Indian Snacks on Devon Avenue

The sheer number of stores on Devon Avenue can be daunting. Between the jewelry stops, sari vendors and restaurants, a stroll through “Little India” presents a riot of color, aroma and sound (especially on a weekend). My friends are always puzzled when it comes to choosing a place to eat. Wanting to avoid the cliché buffets, but craving something authentic, I always steer them to the reliable Sukhadia’s, where I popped in yesterday with a friend for a few snacks.

Panipuri (pictured above, background) has always been one of my favorites, ever since a trip to Mumbai more than 10 years ago. These delicate little orbs (puri) are no bigger than a golf ball. Made from wheat flour and fried until crisp, they’re completely hollow. Just tap out the top part of the puri with a utensil, then fill the crispy sphere with a mixture of chickpeas, onion and soft potatoes that come alongside. You then drizzle on a bit of sweet tamarind chutney and a thin, watery sauce embedded with green chilies (pani). Pop the entire package in your mouth for a mini-explosion of sweet, salty, crispy and starchy.

Meanwhile, bhelpuri is another favorite. Pictured above (foreground), it’s a type of chaat, or savory snack. The dominant ingredient here is puffed rice and yogurt, along with vegetables, strong white onions and sweet tamarind chutney. Sev is also scattered throughout the bowl; this fried snack, shaped like thin noodles and made from flour, is to India what Doritos or Chex Mix is to the U.S.: a salty/crunchy/addictive little snack that somehow tastes even better when drenched in tamarind chutney and cool, creamy yogurt.

Sukhadia’s has dozens of homemade sweets too, featuring several sweetened, condensed milk treats I rarely see outside of West Rogers Park. I particularly love ras malai and jalebi, but just ask the friendly person behind the counter for a recommendation or a sample, and I’m sure they’ll offer you a small taste.

Sukhadia’s

2559 W. Devon Ave.; 773-338-5400

1016 W. Golf Rd., Hoffman Estates; 847-490-4400