STREET FOODS THAT TRAVELLED THE WORLD BEFORE REACHING YOUR PLATE

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Batata Vada: Portuguese Potato Journey

Potatoes were brought to India by the Portuguese. Maharashtra turned them into batata vada and later vada pav.

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Chowmein:  Chinese Migration

Came with Chinese immigrants to Kolkata. Indian spices transformed it into spicy street noodles.

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Rumali Roti: The Mughal “Handkerchief Bread”

“Rumal” means handkerchief. This ultra-thin bread was developed in Mughal kitchens and later moved to street kebab stalls.

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Kathi Roll: Colonial Kolkata Influence

Originally kebabs wrapped in paratha for British officers. Over time, it became a popular portable street food.

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Seekh Kebab: Central Asian Roots

Turkish and Persian armies brought skewered meat cooking techniques. India added spices and charcoal grilling.

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Pattice / Cutlet: European Influence

The word comes from “patty.” British cutlets inspired Indian aloo pattice & veg cutlets.

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Pav: A Portuguese Gift

The pav bread in vada pav and pav bhaji came from Portuguese bakeries in Goa & Bombay.

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Jalebi:  A Sweet with Middle Eastern Roots

Jalebi traces its origin to Arabic desserts like zalabiya. India gave it saffron, sugar syrup and local flavour.

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Samosa: A Traveller from Central Asia

The samosa came to India via Persian traders. Originally filled with meat, it evolved into the potato snack we love today. Now found in every Indian city.

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