Indian snacks are an explosion of flavours, textures, and aromas. From crunchy and spicy to tangy and savoury, these snacks are a delight to the senses. However, the experience is incomplete without the perfect beverage to accompany them. The right drink enhances the snack’s taste, balances the spices, and makes for a wholesome, satisfying experience.
Whether you prefer the warmth of chai, the cooling effect of buttermilk, or the fizz of a refreshing soda, there is a perfect pairing for every snack. In this blog, we explore the best beverage pairings for traditional Indian snacks so you can enjoy every bite to the fullest.
1. Bhel & Masala Chai – A Street Food Favourite
Bhel, a beloved Indian snack, is a mix of puffed rice, roasted peanuts, tangy chutneys, and fresh veggies. The crunchy, tangy, and mildly spicy flavour profile pairs beautifully with a cup of masala chai. The strong, spiced tea balances the tanginess of the bhel, making it an ultimate comfort pairing.
Why It Works:
- The warmth of chai complements the cool, tangy crunch of bhel.
- The spices in the chai (ginger, cardamom, cloves) harmonise with the chaat masala in the bhel.
- The slight bitterness of tea balances the sweetness from tamarind chutney.
2. Chiwda & Nimbu Pani – The Light & Refreshing Combo
Chiwda is a crunchy, spiced mixture made from flattened rice, nuts, and lentils. It is light, mildly spicy, and incredibly addictive. Pairing it with a chilled glass of nimbu pani (Indian lemonade) elevates the experience, as the tangy freshness of the drink cuts through the spices of the snack.
Why It Works:
- Nimbu pani acts as a palate cleanser, balancing the salty, spicy, and nutty flavours of chiwda.
- The cooling effect of lemonade refreshes your taste buds.
- Lemon and black salt in nimbu pani aid digestion, making the snack even more enjoyable.
3. Farsan & Spiced Buttermilk – The Traditional Duo
Farsan is a popular savoury snack in Indian households, often made from besan (gram flour) and spices. Its crunchy texture and mildly spicy taste pair exceptionally well with spiced buttermilk (Chhaas).
Why It Works:
- The cooling effect of Chhaas soothes the spiciness of farsan.
- The probiotics in buttermilk aid digestion, making it a healthy pairing.
- The earthy, tangy notes of Chhaas complement the richness of farsan.
4. Gathiya & Ginger Tea – A Crunchy & Comforting Match
Gathiya, a deep-fried gram flour snack, has a rich and slightly spicy flavour. The best beverage to accompany gathiya is ginger tea, known for its strong, slightly spicy taste and warming effect.
Why It Works:
- The bold flavours of ginger tea match the robust, savoury taste of gathiya.
- The heat from ginger balances the oiliness of the snack.
- The spiced aroma of the tea enhances the overall experience.
5. Sev & Sweet Lassi – A Perfectly Balanced Pairing
Sev, thin crispy strands made from gram flour, is a popular component of many Indian snacks. Pairing sev with a sweet lassi (a yogurt-based drink) creates a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.
Why It Works:
- The creamy sweetness of lassi balances the spiciness of sev.
- Lassi acts as a cooling agent, reducing any heat from the snack.
- The probiotic properties of yogurt aid digestion, making it an ideal snack pairing.
6. Salted Wafers & Cutting Chai – The Mumbai Essential
Salted wafers are a simple yet addictive snack, loved by people across India. The best drink to enjoy with them is a cup of cutting chai, Mumbai’s famous strong tea served in small glasses.
Why It Works:
- The robustness of cutting chai complements the light, salty crunch of the wafers.
- The tannins in tea cleanse the palate after each bite, enhancing flavour.
- The warmth of tea makes the combination comforting, especially during monsoons.
7. Salli & Jaljeera – A Zesty & Refreshing Match
Salli, thin and crispy potato sticks, have a salty and slightly tangy taste. Pairing them with jaljeera, a cumin-infused spiced water, enhances the experience and adds a refreshing touch.
Why It Works:
- Jaljeera’s tangy, spicy kick complements the salty crispiness of salli.
- Cumin and black salt in jaljeera aid digestion.
- The cooling effect of jaljeera balances the crunch of salli, making for a well-rounded snack.
Pairing the right beverage with your favourite Indian snacks can take your snacking experience to a whole new level. Whether you enjoy the warmth of tea, the tang of buttermilk, or the fizz of nimbu pani, there’s a perfect drink to complement every snack.
At Omkar Snacks, we offer a range of traditional Indian dry snacks made with 50% less oil, no preservatives, and packaged with 3-layered foil and a super Ziplock to keep them fresh. Our snacks are crafted to provide the best taste and crunch, making them perfect for pairing with your favourite beverages.
Next time you grab a snack, don’t forget to pick the perfect drink to go with it!
Looking for the best snack-beverage combinations? Explore Omkar Snacks’ wholesome and tasty range today!
