Plant-Based Indian Street Food Recipes You Can Try at Home

🌱 Plant-Based Indian Street Food Recipes You Can Try at Home

There’s something magical about Indian street food. The sizzling pans, bold aromas, colorful ingredients, and irresistible spice blends come together to create snacks that are not just food—they're an experience. And the best part? Many of these popular dishes can be easily recreated at home using all plant-based ingredients.

In this blog, we’ll explore delicious, wholesome, and vegan versions of iconic Indian street food items. From classic chaats to spicy fritters and refreshing drinks, we’ve got a spread that brings the streets of Mumbai, Delhi, and Kolkata right into your kitchen.

🌟 Why Plant-Based Indian Street Food?

India’s culinary culture already embraces vegetarianism, with many traditional dishes naturally free of meat. With a few tweaks—like skipping yogurt, paneer, or ghee—you can turn many iconic street foods into fully vegan delights without compromising on taste.

Benefits of Going Plant-Based:

• ✅ Lower cholesterol and saturated fat

• ✅ Easier digestion and fewer allergies

• ✅ Great for weight management

• ✅ Ethical and sustainable

🛒 Indian Pantry Staples for Plant-Based Street Food

Before we jump into recipes, stock your kitchen with these essentials:

• Spices: Cumin seeds, coriander powder, turmeric, red chili powder, chaat masala, garam masala, amchur (dry mango powder), black salt.

• Flours: Besan (gram flour), maida (plain flour), atta (whole wheat flour), rice flour.

• Pulses & Grains: Chickpeas, moong dal, kala chana, poha (flattened rice), and boiled potatoes.

• Condiments: Tamarind chutney, green chutney (coriander-mint), lemon juice, vegan yogurt or coconut yogurt.

• Vegetables: Onions, tomatoes, boiled potatoes, coriander leaves, green chilies, raw mango (seasonal), cucumber.

🥟 Top Plant-Based Indian Street Food Recipes

Let’s explore 12 of the most iconic and beloved Indian street foods—all made plant-based.

1. Aloo Tikki Chaat

Aloo tikki (spiced potato patties) topped with chutneys, onions, and spices.

Ingredients:

• 4 boiled potatoes

• 2 tbsp cornflour

• Salt, cumin powder, chili powder

• Tamarind chutney, green chutney

• Finely chopped onion, coriander

• Vegan yogurt (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mash potatoes with spices and cornflour. Shape into tikkis.

2. Pan-fry till golden.

3. Top with chutneys, onions, coriander, and vegan yogurt.

✅ Gluten-Free option: Use rice flour instead of cornflour.

2. Pani Puri (Golgappa)

Crunchy puris filled with spicy water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas.

For Pani:

• Mint, coriander, green chili, tamarind paste

• Cumin powder, black salt, lemon juice

Filling:

• Boiled potato and kala chana mix

Steps:

1. Blend pani ingredients and chill.

2. Crack puris and fill with potato mix.

3. Pour chilled pani and devour immediately!

✅ 100% vegan by using water-based tamarind chutney and skipping dairy.

3. Vegetable Pakoras

Crispy fritters made from gram flour and mixed seasonal veggies.

Vegetables: Onion, spinach, cabbage, capsicum
Batter: Besan, ajwain, salt, turmeric, chili, water

Instructions:

1. Mix veggies with spiced besan batter.

2. Deep fry or air-fry till crisp.

3. Serve with green chutney.

🔥 Tip: Add a pinch of baking soda for extra crispiness.

4. Samosa with Vegan Filling

Flaky pastry filled with spicy potato-pea mixture.

Filling:

• Boiled potatoes, green peas

• Garam masala, cumin, ginger, chili

Outer Dough:

• Plain flour, oil, salt, water

Steps:

1. Knead dough and let rest.

2. Prepare the filling.

3. Shape, fill, and deep-fry until golden.

🥣 Bake or air-fry for a healthier version!

5. Sev Puri

Mini puris topped with potatoes, chutneys, onions, and crunchy sev.

Toppings:

• Mashed potatoes

• Tamarind + green chutney

• Vegan sev (check label or make at home)

• Chopped onion, tomato, coriander

Assembly:

1. Lay out puris.

2. Top with each element and garnish with lemon juice.

🎉 Perfect for parties or snack platters.

6. Masala Corn Cups

A popular monsoon treat with steamed corn tossed in spices.

Ingredients:

• Sweet corn kernels

• Chaat masala, lemon juice, chili powder

• Vegan butter or olive oil

Steps:

1. Steam corn and mix with spices.

2. Serve hot in cups with fresh coriander.

⏱ Ready in 10 minutes!

7. Kathi Roll (Vegan)

Spicy stir-fried veggies wrapped in a paratha or whole-wheat wrap.

Fillings:

• Caramelised onions, capsicum, cabbage, tofu/paneer alternative

• Vegan mayo or coriander chutney

Instructions:

1. Sauté veggies with spices.

2. Warm up the wrap or make a homemade paratha.

3. Roll up and grill slightly.

💡 Add salad or sprouts for a protein boost.

8. Ragda Pattice

Spicy white peas curry served over potato patties.

For Ragda: Soaked & boiled white peas + spices
For Pattice: Mashed spiced potato cutlets

Assembly:

1. Place pattice in a bowl.

2. Top with ragda, chutneys, chopped onion, sev.

🥄 A comforting, protein-rich dish!

9. Chana Chaat

Protein-packed, tangy salad made with boiled chickpeas.

Ingredients:

• Boiled chickpeas

• Onion, tomato, cucumber, coriander

• Chaat masala, lemon juice, green chilies

Steps:

1. Toss all ingredients together.

2. Chill or serve room temperature.

🍋 Great for meal prep and picnics.

10. Vegan Vada Pav

Spicy potato fritters in a bun with chutneys.

Vada:

• Mashed potato with mustard seeds, curry leaves, garlic

• Dipped in besan batter & fried

Pav: Use soft dairy-free buns

Serve With:

• Dry garlic chutney

• Green & tamarind chutney

🔥 Mumbai’s beloved burger—made vegan.

11. Moong Dal Chilla (Savory Pancake)

Crispy protein-packed pancakes from ground moong dal.

Ingredients:

• Soaked moong dal

• Ginger, chili, turmeric, salt

• Chopped onions, coriander

Steps:

1. Blend soaked dal into batter.

2. Pour onto pan like a pancake.

3. Serve hot with chutneys.

🥞 Breakfast or snack—super versatile!

12. Dabeli (Spicy Potato Slider)

Gujarati-style sweet-spicy potato mixture in a soft bun.

Filling:

• Mashed potatoes, dabeli masala, tamarind chutney, peanuts

Toppings:

• Onion, pomegranate seeds, sev

Serve in:

• Toasted dairy-free bun

🌶️ Bursting with texture and flavor!

🍹 Bonus: Refreshing Street-Style Beverages (Vegan Versions)

• Masala Lemonade (Nimbu Pani)

  • Lemon juice, black salt, roasted cumin, mint leaves, chilled water

• Jaljeera

  • Tamarind, mint, cumin, black salt, hing

• Coconut Water with Lemon

  • Hydrating and natural electrolyte booster

🧂 Chutneys to Always Have on Hand

1. Tamarind-Date Chutney (Imli)

   • Sweet and tangy—essential for chaats.

2. Green Chutney

   • Coriander + mint + lemon + green chili

3. Garlic Chutney

   • Red chili + garlic paste for vada pav or dabeli

🥄 Store these in the fridge for 1 week or freeze in cubes!

🥗 Meal Planning Tips

• Prep chutneys and boiled potatoes ahead.

• Keep boiled chickpeas, peas, and moong dal in the fridge.

• Make and freeze puris, samosas, and patties for quick use.

• Use air fryer for healthier versions.

🧘 Healthier Alternatives & Modifications

🛍 Where to Buy Vegan Street Food Essentials

• Indian Grocery Stores – Spices, flours, chutney ingredients

• Organic Shops – Vegan yogurt, tofu

• Online Retailers – Dabeli masala, vegan sev, eco-friendly cookware

🧾 Final Thoughts

Indian street food is one of the most flavorful and exciting cuisines in the world. And the best part is—you don’t have to compromise your plant-based lifestyle to enjoy it.

With fresh ingredients, bold spices, and a little prep, you can whip up your favorite chaats, fritters, rolls, and sliders right in your home kitchen. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about recreating the joy and nostalgia that Indian street food brings.