Best Indian Snacks to Serve with Masala Chai
There’s nothing quite like a cup of steaming hot masala chai to uplift your mood — and it gets even better with the right snacks by its side. Whether you’re entertaining guests, enjoying a rainy afternoon, or just craving comfort, the snack you pair with chai can take the experience from good to unforgettable.
Let’s dive into the best Indian snacks to serve with masala chai — from spicy street eats to sweet homemade goodies.
Savory Indian Snacks That Pair Perfectly with Masala Chai
Samosa – The All-Time Favorite
A crispy golden crust filled with spicy mashed potatoes, peas, and sometimes paneer — the samosa is probably the most iconic tea-time snack. The flaky crunch complements the warm spices of masala chai like a dream.
Kanda Bhaji (Onion Pakora) – Rainy Day Comfort
These deep-fried onion fritters are a monsoon staple. The crunchy texture and spicy kick of kanda bhaji are made for dunking into a cup of chai — especially during gloomy weather.
Vada Pav – Mumbai’s Iconic Street Food
Think of it as an Indian burger — spicy potato fritter stuffed in a soft pav, served with chutneys. Vada pav and chai? That’s a match born on the bustling streets of Mumbai.
Dhokla – Soft, Spongy, and Light
If you’re looking for something light and healthy, dhokla is your answer. This steamed Gujarati snack, made from fermented batter, brings a mild tang that balances out the boldness of chai.
Masala Mathri – Crunchy Bites with Spice
These crispy, flaky snacks made with seasoned dough are perfect for munching alongside a strong cup of tea. They stay fresh for days, making them a chai companion on the go.
Aloo Bonda – Stuffed Potato Delight
Deep-fried and golden, these round fritters stuffed with spicy potato mash are satisfying and warm. Aloo bondas are loved in South India and pair beautifully with masala chai.
Methi or Masala Khakhra – Gujarati Crisps
Khakhras are thin, crunchy, and can be flavored in dozens of ways — methi (fenugreek) being the most popular. They’re travel-friendly and an excellent low-oil option for chai.
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Sweet Treats to Balance the Spice
Nankhatai – Indian Shortbread Cookies
These buttery, melt-in-the-mouth cookies are an Indian classic. Slightly sweet with a hint of cardamom, they go great with the spiced richness of chai.
Rusk – Toasted to Perfection
Who doesn’t love dunking rusks in tea? These twice-baked bread toasts are crunchy, comforting, and ideal for soaking up hot masala chai.
Besan Ladoo – A Festive Sweet with Chai
Gram flour, ghee, sugar, and nuts — besan ladoos are rich, aromatic, and pair surprisingly well with a sharp cup of masala chai.
Shakarpara – Sweet, Crunchy Delight
This North Indian treat is sweet, crunchy, and bite-sized. It’s a great choice if you want a hint of sugar with your spiced tea.
Healthier Options for the Conscious Snacker
Roasted Chana – Protein-Packed Crunch
Need something high-protein and low-fat? Roasted chana is a guilt-free snack that keeps your taste buds and your health in check.
Poha Chivda – Light, Crunchy, and Flavorful
Made with flattened rice, nuts, spices, and dry fruits, poha chivda is a dry snack that’s filling yet light — perfect with your evening tea.
Moong Dal Crispies – A Guilt-Free Snack
Lightly salted and roasted moong dal packs a punch in both crunch and nutrition. A great alternative to deep-fried snacks.
Regional Delights Worth Trying
Misal Pav from Maharashtra
Though it’s more of a meal than a snack, misal pav — with its spicy lentil curry and soft pav bread — is a bold, flavorful dish that chai lovers in Maharashtra often enjoy.
Sundal from Tamil Nadu
Boiled legumes sautéed with coconut, mustard seeds, and curry leaves — sundal is light, protein-rich, and pairs beautifully with tea.
Bhel Puri from Mumbai
Tangy, spicy, and full of textures — bhel puri is a hit at any tea party. The crunch of puffed rice and the zing of chutneys work wonderfully with masala chai.
Homemade vs Store-Bought Snacks
Why Homemade is Nostalgic
Homemade snacks come with love, memories, and that extra freshness. Think mom’s mathris or dadi’s besan ladoos — chai time becomes more than just a break; it’s a ritual.
Convenient Options from Local Brands
Not in the mood to cook? No problem. Brands like Haldiram’s, Bikaji, and Urban Platter offer a variety of packaged snacks that are just as tasty and super convenient.
Tips to Create the Ultimate Chai-Time Platter
Mix of Textures and Flavors
Don’t stick to just one kind of snack. A good chai platter includes crunchy, soft, sweet, and spicy elements to keep things exciting.
Keeping Dietary Preferences in Mind
Offer a few gluten-free or baked options so everyone can enjoy. Include a mix of sweet and savory to cater to different tastes.
Conclusion
Masala chai isn’t just a drink — it’s an experience. And the right snack can elevate that experience tenfold. From deep-fried classics like samosas to healthier picks like roasted chana, the Indian snack universe is vast and delightful.
So the next time you brew that aromatic cup of chai, remember — a good snack isn’t just optional, it’s essential!
FAQs
Q1: What are the best snacks to buy online for chai?
You can find great chai snacks online like Haldiram’s mathri, Urban Platter’s khakhra, and Bikano’s namkeens.
Q2: Are there healthy Indian snacks that go with tea?
Yes! Roasted chana, poha chivda, and baked khakhra are excellent healthy options.
Q3: Can I pair sweets with masala chai?
Absolutely! Nankhatai, rusk, and besan ladoo are some classic Indian sweets that complement chai beautifully.
Q4: Which regional snacks are best with tea?
Dhokla from Gujarat, sundal from Tamil Nadu, and bhel puri from Maharashtra are fantastic choices.
Q5: What savory options are good for guests?
Samosa, kanda bhaji, masala mathri, and aloo bonda are popular savory options that your guests will love.
