Best Indian Street Food Shop in the USA

By James D Bartlett | Updated on

Indian street food is one of the most alluring food choices in the world. In the United States, Indian street food is becoming very appealing day by day because of the massive migration of Indian people to the US. Besides, these food items are equally appealing to the native people. It doesn’t matter whether you are looking for veg or non-veg, spicy or sweet, there is always something for you.

Many Indian Americans cook these items at home that can bring back their memories of their motherland. However, people nowadays are always busy with other important work. So, a good Indian street food shop can be a great solution. There are numerous Indian street food shops available in the United States. But it is always difficult to identify which one will be best without tasting by oneself. Besides, the taste buds differ from person to person.

Some of the notable Indian street foods are Dosa, Pani Poori, Chicken Tikkas, Egg Bhaji, Samosa, Masala Chai, Bhel Poori, Dahi Poori, Samosa Chaat, Bombay Sandwich, Pagda Patties, and many more. These street foods are very delicious that can attract anyone with their outstanding aroma and delectable tastes. Here we are going to compile a list of some best Indian food stores available in the United States.

Most of the Indian street food items have a blend of traditional and modern touches. Street food represents India’s diverse culture and its own delicacies. Most Indian street food dishes are easy to prepare. However, it does not mean these dishes will not satisfy your taste buds. Rather, they have rich and exotic flavors along with mouth-watering tastes. If you are craving Indian street food, go to any of the best Indian street food stores.

Best Indian Street Food Shop in the USA

Here is a list of the Best Indian Street Food Shop in the USA:

01. Chai Pani

Chai Pani is one of the best Indian street shops in the United States. This restaurant received James Beard Foundation Award in 2022 in Chicago. This great food shop was founded in 2009 in Asheville. At present, it has several sister Chains such as Nani’s Rotisserie Chicken, Spicewalla, Botiwalla, and Buxton Hall Barbecue, among others.

The literal meaning of Chai Pani is tea and water. This slang phrase stands for going out for a snake, a cup of tea, a tasty bite, or a little something else. The restaurant offers innovative Indian street foods such as brightly flavored Indian street snacks, tangy, sweet, spicy, and many more. The menu highlights India’s outstanding culinary diversity. Chai Pani is open every day from 11:30 am to 3:30 pm and from 5:30 pm to 9:30 pm.
Address: 22 Battery Park Ave, Asheville, NC, United States

02. Viks Chaat

Viks Chaat is an ample Indian grocery store and restaurant. Here you will get plenty of traditional food items, and spices as well as a quick-serve café. It is undoubtedly an ideal place to get some uncommon Indian food. They have lots of vegetarian options. The restaurant features outdoor seating, takeout, and curbside pickup services.

Placing an order from this restaurant is very easy. You just need to download the app and order what you need. They have 30 outdoor seats. The indoor seating is also decent along with the outdoor seating. The overall ambiance is great. Besides the food is good as well as they have plenty of parking space.

The restaurant offers a wide range of dishes that include Cholle Bhature, Dahi Batata Puri, Pani Puri, Chicken Biriyani, Masala Dosa, Mango Lassi, Kulfi Falooda, Koliwada Fish, Pav Bhaji, Mix Vegetable Pakoras, Indian Chai, Chicken Butter Masya and many more. Among all the dishes, Koliwada Fish is the most recommended item. There are some local beers on the menu. The restaurant is open seven days a week.
Address: 2390 Fourth St, Berkeley, CA 94710, United States

03. Bengal Tiger

Bengal Tiger is another amazing Indian street food shop in the United States. The restaurant is well-known for its vegetarian, Chicken, and lamb dishes. The food is yummy and reasonably priced. Though the portion is a bit smaller but enough for one person. This is definitely a nice place to stop for lunch and dinner.

The incredible and flavorful food has made the restaurant one of the best destinations for Indian street food in New York City. Gulab Jamun, Chicken Korma, Chicken curry, Chicken Tikka Masala, Chop Don, and Curry Pork are some of the most recommended items though there are plenty of dishes to choose from. The best thing about this restaurant is its affordability and polite personnel. The mango lassi and Garlic naan are must-try items.
Address: 58 W 56th St, New York, NY10019, United States

04. Nukkad chains

Nukkad chains are best known for South Asian street foods in India. They offer freshly-prepared food items such as dahi puri, masala chai, chole vature, etc. Nukkad launched its branch in North Carolina, USA in 2019. They have introduced natives to mouth-watering Indian street food. Their extensive menu is sure to satisfy your taste buds.

You will find lots of items including Mumbai-inspired pav vaji, Delhi-inspired papri chaat, Madras coffee, Amritsari Kulchas, etc. One of the specialties is Kathal Biryani which is a delectable vegetarian option with health benefits. The use of authentic Indian ingredients makes the dishes more delightful. The food shop is open every day from 11:00 am to 9:00 pm except Tuesdays.
Address: 1710 High House Rd, Cary, NC 27513, United States

05. Tulsi Indian Eatery

Tulsi Indian Eatery is another amazing Indian street food shop in the USA. The restaurant is a true gem in Los Angeles. Everything offered in this restaurant is savory and full of flavor. The tacos and the sliders are delicious. It is a true vegetarian restaurant. Recommended dishes are Pani Puri, Mango Lassi, Samosa chaat, Tulsi special masala Dosa and pav bhaji.

Their menu is filled with freshly prepared Indian regional dishes and street food. The ambiance is cozy and great for eating Indian street food. Service is very quick. The employees are very helpful. They will help you find the item you are going to get.
Address: 19535 W Nordhoff Street, Northridge, CA 91324

Final Words

These are some top Indian street food shops in the United States. It is true that it is not possible to bring all the best Indian street food shops into a single list. In every state of the United States, you will find hundreds of Indian food shops. The best one cannot be traced without visiting the places.

However, we have checked customer reviews on a large number of Indian street shops and picked some. The list might help you if you are looking for good Indian street food shops in the USA.