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chaat

chaat

2 8.6
A spicy, tangy Indian snack often sold by street vendors
  • noun
  • /tʃɑt/
  • UK
translation icon : chaat
  • In India, chaats are a street food that the vendor serves in a newspaper cone.
  • chaat masala
  • chaat stand

Examples

  • Anyway, mate, best chaat in town.

  • Many people enjoy chaat from street vendors in bustling markets across India.

  • Anyway, mate, best chaat in town.

  • Favorite chaats cover a broad range.

    Blog text (12)
  • But for those who try chaats, they can be a revelation.

    Blog text (12)
  • Chaats are generally categorized as snacks, but they are a particular tongue-tingling example of the genre.

    Blog text (12)
  • In the main foyer, there is a concession stand (that serves South Indian dosas and chaat) and some tables and chairs.

    Academic text (2005)
  • But even Chandrana admits that getting Westerners to explore chaats can be difficult because his customers usually come expecting entrees, not tangy snacks.

    Blog text (12)
  • For chaat, there are usually two contrasting chutneys: a bright-tasting green cilantro or mint chutney, and a sweet-and-sour tamarind-date version.

    Blog text (12)
  • In India, chaat is a popular street food made with spiced potatoes and tangy chutneys.

How Spicy

vindaloo
2 4.8
chaat
  • UK
2 8.6
samosa
4 3.4
puri
  • UK
1 6.8
cracker
  • US
114 1.0

Surface Forms

chaat singular
chaats plural

Etymology

Chaat comes from the Hindi and Urdu word chaat, which goes back to an old root caṭ meaning 'to lick' or 'to taste'. That's why chaat is used for small, tasty street snacks that you quickly taste and enjoy.