Michelle Silva’s love note to the Indian snack

For Michelle Silva, an Indian expatriate based out of Dubai, hailing from the coastal state of Goa, Pani Puri is one dish that can bring back memories. “I can have it for breakfast, lunch, or dinner,” she says, referring to one of India’s favourite street foods. “The textures and the burst of flavours make it very special. Moreover, it has the perfect blend and balance of spices, tanginess and sweetness, softness and crispiness. It is a unique mix of flavours and I can’t get over it,” adds the Mumbai-bred girl.

“Pani Puri has seen me through days when my pocket money was well spent. The whole idea of standing at the streetside pani puriwallah’s cart and waiting for your turn to gulp this deliciously stuffed puri is so nostalgic, it brings back sweet memories,” recollects Michelle. She further claimed that Pani Puri is more than what it appears, and went on to describe how a slight variation of the classic snack became a huge hit. “It happened during my birthday. We stuffed the puris with alcohol and served it to the guests. It became an instant hit, especially with my friends from the West. They loved it!”

Thank you, Michelle, for sharing your love for the Pani Puri as a Trumpet Blower!

Join the debate?

We in Dubai, though thousands of miles away from our homeland, are fortunate to relish some of the best varieties of this dish in town. Some of the options available here will even give original recipes from our home turf a run for their money.

Some like it hot and spicy, some like it sweet while some prefer to have it cold! Whatever may be your choice. There’s no denying that a Pani Puri can satiate your tastebuds like no other Indian snack.