Snack it up with Kolkata's Jhalmuri #BlogchatterFoodFest

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Kolkata's evening snack game is incomplete without Jhalmuri – the spicy puffed rice that's still a steal at Rs. 10 a packet (because who needs expensive snacks when you can have a flavor explosion?). This magical mix of puffed rice, boiled potatoes, onions, cucumber, boiled chickpeas, roasted peanuts, slices of chillies, a slash of pickle, a dash of black salt and a pinch of Kolkata's magic spice has a rich history.

Born in rural Bengal, Jhalmuri was initially a humble snack of puffed rice, but it got a colonial makeover in Kolkata when the British said, "Hey, let's add some spice to our lives!" During World War 2, Bihari migrants sold this spicy version to British soldiers and American officials, and voilà! Jhalmuri became a hit. 

Now, it's a Kolkata mandate – try it with puchka, egg roll, fish fry, and the city's culinary squad. Your taste buds will do the tango (or cry for mercy, depending on the spice level). Either way, you'll be hooked!


This post is a part of #BlogchatterFoodFest

Comments

  1. FeliciaJune 11, 2025 at 4:48 AM

    This made me miss my college days when we’d get dry bhel from a roadside cart — not as spicy, but still soul food!

    ReplyDelete
  2. AmbicaJune 12, 2025 at 5:46 AM

    I had this in Delhi once, i would say a great low cal snack. But am sure the taste would be different in Calcutta. I didn't know it goes back to World War II.

    ReplyDelete

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