India's street food culture is a civilisational achievement — centuries of culinary tradition distilled into food you can eat standing on a pavement for under ₹100. Each city speaks its own flavour language.
Mumbai: Vada Pav & Pav Bhaji
The vada pav is Mumbai's soul food — spiced potato fritter in a bread roll with multiple chutneys. Best version: Ashok Vada Pav at Kirti College, Dadar (₹20). Pav Bhaji: Sardar at Tardeo, the original since 1945.
Delhi: Chaat & Paranthas
Paranthe Wali Gali in Old Delhi has been frying stuffed paranthas since the 1870s. Natraj Dahi Bhalle at Chandni Chowk is the chaat benchmark — the queue tells you everything.
Kolkata: Kathi Rolls & Mishti Doi
The kathi roll was born in Kolkata — egg-coated flatbread wrapped around seekh kebab. Nizam's on New Market Road is the 1932 original. Follow with mishti doi from Balaram Mullick.
Chennai: Idli, Dosa & Filter Coffee
Saravana Bhavan remains the global standard-setter for South Indian breakfast. Filter coffee at ₹30 is the essential accompaniment. Non-negotiable.