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There was a time when the arrival of evening tea meant opening a familiar steel dabba rather than reaching for a packet of chips. Every Indian home seemed to have its own treasured collection of homemade snacks—crispy, comforting, and lovingly prepared in batches that lasted for weeks.
Our grandmothers ( and mothers, too) rarely needed preservatives or fancy ingredients. With simple pantry staples like flour, lentils, jaggery, sesame seeds, peanuts, spices and pure ghee, they created snacks that not only tasted wonderful but also carried the warmth of family traditions.
Today, convenience foods have taken over many kitchens. Yet, more and more people are rediscovering the joy of homemade snacks—not just because they are healthier, but because they remind us of a slower, simpler time when food was prepared with patience and shared with love.
As I entered retirement, I found myself returning to these traditions. With a little more time in hand, I started making many of the snacks that once filled my childhood home. Crispy mathris, namakpare, homemade chivda with roasted peanuts and chana, roasted makhana, besan sev, chakli, atta jeera biscuits, nankhatai and, on special occasions, sesame and peanut chikkis have once again become regular visitors to my kitchen.
Perhaps that is why traditional Indian snacks continue to hold a special place in our hearts. They are recipes passed from one generation to another, preserving stories as much as flavours. In this article, let us revisit twenty-one timeless Indian snacks that have delighted generations and continue to deserve a place in every modern kitchen
Why Traditional Indian Snacks Are Making a Comeback
The growing interest in homemade food is not merely a trend—it is a return to mindful eating. Many families are choosing traditional snacks because they know exactly what goes into them. Homemade recipes allow us to control the quality of ingredients, the amount of oil, salt and sugar, and eliminate unnecessary preservatives.
Traditional snacks also reflect India's incredible culinary diversity. Every region has developed recipes suited to its climate, local grains and cultural festivals. Whether it is Gujarat's khakhra, Rajasthan's mathri, Maharashtra's chakli or Bihar's sattu ladoo, every snack tells a story of its own. Perhaps the greatest ingredient, however, was never listed in the recipe. It was the love and patience with which these treats were prepared.
1. Mathri – The Queen of Tea-Time Snacks
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Crunchy, flaky and wonderfully satisfying, mathri has been a staple in North Indian homes for generations. Made from wheat flour or refined flour, seasoned with ajwain, black pepper or kasuri methi, and enriched with ghee, mathri is one of those snacks that almost every grandmother knew by heart. The beauty of mathri lies in its versatility. It tastes delicious with pickle, chutney, hot tea or even on its own. Properly stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for weeks, making it an ideal snack for unexpected guests. Every family has its own version—some prefer thick, flaky mathris while others make thinner, crispier ones.
2. Namak Pare – Crispy Little Diamonds
Few snacks disappear as quickly as a bowl of freshly fried namak pare. These crunchy strips or diamond-shaped bites are made from a simple dough of flour, ghee and carom seeds before being fried to golden perfection.
Namak pare are especially popular during Diwali, but in many homes, they are prepared throughout the year because they store exceptionally well.
Pair them with masala chai, and they become the perfect evening companion.
3. Chivda – The Everyday Favourite
Light, crunchy and incredibly flavourful, chivda is one snack that beautifully balances taste and nutrition. Traditionally made with flattened rice (poha), roasted peanuts, roasted gram, curry leaves and mild spices, it is a snack that satisfies without feeling heavy. Every Indian household seems to have its own secret recipe. Some add coconut slices, others include raisins or roasted cashews, while many prefer a healthier roasted version instead of deep frying. It is easy to understand why chivda has remained a pantry favourite for generations.
4. Murmura Mixture – Light Yet Delicious
Puffed rice has always been one of India's simplest yet most satisfying ingredients. Tossed with roasted peanuts, roasted chana, curry leaves, turmeric and a handful of spices, murmura transforms into a light snack that is perfect for guilt-free munching.
It is economical, filling and travels well, making it ideal for train journeys, picnics and school snack boxes. Even today, many homes prepare large batches that remain crisp for weeks when stored properly.
5. Roasted Makhana – Ancient Superfood, Modern Favourite
Long before the word "superfood" became fashionable, Indian kitchens had already discovered the goodness of makhana. Roasted with a little ghee and seasoned simply with salt, pepper or mild spices, fox nuts are rich in protein, calcium and antioxidants. Their light texture makes them an excellent alternative to fried snacks.
Today, roasted makhana has become popular across the world, but for many Indian families, it has always been a comforting evening snack.
6. Besan Sev – Crunchy Perfection
Besan sev is one of those irresistible snacks that can be enjoyed on its own or used to enhance countless dishes. Prepared from gram flour dough and pressed through a sev maker into hot oil, it develops a delicate crunch that makes it difficult to stop at just one handful.
Different regions prepare it differently. Some make it spicy, while others prefer a mild version suitable for the entire family. Homemade besan sev also forms the base of many farsan mixtures prepared during festivals.
7. Chakli – A Festival Favourite That Everyone Loves
No festive snack platter feels complete without beautifully shaped chaklis. Made using rice flour, gram flour and aromatic spices, these spiral-shaped delights are famous for their crisp texture and distinctive flavour.
Although strongly associated with Diwali, chakli deserves a place in our kitchens throughout the year. The process of shaping each spiral may take a little patience, but the reward is a snack that brings smiles to every age group.
Photos are from my mobile gallery.
(Continued in Part 2...)
Neerja Bhatnagar
If you're looking for interesting and effective content on mental health, parenting, lifestyle, reviews, and more, consider subscribing to my other blog, Neerja's Musings.
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