This street-style Indian vegan Bhel Puri chaat recipe is also called Geeli (Wet) Bhel due to its use of three vibrant chutneys—green coriander chutney, sweet and sour tamarind chutney, and spicy red garlic chutney. Since Geeli Bhel can get soggy if prepared in advance, it’s always made fresh and served immediately. Key ingredients in this famous Indian chaat include kurmura (puffed rice), onions, tomatoes, potatoes, raw mango (kairi), peanuts, crispy chana dal, chickpeas, tangy chaat masala, kala namak, cumin powder, sev, Papdi, cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon juice. In my experience, Bombay Bhel Puri tastes best when made at home or served by a street vendor—it just doesn’t hit the same when served in fancy restaurants! This famous Bombay chaat has regional cousins throughout India. In Bengal, it’s called Jhalmuri, while Indori Puffed Rice Bhel is a specialty from Madhya Pradesh. Karnataka has its version known as Churumuri. If you mix in yogurt, it becomes Dahi Bhel Puri. Another interesting twist is Chinese Bhel, an Indo-Chinese fusion dish made with fried noodles and Asian sauces. Fresh Garlic cloves - Brings a bold, pungent flavor that pairs perfectly with the spices. Spices - Cumin powder and black salt enhance the chutney with an earthy, smoky depth. Raw Mango (Kairi) – If in season, raw mango adds a delightful tangy flavor to the Chaat, enhancing its taste. Veggies – A combination of finely chopped onions, juicy tomatoes, and tender boiled potatoes adds freshness and texture to the Bhelpuri Chaat. Roasted Peanuts – Adds a nutty crunch that complements the other textures. Green Chutney – Offers a refreshing, spicy kick. Thin it out with water if needed, but avoid making it too runny. Sweet Tamarind Chutney (Meetha Chutney) – Balances the flavors with its tangy sweetness, a perfect match for the spicy chutneys. It’s made with tamarind, dates, and jaggery. You can make Meetha Chutney for Bhelpuri at home or buy it ready from the store. Crispy Lentils – Masala chana dal or any store-bought crispy fried lentils provide an extra crunchy bite. Roasted Chickpeas (Chana) – Adds additional texture and flavor to the mix. Spices – Black salt (Kala Namak), chaat masala, and chopped green chillies give Bombay Chaat its classic street-food seasoning. Papdi or Plain Puri – Essential for Mumbai Bhel Puri, these round savory crackers add texture and can be used as scoops for the Chaat. Plain Puri is available online or in Indian grocery stores. They’re different from the puris used in Pani Puri. You can also make them at home from scratch using wheat flour. Cilantro – Freshly chopped cilantro adds a bright, herby flavor. Lemon Juice – A squeeze of lemon juice brings a zesty tang that balances the flavors perfectly.
Chatpati Bhelpuri is perfect as an evening snack alongside Tea, Coffee, or Dalgona Coffee, but it can also make a delicious lunch or dinner option. This Bhel recipe is so tasty that you must give it a try! Consider serving Bombay Bhel Puri at your next house party, potluck, weekend brunch, game night, or holiday celebration—whether it’s Diwali, Holi, Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve! Pair it with delightful desserts like Shahi Tukda, Mango Phirni, Rasmalai Cake, Seviyan Kheer, or Gulab Jamun Kulfi for a truly memorable feast. This Bhel Puri Chaat recipe is also an excellent snack for picnics. Just pack the wet ingredients separately and mix them right before serving to maintain that perfect crunch! This interactive experience not only adds fun to your gathering but also ensures that each serving is fresh and perfectly crunchy. Guests can easily personalize their Bombay Bhel Puri (more spicy, or sweet) with their favorite toppings, making it a hit at any event! Customize Flavor: Adjust the ingredients based on your desired level of spice, sourness, and sweetness. For a milder flavor suitable for kids, consider reducing the spice levels in the green chutney and red garlic chutney. You can also add a touch of tomato ketchup for sweetness. Bhelpuri Chutney Choices: While store-bought chutneys are convenient, homemade Bhel Puri chutneys offer a superior taste. Ready-Made Options: You can find ready Indian Bhel Mix in Indian grocery stores, which typically include kurmura, sev, and Papdi. Simply add your choice of veggies and chutneys for a quick and delicious Bhel Puri Chaat!
