panipuri

Panipuri, also known as pani puri, golgappa, or gupchup, is a popular street snack in the Indian subcontinent. It features hollow, crispy puris—usually made from semolina or wheat flour—that are fried until puffed. A small opening is made in each puri and it is filled with a mixture such as mashed boiled potato, boiled chickpeas or mung beans, and sometimes chopped onion, coriander, and spiced salt.

The filled puri is then dipped into or filled with a flavored water (pani) that typically combines tamarind, mint, cilantro, green chilies, and spices such as cumin and black salt. The dish is eaten in one bite to experience a combination of textures and contrasting flavors—hot, tangy, spicy, and sweet notes depending on regional recipes.

Names and regional variations vary across the Indian subcontinent. In North India and parts of Pakistan the snack is commonly called golgappa, while pani puri is widely used in Mumbai and other regions; in eastern India it is often referred to as gupchup. Fillings and pani ingredients can vary by region and vendor, with some versions featuring chutneys, sev, or boondi as toppings.

Panipuri is a defining element of chaats and street food culture, typically enjoyed at stalls, markets, or chaats counters. It is valued for its portability, vivid flavors, and social appeal, though it is relatively high in carbohydrates and salts.