Ten best snacking options in India
Craving for a quick snack? Gol-gappa time? Maybe not because we have just emerged from a pandemic and hygiene is foremost on everyone's minds. I asked my 10-year old cousin and he too said that he's allowed to snack at 'proper shops' only. Thankfully, there are enough brands in India to satisfy every mood and craving. Here are my top ten choices.
10. Dunkin Donuts
My search for a classic donut and bun maska came to a pause when I tried at Dunkin Donuts at Dehradun. The brand launched its first store in India in April 2012 in New Delhi, offering a wide variety of donuts, beverages, and baked products.
9. Haldirams
A good weekend to me is having my favorite chole-bhature and rasmalai at Haldirams. A common household name over years, Haldirams was founded in 1937 as a retail sweets and namkeen shop in Rajasthan. Some of the items include Soan Papdi, Cookies, and Pani Puri, among others. Haldiram restaurants can be found in nearly every city.
8. KFC
A couple of years ago, my best friend and I went to try a zinger box at KFC. We were not sure how it was going to taste, but even today, whenever we meet we make sure to have a taste of it. Their menu includes Hot & Crispy Chicken, Fiery Grilled Bucket, Chicken Zinger, Krushers, Rice Bowlz, and 5-in-1 Meal Box among others; they also offer a vegetarian menu.
7. Barista
Espresso Italiano is my second favorite brew after filter coffee. Founded in 2000, it has over 275+ espresso bars all over India. The second-largest coffee chain in India after Cafe Coffee Day, it delivers an Italian coffee experience in a relaxed environment; try the non-milk versions as well.
6. Burger King
Just before I turned 20, I tried Burger King’s veg wraps, which were an absolute revelation. Launched in 2014 in India, the Brand offers a mouth-watering range of burgers and meals. My most favorite items of the brand are veg whopper, wrap, king paneer melt burger, among others.
5. Pizza Hut
My sister loves pizza and tries new restaurants every month to explore what's new; however, her constant dine-in place for years has been Pizza Hut. Famous for its Italian-American cuisine, it serves pizza, pasta, side dishes, and desserts. Our favorites are the country feast, paneer soya supreme and tandoori paneer. Recently, we also tried the new Momo Mia Pizza- keep the innovation going guys!
4. JumboKing
I was pleasantly surprised when I visited Delhi Metro and found a JumboKing store. All my friends from Mumbai had been talking about it and when I finally tried its Nachos Burger, I found it worth the hype. Launched in 2001 in Mumbai, it is regarded as one of the biggest vegetarian QSR players in India and offers a variety of Indian burgers, wraps, shakes, flavors such as Nachos, Macaroni, and Cheeseburger, Spicy Mexican.
3. Subway
I’ve never been a fan of ‘healthy’ sandwiches (who wants health if mom's not around!). But Subway’s veggie delight is something I think everyone should try. A ‘go-to’ place for people who crave a sandwich, it sells submarine sandwiches, salads, and beverages. The Signature wrap is also an amazing choice.
2. Dominos-
I remember knowing Dominos from its famous 30-minute express delivery, long before Zomato and Swiggy were in the game. My favorite pizzas from the brand are Farmhouse with cheese burst, peppy paneer, and double cheese Margherita among others. Also, they keep providing exciting offers throughout the year. So much so, that it has become synonymous with home delivery.
1. McDonald's
McDonalds has been around forever; and Indians call it MacD for some reason. I have lost count of the number of times a friend has said, "lets meet at MacD." Famous for its burgers and fries, their menu includes wraps, desserts, chicken products, milkshakes, and breakfast items. McAloo Tikki Burger, Dosa Masala Burger and the Veg Maharaja Mac, are some of my favorite items on their menu.
That was my list. How many of you think we need a gol gappa brand! Or that I missed some good options in the list. Drop a line in the comments section.