Samosa chaat is a popular North Indian street snack made by breaking up crispy samosas and topping them with chickpeas, yogurt, sweet and tangy chutneys, onions, sev (crunchy chickpea-flour noodles) and chaat masala. It's essentially a samosa turned into a loaded, sweet-spicy-tangy plate you eat with a spoon.
If you already like samosas, samosa chaat is the natural next step. You will find it on our chaat menu.
What is chaat?
"Chaat" is a whole family of Indian street snacks, not one dish. The word is often linked to the Hindi for "to lick," which tells you how people feel about it. Chaat is all about contrast in a single bite: crunchy and soft, sweet and sour, cool yogurt and spicy chutney.
Pani puri, sev puri, bhel puri, chaat papdi, dahi puri and samosa chaat all belong to this family. If you've never had pani puri, see our guide on how to eat pani puri.
What's in samosa chaat?
Every version is a little different, but samosa chaat usually includes:
- Samosa: a crisp pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas, broken into pieces.
- Chickpeas: often a spiced chickpea curry (chole or chana masala) spooned over the top.
- Yogurt: cool and creamy, it balances the spice.
- Chutneys: a sweet, tangy tamarind chutney and a green mint-cilantro chutney.
- Toppings: chopped onion, crunchy sev and a sprinkle of chaat masala, a tangy spice blend.
What does samosa chaat taste like?
Sweet, tangy, savory and a little spicy, all at once. The samosa brings crunch and potato comfort, the chickpeas make it hearty, the yogurt cools it down and the chutneys tie everything together. It's filling enough to be a light meal on its own.
How do you eat samosa chaat?
With a spoon, and right away. Chaat is best fresh, while the samosa and sev are still crunchy and the yogurt is cool. Try to get a little of everything in each spoonful. If you're picking up an order, eat it soon after you get home for the best texture.
Tip: want your samosa plain? Order Samosas (Large - 2 Pieces) instead. Many people get one of each to compare.
Samosa chaat vs. other chaat: which should I order?
- Samosa Chaat: the heartiest chaat, thanks to the samosa and chickpeas. Best if you're hungry.
- Chaat Papdi: crisp fried wafers (papdi) topped with yogurt, chutneys and spices. Lighter and crunchier.
- Dahi Puri: crisp, hollow puris filled with potato and chickpeas and topped with yogurt and chutneys. Eaten in one bite.
- Bhel Puri: a dry, crunchy puffed-rice snack tossed with chutneys and toppings.
Everything on our chaat menu is vegetarian and made in our dedicated vegetarian kitchen.
Is samosa chaat spicy?
It usually has some heat from the spices and green chutney, but the yogurt and sweet tamarind chutney keep it balanced. Most people find it medium rather than hot. If you're sensitive to spice, mention it at the counter when you order.
Is samosa chaat vegan?
Traditional samosa chaat includes yogurt, so it isn't vegan as usually served. If you eat vegan, tell the counter and we'll help you find options. Our vegan Indian food guide has more ideas.
Can I get samosa chaat for a party?
Yes. Samosa chaat is on our catering menu as a sharing order, along with trays of chaat papdi, bhel puri, sev puri and dahi puri. Chaat is a fun party food because guests can try a little of everything.
Samosa vs. samosa chaat: what's the difference?
A samosa is the pastry on its own: crisp, golden and filled with spiced potato and peas. It's usually eaten by hand, often with a dip of chutney. Samosa chaat takes that same samosa, breaks it open and turns it into a layered dish with chickpeas, yogurt, chutneys and toppings. A samosa is a snack you grab; samosa chaat is a plate you sit down with.
Where to get samosa chaat in Langley Park
Ananda Kitchen is inside BITES Food Court + Bar at 8046 New Hampshire Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20783, in the Langley Park Shopping Center, near College Park, Takoma Park and Silver Spring. Parking is free.
We're open daily 11am to 9pm, and until 10pm on Friday and Saturday. Order samosa chaat online for pickup. Most orders are ready in about 30 minutes.
