Food is considered one of the most integral parts of Indian culture.
On the other hand street food is one of the essential elements of the country’s culinary experience.
When talking about street food, various dishes are famous in India, but the most popular one is chaat.
Now what comes into your mind on reading the word chaat?
The majority of you might be thinking of pani puris which is not surprising considering the fact that it is one of the most popular street food in India.
But who invented panipuri in India? How did this crispy and spicy snack even come into existence?
In this article, we are going to learn everything about one of India’s favourite snacks the pani puri, starting from the pani puri history & origins, the person behind pani puri invention, its various health benefits, and the reason why it is extremely popular in India.
So without further adieu, lets dive in!
What is pani puri?
Pani puri is a small hollow ball of fried dough filled with potato consumed with spices, tamarind chutney, chickpeas & flavored water.
How old is Panipuri?
Well, nobody knows the exact age of pani puri but people believe it to be around 2500 years old.
The dish first originated in the northern regions and since then its popularity has spread across the country.
According to legends, pani puri was created to serve as a medicinal food & cure various stomach issues of ancient Indian kings and queens.
But gradually it evolved into a popular Indian street food snack.
Pani Puri Origin and History
The Commonly believed origin of pani puri is the Indian kingdom of Magadha (now part of Bihar) of ancient India.
Different parts of India call pani puri by different names for example golgappa, gol gappe, gup chup(Odisha), puchka, pani ka batasha(Haryana), Padake(Uttar Pradesh) & phulki (Madhya Pradesh).
The term “panipuri” is derived from the combination of two words that is pani ( A spicy and tangy water made using the combination of tamarind, mint, coriander, and other spices) & puri (Small, crispy, hollow shells made using flour or semolina).
This dish is available in every part of the country but what will astonish you the most is the difference in the taste as each region has its unique recipe.
You might see some regions using boiled sprouts as stuffing while others might use boiled moong dal.
And well, It is not only about the stuffing, even the water used for making pani will differ with some using tomato or even lemon water.
Why is Pani puri So Famous?
The shell’s crispiness, the spiciness of the water & the delicious stuffing adds a unique combination of flavors and textures, making it the most famous street food snack in India.
Moreover, it is readily available, and anybody can easily afford it irrespective of their financial background.
Pani puri, along with being very famous in India has also gained popularity in other countries like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Pakistan, becoming part of their food culture as-well.
Is Pani Puri Good for Health?
There is no doubt, to the fact that it is tasty, but the question is, is it healthy?
The answer is both yes & no.
If you follow a strict healthy diet, it is better to avoid pani puri as the shells are deep fried, making them high in calories and unhealthy fats.
On the other hand, it is also a good source of proteins and carbohydrates, especially water, which can be extremely useful for digestion.
If you feel like consuming panipuri, do it occasionally, as regular consumption can lead to health issues such as obesity, diabetes, and high blood pressure.
Now let’s come back to our main topic, that is who invented golgappa?
Who Invented panipuri in India?
According to popular legends, Draupadi is the one who discovered pani puri.
She is the wife of the Pandavas & had a mother-in-law Kunti, in a very well-known Hindu epic, “Mahabharata”.
She cooked a dish called “”Panchakajjaya” while participating in a cooking competition making use of five different ingredients.
The same ingredients were then used to create small, crispy balls filled with a mixture.
These balls later evolved into pani puri, which we all know today.
There is no historical evidence supporting the legend, It is a testament that endures the popularity and cultural significance of Pani Puri in India.
Also there is no denying to the fact that this dish has become an integral part of Indian street food culture and is enjoyed by millions of people across the country.
When is pani puri day Celebrated?
There is no official pani puri day but some restaurants or food festivals might organize an event to celebrate pani puri day & to showcase the popular street food snack.
Conclusion
There is a lot of debate and speculation regarding the origin of pani puri.
While some people believe it to be the invention of North India, some claim it to originate from the South.
Regardless of its origins, there has been a significant growth in the popularity of pani puri & which is still growing in India & around the world, making it a must-try dish, especially for street food lovers.
Also Read:
- What is chronic hunger
- Homemade food benefits
- Why should we eat cooked food
- How to stop craving for junk food
- harmful effects of junk food
- Difference between healthy food and junk food
- Who invented paneer
