From chai to sheermal: Street Food Festival honours vendors and delights foodies

The 14th edition of the National Street Food Festival concluded successfully at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, bringing joy to food enthusiasts from across the city. Over 300 street food vendors from various parts of the country served more than 500 diverse dishes, making the event a true celebration of Indian street food.

Organized by the National Association of Street Vendors of India (NASVI), the festival featured 150 stalls, including live kitchens and processed food stalls. In a bid to enhance the livelihood of street food vendors, several new initiatives were introduced this year. At Chai Chaupal, visitors enjoyed 10 different varieties of tea. Additionally, the festival featured vibrant stage performances, keeping attendees entertained throughout the day.

Alongside the food offerings, there were several engaging activities. The stage came alive with plays, dance performances, singing, and live music by
renowned bands.

Alongside the traditional dishes from various states of the country, the 14th National Street Food Festival also featured a variety of processed foods, including Kerala Halwa, Banana Chips, Ragi Laddoo, Kashmiri Sheermal, Ratlam Mix from Jabalpur, Chicken Pickle from
Chandigarh, Murukku, and more. For the first time, all the vendors at the festival were honoured with NASVI Stars, an initiative that provided them with a distinct identity and recognition for their contributions to the street food culture.
Arbind Singh, the National Coordinator of NASVI, mentioned that this year’s festival was especially dedicated to the country’s street food vendors. The event also encouraged people who empathise with street food vendors to provide financial support to help improve their livelihoods.

Sangeeta Singh, Head of NASVI, Street Food Program, highlighted that the vendors participating in the festival had been associated with NASVI for many years. She emphasised that the vendors undergo regular training on personal hygiene and nutritional value of food, and the best practices for serving food. Additionally, all the vendors and their carts were registered under the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), ensuring the quality and safety of the food they served. This dedication to quality is why Delhiites hold the street food vendors in such high regard.

The festival offered a wide array of culinary delights and also fostered important conversations on the future of street food and sustainability.