Pani Puri also called golgappa or Puchka is must-have street food in India. Such is the rage of Panipuri that many ladies who go on their 9-day Navratri fasts begin and end their fasts with the wholesome servings of golgappas. This is because they will not be able to gorge on their favorite golgappas for 9 days in succession. Isn't that interesting?
The Client Base of Pani Puri
Whether small-town folks, image-conscious page-3 socialites, or hip youngsters, golgappas unite Indians of all social strata and age groups.
Every marketplace in India is conspicuous with these humble-looking puris. Upscale joints serve golgappas in style with all ingredients meticulously arranged in a tray. One has to carefully punch the puris in the center to create a small hollow pore, place each ingredient inside, and then savor it to their heart's content.
However, the real fun of eating golgappas is at a roadside vendor. Street vendors serve golgappas in pure Desi style. They add a desi punch by serving the puris in pattals (bowls made of broad dried leaves).
It's an awe-binding sight to watch the street hawker cater to his customers. He seems to have the speed of a superman as his hands dip into the vessel to fill the puris with chatpata ingredients and pass the yummy delight to customers waiting impatiently.
Taste of Pani Puri
Well, it is not easy to define a single flavor for panipuri. As the crisp puri crumbles inside the mouth of the hungry customers, they experience a heavenly explosion of flavors! The taste ranges from a mix of cold, hot and spicy, sweet, tangy, tart, and crunchy. To summarize, it just tastes perfect.
Ingredients inside a Pani Puri
Pani puri is best savored with mashed potatoes, sweet chutney, mint chutney, chopped coriander, and tangy jaljeera water. Some vendors also add sprouts, beaten yogurt, boondi, and sev mix to spunk the sublime chaat.
While many plush eateries have started experimenting with panipuri- with creative twists like adding spiced vodka shots, guacamole, shredded cheese, and more- these offerings hardly interest gourmet enthusiasts. The reason being that panipuri is best enjoyed in desi style- eaten by hand, it does not go well with the fine table etiquette.
The fun of eating panipuri on Indian streets
Eating panipuri is a “foodie roller-coaster ride”, the thrill of gorging panipuris with water dripping from the mouth is a delightful experience for pani puri lovers.
And the best part is when mouthwatering customers with their pattals gaze at the Pani Puri wala (the hawker who sells panipuri) beseechingly, for their turn to come. Once they get their share, they just pop, crackle, gulp, and gasp to wait for their next serving!
No wonder, desis living abroad miss all this fun. But, here is a savior. Many companies sell a Pani Puri kit- Haldiram’s Pani Puri Kit and Yumkeenz Pani Puri Kit. The kit comes with fried panipuris, dry masala, boondi, and tamarind sauce. One can prepare their favorite Indian roadside chaat at home by following easy instructions. Desis love to gather family and friends and recreate this golgappa magic within their homes.
So, next time if you are looking to add desi-tadka to your party, just pick these ready-to-use Pani Puri kits and rock in style!
And, for those who want to start from scratch, here is Golgappa Pani Puri Pellet Fry with masala. One can deep fry the pellets in heated oil and prepare sauces and chutneys as per instructions given on the packaging.
Who are we? Singal's Indian Grocery is an online Indian Grocery Store delivering people's favorite brands to their doors all over Canada. We have over 600 products that can be ordered for delivery now! Like our Facebook Page for updates about our Indian Grocery Store!