Pondicherry, commonly referred to as Pondy is one of the eight Union Territories in India. It was a French colonial settlement in India till 1954, due to which one can see a perfect blend of Tamil culture and French architecture and cuisine. The city is also known as the White Town because of the French quarters aligned beautifully on the streets of Pondicherry. It’s a coastal city surrounded by the Bay of Bengal from one side and numerous gorgeous backwaters.
11 Best Street Foods You Must Try Out in Pondicherry
1. Chana Chaat
Chana Chaat is a tangy and flavorful chaat. It is delicious and healthy due to the high protein content in it. Roadside vendors sell fresh chaat; it is also taken as a salad for lunch or dinner sometimes. Boiled chickpeas minced well with onions, tomato, and cucumber, which give it a crunchy texture, topped with some spices and lemon juice. This chaat will ignite your taste buds with its delicious, juicy flavor.
2. Samosa
A crunchy, delicious pastry commonly known as Samosa. It is a fried triangular-shaped pastry with a savory filling such as potatoes, peas, chilies, carrots, and lots of spices. It is an Indian tea-time snack served with red and green chutney in almost all restaurants and vendors. There are many types of samosa filling or stuffing, but the common one is aloo (potatoes).
3. Panipuri
Panipuri or Phuchka or Golgappa is an Indian snack. Potatoes, onions, chickpeas, and coriander chutney are stuffed in a round-shaped crispy puri, drenched with spicy, tangy water. It’s a popular street snack that will take your taste buds on a journey to heaven. There are different varieties of flavored water and chutneys that can be added according to your taste buds.
4. Bondas
This is a typical South Indian snack with many spicy and sweet variations depending on the region. With its crispy outer coating and delicious spicy masala aloo filling, this is one of the most famous street food in Pondicherry. They are served with spicy green chutney or sauce.
5. Masala Puri
This delicious combination of lentils and chickpea, cooked in spicy gravy, is served along with crispy masala puri that is made with wheat flour, red chili powder, coriander powder, and salt. This spicy combo is a perfect way to kickstart your morning.
6. Mutton Rolls
Mutton rolls are a must-try food in Pondicherry. This spicy roll is an appetizing snack choice for many meat eaters in Pondicherry; it is common at many street corners. The mutton pieces are cooked till tender, then rolled in a freshly made wrap along with onions, green chilies, masala, and sometimes cheese.
7. Bouillabaisse
A classic fish stew loaded with flavors; a famous French dish often served with a rouille – a Provencal mayonnaise-style sauce. There are many variations of bouillabaisse. This stew contains a lot of fresh fish and local seafood like shellfish, crab, oyster, mussel, prawn, etc., available in Pondy.
8. Crab Masala
Crab curry is a typical Indo-Portuguese dish made with a thick gravy of coconut, onion, ginger, and other spices. This recipe uses small freshwater crabs as they are more tender and juicier. It is the most aromatic and spiciest cuisine due to the masala or spices used in the gravy. It takes almost 30 minutes to cook this crab curry, and it is well-served with rice.
9. Dosa
Dosa is a popular South-Indian thin and soft crepe or pancake made with rice and urad dal (black lentils) batter, served with coconut chutney, green chutney, and vegetable sambar (stew or soup). There is a variety of dosas served in India. This is a popular and healthy breakfast from South India.
10. Crispy Prawns
Crispy Indian prawns are heaven for all seafood lovers. These nutritious crispy brown prawns are first marinated with mustard oil, salt, pepper, garlic, and lemon juice. They are then coated with corn flour, coconut powder, and salt and deep fried in oil. This appetizing, finger-liking snack is one of the best seafood out there!
11. Coq Au Vin
It is a French dish that literally means “Rooster in Wine,” as the chicken is braised with wine, lardons, and mushrooms. Here, the typical French red wine and a little brandy are used to simmer the meat, earning a rich sauce. It is traditionally served with mushrooms and pearl onions.
Read also – 12 Most Popular Foods to Eat in Osaka
