My love for Papdi Chaat

Being a Nepalese,it is undeniable that my love for spicy food is eternal.  Born and raised in Kathmandu, I have my fair share of love for the street food here. The small alleys, crowded places and the street foods always feel like home. And some of the best food experiences one can have, have always been on local streets of the town.

Popular mostly in North India, Papdi Chaat has been able to quite make its mark here in Nepal with its growing popularity as a street food. A perfect combination of sweet, crunchy, spicy flavors, it is my ultimate go-to snack every time I am roaming around the streets. My memories of this food go way back to my school days when the budget was limited but the memories were countless. Walking home from school and collecting money with friends to share Papdi Chaat is one memory that I will cherish forever. Even today, the love for papdi chaat is eternal. When I am out on the street and feel hungry, the first thing that comes to mind is Papdi Chaat. 

It is literally the perfect snack that is convenient to prepare and its ingredients are easily available everywhere. Every time I have a house party or if my friends are coming over, I always make sure to prepare Papdi Chaat for my friends and they always seem to love it. It has always been the highlight of the party, adored by everyone. Why wouldn’t it? One minute it is tangy and hot, the other, it is sweet and sour a combination that everybody loves. 

Although there are various types of chaats that come from various parts of India, the one that I am familiar with and that is available on the streets of Kathmandu is the one with crispy Papad, boiled potatoes, raw and finely diced onions and tomatoes, infused with sweet Imlee syrup, the tangy flavor of lemon, spicy chilly flakes and a mixture of masalas and the perfect garnish of coriander that altogether bring together this amazing food.

Whether is summer or winter, this elemental and luscious food has a peculiar robust taste. The crunchiness of the papad feels heavenly and to add the cherry on top, the juiciness of the sauces that burst in your mouth and the crisp raw onions entices flavors that are unbeatable. Adding peanuts to your chaat is another clever way of making it more delicious and presentable. The flavors go exceptionally well together, and are bound to leave everyone licking their fingers.

So, if you have one of those days where you feel lazy to cook or need an alternative meal for parties, then Papdi Chaat is the way to go. This dish is sure to be the light of the party or even during days when you want to chat with your over some good food, it is the way to go. You will probably never have enough of this dish.