Panipuri

Panipuri
	Pani puri
Alternative names	Golgappa, gol-gappa or gappa (Delhi, Punjab); Fuchka, phuchka, phuska, puska (Bengal, Bihar, North East India); Gup-chup (Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh); Pani-patashi/pani-puri/pani-ke-batashe/padake/fulki/pakodi (Gujarat, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Sindh, Uttar Pradesh, South India)
Type	Snack
Place of origin	Indian subcontinent
Region or state	Indian subcontinent
Main ingredients	Flour, spiced water, onions, potatoes, chickpeas, tamarind
Variations	Sev puri, Puri
	Media: Panipuri;

Panipuri is a deep-fried breaded hollow spherical shell, about 1 inch (25 mm) in diameter, filled with a combination of potato, onion and chickpea. It is a common street food in the Indian subcontinent. It is often spiced with tamarind chutney, chili powder, or chaat masala.^[2]^[3]^[4]

Names

Panipuri has many regional names in the Indian subcontinent:^[1]^[5] Maharashtra and South India: panipuri; Haryana: pani-patashi; Madhya Pradesh: fulki; Uttar Pradesh: pani-ke-batashe/padake; Assam: phuska/puska; Gujarat: pakodi; Odisha: gup-chup; Delhi: golgappa; Bengal and Bihar: phuchka.

History

According to culinary anthropologist Kurush Dalal, chaat originated in the North Indian region of what is now Bihar. Gol Gappa originated in India. He also noted that it possibly originated from Raj-Kachori: an accidentally-made smaller puri giving birth to panipuri.^[6] Panipuri spread to the rest of India mainly due to the migration of people from one part of the country to another in the 20th century.^[3]

On 10 March 2005, the word "panipuri" was added to the Oxford English Dictionary.^[7]

Evolution over time

Pani puri has evolved significantly over time. Also known as "gol gappa," the dish consisted of a small, hollow, fried wheat shell filled with spiced mashed potatoes and served with a tamarind or mint-flavoured water. Over time, variations of the filling and the flavoured water emerged, reflecting the regional preferences and availability of ingredients. The flavoured water, also known as the "pani," is an essential component of the dish and is often the main source of flavour. Some of the most popular flavours of pani puri include the traditional tamarind and mint water, as well as spicy variations like jalapeño or green chili water, and tangy flavours like lemon or tomato water.^[8] Some regional variations also use sweet flavours like fruit juices or dates.^[8]

Bangarapet Panipuri is renowned for its distinctive white-colored pani, retaining a spicy kick that has been traditionally handed down through generations.^[9]

Gallery

Sooji Puri used in panipuri
Homemade panipuri

References

^ ^a ^b "There are 10 different names for pani puri. How many do you know?". The Times of India. 6 March 2018. Archived from the original on 9 November 2020. Retrieved 15 January 2021.
^ Tarla Dalal, Chaat Cookbook., Gardners Books, 2000, 116 p. ISBN 978-81-86469-62-0
^ ^a ^b Ramadurai, Charukesi (3 June 2020). "Pani Puri: India's favourite street food... at home?". BBC Travel. Archived from the original on 7 September 2020. Retrieved 25 August 2020.
^ "Mangez au Népal I; L'alimentation de rue". JAPANFM (in French). 19 December 2020. Archived from the original on 11 November 2021. Retrieved 26 December 2020.
^ Ladage, Rutu (9 May 2017). "11 Different Names For Your Favourite Pani Puri". The Times of India. Archived from the original on 10 March 2021. Retrieved 12 June 2017.
^ "How Golgappa Originated | The tangy story of Golgappa-India's favorite street food!". The Times of India. 19 May 2020. Archived from the original on 14 June 2020. Retrieved 30 September 2020.
^ "March 2005 Update". Oxford English Dictionary. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
^ ^a ^b Dalal, Tarla (2013). Mumbai Roadside Snacks. India: Sanjay & Co. ISBN 9788189491666.
^ "Bangarapet's Famous Ramesh Chat Serves White Paani Puri, Know Its History". News18. 18 April 2023. Retrieved 7 May 2024.