Have you tried these delicious Indian street breakfasts yet?
What's the story
Vegetarian street breakfasts are a delightful way to explore regional flavors without the need for a sit-down meal.
From savory pancakes to spiced rice dishes, each region brings its own flair to the breakfast table.
Across regions, these breakfasts offer unique twists on traditional dishes, highlighting local ingredients and culinary techniques.
Here are five regional vegetarian street breakfasts you might want to try next.
South India
Savory pancakes with coconut chutney
In South India, savory pancakes called dosas make for an excellent breakfast option.
Prepared with fermented rice and lentil batter, these thin crepes are crispy and light.
Served with coconut chutney and sambar, a spicy lentil soup, the dosa's texture paired with creamy chutney makes for a delightful start to the day.
West India
Spiced rice cakes with lentils
West India's breakfast scene would be incomplete without dhokla, the spiced rice cakes.
These steamed cakes made from fermented rice and chickpea flour batter, are seasoned with mustard seeds and curry leaves.
Dhokla is usually served with green chutney or sweet tamarind sauce to enhance the flavor.
Its light texture makes it an ideal morning meal.
North India
Stuffed flatbreads with yogurt
In North India, stuffed flatbreads called parathas serve as a wholesome breakfast option.
These breads can be filled with a variety of ingredients such as potatoes or paneer and then cooked on a griddle until golden brown.
Parathas are often paired with yogurt or pickle for an extra burst of taste.
East India
Fermented rice dumplings in broth
East India's breakfast spread includes fermented rice dumplings pitha served in broth/milk-based sauces on festivals, but relished as everyday food by many natives.
They prefer lighter meals early in their day-to-day lives, mostly due to their soft textures.
These textures go well with flavorful broths, like those made using jaggery syrup mixed into coconut milk, creating sweet yet savory combinations perfect any time hunger strikes!
Central India
Spicy potato patties in bread rolls
Central Indian streets serve spicy potato patties, called batata vada, which are tucked inside bread rolls to create what is popularly known as vada pav.
The dish consists of mashed potatoes, seasoned generously with spices like turmeric powder and green chilies, deep-fried until crispy.
Once done, they're stuffed between slices of pav (bread roll) smeared with chutneys (sweet and tangy) for irresistible quick-bites loved by everyone.