KULIYA CHAAT

If you’ve ever strolled through the lanes of Old Delhi, you know how every corner is filled with flavours that surprise and delight. Among them, Kulle Ki Chaat — also known as Kuliya Chaat — is a hidden gem that proves street food doesn’t always have to be fried to be delicious!

This colourful, refreshing chaat is made by scooping out fruits or vegetables like potatoes, cucumbers, or tomatoes and filling them with a spicy, tangy stuffing of chickpeas, green peas, and pomegranate seeds. The term Kulla or Kuliya comes from the word Kulhad, meaning an earthen cup — and just like that, these tiny edible cups hold a burst of incredible flavours in every bite.

Each mouthful offers a perfect balance — tangy from lemon juice, spicy from chaat masala, salty from black salt, and naturally sweet from fruits or vegetables. The crunch of pomegranate and the bite of chickpeas make it a delightful, refreshing treat — perfect for festive platters, party starters, or even a light evening snack.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Assembling time: 10 minutes
Serves: 4 persons

Ingredients:

2 boiled potatoes

2 boiled sweet potatoes

2 small cucumbers

2 tomatoes

For Garnishing:

2 tbsp pomegranate seeds

2 tbsp finely chopped coriander

1 tbsp black chaat masala

1 tsp black salt

1 tbsp powdered sugar

Juice of 1 lemon

For Stuffing:

¼ cup boiled chickpeas

¼ cup boiled green peas

2 finely chopped green chillies

1 tsp black chaat masala

1 tsp roasted cumin powder

1 tsp powdered sugar

1 tsp lemon juice

Salt to taste

Method

Cut the boiled potatoes and sweet potatoes in halves. Carefully scoop out the center to make a small cavity.

Peel and halve the cucumbers, then scoop out the seeds. Cut tomatoes in half and remove the seeds as well.

In a mixing bowl, combine chickpeas, green peas, green chillies, and the remaining stuffing ingredients. Mix everything well.

Arrange all the scooped vegetables and fruits on a serving plate.

Sprinkle each with black chaat masala, roasted cumin powder, black salt, powdered sugar, and lemon juice. Lightly mix or toss.

Fill each cavity with the prepared stuffing.

Top with pomegranate seeds and chopped coriander.

Serve chilled and enjoy the explosion of flavours in every bite! 🌈