Indian street food is known for its explosion of flavours, and chaat stands at the heart of this vibrant culinary culture. Crispy, tangy, sweet, and spicy all at once—chaat is a must-try for anyone who loves bold, layered tastes in every bite.
Indian chaat comes in many regional variations, each with its unique taste and texture. Some of the most popular types include:
Also known as golgappa or puchka, this is a crispy, hollow puri filled with spiced mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and tangy tamarind water. The burst of flavors in one bite is unforgettable.
Nowadays, pani puri has become increasingly popular among the Chinese.
A close cousin of pani puri, dahi puri consists of small, crispy puris filled with spiced potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, and a drizzle of tamarind and green chutneys, delivering a creamy and tangy delight.
This chaat features crispy papdi (fried dough wafers) topped with boiled potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, chutneys, and spices, creating a delightful balance of creamy and crunchy textures.
A puffed rice-based chaat, bhel puri is mixed with sev (crispy noodles), chopped onions, tomatoes, and a blend of tamarind and green chutneys, offering a crunchy, tangy treat.
This Mumbai favorite features flat puris topped with diced potatoes, onions, tomatoes, sev (crispy gram flour noodles), and a mix of chutneys, offering a perfect balance of crunch and spice.
A crispy potato patty served with chutneys and sometimes topped with yogurt and spices, aloo tikki is a North Indian favorite, especially in Delhi.
A regal chaat from Rajasthan, raj kachori is a large, crispy puri filled with a mix of lentils, potatoes, yogurt, chutneys, and spices, creating a royal explosion of flavors in every bite.
Soft lentil dumplings soaked in creamy yogurt, topped with chutneys and spices, dahi vada offers a cooling yet flavorful experience.
Chaat is available across India, but some cities are especially renowned for their street food culture:
The capital is a chaat paradise, with iconic spots like Chandni Chowk serving mouthwatering pani puri, aloo tikki, and raj kachori. Delhi’s chaat is known for its bold flavors and generous use of spices.
Mumbai’s chaat scene, especially at Chowpatty Beach, is legendary. Bhel puri, sev puri, and dahi puri dominate, with vendors blending tangy and sweet chutneys to perfection.
Known for its puchka (pani puri), Kolkata’s chaat has a distinct spicy and tangy profile, often using mustard oil for an extra kick.
Lucknow’s chaat, particularly basket chaat and aloo tikki, is famous for its refined flavors, blending royal culinary influences with street food charm.
This spiritual city offers chaat with a rustic touch, with tamatar chaat (tomato-based chaat) being a unique local specialty.
Chaat’s popularity in Singapore stems from the city’s vibrant Indian diaspora and its love for diverse, flavorful cuisines. Singaporeans embrace chaat for its affordability, quick preparation, and bold flavors that suit the fast-paced urban lifestyle. Indian restaurants and hawker stalls in areas like Little India serve authentic chaat, attracting both locals and tourists. The mix of tangy chutneys and crunchy textures appeals to Singapore’s multicultural palate, making chaat a go-to snack at food courts and festivals.
A popular light snack or appetizer
Vegetarian-friendly, often vegan
Customizable for spice levels and tastes
A nostalgic comfort food for Indian expats
A new discovery for adventurous Singaporean foodies
There are many Indian restaurants and snack counters in areas like Little India and City Hall that serve chaat. But not all chaats are created equal. Some use pre-packaged or machine-made ingredients, while others prioritize freshness and authenticity.
At Nalan Restaurant, we take Indian chaat to the next level by combining street-style flavour with homestyle care and premium ingredients.
Nalan Restaurant combines the best of Indian culinary traditions with the convenience of being near Orchard Road’s vibrant attractions. Here’s why it’s a top choice:
Unlike many places that use machine-made items, our puris and papdis are prepared fresh in-house using healthier oils and traditional techniques.
Every serving includes crisp, garden-fresh veggies to ensure flavour and nutrition.
Our tamarind chutney, green chutney, mint chutney, and signature chaat masala are all handcrafted daily for the freshest taste.
We avoid preservatives and artificial flavours, staying true to authentic Indian street food values.
Whether you’re craving the crunch of Pani Puri or the tang of Papdi Chaat, Nalan offers a premium yet nostalgic chaat experience you won’t forget.
📍 City Hall Outlet
13 Stamford Road, #B2-54, Capitol Singapore, Singapore 178905.
📞 +65 9732 4289
🕒 Open daily: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
📍 Little India Outlet
82 Serangoon Road, Singapore 217987
📞 +65 9171 8282
🕒 Open daily: 11:30 AM – 11:30 PM
A Contemporary Indian Vegetarian Experience in Little India and City Hall
Quik link
82 Serangoon Rd, Singapore 217987.
+65 9171 8282
info@nalan.com.sg
13 Stamford Rd, #B2-54, Capitol Singapore, Singapore 178905.
+65 9732 4289
info@nalan.com.sg