Mezes You Should Taste During a Visit to India

India is a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and, most importantly, food. The variety of flavors and ingredients used in Indian cuisine can be astounding, especially when it comes to appetizers or snacks, known as 'mezes.' These small dishes are often served to tantalize your taste buds before the main course. Here are some must-try mezes you should sample during your visit to India.

1. Samosa
A classic Indian snack, samosas are triangular pastries filled with a mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. These crispy delights are usually deep-fried until golden brown and are best enjoyed with mint chutney or tamarind sauce.

2. Pakora
Pakoras are another favorite among locals and visitors alike. These are vegetable fritters made by dipping various vegetables like potatoes, onions, and spinach in a seasoned chickpea flour batter and frying them until crispy. They are perfect for a rainy day and are commonly served with green chutney.

3. Aloo Tikki
Aloo Tikki is a popular North Indian street food, made from mashed potatoes mixed with spices and herbs, then shallow-fried to a crunchy exterior. Often served with yogurt and sweet tamarind syrup, this dish is a flavor explosion that you cannot miss.

4. Pani Puri
This iconic street food consists of hollow, crispy puris filled with a spicy mixture of tamarind water, chickpeas, and potatoes. Eating Pani Puri is a fun experience as you pop the whole puri into your mouth, allowing the flavors to burst in an explosion of taste.

5. Dhokla
A savory steamed cake made from fermented rice and chickpea flour, Dhokla is soft, spongy, and mildly seasoned with mustard seeds and green chilies. Often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast item, its light texture makes it a delightful addition to any meal.

6. Bhel Puri
This dish is a flavorful mix of puffed rice, vegetables, and tangy sauces. Traditionally served on the streets, Bhel Puri can be customized with different toppings, making it a favorite snack for any time of the day.

7. Chaat
Chaat is an umbrella term for a variety of savory snacks, often featuring a combination of crispy fried components, boiled potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, and tangy chutneys. Each region in India has its own unique take on chaat, so be sure to try different variations!

8. Murukku
This crunchy, spiral-shaped snack made from rice flour and lentils is seasoned with various spices before being deep-fried. Murukku is particularly popular in South India and is often enjoyed as a tea-time snack.

9. Kathi Rolls
Originating from Kolkata, Kathi rolls are street food wraps filled with spiced meat or vegetables and rolled in a paratha. They are filling, flavorful, and make for a great on-the-go snack.

10. Spring Rolls
These crispy rolls filled with vegetables or meat are not native to India but have been widely adopted into Indian cuisine. Often served with chili sauce, they blend seamlessly into the bustling food scene.

Each of these mezes reflects the rich culinary heritage of India. Sampling these snacks during your visit will offer you a delicious glimpse into the country’s diverse food culture. So don’t miss out on these tasty bites on your culinary adventure through India!