10 Unhealthiest Indian Street Foods You Must Avoid

Indian street food is famous for its bold flavors and variety, offering a tantalizing array of snacks and meals that can be found at every corner. However, while these treats are delicious, some of them can be quite unhealthy due to their high calorie, sugar, and fat content. Here are ten of the unhealthiest Indian street foods you might want to think twice about before indulging.

1. Pani Puri/Golgappa

Pani Puri, or Golgappa, is a favorite street food across India. However, it’s often deep-fried and served with a tangy, spicy water that can cause digestive issues. The hygiene of the water used is also questionable, which can lead to foodborne illnesses.

2. Pakoras

Pakoras are deep-fried fritters made with vegetables or meat dipped in a gram flour batter. While they might seem like a harmless snack, the deep-frying process makes them high in unhealthy fats and calories.

3. Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature consists of spicy chickpeas (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature). This dish is calorie-dense and high in refined carbs and unhealthy fats, making it a less-than-ideal choice for a regular meal.

4. Vada Pav

Often referred to as the Indian burger, Vada Pav is made of a deep-fried potato patty served in a bun. The combination of deep-fried ingredients and refined flour bread makes it a high-calorie, high-fat snack.

5. Samosas

Samosas are deep-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. While they are tasty, the deep-fried pastry shell significantly increases the calorie and fat content, making them a less healthy option.

6. Jalebi

Jalebi is a popular Indian sweet made by deep-frying batter in a circular shape and then soaking it in sugar syrup. The combination of deep-frying and sugar makes jalebi extremely high in calories and sugar, posing risks for weight gain and diabetes.

7. Kachori

Kachori is a spicy snack made by deep-frying a dough filled with various lentils or pulses. Similar to other deep-fried snacks, kachoris are high in unhealthy fats and calories, contributing to poor heart health if consumed regularly.

8. Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a spicy vegetable mash served with buttered bread rolls. While it includes vegetables, the generous use of butter and the refined flour bread make this dish high in calories and unhealthy fats.

9. Chole Kulche

Chole Kulche is another popular dish that includes spicy chickpeas served with a type of bread known as kulche. The bread is often made from refined flour and cooked with a lot of oil or butter, making the overall meal high in unhealthy fats and carbohydrates.

10. Bhel Puri

While Bhel Puri might seem like a healthy choice due to its puffed rice and vegetables, the addition of tamarind chutney, sev (fried noodles), and sometimes even fried puris make it a high-calorie, high-fat snack.

Conclusion

While it’s okay to indulge in these delicious street foods occasionally, regular consumption can lead to various health issues such as obesity, heart disease, and diabetes due to their high calorie, sugar, and fat content. Opting for healthier alternatives or preparing these snacks at home with healthier methods can help you enjoy the flavors without compromising on health. Remember, moderation is key, and being mindful of what you eat can go a long way in maintaining a balanced and healthy diet.