Bombay mix facts for kids

Quick facts for kids
Bombay mix

Bombay mix
Alternative names	Chanachur
Type	Snack
Place of origin	Indian subcontinent
Main ingredients	Fried lentils, peanuts, chickpea flour noodles, vegetable oil, chickpeas, flaked rice, fried onion and curry leaves

Chaṇāchura in Odisha.

Mixture in Chennai

Bombay mix, also called chiwda or chanachur, is a super popular and yummy snack from India. It's a mix of different crispy, spicy ingredients. Think of it like a special trail mix, but with an Indian twist! You'll find things like fried lentils, peanuts, and crunchy noodles made from chickpea flour. All these tasty bits are mixed with salt and a special blend of spices, often including coriander and mustard seed. This snack is also very popular in the United Kingdom.

What is Bombay Mix?

Bombay mix is a type of snack mix from the Indian subcontinent. It's known for its spicy and crunchy texture. The name "Bombay mix" comes from the city of Mumbai (formerly Bombay) in India. However, it's enjoyed all over India and in many other parts of the world.

Main Ingredients

The exact ingredients in Bombay mix can change. But some common ones you'll often find are:

• Fried lentils: These are small, crispy beans.
• Peanuts: Roasted or fried peanuts add a nutty crunch.
• Chickpea flour noodles: These are thin, crispy strands made from chickpea flour. They are sometimes called sev or ghatia.
• Flaked rice: Light and airy rice flakes.
• Chickpeas: Whole, roasted chickpeas.
• Fried onion and curry leaves: These add a special flavor.

All these ingredients are mixed together. Then, they are seasoned with salt and a blend of spices. This spice mix often includes coriander and mustard seed, giving it a unique and delicious taste.

Different Kinds of Bombay Mix

Just like there are many kinds of cookies, there are different versions of Bombay mix! These variations often depend on where you are in the world.

In Malaysia and Singapore

In countries like Malaysia and Singapore, this snack is known as kacang putih. People from the local Indian community often just call it "mixture." You can buy it from street vendors, shops, and restaurants. Sometimes, supermarkets might call their Bombay mix "murukku." But murukku is actually a different type of crispy snack, even though it's also made from chickpea flour.

In Southern India

In southern Indian states, like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, it's simply called "mixture." You can find it in almost every sweet shop and bakery. The "mixture" in these areas often includes:

• Fried peanuts
• Thenkuzhal: A spiral-shaped crispy snack.
• Kara boondhi: Small, fried chickpea flour balls.
• Roasted chana dal: Split chickpeas that are roasted.
• Karasev: Another type of crispy noodle.
• Broken pieces of murukku.
• Pakoda: Small, fried vegetable fritters.
• Oma podi: Thin, crispy noodles with a special flavor.

Each region adds its own special touch to this popular snack!