A Namkeen Trail Through Prayagraj

Prayagraj, a city steeped in history and spirituality, also boasts a remarkable street food culture that's a feast for the senses. As you wander through its bustling lanes, the enticing aroma of piping hot samosas, crispy pakoras, and delectable chaats wafts through the air. While the city has a horde of sweet options to choose from and street food that would leave you spoilt for choice, it is the savoury snacks best enjoyed with your evening tea that people miss out on. Here are 5 favourite namkeens of the folks of Sangam city.

Khasta

The crispy, flaky exterior gives way to melt-in-your-mouth goodness as you bite into it, khasta, which translates to crisp or crumbly, is a savoury pastry that is often eaten with the accompaniment of dum aaloo (spicy potato curry).

Where to get it: You will find this in most shops in the city's markets. But to get the best one, you will have to visit the wholesale vendors in the old town area of Chowk and Katra.

Mathri

Made by deep-frying little fingers of seasoned refined or whole wheat flour, mathri, or namak para, is a staple namkeen of most households in Prayagraj. In most houses, you find a big jar filled with these snackable, which always saves the day in case unannounced guests turn up. Paired best with evening tea, these little finger food-esque snacks are also made using different spices and herbs to add more flavour.

Where to get it: You will find this in most shops in the city's markets. But to get the best one, you will have to visit the wholesale vendors in the old town area of Chowk and Katra.

Hari Ke Samose

Nestled in the heart of the old town area of Prayagraj, Hari Ram and Sons has been a part of the city for over a hundred and thirty years. The old shop situated in Loknath, which now has also expanded to selling various mixed spices like the hugely popular Dum Aaloo masala, has these tiny masala samosas, which are these unique specimens without the potato filling inside but with a special spice mix which is equally delicious and has a really long shelf life. You will not easily find them anywhere else and people come from all over the country to take these with them.

Where to get it: Hari Ram and Sons- Loknath, 16, Chowk, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh

Masoor Dalmoth 

Masoor dalmoth is made with salted lentils and tastes best with chai and other evening snacks. This snack is particularly salty and if you pair some sweetmeats, it will taste better in case you are someone who doesn't like a lot of salt in their snacks.  

Where to get it: Markets in Civil Lines and Chowk

Masala Para

Similar to mathri, these are also fingers made of seasoned refined or whole wheat flour with usually a spice mix comprising chilli powder, cumin powder, and garam masala, which enhances its flavours. 

Where to get it: Markets in Civil Lines and Chowk