NEW DELHI: Holi calls for food that looks as joyful as the festival itself. While gujiyas and thandai are staples, a vibrant chaat spread can instantly elevate your celebration. Bursting with colour, texture and tangy flavours, chaat perfectly mirrors the spirit of Holi—playful, bold and irresistible. Here’s a category-wise guide to building a chaat menu that feels festive, balanced and exciting.
CLASSIC CROWD FAVOURITES
These timeless chaats never fail and are perfect anchors for your Holi table.
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Dahi puri: Crispy puris stuffed with spiced potatoes and chickpeas, topped with chilled yoghurt, tamarind chutney and mint chutney. A sprinkle of sev and pomegranate adds crunch and colour. The creamy-meets-tangy flavour makes it an instant hit.
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Papdi chaat: Crunchy papdis layered with boiled potatoes, chole, yoghurt and chutneys. Finished with chaat masala and fresh coriander, this dish delivers the perfect mix of crisp, soft, sweet and spicy elements.
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Aloo tikki chaat: Golden, pan-fried potato patties topped with yoghurt, chutneys and chopped onions. The contrast between the crisp tikki and cool yoghurt makes it comforting yet festive.
REGIONAL DELIGHTS
Add depth to your spread with chaats inspired by different parts of India.
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Tamatar ki chaat: A popular Banarasi preparation, this dish features cooked tomatoes and boiled potatoes tempered with spices. Garnished with sev and coriander, it offers a warm, tangy twist that stands out from typical cold chaats.
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Palak patta chaat: Spinach leaves dipped in besan batter and deep-fried until crisp, then topped with yoghurt and chutneys. It’s crunchy, slightly earthy and visually vibrant—ideal for a colourful Holi platter.
FUSION AND EXPERIMENTAL PICKS
For guests who enjoy a surprise element, these modern twists add excitement.
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Wasabi matar chaat: Boiled green peas tossed with onions, tomatoes, chaat masala and a hint of wasabi paste. The sharp kick balances beautifully with the sweetness of peas, giving your table a contemporary edge.
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Tokri chaat: Served in edible crispy baskets made of potato or flour, this chaat is as decorative as it is delicious. Filled with sprouts, potatoes and chutneys, it makes for a stunning centrepiece.
BUILD-YOUR-OWN CHAAT COUNTER IDEA
If you’re hosting a larger gathering, consider setting up a DIY chaat station. Arrange bowls of puris, papdis, boiled potatoes, chole, yoghurt, chutneys, chopped onions, sev, coriander and pomegranate seeds. Guests can customise their plates, making the experience interactive and fun—just like Holi itself.
A well-curated chaat spread doesn’t just satisfy hunger. It enhances the festive mood. With a mix of classics, regional specialties and fusion bites, you can create a Holi menu that’s vibrant, flavour-packed and unforgettable.
