As the sun sets on another year, it's time to reflect on the culinary rollercoaster that was 2023. The streets of India, known for their vibrant and diverse food offerings, witnessed a slew of jaw-dropping street food experiments that not only challenged our taste buds but also took the internet by storm. Over the past 12 months, the internet had been buzzing with videos showcasing street vendors whipping up mind-boggling concoctions that left foodies equal parts intrigued and perplexed. From Chandni Chowk to Jaipur, these bizarre street food experiments took the virtual world by storm. Here's a rundown of the 10 most unusual street food creations that shocked and captivated the nation in 2023.
Also Read: 2023: The Year That Was! 10 New Restaurants That Opened In Delhi-NCR And Stayed In Our Hearts
Here Are 10 Bizarre Street Foods In India That Went Viral In 2023:
1. When Bhindi Made The Filling For Samosa
Bhindi and samosa are two of our favourite dishes but for completely different meals and moods. A video surfaced featuring a street vendor in Chandni Chowk transforming the familiar bhindi samosa into a samosa that further transformed to create a chaat. The crispy samosas bathed in tangy chutneys and topped with yogurt created a fusion of textures and flavours that had the internet buzzing. Click here to watch the video.
2. When Omelette Was Made With Chowmein
In the heart of Old Delhi's Chawri Bazaar, a vendor made waves by marrying chowmein and omelette. The resulting dish, a chowmein omelette, showcased the creativity of street food vendors who continue to push the boundaries, offering a unique and savoury experience to adventurous eaters. Click here to see how this strange dish was made.
3. When Omelette Was Paired With Patties
A video shared on Instagram turned the spotlight on Agra, where a street food vendor introduced omelette patties. With fluffy omelettes sandwiched between crispy patties, this unexpected combination became the talk of the town, proving that innovation knows no bounds in the world of street food. Click here to see it.
Also Read:10 Moments Of Pride For Indian Cuisine And Indian Chefs In 2023
4. When Kurkure Were Served With Dahi
A street vendor took a bold step by creating a snack that combined the crunch of Kurkure with the creaminess of dahi. The resulting concoction left foodies aghast, questioning the boundaries of flavour that street vendors were willing to explore. Click here to read the complete story.
5. When Maaza Pani Puri Became A Controversy on X
A viral video demonstrating the preparation of Maaza Pani Puri set social media ablaze. Pani puri lovers, typically accustomed to the spicy and tangy flavours, expressed their disgust at the unconventional use of the sweet Maaza drink, sparking debates about the authenticity of this sweet and savoury fusion. Click here to read people's reactions.
6. When Kolkata's Streets Were Introduced To Puchka Chop
On the streets of Kolkata, a vendor introduced Puchka Chop, fritters made with the beloved phuchka. This unique blend of regional flavours combined the crispiness of fritters with the tanginess of phuchka, leaving locals and online spectators equally intrigued and apprehensive. Click here to read more.
7. When The Internet Surprised Us With Chocolate Gol Gappa
We all love gol gappa for its teekha flavour. But a video shared by a food blogger showcased a street vendor selling chocolate gol gappa in Jaipur. The unexpected fusion of the traditional gol gappa shell with a chocolatey surprise inside divided the internet, with some celebrating creativity and others questioning the sanctity of the beloved street snack. Click here to know more.
8. When Rasgulla Was Made With... Bread!
Instagram users found themselves perplexed as a street vendor crafted Bread Rasgulla. With rasgullas sandwiched between slices of bread, this peculiar dish left people questioning the rationale behind such an unconventional fusion, turning the comment section into a virtual forum of speculation. Click here to view the post.
9. When Tomato Ice Cream Got A Cold Shoulder
A street vendor dared to defy conventional expectations by presenting Tomato Ice Cream. The internet collectively disapproved of this unlikely marriage of tomatoes and ice cream, with many expressing their disbelief at the audacity of this culinary experiment. Click here to watch the video.
10. When Dry Fruits Pizza Stirred Up A Debate
The year wouldn't be complete without a touch of controversy. A bizarre yet luxurious creation, the Dry Fruits Pizza at Manek Chowk in Ahmedabad raised eyebrows. Priced at INR 180, a food blogger stirred the pot, declaring it overpriced and igniting a debate on the fine line between innovation and cost in the world of street food. Know more about it by clicking here.
As we bid adieu to 2023, these 10 street food experiments will be remembered as the bold and boundary-pushing creations that defined the year, leaving us both shocked and inspired by the creativity of India's street food vendors. Who knows what culinary surprises await us in the bustling streets of 2024?