Chinese cuisine is known for its balance between sweet, spicy and savoury, , all working together in perfect harmony. But when it comes to Chinese snacks, balance meets creativity. Chinese street food carts across India have made these snacks a part of India’s food culture and go to snacks for many.
Spring Rolls – The Crunchy Classic
Biting into a golden-brown spring roll is one of the most satisfying things you can do. Spring rolls are light, crispy, and addictive. They are made by wrapping a mixture of finely chopped vegetables or meat in a thin sheet, seasoning it with soy sauce and garlic and then frying it until it is perfect. They make the perfect appetise. Outside, it’s crunchy, and inside, it’s full of flavor. Spring rolls always impress, whether you dip them in sweet chili sauce or spicy schezwan chutney.
Momos – The Modern Street Favourite
Momos are easily one of the most loved snacks across India today. Originally Tibetan, they became a part of Chinese and Indo-Chinese menus as they travelled east. Soft dumplings filled with vegetables, chicken, or paneer, momos are steamed or fried and served with fiery red chilli chutney. Every region in India now has its own version—from Delhi’s tandoori momos to Kolkata’s steamed ones with clear soup. They’re filling, comforting, and perfectly suited to the Indian love for spicy food.
Manchurian Balls – A Desi Twist on Chinese
Manchurian, though not traditionally Chinese, is an Indo-Chinese invention that’s taken on a life of its own. Vegetable or chicken balls are fried and tossed in a tangy, spicy sauce made with soy, vinegar, and garlic. The result is an explosion of flavour—sweet, sour, and spicy all at once. It’s a street food staple and also a restaurant favourite, often paired with fried rice or noodles. Whether served dry as a starter or with gravy as a side, Manchurian is pure comfort.
Crispy Chilli Potatoes – The Indian Favourite
Ask any street food lover, and crispy chilli potatoes will feature on their list. Sliced potatoes are fried till crisp, then tossed with sesame seeds, soy sauce, chilli paste, and spring onions. The dish strikes that perfect sweet-and-spicy balance that Indian diners adore. It’s crunchy, tangy, and always eaten faster than expected. In many ways, it symbolises how Indian creativity has made Chinese flavours its own.
Hakka Noodles – The Go-To Snack for All Ages
Hakka noodles might not be a snack in the traditional sense, but they have become a quick meal or evening bite for many. Stir-fried noodles mixed with vegetables, soy sauce, and sometimes a dash of chilli sauce—this dish captures the essence of Chinese street food. It’s quick, tasty, and endlessly customisable. You’ll find it on every café menu and every food cart corner. A plate of hot noodles on a rainy evening is as comforting as it gets.
Schezwan Everything – The Indian Touch
No talk of Chinese snacks in India is complete without mentioning Schezwan sauce. Spicy, garlicky, and red-hot, it’s the base for countless dishes—Schezwan momos, Schezwan rice, Schezwan fries, even Schezwan dosas. What started as a flavour enhancer has become an identity in itself, loved across age groups.
Ordering Chinese Snacks on Zomato
You can eat Chinese snacks anytime and anywhere, which is the best thing about them. With Zomato, you don’t have to look for the closest restaurant or stall. Instead, you can try a variety of Chinese snacks from the best places near you.
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