Jhalmuri Street Food - Bengali street food

Ah, jhalmuri - the iconic Bengali street food that's as much a part of Kolkata's culture as the Hooghly river. Whether you're a Kolkata local or just visiting, jhalmuri is a must-try dish that'll tantalise your taste buds and leave you wanting more.

What is jhalmuri? In its simplest form, jhalmuri is a crunchy and flavorful combination of puffed Rice, finely chopped onions, tomatoes, peanuts and spicy chutneys. The crunchy puffed rice is mixed together with the onions and tomatoes and then tossed in a chutney that can range from slightly spicy to very spicy.

The history of jhalmuri is as interesting as the dish itself. It's believed to have originated in the late 19th century when a local Kolkata street food vendor named Jhalu Mullick began selling the dish on the streets of Kolkata. He used to make the dish from puffed rice, which was then mixed with a variety of ingredients to give it its unique flavor.

Today, jhalmuri is a popular street snack that can be found in almost every corner of the city. Whether you're looking for a quick bite to eat on the go, or a full-flavored meal for lunch or dinner, jhalmuri is the perfect choice.

The best part about jhalmuri is that it's extremely versatile. You can add your own ingredients to the mix or keep it simple with just the basic ingredients. The chutney is also customizable depending on how spicy you'd like it. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even add a spoonful of chaat masala to the mix to amp up the flavor.

No matter how you choose to enjoy it, jhalmuri is a delicious and unique street food that you won't find anywhere else. It's a great way to try authentic Bengali cuisine and get a taste of Kolkata's culture. So, next time you're in Kolkata, make sure to sample some jhalmuri and enjoy the ultimate street food experience!