A street food vendor in Gujarat has attracted both criticism and curiosity with his unusual addition to the popular Pani Puri – bananas. Pani Puri is a beloved street food in India consisting of small fried puris filled with spiced potatoes or chickpeas and dipped in flavoured water. However, this vendor has created a new twist on the classic dish by introducing bananas as the filling. In a video shared on Twitter, he can be seen mixing chickpeas, spices, coriander leaves, and banana into a bowl before stuffing the puris with the mixture and dipping them into spice water.
The post has received more than 46,000 likes and a lot of comments criticizing the vendor’s invention. Some diners lamented the loss of the traditional ingredients, while others questioned the compatibility and appeal of bananas in Pani Puri. However, some users pointed out that the addition was not entirely new, as it is a popular variation in Gujarat for Jain people who avoid rooted vegetables like onions and potatoes.
Despite the mixed reactions, the vendor’s creation has sparked attention and curiosity online. The unique combination of sweet and savoury flavours in Pani Puri could potentially gain a following and become a new culinary trend. While the original Pani Puri recipe remains cherished, the vendor’s innovative twist is a reminder of the endless possibilities in the world of street food.