CRAVE STREET FOOD? TRY THESE HEALTHY DESI TWISTS
- AdiAnsh Media
- Jul 21
- 4 min read

We all love our chaat, samosa, vada pav, and ice gola, right? But what if we told you that you can enjoy the same flavours—without overloading on salt, sugar, and fats?
With ICMR’s recent circular making headlines on the consumption of samosa and jalebi being eligible for a warning risk and the latest ICMR dietary guidelines emphasizing the need to cut down on ultra-processed, high-fat, and sugary foods, it’s time to rethink the way we indulge in our favourite Indian street foods.
Here are 15 easy, healthy swaps you can make to stay healthy and fit approved by Clinical and Sports Nutritionist Avanti Deshpande, practicing in Pune and Mumbai and rated as one of the top 10 nutritionists in India by Khaleej Times.
Swap Vada Pav with Moong Dal Pakora in Whole Wheat Bread
Forget about the guilt of deep-frying because your favourite vada pav can be replaced with moong dal pakora packed with fiber and protein. Also, moong dal helps with easy digestion. Pairing it with whole wheat bread instead of the pav made with maida keeps your blood sugar in check. Rather than deep frying, either make the pakoras in air fryer or an appam pan.
Swap Samosa Chaat with Baked Puri Aloo Chaat with Chana, tangy mint and tamarind chutney
What if I tell you that you can savour samosa chaat in a baked version with no oil? Yes, you can prepare it. Bake your puris, fill it with aloo (potatoes) and chana (chickpeas) and simply side it with mint and tamarind chutney made at home without sugar. Not only, it is rich in protein but also it satisfies your chaat cravings.
Swap Jalebi with Jaggery Nut Chikki
Jaggery being a natural sweetener rich in iron and good fats (omega-3 fats) from nuts makes jaggery nut chikki a perfect crunchy choice for your sweet tooth. It is good for your heart and fulfilling for your tummy as well.
Swap Frankie with Whole Wheat Veggie Wrap + Green Chutney
Loaded with fiber, plant protein, and vitamins, you can eat a whole wheat veggie wrap instead of a maida-made frankie. Instead of mayo and sauces, spread a tangy green chutney prepared with mint and coriander. Add paneer or chicken for extra protein and flavour.
Swap Burger with Multigrain Paneer/Chana Patty Burger
Can you make a healthy burger? Yes, it is possible, but with the right ingredients. Make a chana patty and add paneer or chicken to your burger. An ideal and well-rounded substitute for your junk food. Use hung curd spread instead of mayo.
Swap Pizza with Bhakri Veggie Pizza
Gluten-free pizzas are trending in the market. You can make it at home as well. Just add more veggies to your everyday bhakri, spread some cheese and your yummy pizza is ready with zero preservatives.Bonus tip: Make the sauce at home with tomatoes and herbs.
Swap Fizzy Drinks with Kokum Sharbat or Jaljeera
Refreshing, sugar-free, and aiding with digestion, you can have a sharbat or jaljeera instead of your usual carbonated softdrinks that gives empty calories. Do not forget to serve it chilled with a pinch of rock salt.
Swap Ice Gola with Homemade Fruit Popsicles
Summers and ice golas, a combination no one wants to miss! Try watermelon, orange, or mango purees frozen in molds or even ice trays. No added colours and preservatives.
Swap Deep-Fried Pakoras with Pakoras or appe made in air-fryer or appam pan
All the crispiness, none of the trans fats. Your monsoon favorite pakoras can be made in air fryers or an appe/paniyaram pan with the same crunch. For a healthy twist, add millet flour to the batter for more nutrition.
Swap Chinese Bhel with Sprouts Bhel
Low in oil, high in fiber, and free of monosodium glutamate (MSG), sprouts bhel can be a great snack option for anyone. Add onions, tomatoes, coriander, and lemon juice.
Swap Cream Cakes with Banana Dark Chocolate Muffins
Banana and dark chocolate can be combined to make a delicious muffin to curb your sweet cravings. Rich in antioxidants and fiber, along with kids, adults will love it too!
Swap Misal Pav with Sprouted Matki Usal + Multigrain Bread
Replace your misal pav with a hot matki usal and a multigrain bread rich in protein and fiber by adding onions for an extra zingy flavour.Tip: Briefly cook curry leaves, garlic, and cumin in oil or fat beforehand.
Swap Maggi noodles with whole wheat or millet noodles.
No maida, no preservatives. Yes, you can eat noodles made with whole wheat or millets.Adding carrots, capsicum, peas, or tofu for a meal will satisfy your appetite.
Swap Pav Bhaji with Mixed Veg Bhaji + Whole Wheat Bread
Can Pav bhaji be made with more fiber, antioxidants, and less butter? Prepare a mixed veg bhaji and pair with whole wheat bread rich in fiber. Serve with a side salad (tomato, onion and cucumber) for extra crunch.
Swap Chaat with Boiled Chana Chaat + Curd & Mint Chutney
A healthy chaat with probiotics, protein, and fiber in one bowl! All you have to do is mix boiled chana, curd and mint chutney, chopped cucumber, tomato, onion or carrots together.You can even enjoy a makhana chaat in a similar way. Skip fried sev or papdi.
Why Make These Swaps?
The new ICMR dietary guidelines stress on:
Reducing the intake of trans fats, added sugar, and salt
Choosing home-cooked over ultra-processed food
Prioritizing fermented foods, whole grains, and legumes
With these simple alternatives, you can reduce your intake of excess sugar, fat and salt while still enjoying bold flavours and satisfying cravings. It will help you in improving your gut health, protect your health and maintain energy levels and keeps your health in check. Your taste senses and body will appreciate it if you give it a try now!
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