Lemon in chana chaat, curd on aloo tikki, mint in pani puri and more: Nutritionist decodes 5 smart pairings that make street food healthier

Any true connoisseur knows that street food is not just another snack; it is a delicious celebration of flavours. One could dine at the fanciest restaurants, yet nothing quite matches the winning authenticity of street food. While many people love indulging in these treats, their low nutritional value and potential health risks raise some scepticism.

But what if we told you there are simple tweaks that could make your favourite dishes more nutritious? A squeeze of lemon, a dollop of curd, or a hint of mint might do the trick. To help you enjoy your street food without guilt, we reached out to Ashlesha Joshi, a fitness dietician and nutritionist at Tone 30 Pilates, who shares easy additions to boost the nutritional value of your favourite street eats.

Adding a squeeze of lemon to chana chaat enhances the iron absorption (Image: Envato)

Chana chaat is a powerhouse of protein, dietary fibres, vitamins, minerals, and of course, bustling flavours. However, you can elevate its nutrition appeal with a single trick. Joshi reveals that adding a squeeze of lemon to chana chaat enhances the iron absorption and energy level.

She explains that the vitamin C in lemon “converts non-heme iron from chickpeas into a more absorbable form”. This small addition can help improve your body’s ability to use iron effectively, supporting better energy levels and reducing fatigue.” According to her, it’s “a great example of how simple ingredient pairings can make traditional snacks more nourishing”.

Adding onions to pav bhaji may help improve digestion slightly (Image: Envato)

Some people cannot eat their pao bhajis without a side serving or onions, while for others, it might hardly matter. But what difference does a side of onions make to its nutritional value? “Not only do onions add crunch and flavour, but they also bring prebiotics and digestive enzymes to the meal,” Joshi points out.

She explains that eating pav bhaji with onions can “support gut health and improve digestion slightly.” However, it is worth noting that the overall nutritional difference is “modest”. According to Joshi, the main benefit lies in better satiety and flavour balance rather than major digestive changes.

Pani puri + mint: The refreshing, digestive twist

Mint’s carminative properties can soothe the stomach (Image: Envato)

Mint does more than cool your palate. “Mint not only adds a refreshing burst of flavour but also has carminative properties that can soothe the stomach,” says Joshi. She adds that it helps “stimulate digestive enzymes and reduce bloating, making pani puri feel lighter on the gut.” When combined with spices like cumin and tamarind, “the mint water becomes both rejuvenating and mildly digestive,” she shares.

Aloo tikki originated in North India as a spiced potato cutlet during the British era (Image: Envato)

Having aloo tikki with curd isn’t just about taste — it’s about balance. “Curd makes the snack gentler on the stomach and lowers its glycaemic load,” says Joshi. She explains that curd adds “protein, probiotics, and calcium,” helping to balance out the carbs and fats in the tikki. “The combination also keeps you fuller for longer and aids in better digestion compared to having the tikki alone,” she adds.

Corn on the cob, or bhutta, became a popular Indian monsoon snack after maize was introduced from the Americas in the 16th century (Image: Envato)

Those tangy masalas do more than season your bhutta. “Masalas like chilli powder, black salt, and lime juice don’t increase nutrients but they can make nutrients more available,” Joshi says. For instance, she explains, “lime adds vitamin C, which helps in better absorption of antioxidants from corn.” Certain spices also have “anti-inflammatory and digestive benefits,” she adds, making the corn “a fibre-rich, flavour-packed snack with added functional value.”

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.