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Dahi Bhalla Chaat My Dadi Sold at India Gate in 1970s

My grandmother had a chaat stall opposite India Gate. This is her exact recipe that people still talk about 50 years later.

By Priya's Kitchen
•★4.0(44 ratings)•Appetizer•North Indian•1900 views•Updated Feb 13, 2026
280m
Total Time
10
Servings
medium
Difficulty
🌶️🌶️medium
Spice Level

Prep Time

240 minutes

Cook Time

40 minutes

Ingredients

Instructions

Soak the dal mixture for 4 hours, grind to a fluffy batter. Deep fry small rounds (about 1.5 inch diameter) in medium-hot oil (170°C) until puffed and well-browned.

Soak the fried bhallas in warm salted water with hing – this is what makes them super soft and spongy.

Squeeze gently between palms, never press hard – dadi's golden rule. Arrange on serving plate.

Whisk the curd with bhuna jeera, salt, and a pinch of sugar until smooth and creamy.

Pour curd over bhallas, then layer: sweet chutney, green chutney, chaat masala, and boondi on top – order matters!

Tags

delhichaatstreet-fooddahi-bhalla

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