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Street food is nostalgic, fun, and flavourful but how healthy is it? Nutrition experts grade your favourites, from protein-rich idli and dhokla to indulgent pani puri and pakoras.
Pani Puri: While it contains some vitamins and minerals from potatoes, chickpeas, and spiced water, many tend to overeat it because of its bite-sized portions
Street food is a way to relive childhood treats, fun college days, or simple adult indulgences. Indian street food is not just about flavours, it’s also loaded with health and nutrition.
“You may crave a spicy chaat or a comforting plate of soft idlis dipped in sambar. Here’s how I grade a few popular snacks based on their nutritional value and preparation,” says Dr. Vinitha Krishnan, Chief Clinical Dietitian, SIMS Hospital, Chennai.
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Grade A: Nutrition-Rich
Idli-Sambar and Dhokla
Both are steamed and fermented. Idli with sambar is a South Indian staple—low in calories, rich in protein and B-vitamins, and easy to digest. A plain dosa has about 112 calories and benefits from fermentation, which improves its Vitamin B and C content.
Dhokla, a Gujarati delicacy made from fermented gram flour, is packed with protein, fibre, and probiotics, filling yet light on the stomach.
Moong Dal Cheela (Savory Pancake)
A moong dal cheela contains about 6–8 g protein, 15–20 g carbohydrates, and 2–4 g fat per serving. It is a good source of protein and fibre, making it filling and suitable for those watching their weight.
Grade B: Balanced and Flavourful
Roasted Corn
This snack is rich in Vitamin D, calcium, iron, and potassium. Smoky, satisfying, and fibre-rich, this monsoon comfort food is a lighter, wholesome pick—no matter who’s waiting in the queue.
Bhel Puri
This popular snack is made with puffed rice, vegetables of choice, and a mix of spicy and tangy chutneys. Flavourful and flexible, it makes for a healthy street food option for both parents and children. To lower calories, opt for a sev-free and oil-free version.
Grade C: Best Friend for Your Taste Buds, Best if Consumed in Moderation
Who doesn’t love a plate of momos or spicy pani puri? But it’s best to enjoy these in moderation as they are calorie-dense.
Pani Puri
While it contains some vitamins and minerals from potatoes, chickpeas, and spiced water, many tend to overeat it because of its bite-sized portions. This is not advisable, as the puris are deep-fried and calorie-deficient. Another concern is hygiene—water contamination and exposure to dust and microbes at roadside stalls.
Momos
Steamed or fried, momos are equally unhealthy. Made with refined flour (maida), they are low in fibre, high in sodium, and not a wholesome option.
Pakoras, Vadas, Samosas, and Kachoris: Irresistible but Indulgent
These snacks may comfort your cravings but raise serious health concerns. Often prepared with repeatedly used oil, they can produce toxins and increase the risk of high blood pressure, cholesterol, and cardiovascular diseases.
Loaded with refined carbs, unhealthy fats, and minimal fibre, these are calorie-dense snacks with little nutritional value. Even when cooked at home, gram-flour-dipped vegetables deep-fried together can cause indigestion.
Street food ignites both memories and taste buds. Every generation can indulge in its favourites, however, mindfully choosing treats that are friendly to both heart and body makes all the difference.
About the Author
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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