Alu chat facts for kids
A bowl of alu chat
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| Type | snack |
|---|---|
| Place of origin | Indian subcontinent |
| Region or state | North India, West Bengal, Sylhet |
| Associated national cuisine | India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Trinidad and Tobago |
| Main ingredients | Potatoes, oil, spices, chutney |
Alu chat (also spelled as alu chaat, aloo chat, or aloo chaat) is a super popular street food from the Indian subcontinent. It's a tasty snack made mostly from potatoes. You can find it in countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, and even Trinidad and Tobago!
What is Alu Chat?
Alu chat is a savory (which means salty or spicy, not sweet) snack. It's usually sold by street vendors. This means people buy it from small stalls or carts on the street. The name "Alu" means potato in Hindi. The word "chat" comes from the Hindi word "chatna," which means to taste. So, "Alu chat" literally means a yummy potato snack!
How is it Made?
Alu chat is often made by frying potatoes in oil. Then, different spices and chutney are added. Chutney is a flavorful sauce, often sweet, sour, or spicy. Sometimes, alu chat is made with boiled potatoes instead of fried ones. People might also add fruits, lime juice, and more spices to it.
Where Can You Find Alu Chat?
This delicious snack is very popular in North India and West Bengal in Eastern India. It's also a favorite in Pakistan and parts of the Sylhet Division in Bangladesh. Surprisingly, you can even find it in Trinidad and Tobago! It's usually eaten as a snack. But you can also have it as a side dish or a light meal.
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An alu chat vendor selling snacks in Connaught Place, New Delhi.
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Alu kabli is a type of alu chat from Bengal. It's made with sliced boiled potatoes, chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumbers, tamarind sauce, Bengali spices, and chopped chillies. It's often topped with coriander leaves.
