Top Indian street food you must try, from tangy pani poori to spicy samosa

When you think of Indian street food that brings together taste, culture, and comfort, nothing beats the vibrancy of Indian street food. It is not just about taking a quick snack; it is about reliving memories, sharing laughter with friends, and celebrating bold flavours that are as diverse as India itself. For those food lovers in the UK, particularly in Leicester, the city has become a hot spot for authentic Indian street food experiences. With Leicester's strong Indian community and multicultural atmosphere, you don't have to travel thousands of miles to enjoy the joy of crispy samosas, tangy pani poori, or piping hot pav bhaji. You can find them right here.

If you're exploring Indian street food in Leicester, here is a perfect guide to the top must-try favourites, from tangy, spicy, sweet, and crunchy delights that capture the true essence of India's bustling food culture.

Pani Poori, the burst of tangy and spicy goodness

No street food trail can begin without the iconic pani poori. Known by different names across India, that is golgappa in the North, puchka in Bengal, and gupchup in Odisha, this little wonder is a bomb that bursts with flavour once popped in the mouth. The crisp hollow puris are filled with spicy potato, tangy tamarind chutney, and chilled flavoured water made with mint and spices. It's a taste of joy.

Among students, families, and even those trying Indian flavours for the first time, pani puri is the favourite snack in Leicester. It is fun, interactive, and social. Pani puri is never eaten alone. Whether it's at a bustling street food stall or a well-loved restaurant, the joy of watching the puris being filled one after another makes the dish an experience of pleasure.

Samosa – The spicy triangle of comfort

Worldwide, the samosa is the most recognised Indian snack, crispy, golden, and bursting with flavours. The triangular pastry, stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes minced meat and onions, has a texture that combines a crunchy bite with the tastiest soft fillings.

In Leicester, samosas are more than just a snack; they are part of celebrations. You'll find them at weddings, as a quick tea-time companion, and even in community gatherings, too. Bite into one, and you'll instantly understand why this humble snack found its love across borders. Pair it with green chutney or sweet tamarind dip, and you've got yourself a plateful of happiness and joyful memories of gathering.

Pav Bhaji – A plate full of street-style satisfaction.

Originating from Mumbai, pav bhaji is the true king of Indian street food meals. It consists of butter pav, which is the bread served with the bhajji, which is a spicy mashed vegetable curry, topped with onions, coriander, and a dollop of butter.

Leicester's food stalls and restaurants recreate this Mumbai magic with authenticity. The aroma of bhaji simmering on a flat hotplate, with the butter melting and mixing with spices, instantly draws you in. It's a dish best enjoyed hot, eaten with your fingers, and shared with family and friends. If you're exploring Indian Street Food in Leicester, pav bhaji is a must.

Chaat varieties – A medley of flavours

Chaat is not just a dish; it is an entire category of Indian street food designed to tickle every taste sense at once. From aloo chaat to papdi chaat, each variety combines crunchy fried bases, tangy chutneys, fresh curd, chickpeas, potatoes, and sev.

What makes chaat special is the perfect balance, spicy yet cooling, tangy yet sweet. In Leicester, you'll find chaat counters crowded with activity, especially in areas like the Golden Mile. It's a treat that you can enjoy as a light snack or as a starter before a complete Indian meal.

Jalebi – The sweet spiral to end your meal

No street food feast is complete without a sweet note, and jalebi is the perfect ending. It's a golden, deep-fried spiral, soaked in sugar syrup. The vibrant saffron-coloured spirals are crisp on the outside yet juicy inside. Served warm, they are often paired with thick curd and rabri, sweetened condensed milk, for extra satisfaction.

In Leicester, jalebi holds a special place during festivals and family gatherings. Walking past a stall where fresh jalebis are being fried is irresistible; the aroma and the eye-catching colour itself are enough to tempt you.

Why Leicester is perfect for Indian street food lovers?

Leicester is often called the Indian food capital of the UK, with its large Indian-origin population, the city offers authenticity that brings street food back home. The Golden mile ensures that you're never too far away from a pani poori stall or a steaming plate of pav bhaji, the city, which is famous for its Indian restaurants and sweet shops, to local food festivals that celebrate multicultural cuisines.

The demand for Indian Street Food in Leicester continues to increase, not only among the Indian community but also among the tourists and the natives of the country, who crave for zesty and exciting flavours. It's this mix of authenticity, variety, and community love for food that makes Leicester stand out.

Final thoughts

Street food is more than just eating; it's about culture, connection, and comfort. Whether you are satisfied with the tangy burst of pani poori, savouring the spiced filling of a samosa, or warming your heart with pav bhaji, every dish tells a story of tradition and togetherness.

Suppose you're in Leicester and want to experience the magic of Indian street food. In that case, you don't need to travel to India or necessarily have indian homies from Delhi or Mumbai to prepare it for you. The flavours are alive and thriving right here. At 7H Spices, we bring you the exact authenticity, freshness, and love that make Indian street food unforgettable.

So, the next time you're craving a taste of India, come and explore the best Indian Street Food in Leicester, from tangy pani poori to spicy samosas, and everything in between. Your street food adventure awaits!