Authentic Street Side Papdi Chaat Recipe

Our mouthwatering Papdi Chaat recipe will knock your socks off and immediately transport you to the streets of Delhi. It's my go to dish when I am craving for chaat or when I have to make something for a large gathering. It's an absolute crowd pleaser and a breeze to put together. Let's get started.

What is Papdi Chaat

Papdi Chaat is a popular street side chaat or snack that is made with crunchy papdis (Indian crackers), tangy and sweet chutneys, cool creamy yogurt, and a mix of spicy, savory toppings all coming together for one unforgettable bite. Several papdis are served on plate with layers of toppings for a feast that pleases both the eyes and the palate.

Picture the delectable mix of crispy papdis dunk in smooth yogurt, covered with soft potatoes, chickpeas, and smooth yogurt, all tied together with spices, sweet and spicy chutneys, and a sprinkling of sev and coriander powder, reminiscent of the much-loved aloo tikki chaat from North India.

Video Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I have to admit it is my goto chaat recipe and it's always nostalgic. It reminds me back to my summer trips to Delhi where I have enjoyed delicious plates of papdi chaat at every chaat corner possible with my grandparents and cousins. But here is why you will love this chaat

• You're going to adore this recipe for its burst of flavors and textures, it's just like the chaat from back home.
• It's super easy to put this together.
• It comes together in like 15 minutes, once the chickpeas and potatoes are cooked. If you don't want to cook anything you can used canned chickpeas and skip the potato.
• It's an absolute crowd pleaser and is bound to impress everyone with its authentic street style flair, making it perfect for large gatherings and potlucks.

Ingredients

• Crispy Papdis, homemade or store bought
• Yogurt, homemade or store-bought, whisked and chilled is possible
• Sugar, to balances the tanginess
• Potatoes, boiled and cubed to provide a contrast in textures
• Cooked chickpeas or canned , for a protein kick
• Tamarind chutney for some sweet and tanginess
• Green chutney, this vibrant, zesty chutney brings the heat and a refreshing burst, complementing the sweet chutney. It's not just a flavor but the soul of a papdi chaat.
• Spice mix of chaat masala, roasted jeera (cumin) powder, red chili powder and salt
• Sev, (tiny chickpea flour noodles), for a crispy garnish
• Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro), finely chopped for a refreshing aroma and taste

By preparing the vibrant ingredients in advance, much like the chaat corners, you'll have a delectable starter ready to amaze everyone.

Prepping

• Add sugar and water to the yogurt, whisk and keep it aside to cool in the refrigerator.
• Cook the chickpeas. Check out our post on how to cook dry beans at home and save money
• Cook, peel and dice the potatoes.
• Prepare the sweet tamarind chutney and green chutney in advance and store.
• Chop cilantro and keep aside.

How to make

1. Begin by dunking each papdi in the whisked yogurt and arranging it in a circular fashion on a plate. Dunking papdi in yogurt is Delhi style Papdi Chaat. However you can also skip the dunking in yogurt like they do in other parts of India and layer the yogurt later.
2. Next sprinkle some chaat masala and roasted cumin powder on the yogurt dunk papdi.
3. Then add potatoes and chickpeas on the papdis followed by a sprinkle of salt, roasted cumin powder, chaat masala and red chili powder.
4. If you skipped dunking papdis in the yogurt, then generously drizzle yogurt now followed by the spice mix.
5. Next layer the sweet and green chutneys.
6. Lastly garnish with sev and chopped cilantro.

Remember, it's all about getting a bit of everything in every bite. So don't hold back on those toppings; go bold and let your taste buds dance with every spoonful from the chaat plate to your mouth!

Plating Tips

Want to wow your folks with your plating? Try these tips:

• Use a wide, shallow dish to spread out your Papdi Chaat, so each ingredient is visible and inviting.
• Drizzle your chutneys in a zigzag or circular pattern for a professional touch.
• Garnish with the bright colors of pomegranate and cilantro just before serving - this adds freshness and a pop that'll catch everyone's eye.
• Don't bury your papdis under the toppings; allow some to peek through for that tempting crunch.

Remember, we eat with our eyes first, so make your dish a visual treat!

How to Serve

There are two ways you can feed this papdi chaat to a crowd.

• Make your own Papdi Chaat, set up a DIY chaat station with all the components next to eachother, so guests can build their perfect bite according to their taste.
• Papdi Chaat Platter, is a fuss free way of serving papdi chaat to a crowd. I just assemble the papdi chaat just before the guests arrive or before taking it to a potluck. Trust me, it will also be the first dish with an empty platter. Atleast that has been my experience.
• Offer small plates and spoons for easy eating.

Pairings That Elevate Your Papri Chaat Experience

To elevate your Papdi Chaat experience:

• Pair with a cool, minty beverage like Jaljeera to complement the spicy tang
• A sweet mango lassi can contrast the chaat's zing and refresh the palate
• Serve alongside other street food favorites like Samosa, Samosa Chaat, Aloo Tikki, Aloo Tikki Chaat, Tandoori Soya Chaap, Bhel Puri for a complete street food platter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this Aloo Papdi Chaat Recipe vegan or gluten-free?

While you absolutely can, I wouldn't recommend it as the dish wouldn't be true to its authentic taste. For a vegan version, swap dairy yogurt with a plant-based one like coconut or almond yogurt.
For a gluten-free chaat, replace the traditional wheat papdis with any gluten-free alternative, such as grain-free chips or crisps or cucumber slices. It's all about finding substitutes that work for you.

Where can I find ready-made papdis?

Ready-made papdis are easily available at most Indian grocery stores.

What is the difference between papri chaat and samosa chaat?

Papri chaat is a mix of crispy papdis, tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and other flavorful toppings.
Samosa chaat, on the other hand, features smashed samosas topped with similar chutneys and spices.
Essentially, papri chaat is crunchy and lighter, while samosa chaat is heartier, with the added heft of the delicious, stuffed pastry. Both are bursting with the vibrant flavors Indian street food is famous for. Try both to discover your favorite!

So what are you waiting for, lets make a plate of papdi chaat right away. Get the recipe below.