Cardiologist Shares 5 Healthy Street Food Options In India

Street food often reminds us of crispy, deep-fried treats and high-calorie snacks that we love to enjoy from time to time. The charm of street food is difficult to resist. The mouth-watering aroma of local flavours draw many individuals. Also, street food is also loved for easy accessibility and affordability. But, not all the street food can be labeled as unhealthy. With mindful selection, you can discover health options that will not only support your health but fulfill your cravings too.

If you take into consideration certain aspects like hygiene, cleanliness, and freshness of the ingredients, street food can also become a part of healthy diet. Recently, Dr Alok Chopra, renowned Delhi-based cardiologist with 40 years of experience, took to his Instagram account and shared some health street foods that we can relish without any guilt.

He said, “from boiled eggs and sweet potatoes to roasted chana, bhutta, and light bhel, these timeless Indian bites remind us that healthy eating can be simple, affordable, and deeply satisfying. True nourishment doesn’t need luxury—just mindful choices.”

Top 5 Street Food Options

1. Roasted Chana: It is highly nutritious and rich in fibre that can support weight management, improve digestion, and enhance heart health. The food is a vital source of plant-based protein that can promote satiety, improve muscle strength, and regulate blood sugar levels. Roasted chana can support weight balance and maintain gut health.  

2. Light Bhel Puri: It is low-fat, fibre-rich, and refreshing snack options that is prepared from puffed rice, veggies, and chutneys. It can offer energy boost with low fat content. The presence of freshly chopped tomatoes, onions, and cucumber can improve digestion and prevent bloating. Puffed rice are low in sodium that can regulate blood pressure. 

3. Corn Bhutta: It is rich in nutrition and low in calorie. The healthy fibre-rich snack is highly popular especially during monsoon. The low-calorie street food option can offer you sustain energy via complex carbohydrates. It can offer vitamin A, B1, C, minerals like magnesium, potassium, and essential antioxidants such as lutein and zeaxanthin. It can improve vision and brain health. Dr Chopra said, the food is packed with fibre, antioxidant, and heart-friendly nutrients.  

4. Sweet Potato: The doctor listed sweet potato in the category of healthy street foods as it is high in fibre, good for digestion, and vital source of steady energy. The root vegetable is a powerful source of vitamin A, C, fibre, potassium, that can boost your gut health, immunity, skin health, and vision. The presence of antioxidants in sweet potatoes can help you fight inflammation, improves heart health, and supports brain function. Due to the low glycaemic index, it helps in releasing energy in a slow manner. It can keep the blood sugar level regulated thus making it ideal for people with diabetes.

5. Boiled Eggs: They are rich in protein, keep you full, and support muscle health, emphasised Dr Chopra. Eggs are rich in necessary vitamins, minerals, protein, and antioxidants. They are quite affordable and scores of people all over the world consume them on a regular basis. The versatile food can offer you protein, healthy fats, vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin B12. Eggs also offer necessary minerals such as selenium, phosphorous, and iron.

Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.