The street food vibe in India? It’s wild - bold, loud, packed with flavor, totally unique. Each bite, whether crunchy treats or tangy chaats, tells a story shaped by spices, tradition, and fresh ideas. Over at Tabla Indian Restaurant Lake Nona, we bring that energy straight from India’s bustling sidewalks to your plate - cooked when you order, styled with care, loaded with flavorful kick.
If you’ve never tried Indian street food - or if you’re totally hooked - these five bites are ones, you just can’t skip. Get ready for bold flavors, crispy textures, but above all, real taste from Tabla’s top-rated street-inspired starters.
1. Aloo Tikki Chaat — Crisp, Tangy & Totally Addictive
If you visit India, snack on Aloo Tikki Chaat - soft spiced potato cakes fried crisp, then drizzled with cool curd, tangy tamarind sauce, hot green chutney, sprinkled with crunchy chickpea noodles, finished off with chopped coriander.
At Tabla Lake Nona, our Aloo Tikki Chaat is known for its:
Crisp golden potatoes fried up
Layer of creamy yogurt
Sweet & tangy tamarind chutney
Spicy mint-coriander chutney
A crispy topping with sev plus a few onions' bits
Every bite hits sweet, followed by spice, cold, crispness, tang - layered fast. That’s real street food from India, straight up.
Best for:
Guests are new to Indian cuisine
Folks keen on tasty starters
Folks who like sugary heat
Aloo Tikki Chaat offers a flavorful intro to Indian cuisine – enjoyed widely at home, so its popularity isn't hard to understand.
2. Pani Poori — A Burst of Flavor in Every Bite
Commonly known as Golgappa or Puchka, this bite is a staple of India's street items. No doubt - chomping into one? Total delight.
Guests are just getting into Indian eats. These folks want bold flavors right from the start. Anyone who likes something sweet with a spicy kick fit here. Try Aloo Tikki Chaat - it shows how fun Indian snacks can be - popular for real reasons, not hype.
At Tabla Lake Nona, your Pani Poori arrives as:
A plate of crunchy, empty puris
A potato-chickpea stuffing
Spicy-sour mint drink (pani)
Tamarind liquid brings a sugary kick
Optional chili kick
You assemble each puri yourself, fill it, dunk it, and pop it in your mouth in one bite — just like it’s meant to be enjoyed on the streets of India.
Is Pani Poori spicy or tangy?
Both! Pani Poori's charm is in a combination of flavors. It may take on a very sour or hot character depending on the water used.
Fresh, crunchy, splashy, and bursting with flavor — it’s the kind of appetizer that immediately turns dinner into an experience.
3. Mixed Pakora — Crunchy, Hot & Comforting
There are only a few snacks that offer comfort like a hot serving of pakoras. Mildly seasoned, chickpea flour-dipped, and fried to a crisp — Mixed Pakora is no doubt the best of Indian comfort food.
At Tabla, we make it with a mix of:
Onion
Potato
Spinach
Cauliflower
Other seasonal veggies
Each portion has a crisp exterior, a tender interior, and is accompanied by mint-coriander chutney.
This serves as the ideal snack for sharing, particularly if you are in search of something salty and filling.
Best paired with:
Green chutney
Masala chai
Mild curries as a starter
Mixed Pakora feels home with each crunch - so folks keep coming back, whether they’re new or regular.
4. Samosa Chaat — A Flavor Explosion You Must Try
Imagine this as the dramatic and extravagant cousin of Aloo Tikki Chaat – huge, crunchy, and daring. The Samosa Chaat involves a crispy fried potato-stuffed samosa that is crushed and then garnished:
Yogurt
Tamarind chutney
Mint chutney
Chickpeas
Onions
Sev
Spices
Each bite hits your tongue with a mix of flavors that pop. Yet should you crave something rich, deep, and delicious to start, this one’s got your name on it.
Samosa Chaat remains a top Indian appetizer in Lake Nona - people keep coming back just for this dish.
5. Gobi Manchurian — The Indo-Chinese Superstar
Gobi Manchurian? It’s huge on India’s streets - Indo-Chinese flavors mixed just right. Crispy bits of cauliflower get tossed in a punchy, hot, tangy glaze that packs serious flavor. Crunch meets kick, with a hint of sweetness dragging you back for more.
Tabla’s version is:
Crisp fried cauliflower florets
Smothered in garlic sauce that’s not only spicy but also tangy
Mixed with bell peppers and onions
Balanced with Indo-Chinese flavors
That's a great option for those who enjoy strong flavors and crispy, saucy snacks.
Ready for Indian Street Food Starters at Tabla? Enjoy Food – Book on OpenTable!
Why Tabla Lake Nona Is the Best Place for Indian Street Food
We not only serve street food at Tabla but also celebrate it. Each dish is:
Made fresh to order
Crafted using authentic recipes
Balanced for flavor, texture & aroma
Presented beautifully so you can eat with your eyes first
In case you are having a meal in, taking away, or ordering for a party, Tabla is the one that will bring the original Indian street food to Lake Nona.
FAQs About Indian Street Food at Tabla
1. What is the best-selling Indian street foods at Tabla?
There are many popular Indian street foods, but Guest favorites are Aloo Tikki Chaat, Pani Poori, Mixed Pakora, Samosa Chaat, and Gobi Manchurian.
2. Pani Poori, is it spicy or tangy?
It can be both! You can pick spicy mint water, sour tamarind water, or combine them to suit your taste. So, enjoy amazing pani poori the way you want – spicy, tangy or with sweet flavorful water.
3. What is Aloo Tikki Chaat?
This dish consists of Potato patties, yogurt, mint chutney, tamarind chutney, onions, sev, and spices, all of which are part of the dish.
4. Are the appetizers at Tabla all vegetarians?
Yes, the majority of our street food starters are entirely vegetarian and can even be made vegan upon request.
5. Can I order street food items for catering?
Absolutely! Tabla offers catering events, and many street food items can be included in live counters or buffet-style menus.
6. What is the best dip to have with Pakoras?
Mint-coriander chutney is the traditional pairing, but tamarind chutney goes well too. This amazing chutney makes you enjoy every bite of samosas.
7. Are the appetizers cooked with oil or baking?
To get authentic flavor and crunch, the majority of street food items like pakoras, samosas, and pooris are deep-fried.