Chaat is the name for a whole family of Indian street snacks. Every chaat mixes the same few things: something crunchy, something soft, a tangy tamarind chutney, a spicy green chutney, and a sprinkle of chaat masala. The result is sweet, sour, spicy and crunchy all at once.

Pani puri

Also called golgappe or puchka, pani puri is the most famous chaat. Small hollow puris are cracked open, filled with spiced potato, then filled with cold, tangy mint water (pani) and eaten in one bite. At Namaste Cafe, Pani Puri (12 pieces) is $9.99. For a version without the water, try Sev Puri, flat puris topped with potato, onion, chutneys and sev.

Papdi chaat and other North Indian chaat

Delhi is famous for its chaat. Papdi chaat layers crisp papdi with potato, chickpeas, yogurt, chutneys and sev. Aloo tikki chaat uses crispy potato patties topped with chole, yogurt and chutneys, and chana chaat is a lighter, tangy chickpea salad.

Ragda chaat

In Mumbai, chaat is often served hot with ragda, a white-pea curry. Try ragda pattice (potato patties smothered in ragda), ragda samosa chaat or ragda puri.

Dahi chaat

If you like it cool and creamy, choose a yogurt chaat: dahi bhalla (soft lentil dumplings in chilled yogurt), dahi puri, dahi samosa chaat or dahi kachori chaat.

How to choose

First time? Start with pani puri or papdi chaat.
Want something hot? Go for ragda pattice.
Prefer mild? Pick a dahi chaat.

All of our chaat is vegetarian, and most chaat dishes are $9.99. See every option on our menu, or plan a pani puri station for your party.

Namaste Cafe, 436 Broadway, Unit B1, Methuen, MA 01844. Open every day, 9 AM to 9 PM. Call +1 781-421-5107.