Blog

Bengali street food is an explosion of flavors that perfectly represents the rich culinary heritage of Bengal. From crispy fritters to sweet and spicy chaats, the street food scene in Kolkata and other parts of Bengal is nothing short of a gastronomic adventure. If you’re a fan of bold flavors, tangy chutneys, and irresistible snacks, Bengali street food will leave you craving for more.

In this article, we’ll take you on a culinary journey through some of the most popular and mouthwatering Bengali street food recipes that are easy to recreate at home. Let’s dive in!

1. Pani Puri (Bengali Style)

Ingredients:

• 12-15 puris (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup boiled potatoes (mashed)
• 1/2 cup boiled chickpeas
• 1 tablespoon tamarind chutney
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)
• 1 cup chilled tamarind water (for filling)

Instructions:

1. Mix the mashed potatoes and boiled chickpeas in a bowl. Add tamarind chutney, roasted cumin powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.
2. Gently poke a hole in the center of each puri and stuff it with the potato-chickpea mixture.
3. Fill each puri with chilled tamarind water.
4. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves and serve immediately.

Why It Works for Weight Loss:
Pani Puri is a popular street food in Bengal, offering a burst of flavors in every bite. It’s light yet filling, making it a great snack option for those who want to satisfy their taste buds without overindulging in calories.

If you love street food, check out our Vegan Recipes for Weight Loss for more healthy and delicious meal options.

2. Kathi Rolls (Bengali Kati Rolls)

Ingredients:

• 2 large parathas (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded) or paneer (for a vegetarian option)
• 1 onion (sliced)
• 1 cucumber (sliced)
• 1 tablespoon mustard oil
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat mustard oil and add the sliced onions. Sauté until they turn golden brown.
2. Add the shredded chicken (or paneer) and garam masala. Cook for 5 minutes and set aside.
3. Heat the parathas in a separate pan.
4. Once the parathas are ready, place the cooked filling on the center of each paratha.
5. Add sliced cucumber and fresh coriander leaves.
6. Roll the paratha tightly and serve.

Why It Works for Weight Loss:
Kathi Rolls are a great combination of carbs, protein, and healthy fats. You can customize the filling to include more vegetables or lean proteins, making it a filling yet healthy option.

Check out more Indian Kathi Roll Recipes for inspiration on different fillings and variations.

3. Fuchka (Bengali Style Pani Puri)

Ingredients:

• 1 packet fuchka (or Pani Puri puris)
• 1/2 cup boiled potatoes (mashed)
• 1/2 cup chickpeas (boiled)
• 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
• 1 tablespoon tamarind chutney
• 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• Salt and black salt to taste
• Fresh coriander leaves (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the fuchka by making a hole in the center of each puri.
2. Stuff the fuchka with mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and chopped onions.
3. Drizzle tamarind chutney and sprinkle roasted cumin powder on top.
4. Garnish with fresh coriander leaves.
5. Serve immediately with a glass of chilled tamarind water.

Why It Works for Weight Loss:
Fuchka is a lighter version of Pani Puri, and the addition of chickpeas provides protein and fiber, helping you feel full and satisfied. This snack is perfect when you’re craving something crunchy and flavorful.

If you’re interested in more Bengali snacks, check out our Easy Vegetarian Meals for Beginners.

4. Singara (Bengali Samosa)

Ingredients:

• 1 packet samosa pastry (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 medium potatoes (boiled and mashed)
• 1/2 cup peas (boiled)
• 1 teaspoon cumin seeds
• 1 tablespoon mustard oil
• 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
• 1 teaspoon garam masala
• Salt and red chili powder to taste

Instructions:

1. In a pan, heat mustard oil and add cumin seeds. Let them splutter.
2. Add the boiled potatoes, peas, turmeric powder, garam masala, and red chili powder. Stir and cook for 5 minutes.
3. Let the filling cool down before stuffing it into the samosa pastry.
4. Fold the pastry into a triangular shape and seal the edges.
5. Deep fry the singaras until golden and crispy.
6. Serve hot with tamarind chutney or mint chutney.

Why It Works for Weight Loss:
Singara is a crispy and savory snack that’s sure to satisfy your cravings. Using potatoes and peas as the filling provides a good mix of carbohydrates and fiber, while the spices help boost metabolism.

For more samosa variations, check out Indian Samosa Recipes on Tarladalal.

5. Mishti Doi (Bengali Sweet Yogurt)

Ingredients:

• 2 cups full-fat milk
• 2 tablespoons sugar
• 1/4 cup plain yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon cardamom powder

Instructions:

1. Boil the milk in a heavy pan and reduce it to half the volume.
2. Add sugar and cardamom powder, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves.
3. Let the milk cool down slightly before adding the plain yogurt.
4. Pour the mixture into serving bowls and refrigerate for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve chilled, topped with a pinch of cardamom powder.

Why It Works for Weight Loss:
Mishti Doi is a refreshing dessert that uses yogurt, a probiotic-rich food that helps in digestion. While it’s sweet, it’s much healthier compared to other sugary desserts.

For more Bengali dessert ideas, check out our How to Make Homemade Healthy Snacks.

Bengali street food offers a wide variety of flavors, textures, and spices that are sure to delight your taste buds. From crispy Fuchka to sweet Mishti Doi, these recipes bring the authentic taste of Bengal to your home. So, try these recipes today and enjoy the flavors of Bengal without leaving your kitchen!