Pani puri is an immensely popular Indian street food made of crispy, hollow, fried dough balls (puri) stuffed with boiled potatoes, steamed moong sprouts, or chickpeas, along with spicy tangy water and sweet chutney.

It’s a favorite chaat snack for many, bursting with various flavors that make it impossible to stop at just one!

What is Pani Puri

Pani translates to water, and puris are puffed, crispy dough balls. The pani is usually tangy, spicy, and slightly sweet, balanced by adding tamarind chutney. This sweet chutney is called Meetha Pani, while the spicy water is called Teekha Pani. Both are poured into the puris, along with a filling of boiled potatoes, moong sprouts, or a curry made from white peas (ragda).

Dear Lykkers, known by different names across India—Golgappa, Puchka, or Gupchup—pani puri is a street food loved nationwide, with unique variations in every region.

This recipe is an easy version where you can make spicy, tangy, and sweet pani without needing separate chutneys.

Step-by-Step Guide to Make Pani Puri

Making Pani (Spiced Water)

Prepare Ingredients:

Rinse 1 cup coriander leaves, ½ cup mint leaves, 2–3 green chilies, and 1-inch ginger. Peel and chop the ginger, chilies, and herbs. Avoid mint stems as they can add bitterness.

Blend Ingredients:

In a grinder, add the chopped herbs, 1 tablespoon tamarind, 3.5 tablespoons jaggery, 1 teaspoon roasted cumin powder, 1 teaspoon chaat masala, and salt to taste. Add ⅓ cup water and blend to a smooth consistency.

Dilute the Chutney:

Transfer the mixture to a bowl. Rinse the blender with ½ cup water and add it to the bowl. Adjust water to your preference, ensuring the flavors remain intense. Chill the pani in the fridge before serving.

Making the Filling

Prepare Potatoes:

Boil 2–3 medium potatoes, peel them, and chop into small cubes. You can also add steamed moong sprouts or boiled chickpeas.

Mix Spices:

Add ¼ teaspoon red chili powder, 1 teaspoon each of chaat masala and roasted cumin powder, and salt to taste. Mix well.

Assembling the Pani Puri

Prepare the Puris:

Open the top of each puri using your thumb or a spoon.

Add the Filling:

Stuff the puris with the potato mixture and a drizzle of sweet chutney (optional).

Add Pani:

Pour the chilled spiced water into the puris and serve immediately to avoid sogginess.

Helpful Tips

Store-bought puris work great, but you can make them at home using flour or semolina.

Customize the filling with your choice of ingredients like boiled chickpeas or onions.

Chill the pani in advance, but avoid diluting it with ice cubes.

Black salt enhances the flavor significantly—don’t skip it!

Enjoy the Burst of Flavors

Relish every bite of this delightful street food, bursting with tangy, spicy, and sweet flavors! Prepare everything fresh and serve immediately for the authentic pani puri experience.