Craving a warm, tangy, and protein-packed Indian street food that hits all the right notes? Say hello to Ghugni Chaat—a spicy, soul-satisfying curry made from dried yellow peas, topped with crunchy onions, chilies, tamarind, and fresh herbs. Popular across West Bengal, Odisha, and parts of Bihar, this iconic street snack is as comforting as it is flavorful.
Origin & Invention: Where Did Ghugni Come From?
Ghugni has its roots in Eastern India, especially in Bengal and Odisha, where legumes like yellow peas (matar) and black gram (kala chana) were staple pantry items. The dish likely began as a simple curry made from boiled legumes, flavored with mustard oil and basic spices.
Over time, creative street vendors transformed it into Ghugni Chaat, a dynamic dish combining spicy curry and tangy toppings—turning it from a humble home-cooked meal into a street food sensation.
What Does Ghugni Taste Like?
Ghugni is the perfect mix of savory, spicy, tangy, and earthy. The base curry is warm and slightly thick, cooked with onions, tomatoes, and regional spices like cumin, garam masala, and turmeric. The toppings—raw onions, green chilies, chopped coriander, lemon juice, and tamarind water—add freshness and punch.
Taste Highlights:
- Umami-rich yellow peas curry
- Balanced heat and tang
- Crunch from raw veggies and sev
- Freshness from lemon and coriander
Popularity of Ghugni Chaat Across India
While Kolkata-style Ghugni is best known, the dish has multiple regional versions:
- Kolkata: Tangy with tamarind water and a dash of mustard oil
- Odisha: Simpler with curry leaves and coconut
- Bihar: Served with litti or puffed rice (muri)
- Assam & North Bengal: Paired with chopped boiled eggs or even mutton bits
Today, Ghugni is not just a street favorite—it’s also a popular snack at home, during Durga Puja, picnics, and even as a protein-rich breakfast.
Ingredients in Traditional Ghugni Chaat
To make authentic Bengali-style Ghugni, you need the following ingredients:
For the Curry:
- Dried yellow peas (matar) – soaked overnight
- Onion – finely chopped
- Tomato – chopped or pureed
- Ginger-garlic paste
- Green chilies
- Cumin seeds
- Turmeric powder
- Red chili powder
- Garam masala
- Salt to taste
- Mustard oil or refined oil
- Water
For Topping/Chaat:
- Finely chopped onions
- Fresh coriander leaves
- Chopped green chilies
- Tamarind water or lemon juice
- Chaat masala or bhaja masala
- Optional: boiled egg slices or crispy sev
How to Make Ghugni Chaat at Home
Prep Time: 8 hours soak + 10 min
Cook Time: 25–30 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Step-by-Step Recipe:
- Soak Peas: Soak dried yellow peas in water overnight (at least 6–8 hours).
- Boil Peas: Pressure cook the peas with water and a pinch of salt for 3–4 whistles until soft but not mushy.
- Cook the Curry:
- Heat oil in a pan and temper cumin seeds.
- Add chopped onions, ginger-garlic paste, and sauté until golden.
- Add tomatoes, turmeric, chili powder, and cook till oil separates.
- Add the boiled peas, adjust water, and simmer for 10–15 mins.
- Sprinkle garam masala and mix well.
- Prepare Toppings:
- In a separate bowl, mix chopped onions, chilies, coriander, lemon juice or tamarind water.
- Assemble the Chaat:
- Serve a hot bowl of Ghugni.
- Top generously with the onion-coriander mix.
- Sprinkle bhaja masala or chaat masala.
- Optional: Garnish with boiled eggs, papdi, or sev.
Where to Try Authentic Ghugni Chaat in West Bengal
If you’re in Bengal, some of the best places to try Ghugni Chaat include:
- Kolkata’s College Street: Near Presidency University stalls
- Dakshineswar Temple Area: Popular evening snack vendors
- New Market & Gariahat: Legendary stalls that serve spicy Ghugni all day
- Durga Puja Pandals: A festive staple during Pujo season
Variations & Modern Twists
Ghugni has many modern avatars to suit evolving tastes:
- Egg Ghugni: Topped with chopped boiled egg or half-fried egg
- Mutton Ghugni: Non-veg version with minced mutton
- Paneer Ghugni: Cubes of paneer tossed into the curry
- Ghugni Chaat Bowl: Served cold with sprouts and yogurt—perfect for health freaks
Conclusion
Whether you’re a street food lover or a home cook looking for nutritious and flavorful dishes, Ghugni Chaat is a must-try gem from Bengal’s culinary treasure chest. Rich in plant-based protein, bold spices, and diverse textures, it proves that the simplest ingredients can create the most iconic dishes.
So the next time you’re looking for a satisfying Indian snack or dinner starter—go for Ghugni. It’s not just food, it’s nostalgia in a bowl.