Call it molecular gastronomy, or whatever else, in this case, the looks may be deceptive, but a spoonful of this modern, fusion version, is sure to satiate your hunger for Pani Puri.

Lovers of fusion cuisine should give the chocolate-coated Pani Puris at the Bollywood-inspired restaurant Gol Gappa, located close to the Karama Central Post Office, a try. Stuffed with the goodness of brownies, the sweet twist given to this time-tested favourite surely deserves a mention for its innovative preparation.

Talk about innovation, whoever thought the humble Pani Puri would feature in a fine dining menu? It did, at Dubai’s Trèsind Dubai Restaurant. Check out their Deconstructed Pani Puri. Chef Himanshu Saini created this dish by separating the ingredients and presenting it in tiny spoons without puris. The mint-flavoured pani is spooned into a solution of Sodium Alginate to form green gel-like bubbles which are then immersed in cold water and served with yummy tamarind chutney and crunchy boondi on a spoon. You have to pop the ingredients of the entire spoon in one go – just the way you’d do with a traditional Pani Puri – and what you get is a myriad of flavours and textures that’ll make you go for a second helping.

Call it molecular gastronomy, or whatever else, in this case, the looks may be deceptive, but a spoonful of this modern, fusion version, is sure to satiate your hunger for Pani Puri.

While these are some that made it to our list, there are several hole-in-wall type eateries in Dubai that serve this divine snack in its true form. For an affordable but tasty experience try Khatta Meetha, Just Vada Pav, Kaati Express Swadist, or Swedes in Karama, or head to tried and tested establishments like Puranmal or Bikanervala. 

No one can have just one!

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.