No longer exotic: Avocados join Delhi's street food scene

Avocados are back! After a unique avocado pani puri at a popular chaat corner in Gurgaon went viral on social media, avocados have become popular again. The once 'exotic' fruit has found a new, local avatar. From chaat corners to traffic lights, avocados are now part of Delhi's street food scene.

'Health consciousness urges people to try'

The popularity of avocado has reached its peak and is now in every Indian street food form! Food creator Karan Marwah explains the taste and says, "The guacamole was chilled and the addition of onions added a nice crunch – well-suited for a good filling in my opinion. A mushy filling for gol gappe is not new – think the Kolkata phuchkas with spicy mushy matar spiked with green chilies and onion."

Yash Tekwani, owner of a renowned chaat corner in South Delhi that sells avocado pani puri, credits health-consciousness for the popularity. "Young people are more interested in trying avocado chaat. After the online popularity, the sales have been increasing," he says.

Avocados gone desi

Commenting on the virality of the avocado pani puri, Karan says, "Virality comes from the novelty of the dish – an easily accessible chaat shop serving a fusion as exotic as avocado." At the same time, Puran, a street fruit vendor in Khan Market, says the demand is only rising, even with prices fluctuating. "Regulars buy avocados almost daily. The usual price is around ₹100, but during the festive season, when demand for most fruits spikes, it can go up to ₹250," he says.

"The market for healthy options is growing," Yash continues. "People are bored of salads and want something tastier, so we’re mixing the two and bringing healthy chaat options." Now, avocado jhalmuri, avocado papdi chaat, and even avocado wraps are making their way to Delhi’s busiest street corners — turning the city's health trend into a full-fledged roadside phenomenon.