are crispy on the outside, creamy inside, and I bet you can't stop after eating one 🙂
Check out this recipe.
Cajun potatoes - Barbecue nation style
Cajun potatoes are one of the best recipes you will add as a side dish or appetizer for your Diwali Party, Thanksgiving, or Christmas dinner menu. Can be prepared in under 30 minutes.Cajun Potatoes are crispy on the outside, creamy, and melt in the mouth on the inside. These are finger licking and lip smacking good, and I bet you can’t stop by just eating one.
Check out this recipe.
Nippattu or Tandla Vado
Nippattu or Tandla Vado are crispy and crunchy deep-fried rice crackers made with just five ingredients.This nippatu is different from the ones that are sold in bakeries in Bangalore. Both are prepared using rice, but the spices and other ingredients make them different in taste and texture.
Check out this recipe.
Jackfruit Fritters, Mangalorean Style
Ponsa Mulik, also called halasina bonda, is a popular Konkani recipe from Mangalore, Udupi region, prepared using ripe jackfruit. These are similar to donut holes or beignets but have a crispy texture on the outside.Ponsa mulik is sweet fried dough that is crispy on the outside with a melt-in-mouth texture inside. To take it to the next level, dip them in desi ghee (tuppa or brown butter) and enjoy. And if you like to add some crunch to ponsa mulik, add toasted cashews and coconut to the mulik batter.
Check out this recipe.
Crispy Onion Rings
This recipe will give you the best homemade crispy onion rings ever!! The recipe below ensures that your onion rings are perfectly crispy every single time and never turns soggy. This can be prepared in less than 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Healthy Snacks
If you are on a weight loss program, diabetic diet, or one who prefers always to eat quick and light, healthy, low-calorie snacks, then check out this section. We have
- Spicy Murmura or Churumuri (Puffed Rice)
- Dhokla
- Banana Rasayana
- Misal Pav
- Boiled Peanuts
- Tandoori Potatoes
- Chia Pudding
- Dahi Poha
- Whole Wheat Cookies
- Ragi Manni
- Roasted Makhana with Dry Fruits
- Avocado Toast
- Dry Fruit Ladoo
- Popcorn
Spicy Murmura or Churumuri
Churmuri or Charamburi Upkari is a popular street-side snack from Mangalore, Udupi region of Karnataka, which can be prepared in less than 5 minutes.Â
Check out this recipe.
How to make best dhokla at home
Dhokla or Khaman Dhokla is a soft, spongy, instant steamed dish made using gram or chickpea flour (besan) and a few spices. This savory cake is a popular recipe from Gujarat, India that can be served for breakfast, snack, main course, or side dish for lunch or dinner - almost for any meal.
Check out this recipe.
No Cook Banana Rasayana
Banana Rasayana or Balehannina Rasayana or Seekarne is a traditional and popular recipe from Coastal Karnataka (Mangalore, Udupi, Kundapur), which can be prepared in less than 5 minutes using just 3 ingredients.The recipe is called Balehannu Rasayana in Kannada. We call it Kele Hashale (hesale, hershale) in Konkani.
Check out this recipe.
Easy Misal Pav
Misal Pav is a spicy and flavorful, nutritious, and protein-packed dish from Maharashtra served with ladi pav bun – Indian dinner rolls.Misal Pav is one of the popular street food in Maharashtra and Goa, and is served for breakfast, as a snack, or even as a light meal in itself.
Check out this recipe.
Cajun Boiled Peanuts | How To Boil Cajun Peanuts
Cajun Boiled Peanuts are protein-packed, spicy, and flavorful snacks with a unique taste that you will fall in love with again and again. This can be prepared in less than 30 mins!
Check out this recipe.
Tandoori Potatoes or Aloo Tikka
Tandoori Potatoes is a mouth-watering, spicy and flavorful Indian appetizer or snack recipe prepared using potatoes and aromatic spices.
Check out this recipe.
Chia Pudding
Mango Chia Pudding is a healthy and nutritious, creamy & delicious, make-ahead, no-cook option for breakfast, a mid-day snack, or even as a dessert recipe prepared using just 4 ingredients.
Check out this recipe.
Dahi Poha
Dahi Poha (Curd Poha or Flavored Yogurt) is a quick and easy-to-make, cooling, and refreshing recipe prepared in 2 ways (sweet & spicy version) in less than 20 minutes. No cooking is required, only tempering.
Check out this recipe.
Whole Wheat Oats Jaggery Cookies
Whole wheat oats jaggery cookies are healthy and flavorful eggless cookies that are the perfect accompaniment for a hot cup of coffee or chai.This recipe is especially for all those who asked me to post eggless biscuits or cookies with jaggery.
Check out this recipe.
Boiled Peanuts
This post is all about how to boil freshly harvested peanuts that are still intact in their shell. Boiled peanuts are addictive and healthy protein-rich snack recipes and a perfect accompaniment for your tea/coffee party, cocktail/mocktail party, or to eat whenever you crave it.
Check out this recipe.
Ragi Manni or Ragi Custard
Ragi Manni or Finger Millet Custard is a healthy and delicious, melt-in-mouth traditional sweet recipe prepared using just four ingredients.
Check out this recipe.
Roasted Makhana
Roasted Makhana Recipe is a crispy, crunchy, easy-to-make Indian trail mix or evening snack prepared in less than 20 minutes. This masala makhana is vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.
Check out this recipe.
Healthy Dry Fruit Laddu
These energy balls, also called dry fruit laddu, are easy-to-make healthy no-bake sugar-free energy bites prepared using dried fruits and nuts of your choice. You will need less than 15 minutes to make these energy bites. These energy balls or laddu can be served for breakfast, as a mid-day snack, or after-meal dessert.
Check out this recipe.
Healthy Avocado Toast
This Avocado toast is one of the best, healthy, crispy, and creamy, delicious toast recipes that you will try this summer.The recipe below is vegan and vegetarian, dairy free. You can also check out other toppings ideas that I have shared if you wish to try them.
Check out this recipe.
Crispy homemade popcorn
Thai Style Popcorn is an addictive snack with a perfect combination of flavors. It is crispy and crunchy with the right amount of sweet, sour, and spiciness. Popcorn could not get any better than this!
Check out this recipe.
Sandwiches, Rolls, Tacos (Bread Snacks)
If you are looking for filling after-school snacks for kids or things to munch on at parties, picnics, or potlucks, then try out these delicious sandwiches.
These are some of my kid's favorite snacks.
- No Bread Sandwich
- Grilled Margherita Cheese Sandwich
- Taco Mexicana or Quesadilla
- Garlic Cheese Bread
- Dominos Style Garlic Bread Twists.
Breadless Sandwich | Sandwich Without Bread | Veg Eggless Omelette
Breadless Sandwich | Eggless Omelette or Omelet is a delicious and high protein-packed sandwich recipe that is sure to be your NEW favorite family recipe. This sandwich is one of the best vegetarian gluten free recipe you can serve for breakfast, lunch or dinner specially on meatless Mondays and also the best option if you are on weight loss program. With few tweaks in the sandwich filling, this breadless sandwich can be made vegan too.Â
Check out this recipe.
Margherita Sandwich
Grilled Margherita Sandwich or Pizza Sandwich is a fresh, light and flavorful sandwich prepared using delicious white bread and your favorite classic pizza ingredients.A cheese sandwich that is perfect for picnics, potluck, other holiday brunch, lunch or dinner gatherings - or in other words, a sandwich that is perfect for anytime of the year! I am sure you will not only fall in love with this recipe but make it often in your kitchen!
Check out this recipe.
Dominos Style Taco Mexicana
Cheesy Potato Mushroom Quesadilla is an easy-to-make, delicious appetizer or snack where fresh homemade tortillas are topped with your favorite ingredients and toasted until crispy. These can be prepared in under 30 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Cheesy Garlic Bread
Homemade Garlic Cheese Bread is simple yet so delicious, cheesy and garlicky pull-apart bread or crack bread recipe that you will ever make. This bread can be served on its own or as an accompaniment with pasta, soup, or salad.
Check out this recipe.
Butter Garlic Paneer
Paneer in Butter Garlic Cream Sauce is a rich and classic, garlicky, quick and easy-to-make recipe that can be prepared in less than 20 minutes.This paneer dish can be served as an appetizer or starter with bread slices, with a bowl of soup, or even toss it with pasta of your choice.
Check out this recipe.
Dominos style garlic parmesan bread twists
Garlic Parmesan Bread Twists or Garlic Knots are easy to make, buttery and melt-in-mouth, super soft and fluffy made using fresh homemade pizza dough from scratch which is then topped with flavorful garlic cheese butter.
Check out this recipe.
Drinks & Desserts
If you prefer to drink something different than a coffee or tea with an evening snack, then check these out
- Hot Chocolate
- Disco Coffee
- Royal Falooda
- Mango Mastani
- Iced Coffee
Best Hot Chocolate
Hot Chocolate is a rich, creamy & flavorful drink, ready in a few minutes, perfect for the cold weather.Hot Chocolate is one of my favorite winter drinks to prepare during the Christmas or Holiday season.
Check out this recipe.
Disco Coffee
Disco Coffee, also known as dancing coffee or layered coffee is a special and one of the most beautiful ways of serving coffee. A quick and easy visual treat for all coffee lovers.
Check out this recipe.
Best Falooda Recipe
Best Falooda Recipe you will make at home. This is a delicious Indian dessert drink or ice cream float with a unique combination of flavors from rose syrup, sweet basil seeds, falooda noodles or sev, chilled milk topped with vanilla ice cream, and tutti frutti.
Check out this recipe.
Mango Mastani or Milkshake
Mango Mastani | Mango Shake is a rich, thick and creamy drink topped with ice cream, dry fruits, nuts, and freshly chopped mango chunks. A delightful drink for all mango lovers.This mango milkshake with ice cream is a popular street food recipe from Pune, named after the famous Bajirao’s wife Mastani. You can prepare this in 5 mins!
Check out this recipe.
Iced Coffee, Thai Style
Iced Coffee is an instant easy-to-make, refreshing & delicious coffee recipe that is wonderful on its own that can be served any time of the day or even at night 🙂 Iced coffee can be prepared in less than 10 minutes.
Check out this recipe.
Make ahead and Store
Dry Snacks and namkeens can be made ahead of time and stored for 8 to 10 days. Other recipes can be planned and prepared a day before and stored in the refrigerator. You can reheat it in the microwave or stovetop.
And some snacks like murmura and instant dahi Bhalla require no preparation in advance. It can be made from start to end in less than 5 to 10 minutes.
Do check out the instructions given under each recipe for more details.
Recipe card
Best Indian Snacks Recipes | Quick and Healthy Evening Snacks : Peri Peri Paneer
Best Indian Snack Recipes - Here is a list of quick, easy, and healthy Indian snack recipes that can be served with a cup of coffee or tea or even as a mid-day snack.
Equipment
- 1 Pan for frying
- 1 Bowl for mixing
Ingredients
- 2 cups Paneer cubes (250 grams approx)
- 2 tablespoon Cornstarch or corn flour
- 2 tablespoon All purpose flour or Maida
- ¼ to ½ teaspoon Salt, adjust to taste
- 3 tablespoon  Water (approx)
- Oil for frying
- 1 to 2 tablespoon Peri Peri mix (read steps below)
Instructions
- Add paneer cubes, cornflour, all-purpose flour (maida), salt, and mix in a bowl. Now add water little by little so that the paneer is well coated.2 cups Paneer cubes (250 grams approx), 2 tablespoon Cornstarch or corn flour, 2 tablespoon All purpose flour or Maida, ¼ to ½ teaspoon Salt, adjust to taste, 3 tablespoon  Water (approx)
- Heat oil in a pan for frying. Once hot, drop the paneer and fry until crisp outside.Oil for frying
- Transfer it to a bowl, and while it is hot, add peri peri mix and toss until well combined. Notes: I first added 1 tablespoon of store-bought peri peri mix directly, but I felt it was not spicy enough, and the peri peri mix was coarse. So then I ground some peri peri powder in a blender to a smooth powder and added an extra 1 tbsp. When the powder is smooth, it gets coated with hot fried paneer easily. So, grind the powder if it is coarse and add. Adjust the amount to taste.Â1 to 2 tablespoon Peri Peri mix (read steps below)
- More recipe details and cheese sauce recipe here.
Nutrition
Calories: 176kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 8gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 8gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.04gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gCholesterol: 37mgSodium: 130mgPotassium: 9mgFiber: 0.2gSugar: 0.1gVitamin A: 3IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 273mgIron: 0.1mg
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Naelle Yoshimura
I don't even know where to start! I think... butter garlic paneer! Everything looks mouth watering good!
Cathleen
This truly looks like the best recipes ever. Thank you so much for sharing, bookmarked for later 🙂
Gianne
They are so quick and easy to make, perfect for a delicious evening treat. The flavors are incredible, and there is such a wide variety to choose from.