(Chaat Varieties, Sandwiches, Beach Snacks, Road Side Delicacies)
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In the last 3 decades, we have seen a great emergence and the rising of street food in India. When I googled to know more information on “street food in the global menu”, I was indeed surprised that it has been there since the 19th century in many countries. We have forayed into it quite lately, perhaps because of our deep rooted family culture to eat home cooked food, sitting together. Among Indian Hindus, food is often called as “annalakshmi” meaning goddess, blessing abundant food grains in a house. Food grains or cooked food were given as alms or charity to the poor and needy. As a matter of fact, as per the Hindu traditions, it is a compulsive rule to offer food to the poor before one eats his meal. It is probably due to all these reasons that food was never sold in return for money. With the growing times and change in economics in the country, hotels and restaurants made its entry and mark in our country. But one of the aspects in a hotel or a restaurant needs to be ordered, prepared, served and then billed. So, to eat the simplest dish in a hotel, in this cycle takes at least 30 minutes, which is again not affordable for the people who are on run. Street food or the commonly known “fast food” comes as a savior to both of these issues. It has been the most successful small scale enterprise in any corner of the country. In fact, all big hotels have the fast food section as a part of their enterprise.
What is street food? As per Wikipedia, it is a ready to eat food or drink sold by a vendor in a street or a public place in a food truck for immediate consumption. As far as our country is concerned, street food displays its own diversity on the basis of region, taste and demand. The biggest concern over the street food is the hygiene and cleanliness of the environment and surrounding where the food is prepared. The streets are contaminated and the food prepared in such surrounding is bound to be an invite for all ills and diseases. But, given a second thought, all of these street foods and fast food can be quickly, cleanly and more tastily prepared at home. So, c’mon let us get started to prepare some lip smacking street foods.
Chaats
Chaats are a specific type of street food that is a high demand one throughout the country. It is a assortment of ingredients layered and served so that a mouthful of any chaat gives a punch of flavors in your mouth. The details of different chaat varieties, the specific ingredients used and all other related details are given here. It can be made easily and in a much hygienic way at home.
Street Food
Street foods distinctly vary in every region of the country. They are predominantly the local cuisines which are made more spicy and tangy to satiate the taste buds. A visit to marina beach in Chennai, an unavoidable sight is stalls of some steaming hot bajji and pakoda and hawkers selling some spicy sundal in tins which are served in meager newspaper. A similar sight is the masala pav and Manchurian and Kaman dhokla in the streets of Maharashtra and uttarpradesh. All of these can be quickly and healthily made at your kitchen. Try making for your loved ones and they would never ever desire to eat out again.
Fast Food
The most sought out fast food is the sandwiches. Gone are the days, when only a bread-butter-jam or cheese sandwiches were the only options. Today we have many creative options of sandwich preparation. These are healthy and can be quickly prepared in the busy morning hours for lunch or as an afternoon snack. Combine it with a delicious drink and it will be just out of the world.