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Not everything needs to be fancy; some things are perfect in their simplicity. Sometimes, it's comforting to visit a local chai ki tapri and have that “adrak aur elaichi wali chai” with a “Parle-g biscuit” instead of going to Starbucks for a “Chai Latte”. Similarly, going to your favourite “chaat wala'' on a bad day and having that one last “Sukha puri'' you get free with your “pani puri'' or maybe that one bite of “Vada Pav” with green chillies that burns your mouth is worth it. Chaat has a special place in every Indian’s heart!
Story of Chaat of India
The word “Chaat” originated from its literal meaning, which is “to lick”. It was so tasty that people would lick their fingers and the bowl in which it was served, known as donas.
Chaat is a collective term used for different types of sweet, tangy, and savoury snacks eaten all across India and in some other countries, in several variants. It is usually consumed roadside on food stalls. The different chaat variants are based on its core elements. Chaat usually consists of crisp fried dough, chickpeas or potatoes, various spices, coriander, and sev on top of it. The number of flavours that chaat caters to in a single dish is significant, which is no secret in why it’s one of the most famous food among Indians.
Traces of chaat could be dated back to ancient times. There are mentions of Dahi Vada in a 12th century Sanskrit encyclopaedian named Manasollasa. Even Papdi ( a fried crisp made out of maida ) is also mentioned in the same as purika. The use of rock salt or black salt is very common in chaat and has been used since the time of Mahabharata.
The story of how this phenomenal variant of food originated is still debatable.Some people say that it originated from Gujarat, while others say it originated from Bengal, and some debate that the origin of chaat was in Delhi. Out of the many tales, a popular one suggests that the birth of chaat took place in Uttar Pradesh during the reign of Emperor Shah Jahan.
Once, Shah Jahan fell seriously ill, and a Hakim suggested he eat something light yet spicy to build up his immunity, and that’s how chaat was invented.
The recipe of this utterly delicious appetizing snack travelled from the royal Kitchen of the Mughal Emperor to the lanes of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Bengal, Delhi, and made a special place in everyone’s heart.
When it comes to experimenting with food, there is no other country better than India. One can find a “chaat corner” in every corner of their neighborhood in their city. The love of Indians for chaat has made its way to even the top-notch restaurants of our country, indicating that chaat is no longer just found on the streets. It is often known by a different name in a different corner of the country but holds the same significance everywhere.
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