An Indian experience is not complete without having tasted some popular street foods. Of the many available street foods here, Pani Puri (or "golgappa") is one of my favorites. I would say it's practically a crime to visit India without eating some of these mouth-watering delicacies. Although be warned, Indian street food can be pretty unhygienic, especially if the vendor is dirty. Make sure to ask the locals which vendors to stay away from before you go golgappa crazy.
Sure, you could buy them at a fancy hotel somewhere and play it safe, but then you're not getting an authentic experience. If you want real culture and not some air-brushed version of Indian foods, always buy from the streets. Be careful, however, as Pani Puris can get very spicy, depending on where you buy them from.
I was actually buying some golgappas earlier this week. Here's a picture:
It may not look like your local hot-dog vendor, but then again, looks can be deceiving.
Sure, you could buy them at a fancy hotel somewhere and play it safe, but then you're not getting an authentic experience. If you want real culture and not some air-brushed version of Indian foods, always buy from the streets. Be careful, however, as Pani Puris can get very spicy, depending on where you buy them from.
I was actually buying some golgappas earlier this week. Here's a picture:
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A local Pani Puri vendor |