Pouring a single malt or cracking open a cold beer is only one part of the Indian drinking ritual. There is a counterpart to the drink that plays a role in setting the mood and effortlessly accompanying every sip: Chakhna, the Indian bar snack.
From the toddy shops of Kerala to the adda sessions of Kolkata, chakhna has long been an integral part of the Indian gathering. Indulging in your chosen chakhna isn’t just about taste. It’s a sensory experience that brings in smell, sound and touch. The aroma of the fiery spices, the feeling of the pieces as you spoon them into your hand, the crunch of the bite between each sip you take - it’s an all-encompassing experience.
Here are five Indian bar snacks that we invite you to enjoy alongside your Indian drinks.
Jhal Muri
Our friends in Bengal, Odisha and Assam enjoy this cocktail companion. Complex in texture, with puffed rice that’s been tossed with mustard oil, chopped onion, green chilli, cucumber, lemon juice and crunchy peanuts, Jhal Muri provides crunch, spice, freshness and acidity all at once.
Nethili Fry
In the toddy shops of Kerala, Chakhna is more commonly known as Touchings and Netholi (Anchovy) is one such dish. The delicate anchovies are marinated in red chilli powder, garlic, tamarind and flour before being fried until golden brown and crisp. Don’t let the bitesized nature fool you into thinking it’s not packed with flavour.
Chicken 65
A cult classic that was invented at Chennai’s Hotel Buhari. The chicken is marinated in curry leaves, red chilli powder (hence the colour), garlic and yogurt and then deep fried until very crisp. Spicy, tangy and in a vibrant red-orange hue - this is a much-loved dish.
Kanda Bhaji
Onion Bhajis, perhaps the most ubiquitous of Indian snacks, is prepared in slightly different ways across India. The Kanda Bhaji variety from Maharashtra is one of the crispier varieties, due to its slightly lower ratio of gram flour to thinly sliced onion. Dip in mint chutney or imli (tamarind) sauce, or enjoy on its own.
Masala Peanuts
A staple on almost every bar menu in India. The roasted peanuts are tossed in a spicy masala mix with chopped onions and coriander to add some freshness. The result delivers punchy, zingy bursts of flavour with every mouthful.
This is just a handful of the variety of chakhna that one can add to their sipping sessions. These dishes are more than just quick bites - they are an invitation to enjoy intentionally, to slow down and savour every flavour that comes through each bite and sip you take.
They’re a way to enjoy the diverse tapestry of Indian flavours beyond just what’s in your glass, to create a moment that harnesses all your senses. So, perhaps now is the time to stock your drinks cabinet with some of the finest Indian-made drinks to enjoy with your chakhna?
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