Papdi Chaat made with papdi, potato, chickpeas, yogurt, tamarind chutney, pomegranate, and thin sev
While searching for lunch in Manhattan in late September, we ended up at a casual restaurant specializing in Indian street food called Chote Miya. Located inside Chelsea Market on 9th Avenue between W 15th and W 16th Streets, Chote Miya serves a variety of chaat that reminds of me Vik's Chaat in Berkeley.
Like at Vik's, I opted for the Papdi Chaat, an elaborate Indian snack made with papdi, potato, chickpeas, yogurt, tamarind chutney, pomegranate, and thin sev. It was as tasty as it looks. The ingredients were fresh, the flavors were tangy, and the textures were dynamic. The papdi, potato, and chickpeas provided a nice base for the yogurt and chutney on top. While there was some spice to this dish, the pomegranate and yogurt cooled things down. The thin sev's crispiness contrasted with the pomegranate seeds' more liquidy consistency. Calling this a snack or a street food might not elevate it as much as it deserves — it's complex and meant to be enjoyed in awe with others.
I would definitely stop by Chote Miya if I'm back in the area, perhaps trying their Samosa Chaat, Honey Chili Cauliflower, or Chicken Biryani.
Chote Miya
75 9th Ave., New York, NY 10011
Open: Monday - Sunday 11:30am - 9pm
