India is a land of flavors, and nothing defines its food culture better than its savory snacks. From crispy, fried delights to tangy, spiced bites, these snacks have been a part of our households for generations. Be it tea-time munching, festive gatherings, or travel companions, traditional Indian namkeen (savory snacks) never disappoint.
Here are 10 of the most popular traditional savory snacks from across India:
1. Bhakarwadi (Maharashtra & Gujarat)
A spiral-shaped, crunchy snack made with gram flour dough and stuffed with a spicy-sweet filling of coconut, poppy seeds, and sesame. Deep-fried to perfection, bhakarwadi is a perfect mix of spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors.
2. Gathiya (Gujarat)
Soft yet crunchy, gathiya is made from gram flour dough, seasoned with ajwain (carom seeds) and fried till golden. It’s a staple tea-time snack in Gujarat and is often enjoyed with fried green chilies and raw papaya sambharo.
3. Murukku / Chakli (South India & Maharashtra)
A spiral-shaped, crispy snack made from rice flour and urad dal flour, flavored with sesame or cumin seeds. Known as chakli in Maharashtra and murukku in Tamil Nadu, it’s a festive favorite, especially during Diwali.
4. Mathri (North India)
Flaky, crisp discs made with all-purpose flour or wheat flour, spiced with ajwain, kalonji, or methi (fenugreek leaves). Stored in jars for weeks, mathri is a travel-friendly snack often paired with pickle or chutney.
5. Samosa (Across India)
Though more filling than a light snack, samosas are an evergreen savory delight. Crisp pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or even lentils, they are best enjoyed with tamarind or mint chutney.
6. Namak Para / Nimki (North & East India)
Diamond-shaped fried snacks made with seasoned flour dough. They are crunchy, lightly salted, and perfect with evening tea or during festivals like Holi and Diwali.
7. Mixture / Chivda (Pan India)
A mixture of fried lentils, peanuts, flattened rice (poha), sev, and spices. Each region has its version—spicy in South India, tangy in Maharashtra, and mildly sweet in Bengal. A true all-India namkeen!
8. Banana Chips (Kerala)
Thinly sliced raw bananas fried in coconut oil and sprinkled with salt or spices. Crunchy and aromatic, these chips are a pride of Kerala cuisine and are also served during Onam sadhya (feast).
9. Pakora / Bhajiya (Across India)
Batter-coated and deep-fried fritters made from vegetables like onion, potato, spinach, or paneer. Crispy on the outside and soft inside, pakoras are the ultimate monsoon snack with masala chai.
10. Kachori (Rajasthan & North India)
A flaky, round pastry stuffed with spicy fillings such as moong dal, urad dal, or onion. Rajasthan’s pyaaz kachori and UP’s khasta kachori are legendary for their bold flavors.
Final Bite 🍴
From the crunchy bhakarwadi of Maharashtra to the spicy kachoris of Rajasthan, these traditional savory snacks are more than just food—they’re a taste of India’s diverse culture and culinary heritage. Whether you enjoy them with tea, during festivals, or while traveling, these timeless namkeens will always add flavor to your day.