Tired of seeing the same Indian street food everywhere? You’re not alone.
Chaats, pani puri, masala dosa, it’s like the same dishes are on repeat. It feels like people only eat what pops up on their social media feeds. That’s just how algorithms work, they keep showing you what’s popular, even if it’s not as great as it looks in real life.
But here’s the thing: Indian street food is way more than just the stuff you see online. There are so many hidden gems out there. Unique, flavorful dishes that don’t get the spotlight but taste incredible. The best part? You don’t have to travel far to find them. Many of these dishes are served at Indian restaurants right here in Calgary and across Alberta.
So, if you’re ready to try something new and skip the usual, let’s dive into some Indian street food Calgary that deserves your attention.
1. Kathi Roll (The Original Indian Wrap)
What It Is: The Kathi Roll, born on the bustling streets of Kolkata, is a flaky paratha wrapped around juicy, spiced fillings like chicken, paneer, or vegetables. The bread is often coated with a layer of egg before rolling, giving it an extra crispy texture.
Key Ingredients: Paratha (flatbread), marinated fillings (chicken, paneer, egg, or veggies), onions, green chutney, lime.
Why It’s Special: Unlike regular wraps, the Kathi Roll has layers of flavor thanks to the marinade, fresh toppings, and tangy chutneys. It’s the perfect on-the-go snack that’s both filling and flavorful.
Best Pairings:
- Masala Fries: The spicy, crispy fries complement the juicy roll perfectly.
- Chilled Mango Lassi: To cool down the spice while adding a refreshing sweetness.
- Pickled Onions: Adds an extra tangy crunch to every bite.
2. Bhutte Ka Kees (Spiced Grated Corn Delight)
What It Is: A beloved street food from Indore, Bhutte Ka Kees is grated corn cooked with milk, ghee, and spices. The result is a creamy, savory dish with a hint of sweetness from the corn.
Key Ingredients: Grated corn, milk, ghee, mustard seeds, green chilies, coriander.
Why It’s Special: It’s simple yet packed with flavor. The milk makes it creamy, while the spices add a punch, making it comfort food with a twist.
Best Pairings:
- Crispy Papad: Adds a crunchy contrast to the creamy texture.
- Lemon Soda: Its tanginess complements the richness of the dish.
- Green Chutney: A fresh, herby dip that cuts through the creaminess.
3. Dabeli (Spicy Potato Slider with a Crunch)
What It Is: Originating from Gujarat, Dabeli is like an Indian burger. A soft, toasted bun is filled with a spiced potato mixture, sweet tamarind chutney, crunchy peanuts, and juicy pomegranate seeds.
Key Ingredients: Pav (bun), mashed potatoes, Dabeli masala, tamarind chutney, peanuts, pomegranate, sev.
Why It’s Special: The contrast of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors with crunchy textures makes every bite exciting.
Best Pairings:
- Masala Chai: The strong, spiced tea balances the sweetness of the Dabeli.
- Farsan Mix: A crunchy snack that complements the soft texture of the bun.
- Spicy Green Chutney: Adds an extra layer of heat if you like it spicier.
4. Baida Roti (Stuffed, Crispy Flatbread from Mumbai)
What It Is: A popular Mumbai street food, Baida Roti is a square-shaped flatbread stuffed with spiced minced meat, eggs, and onions, then pan-fried until golden and crispy.
Key Ingredients: Flour dough, minced meat (chicken or mutton), eggs, onions, spices.
Why It’s Special: The crispy outer layer and juicy, flavorful filling make it both hearty and satisfying.
Best Pairings:
- Mint Yogurt Dip: Cools down the spice while adding a refreshing flavor.
- Tandoori Chicken: For a protein-packed combo.
- Pickled Carrots: Adds a tangy crunch that brightens up the dish.
5. Muthia (Steamed, Healthy Bites from Gujarat)
What It Is: Muthia are steamed, cylindrical dumplings made from gram flour and grated vegetables like bottle gourd or fenugreek leaves. They’re then lightly pan-fried for a crispy finish.
Key Ingredients: Gram flour, grated vegetables, mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chilies.
Why It’s Special: It’s a healthy snack that doesn’t compromise on flavor—nutty, savory, and slightly spicy with a soft yet crispy texture.
Best Pairings:
- Coconut Chutney: Creamy and mild, it pairs well with the savory muthia.
- Masala Chaas (Spiced Buttermilk): A refreshing drink to cleanse the palate.
- Roasted Peanuts: Adds a crunchy contrast to the soft dumplings.
6. Kachori (Flaky, Spicy, and Addictive)
What It Is: A flaky, deep-fried pastry filled with spiced lentils, peas, or onions. It’s often served with tangy chutneys for an extra flavor boost.
Key Ingredients: Flour dough, spiced lentils or onions, fennel seeds, chili powder, tamarind chutney.
Why It’s Special: The crispy shell gives way to a burst of spicy, savory goodness inside. It’s rich, crunchy, and perfect for snacking.
Best Pairings:
- Aloo Sabzi (Spicy Potato Curry): The soft curry complements the crunchy kachori.
- Sweet Tamarind Chutney: Balances the spice with its tangy sweetness.
- Hot Masala Chai: The strong tea cuts through the richness of the pastry.
7. Sabudana Khichdi (Tapioca Pearl Comfort Food)
What It Is: A light, fluffy dish made from soaked tapioca pearls, roasted peanuts, potatoes, and mild spices. It’s commonly eaten during fasting periods in India.
Key Ingredients: Sabudana (tapioca pearls), roasted peanuts, green chilies, potatoes, lemon juice.
Why It’s Special: The chewy tapioca pearls combined with crunchy peanuts create a delightful texture, while the mild flavors make it comforting.
Best Pairings:
- Cucumber Raita: Adds a cool, creamy contrast.
- Spicy Green Chutney: A dash of heat to liven up the mild flavors.
- Banana Chips: Sweet and salty chips that add crunch and balance.
8. Chole Kulche (Spicy Chickpeas with Soft Bread)
What It Is: A classic street food from North India, featuring soft, fluffy kulcha bread served with spicy chickpea curry. It’s topped with onions, green chilies, and a squeeze of lemon.
Key Ingredients: Boiled chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, kulcha bread, spices, lemon juice.
Why It’s Special: The pillowy kulcha soaks up the rich, tangy chickpeas, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
Best Pairings:
- Paneer Tikka: Adds a smoky, protein-rich side to the meal.
- Pickled Onions: Tangy and crisp, perfect with the spicy chickpeas.
- Sweet Lassi: Helps cool down the heat from the curry.
9. Egg Devil (India’s Take on the Scotch Egg)
What It Is: A Kolkata favorite, the Egg Devil is a hard-boiled egg wrapped in spiced minced meat, coated with breadcrumbs, and deep-fried until golden.
Key Ingredients: Boiled eggs, minced meat, breadcrumbs, spices.
Why It’s Special: The crispy exterior combined with the soft egg center creates a contrast of textures and flavors that’s hard to resist.
Best Pairings:
- Mustard Sauce: Sharp and tangy, it complements the rich flavors.
- Aloo Kabli (Spicy Potato Snack): Adds a tangy, spicy side to balance the dish.
- Lemon Soda: Refreshing and cuts through the richness.
10. Bhel Puri (Crunchy, Tangy, and Addictive)
What It Is: A light, tangy snack made with puffed rice, chopped veggies, sev, and sweet-tangy chutneys. It’s crunchy, refreshing, and full of bold flavors.
Key Ingredients: Puffed rice, sev, tomatoes, onions, green chilies, tamarind chutney, coriander.
Why It’s Special: The mix of textures—crispy, crunchy, juicy—and the burst of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors make it a crowd-pleaser.
Best Pairings:
- Pani Puri: Double the fun with another crunchy, tangy snack.
- Masala Lemonade: Refreshing and balances the bold flavors.
- Roasted Peanuts: Adds an extra nutty crunch.
11. Mirchi Bajji (Stuffed Spicy Chili Fritters)
What It Is: Large green chilies stuffed with a tangy filling, dipped in chickpea flour batter, and deep-fried until crispy. Surprisingly, it’s not as spicy as it sounds!
Key Ingredients: Green chilies, gram flour batter, potato stuffing, spices.
Why It’s Special: The mild heat of the chili combined with the savory stuffing and crispy coating creates a unique flavor.
Best Pairings:
- Tamarind Chutney: Adds a sweet-tangy contrast.
- Aloo Bonda: Another fried snack that complements the spice.
- Buttermilk: Cooling and helps tone down the chili’s heat.
12. Kalari Cheese Sandwich (The Cheesiest Indian Street Food)
What It Is: A street food from Jammu, Kalari is a local cheese with a stretchy, gooey texture when grilled. Served in buns or with flatbread, it’s rich, savory, and loaded with flavor.
Key Ingredients: Kalari cheese, buns or flatbread, butter, chili flakes, onions.
Why It’s Special: The texture is unlike any other cheese—crispy outside, gooey inside, and incredibly flavorful.
Best Pairings:
- Spicy Potato Wedges: Adds a crunchy, spicy side.
- Mint Chutney: Refreshing and cuts through the richness.
- Cold Cola: Classic fizzy drink to balance the cheesy goodness.
Bottom Line
These hidden street food gems are perfect for adventurous eaters looking to go beyond the usual. Each dish tells a story of regional flavors, cultural traditions, and bold spices. So, the next time you’re exploring Indian cuisine, skip the familiar and dive into these hidden treasures, you won’t be disappointed!