India, a country known for its rich cultural diversity and vibrant traditions, is also famous worldwide for its exotic street food. Each region in India boasts of its unique culinary offerings that are not just incredibly delicious but are also surprisingly affordable. From the lanes of Old Delhi to the beaches of Goa, from the bustling streets of Mumbai to the traditional markets of Kolkata, one can find an array of delectable street food that tantalizes the taste buds without burning a hole in your pocket.

If you are looking for some mouth-watering chaats, then head straight to Old Delhi. This place is brimming with numerous food joints serving authentic Indian snacks like golgappas (pani puri), aloo tikki (potato patties), samosas and chole bhature at nominal prices. The legendary Paranthe Wali Gali offers an assortment of stuffed paranthas that would leave you asking for more.

For those who have a sweet tooth, Kolkata’s street food scene is nothing less than paradise. You can relish on ‘rasgullas’, ‘sandesh’ and ‘mishti doi’ which are popular Bengali sweets available at every nook and corner here. Puchka (Pani Puri) and Ghugni Chaat are other must-try items when in Kolkata.

Mumbai stands as another hotspot when it comes to cheap yet tasty street food in India. Vada Pav – often called the “Indian Burger”, Pav Bhaji – a spicy mashup of vegetables served with bread rolls, and Bombay Sandwiches – multi-layered sandwiches filled with veggies & chutneys; these dishes define Mumbai’s fast-paced life perfectly while being easy on your wallet.

Head southwards towards Chennai where idli-sambar or dosa-chutney will greet you warmly almost everywhere around this city. These light-on-stomach yet filling meals cost very little but deliver big on flavors. Also, don’t forget to try the filter coffee when in Chennai.

In the western parts of India, Ahmedabad is known for its lip-smacking street food like Dhokla, Khandvi and Fafda-Jalebi that are available at throwaway prices.

Goa, on the other hand, offers a different kind of street food experience with its beach shacks serving seafood at reasonable rates. From prawn curry rice to fish thali and from Goan sausages to bebinca (a traditional Goan dessert), you can enjoy a variety of dishes while soaking up the sun on Goa’s beautiful beaches.

India’s street food scene is diverse and vast; each region has something unique to offer both in terms of taste and price. The key is to explore local markets and lanes where you can find these hidden gems serving authentic Indian delicacies that not only satiate your hunger but also provide a gastronomic adventure that’s light on your pocket!