The Ultimate Street Food Dilemma: Khaste vs Samosa
Khaste vs Samosa: The Delicious Debate That Never EndsSome decisions in life are hard. But none more mouthwatering than choosing between Khaste and Samosa.Both iconic. Both irresistible. And both forever locked in a crispy, spicy battle.What Makes Khaste So Special?Khaste, with its flaky golden shell and savoury dry dal filling, is comfort food that knows how to surprise you.My favourite way to eat it?The Khaste RitualBreak a hole in the centre, add a dollop of dry aloo, and drown it in both red and green chutneys—non-negotiable!The texture? Like picking up a warm, crispy doughnut filled with spice. The taste? A firecracker of flavours in your mouth.Why Samosa Still Rules the StreetsAnd then there’s the Samosa—hard shell, spicy potato goodness inside, and that slightly rebellious crunch when you crush it just right.The Art of Crushing a SamosaHold it in your left hand, press with your right thumb, and flood it with chutney. Suddenly, it’s not just food.It’s emotion. It’s street theatre. And it’s 100% delicious.Sweet Ending: The Gujiya ConnectionAfter that spicy rollercoaster, who else reaches for a Gujiya dripping with sugary syrup?Because let’s be real—spice and sweet are the power couple of Indian snacking.Favourite Street Food HauntsIf you’re looking for the real deal, I’ve got two spots that never disappoint:Janwadi, Kanpur – the forever debate over Munna Samosa is real.Jail Road, Delhi – crispy, spicy heaven.Hyderabad, we love you—but it’s time to up your street food game. No hard feelings.Over to You: What's Your Favourite Spot?Got a place that serves the best Khaste or Samosa?Drop your recommendation—I’m always up for a snack-hunting adventure!
Rubal Saluja |
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Malai Makhan Magic: A Winter Treat from the Streets of Kanpur
Reflecting on my Kanpur days, I remember a time when life was easy and the world could be measured in joyful rides on my Activa. Winters were magical—a season to savour, where every corner held a delightful surprise. Among all the treats, one stood out: a Kulhad filled with fluffy clouds of creamy Malai Makhan, topped with saffron threads and pistachios. I found myself irresistibly drawn to every pushcart, each visit an exploration of flavours. With each bite, I fell even deeper in love. The creamy texture would melt in my mouth, disappearing before I could fully savour it, leaving me craving more. Malai Makhan wasn’t just a dessert; it was an addiction, a cherished daily ritual that I never wanted to end. If you ever get the chance to indulge, don’t miss the saffron-flavored cold milk, topped with fluffy milk foam and a drizzle of Rabri. One glass will keep your spirits high well into the evening. This beloved dessert goes by many names—Malai Makhan, Malaiyyo, Nimish, or Daulat ki Chaat (in Delhi)—and it carries the essence of Uttar Pradesh. Each city, from Kanpur to Lucknow to Varanasi, adds its own unique flair, but the love for this creamy indulgence is universal.
Rubal Saluja |
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Lalaji Chaat: North Indian Flavours in the Heart of Hyderabad.
Lucknow vs. Hyderabad biryani debates are fun, but here’s a spicy twist: North India wins hands down when it comes to chaat and golgappas! As a North Indian living in Hyderabad, I’ve been on a mission to find a chaat center that delivers the magic of aata, suji, and palak golgappas, paired with creative paani flavors—from pineapple to guava, hing to jeera. And trust me, it’s been tough. Enter Lalaji Chaat, the savior of my taste buds. This is the shop where dreams are made (and pani puri, dahi puri, of course). This authentic place serves North Indian chaat cooked in rich, aromatic desi ghee. And it’s not just chaat—think chole bhature, pani puri, samosa ragda, kanji wada, and much more. The highlight? Their dahi papdi chaat—a perfect balance of tangy, creamy, and crunchy. And let's not forget the pani puri, which may have only one paani option but still delivers a flavor bomb. What’s more, they even offer suji puris, which is a rarity in Hyderabad. The real MVP, though, is the kanji wada. It’s so comforting you might just forget you’re in Hyderabad—it took me right back to my Kanpur days. Served chilled, it’s an absolute delight. Hygiene? On point. The open kitchen lets you watch the magic happen. Space? Cozy but welcoming. If you’re near Koti, don’t miss out on this chaat paradise! Location: Hari Tara Plaza, Cross road, beside Narsing Temple, near Sultan Bazaar, Koti, Hyderabad, Telangana 500095
Rubal Saluja |
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Ram Ki Bandi, Hyderabad: Midnight Dosas & Street Food Magic at 4 AM
For those sleepless nights and early morning cravings… When you’ve overdone the Maggi, experimented with cheese, schezwan, and Korean versions — and officially broken up with nachos and chips — Ram Ki Bandi comes to the rescue. Undoubtedly, the OG of Hyderabad’s street food scene. The kind of place you love standing outside of — half-awake, fully hungry, hoping the butter hits the tawa faster. There’s something different about this place: The smell of butter melting at 4 in the morning. The dosa that’s so thin and crisp, it cracks like a wafer. The sleepy laughter, the crowd, the wait… all of it just works. Ram Ki Bandi isn’t just a food cart — it’s a Hyderabadi institution. Their Upma Idli — soft, melt-in-your-mouth idlis drowned in hot, slightly runny upma, laced with their spicy house masala, topped with a slab of butter, and served with creamy coconut chutney. Trust me, it’s not just food — it’s therapy. And the dosas? Paper-thin, perfectly crisp, and dripping with buttery goodness. Whether you go classic or experiment with Cheese, Paneer, or even Pizza Dosa — every bite is fresh off the tawa and bursting with flavour. My favourite? Upma Dosa with cheese and extra butter. It’s got crunch (so crispy you can hear the bite), creaminess, and chaos — just like the best street food should. They start at 4 AM, and yes, there’s a line. But one bite, and you’ll know why. Because at Ram Ki Bandi, it’s not just food — it’s an emotion. Pro tip: Stand near the tawa, pay early, smile at the guy, and gently remind him every 30 seconds. Old-school tactics, but it works. Ram ki Bandi Location: Sabir building, next to Karachi Bakery, Begum Bazar, Afzal Gunj, Hyderabad, Telangana 50001
Rubal Saluja |
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