Tag Archives: #Street food

If you ever feel the need to treat yourself albeit the healthy way, indulge in melt-in-the-mouth, sugar free and extremely delicious street sin desserts. You can’t help but fall in love!

What the heck! 15 Off-the-chart street desserts are here to wrap up your meals with a bash!!

22nd May 2021 soulshop.com Leave a comment

“Life is uncertain. Eat dessert first”.-Ernestine Ulmer

*Image source: ‘Best desserts in London’ in visitlondon.com*.

When you talk about street food you could just think of the main course alone; all from gourmet burgers, wood-fired pizza, fish tacos. However, street food is lot more than this. There is a whole range of delicious street food desserts on offer, to satisfy your sweet tooth. Old classics such as ice cream still rule, but there are some epic desserts that could enslave you like never before!

Much more unique than a typical wedding cake, street desserts are delectable, made all fresh, are healthy and take you on one helluva of culinary journey. From cookies, muffins, brownies, granola, cakes and come summer, delicious, sugar-free, gluten-free mango cakes, puddings and tartlets filled with healthier ingredients like almond flour, coconut flour, nuts and seeds- these show stoppers top the menu chart across small restaurants and street side eateries. If you ever feel the need to treat yourself without having to worry about which way your belly button goes, just dig into the unsung flavors of street side desserts! The chocolate sorbet on the road side could be just as delicious, super rich yet completely sugar free and vegan. And what of orange sponge cake with dark chocolate mousse or low calorie cheesecake with nutty crust! Delicious and sugar free, full of aromatic spices, topped with pistachios or soaked in rose syrup, there are plenty of insanely good delights that could become your best snap eats if you are good at exploring flavors.

So, if you are looking for some dessert ideas and want something different than the usual, here are 15 incredible lip-smackingly good healthy street desserts that dig small in the pocket and definitely are not a diet disaster. Just be ready to get blown away by the blasts of flavors.

Mango sticky rice

In this popular street food dessert, sweetened coconut milk flavors the sticky rice, which is then served with fresh mango; a refreshing take on the traditional Thai treat. Mango toppings on the rice, drenched with delicately salted coconut sauce and a sprinkle of sesame seeds, this addictive Thai dessert is a unique twist to enjoy fresh mangoes. When served with some more of coconut ice-cream, it adds to that extra indulgence. Try this gluten-free, vegetarian, and vegan love-at-first-bite kind of easy peasy ripe mango dessert on any occasion! If you haven’t done so far and anyone tells you its awesome, you can certainly believe them!

Thai roti

*Image source: ‘Thai Banana Pancakes (Banana Roti)’ by Pailin Chongchitnant in hot-thai-kitchen.com on Nov. 30, 2018.*

Thai roti or pancake is similar to a crepe and is highly addictive. Paper thin, crunchy, crispy and topped with sweetened condensed milk and sugar, Thai rotis are a foodie’s every time delight. The combination of crispiness, sweetness and saltiness is enchanting. But the evolution doesn’t stop just at crispy frying, though it is a bit intimidating to stretch and cook such a thin flatbread and then griddle fry it. Quite forgiving in calories, its variant includes Nutella or jam filling, fresh fruit, cheese or even pizza toppings. The trick is to get the bread as thin as possible, which when fried and served with banana, chocolate sauce or condensed coconut milk and a sprinkle of cinnamon, turns this flaky street treat crazy enough to disarm you.

Egg Waffle

Egg waffle, sometimes called egg puff, eggette or bubble waffle, is a popular delicacy that is visually puffy with a pullapart texture. Made out of egg white and yolk, milk, butter, sugar, flour and salt, this tiny treat is made in special pans with small, round cell. The end result is a waffle with crisp edges and soft oval “eggs” or “bubbles” which can be easily broken off for snacking. Devoured plain or paired with fruit and different spreads, this seemingly unexceptional cheap street food dessert is crispy on the outside, and fluffy on the inside. The texture can best be described as a cookie and sponge cake hybrid. Have it served with a range of sauces and toppings such as dark chocolate or caramel sauce and whipped cream and you have a dessert that will muzzle your sweet tooth for good and yet is not off limits.

Carrot pudding

If you’re craving something sweet yet couldn’t resist a balanced diet, this is one treat that you must indulge in without worrying about your fitness needs. An awesome combination of carrots, nuts, milk, and sugar, this dessert is a mega source of beta carotene. Mimicking the butterscotch pudding, this yummy dessert tastes heavenly when served hot with condensed milk and serves best when accompanied with a cup of masala tea. Decadent, flavorful and ranking high on health index, this vegan, paleo, grain free and light dessert is exorbitantly satisfying.The golden hues of this rich, warm and nutritious dish made from baby carrots, will make your heart melt, just like that.

Rice pudding (Kheer)

Image source: ‘Rice Kheer | Indian Rice Pudding (6 ingredients, gluten-free)’ in honeywhatscooking.com on Oct. 19, 2020.

Most interesting in terms of flavors, texture and appeal, this dish only needs three simple ingredients: rice, milk, and sugar. Whole milk fares better for it renders the richest and creamiest consistency to the dessert. When flavored with additional spices, such as cardamom, rose water, saffron, and nuts, a flowery aroma and a tropical taste makes the dish mesmerizing. So, grab your spoons and dig in this yummy goodness. Served warm or cold, this deceptively delicious creamy rice kheer is easy to make and is a street side indulgence not to be missed. Go figure out for yourself and explore the lip smacking combination of simple staples that are so hard to resist!

Coconut ice cream

And who said ice creams were off limit for those on diet trip? Vegan and natural, the coconut ice cream is a hot favorite among those who wouldn’t settle for anything less than sonnets. An ode to the toasted coconut donut hole, this tender, luscious and creamy treat with a mild tropical flavor is a scoop that any coconut lover would jump at. Your penchant for crunch could be like no other, your taste for sweetness is…awesome, but this great non dairy dessert, made simply from coconut milk, sugar and salt and served in coconut halves with toppings of peanuts and chocolate sauce, will sway you for a sugary indulgence. An incredibly tasty experience from a creation as simple as this ice cream, it is unbelievable!!

Gulab jamun

Soft, spongy and melt in the mouth, this dessert is made from milk solids that are reduced to the consistency of soft dough. Shaped into small balls, fried and then drenched in delicately flavored sugar syrup mixed with cardamom and rose water, it is one such street food dessert that is adored by all age groups. Garnished with nuts such as almonds and served hot, it’s a lip smacking insight to flavors of traditional cuisine every time you dig in. Just be wary of going overboard though! The calories in this dessert add up quickly so if you are watching your weight, treat yourself with only small servings at a time. Usually a gulab jamun contains about 125 calories out of which carbs comprise of 90 calories, proteins about 9 and remaining 25 calories come from fat. One single serve in fact provides about 6 % of daily calorie requirement of a standard adult diet of 2000 calories. So just watch out how much you polish off as dessert!!

Kulfi Falooda

Associated with summery climate, this refreshing treat combines thin falooda (vermicelli noodles) and kulfi, a traditional ice cream made out of slowly simmered whole milk and then flavored with pistachio and saffron. The dish is often elevated with various addons like sweet basil seeds, jelly or rose water and garnished with crushed nuts.

A treat to beat the heat, kulfi falooda ranks high on a legendary reputation due to its distinct taste, texture and richness and is among the top ten desserts on the menus of traditional street restaurants. Newer versions like mango and strawberry with a pinch of cinnamon, resemble spiced nutty custard and are similar to regular ice creams but a wee bit thicker and creamier.

So before you dive into any other crazy stuff, try this one and you won’t ever forget the heavenly taste of an unforgettable sin food!

Rasmalai

Melting right in the mouth, rasmalai is an explosive cheese dessert that tastes delicious, is simple. easy to make and involves a three-step process; from making chena (curded milk) discs, boiling them in sugar syrup, and then resting them in thickened milk. The secret to deliciousness lies in curdling the milk to right consistency right after it comes to a boil. This popular dessert shaves off about half the time it would take to make any other traditional dessert with similar silky texture. But no worries, your take is just as delicious with all the traditional ingredients like chena or paneer soaked in sugar, milk and spices like saffron and cardamom.

Banana cue

If you’ve never before tried this one, you are in for a surprise! This popular street food dessert is pretty easy to make and will muzzle any sweet tooth! The dish derives its name from the combination of the words banana and barbecue, though bananas are neither marinated nor grilled. Their similarity in visual appeal and use of skewers to serve, is what coins that term.

Peeled bananas once deep fried until golden brown all over, are generously coated in caramelized sugar and then skewered onto a bamboo stick for ease. A hot favorite amongst street food enthusiasts, it is a portmanteau of banana and barbecue and resembles golden brown meat cooked in a style similar to Satay. (A Southeast Asian dish of seasoned, skewered and grilled meat, served with a sauce.). Sold at street stands and enjoyed as a satisfying quick afternoon snack, this delicious, must try and irresistible dessert will ring of subtle flavors through every bite!

Roti Pisang

*Image source: ‘sweet roti with sweetened condensed milk on top’ in 123rf.com.*

A close cut to banana cue, this traditional street sweet also makes use of bananas as the star ingredient. The unleavened roti dough is stretched until thin, and then the mix of sliced bananas, eggs and sugar is wrapped in and pan-fried until golden brown. Served cut into bite-sized pieces that are dusted with sugar and drizzled with condensed milk, it tastes heavenly and is next-gen best dessert fad. A classic street food, roti pisang is a tempting sweet and filling snack. Full of aromas, topped with pistachios or soaked in rose syrup, this traditional Malayan dessert is here to light up your taste buds if you’re looking for exotic sweets to satisfy your craving!

Candied Apples

Nothing else would catch you eye like those glossy, red and sweet candied apples, also known as jelly apples, so irresistibly displayed on street side cart and patisserie across the street. If you still remember those shining red treats in a shop window or grocery store from your childhood days, you would know how a bite into this ‘healthy snack’ feels like; perhaps the most exhilarating way to break a crunchy sugar shell coating of a nourishing snack! Some of these attitudes might have worn off as you grew up, but surely not on the appeal of the shiny exterior and crunchy contrast of candy and apple; so irresistible and mouth watering!!

Feature credit: kitchenstories.com.

Simply dipped into a red sugar coating tempered with hot cinnamon flavor that has reached hard crack stage, you can taste and experience a fairground classic street sin food that works so well with grownups and kids alike. Every bite of candied apple is like a little party in your mouth. Wrapped in plastic and tied with a ribbon, they make a perfect take-home favors, too.

Bionico

A popular Mexican street fruit parfait, bionico is essentially a cocktail of a variety of fruits, chopped into small cubes, drenched with creamy sauce and then topped off with granola, pecans, raisins, shredded coconut and sometimes honey. Try it!! Visually appealing and delicious you wouldn’t think of anything more summery and tropical than a bionico tossed in a mixture of yogurt, Pina Colada smoothie (a delicious tropical treat that tastes like pineapple and coconut. Texture resembles smoothie when blended) and chia seeds. When topped with granola and coconut, this street food beats all surprises. Few even prefer the combination of condensed milk, sour cream or yoghurt, instant coffee and vanilla. A great snack, you just couldn’t get any better than this of a street side dessert!!

Seviyan

*Image source: ‘Vermicelli pudding ‘ by Shazia in cookingwith shazia.com on Mar. 16, 2020*.

A quick 20 minute dessert, seviyan is a perfectly creamy, delicious milk based dessert where primary ingredient is thin vermicelli; nothing like the regular one. The magic unfolds when whole milk, sugar, saffron, and roasted mixed nuts are mixed with it. Stirred well on low heat and then served once it pipes down, it turns into a delectable feast of flavors. Spices and toppings change hands as you like.

Kesari, closely resembling seviyan, is essentially lightly roasted broken vermicelli pieces that are slow cooked in milk and sugar and infused with cardamom, rose or saffron. A kesari parfait when laced with light creamy custard and layered with crunchy almonds and chewy raisins, orchestrates a symphony of flavors once served in glass. Ask for a dollop of custard as topping and this insanely good sin food would jack up your senses roof high!

Green Tea Honey Frozen Yogurt

*Image source: ‘Paleo matcha green tea ice cream’ by Lauren Hood in pinterest.com*.

If your idea of a fruit dessert is a can of packed fruits or a weary looking loaf of fruit cake, just take a moment off and think twice. Fruits are perfect in pie, work best when fresh and crunchy tucked away within layers of creamy cake or as a tasty topping on a crumb tart. And when combined with the right ingredients will satisfy any sugar fiend guilt free. Green tea honey frozen dessert is one such good bet. Easy to make, it has exactly the kind of flavor you would expect and is a tad lighter than traditional ice cream. A low key take on classic green tea matcha ice cream, this green tea and honey flavored frozen dessert is a surprisingly perfect summer treat. The honey and green tea do a great job of balancing all the flavors while the yoghurt packs a powerful protein punch that will see you through the day.

Feature credit: kitchenstories.com.

When you want to cut down on sugar and still get your dessert fix, there’s a way to have the best of bonne bouche; from cakes and brownies to ice creams and cookies that use natural sweeteners or sugar replacements. All you need to do is believe and behave like the newlyweds for a while who do things a little differently. For once break away and think of treating yourself with the most indulgent and stunning but guilt free sweet street food and who knows this could be your special day! Don’t let those no bake no brainer organic, dairy and gluten free desserts fascinate you enough to bite let alone binge!! After all;

“Eating and living healthy is not always about punishment or sacrifice!!”

Finding healthy food options by street side is no longer a challenge.

Lip smacking street foods that are not a diet disaster and are actually healthy!!

25th Oct 2020 soulshop.com Leave a comment

If a quick bite is your only choice then reach out for those sumptuous street foods without worrying about your waist line. It’s no big deal! You could even escape the trip to an expensive restaurant with your diet plan intact and find healthier options among the street foods that are notorious as diet disasters.

An ideal food that does not derail the diet is one that is not loaded with high fat and high salt or flaunt high calorie items and essentially carries a plate that is half fresh fruits or veggies, a quarter of whole grains and the rest lean protein. Look out for grilled, baked or boiled options veggies preferably and then add sides of salad or a fruit salad. This could be your spread if you look for healthy options every time you rush for a quick bite.

A third of people who eat at food joint three or four times a week are obese. More often we forget that for almost every meal that we take, smart choices are there for our picking. That doesn’t mean that you should avoid fast food entirely if you are looking for a few healthy options to order each time you eat out. If you are on the run and hungry, street foods are not only fast but usually hit the spot each time. They are cheap, tasty and above all- so convenient.

The key however is self restraint- both in how often you frequent these street food joints and what you eat leaning on side rails. Street food menus are tricky if you are watching your belly. Finding safe and healthy food at these wayside joints is always a challenge, but there are always choices that you can make that are healthier than others. Just learn to keep your entire meal to 500 calories or less …no more. The average adult eats 836 calories per tuck-in each time and usually underestimates what he or she ate by about 175 calories. So… no wild guesses- nutritional info on various food items is available at number of websites and franchise locations. Take advantage of this info. Opt for foods that are lower in fat and high in protein and fiber. Look for items with more good stuff like fiber, whole grains and high quality protein. Look out for spreads that are low in saturated fats and steer clear of dishes that carry trans fats.

But then you could be wrong if you assume that healthy sounding dishes are always the best bet. Many salads turn into a diet minefield once they get smothered in high fat dressings and fried toppings. This is where learning before ordering could make a huge difference. Remember what you eat is your best bet to live a healthier lifestyle.

Here’s how;

Pin on to zero calorie beverages

Soda, a huge source of hidden calories packs in around 300 calories in a large pack. Shakes are even worse and have about 800 calories stowed in – that’s a day’s worth of saturated fats. And don’t be fooled by lemonades or fruit drinks. These add calories and sugar and definitely lack much in the way of nutrient. Be wiser about sides and ask for water, diet soda, or unsweetened tea instead.

Those side dishes are evil and mean no good to you

Beware of items that come with side dishes. Sides like fries, chips, rice, noodles, onion rings, coleslaw, macaroni and cheese, biscuits, and mashed potatoes with gravy, could set the calories flying. Better bets are salads with light dressing, baked potato that are easy on the toppings, fresh fruits, or corn on the cob (a cooked ear of freshly picked maize).

And pass on those French fries for you could do without them. A sandwich or burger has plenty of filling of its own. Still if your meal doesn’t sound complete without this ravishing evil choose the smallest size. This could be a whopping 400 calories lesser than the large serving.

Even lean meat could wreck your diet plan

Adding meats- even the lean ones to sandwiches and salads is always a tempting thought. But these have very few nutrients and are high in fat and calories. Ask for extra pickles, onions, lettuce, tomatoes or mustard to add flavor without the fat. Even skipping high fat toppings like cheese, noodles and croutons could save you from adding hundreds of calories!

And if you could, avoid salads that have deep fried sea food, cheese and sour cream that make them high fat, high calorie diet-chart busters.

How promising are the diet plans

Diet plans are time consuming and could make you often wonder if fast food is the only way to cram a meal into a busy schedule. May be you just couldn’t let go of those spellbinding McDee burger! Either way it’s all too easy to overload on fast food items with high counts of trans fat, salt and additives that could bring some serious harm to your health.

But did you know that there are healthy food options too on the food menu of these street side joints? While most nutritionists would reject the idea of eating fast foods that are on best weight loss tips, there are plenty of street foods that are loaded with nutrients and go easy with calories at the same time.

A lot many sidewalk joints are offering these options now. Some of these are sure to surprise you if you are apprehensive about the scary ingredients hiding in your favorite dish! Save yourself the trouble. You could always check with 20 odd nutritionist approved menu items on the Net you can trust. These joints serve you far less spooky stuff than you could have imagined; more as a margin trimming exercise than any afterthought on food’s nutritional value that is served. Whatever… you win either way. Less ingredients and still lesser trans fats means your worst fears have the bottom knocked out.

Once you decide on living a healthy lifestyle, you need to gradually change the way you look at what comprises a healthy meal. Be determined to make this change for the long term and not because of any urge to make this a fad.

Looking for something refreshing and healthy!

If you think that you are done with the recipes doing round on the internet and want to try something new and healthy- these street food items might tickle your taste buds right. Not only these could be appropriate to what you consider as flavorful and healthy but you could also have a taste of savory cuisines- literally.

South Indian Food : You can start by trying South Indian healthy street food items that bet on strong flavors, go easy with fats and are finger-licking good! Needless to say the cuisine has set firm roots all over the world. Soft, steamed idlis are not only extremely healthy, but are absolutely delicious with coconut chutney and sambhar. Crispy fried dosas are an anytime snack favorite and can compliment practically any gravy. Though traditionally made with coconut, the chutney can also be made with onions, tomatoes, chilies and coriander!

Palak Paneer: Healthy, delicious and innovative, Palak Paneer essentially made with spinach and farmer’s cottage cheese (paneer), is nearly always the star of the table when it comes to vegetarian fare. Add a few naans or rotis (flatbreads) to it and you have a complete nutritious meal.

Biryani: This classic concoction of rice and chicken has more variants than any other dish! Modifications specific to various regions is what keeps this dish interesting. While some keep it classic, many street side eateries mix the rice with a pre-cooked gravy for the moist flavorsome appeal and then add the meat.

Corn on the cob : Another widely adored street food is corn on the cob (also known as bhutta). The corncobs are roasted on a hot coal stove and then rubbed with some lemon juice, salt and spices. A variant of this is the boiled American corn that is sold in small plastic cups. Beware of the amount of butter that goes into it, though!

Sandwich : The toasted sandwich is a particularly popular snack, Stuffed with tomato, potato, cucumber and onion and lathered with some chutney; sandwich can be eaten plain or toasted. The fillings vary and may include vegetables such as capsicum and beetroot. Most sandwich vendors now offer the option of brown bread as well, although mass-produced brown bread is hardly the healthy variety.

Momos : Always very popular as a savory dish, these steamed dumplings are a healthy and filling snack on the go. Vegetables or meats are stuffed inside parcels made of rice flour. These are usually served piping hot with spicy sauces.

Pav bhaji: Infinitely popular this Indian street food is generally made spicy, loaded with veggies and lugs a generous amount of butter. Though it is loved throughout the year, winters are the best time to relish this for all the vegetables that can be added to it. Just take a look at those peas on top, you will understand what I am saying.

McDonald’s Grilled Chicken Classic Sandwich: Grilled chicken sandwiches generally make better healthy lunches than hamburger patties. Pair yours with a salad and light dressing and low-fat milk or water to drink. This fast food is not meant to expand your waistline for calories may be far below 500, but your blood pressure may take a flip because of high sodium contents, if you gorge on it regularly. So, don’t bite it too often!

Burger King Whopper Jr. : Burgers could be a smart choice if you load yours with veggies like onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and pickles for added flavor without additional salt or fat. Skipping cheese and settling for barbecue sauce or ketchup instead of mayonnaise saves on calories. You could try the garden patty option too. Regardless of which burger you pick, skip the bun and you could slice off another 140 calories.

Singapore Chili Crab: If you have a knack for spicy meals, schedule your next rush to a roadside eatery for lunch grab where crab finds prominence in the menu ! This dish is healthy because it contains 45 grams of protein and only 9 grams of fat. The micronutrients that this dish offers are essential for keeping your weight on track.

Korean Fried Chicken Burger: The perfect combination of fried chicken and burgers into your plate is created to not make you feel guilty about eating it. This dish contains 19 grams of protein and 2 grams of fiber. The recipe could be a bit tricky because it combines ingredients that are meant for the chicken with the kimchi-style sauce.

Tandoori Chicken: Chicken is one of the best sources of protein, and is naturally low in calories. The only concern is that it’s preparation require oil which compromises on the health factor. Tandoori chicken is however, prepared without any oil, from a paste made of chicken, spices, and a little butter. Just make sure your vendor doesn’t use artificial colors and you’re good to go,

Sweet potato: Potatoes are ever woefully accused of being unhealthy and leading to weight gain. On the contrary potatoes are good for health. Sweet potatoes are loaded with a number of nutrients like vitamins A, B, and C, and minerals like manganese, potassium, and iron, along with a good amount of fiber. Topped with lemon and spices to enhance flavor there is nothing wrong with having sweet potato, even regularly.

Stuffed Parantha : This version of Indian flatbread is satiating, contains the richness of butter, and is delicious. Street joints usually offer stuffed variants ranging from vegetables, boiled potato or paneer all mixed with assortment of taste enhancing spices. These fillers are needless to say, good for health. What more, it is prepared on the spot, so you could watch and ensure that the person making it uses less oil. The paratha itself is made of wheat flour, so nothing wrong over there. Butter, which in low quantities is perfectly healthy, and the pickle is also none too bad for your guts or health.

A hot bowl of Soup: Whenever the time is of the essence and is running short, instant soup is a quick fix for eating on a time crunch and getting respite from the stress conditions. It works as an easy and comforting snack for people of all ages.

Spiced lamb and Feta gozleme : Who says you can no longer eat a single pizza when you want to live a healthier lifestyle? Turkish Gozleme with Lamb are savory homemade flatbreads filled with ground lamb, spices, herbs and feta cheese. You won’t be able to eat just one! They’re incredibly delicious and full of great flavors! Each serving contains 65 grams of carbs, 4 grams of fiber and 38 grams of protein.

Shawarma: Shawarma is a dish from Middle Eastern cuisine consisting of meat cut into thin slices, stacked in a cone-like shape, and roasted on a slowly-turning vertical rotisserie or spit. Originally made of lamb or mutton, today’s shawarma may also be chicken, turkey, beef, or veal. However, shawarmas typically run in the 600-calorie neighborhood, once you’ve added in the pita and sauces. So if you wish to maintain your toned flat stomach, try only once in a while or only to make good your calorie shortfall. Whatever… it’s delightful, divine and knock-out tasty, all at the same time.

Get the best in health and wellness

Your attempt to have a healthier lifestyle should not be harmed just because of the limited options for food available for you. You should be inquisitive enough to search for healthier meals around you, and street foods could become an excellent option for you. And there are a lot of healthy finger foods which you can try and that won’t break your teeth when you bite into them.

Think about this in your next internet search and I am sure, you’ll be able to discover more food cart dishes that fit to your healthy lifestyle!

The Maverick#59: Inspiring and empowering, for the best is possible.