8 Indian Snacks NRIs Can't Stop Craving (And Still Smuggle in Suitcases)

There is a special homesickness that emerges with the crunch of namkeen or the aroma of masala wafting from an open snack packet. For Indians living far from their homeland, Indian snacks signify more than sustenance—they symbolize culture, childhood memories, and comfort. While international aisles gradually stock more popular Indian snacks, nothing can match the flavor of something produced in your hometown, packed by loved ones, or bought from a corner shop of one's youth. Snacks made in India carry more than taste—they carry identity. So which legendary bites do NRIs crave the most from afar? Let us take a delicious dive into the snacks NRIs yearn for—the ones that spark recollections, discussions, and intense cravings across continents.



Crisp on the outside, spicy on the inside—the humble samosa needs no introduction. From train journeys to school tiffins, it has been a steady fixture in every Indian's life. Abroad, you may find it at cafes or frozen in supermarket freezers, but somehow it just doesn't feel the same. It is not merely a snack—it is a cultural icon. No wonder it tops the list of NRI favored snacks.


If you've grown up in a South Indian household, chances are your suitcase back from India overflows with stashes of both murukku and banana chips. That crispy, salty, coconut oil kissed flavors are unlike any other. Whether celebrating Onam, Pongal or just a lazy Sunday with chai, these quintessential Indian snacks provide a uniquely crunchy connection to tradition that NRIs often crave most in those moments of nostalgia.



Every Indian street erupts with a signature symphony - vendors hollering as they toss puffed rice with tangy chutneys into waiting mouths, crowds clamoring to devour pani puris before they deflate. Chaat is a messy, bold and unforgettable experience. Though fusion versions may satiate abroad, the true magic lies where those streetside vendors stir memories in even the homesickest of hearts, especially on weekends far from home.



Some snacks were made for silence and slow sips. Like mathri and khakhra, and jeera biscuits - perfect for quiet company over a steaming cup of chai, where old conversations are rekindled. These popular Indian snacks require no fanfare, but rather quietly evoke the warmth of familiar homes. Often lovingly packed and sent overseas, or carefully rationed by nostalgic NRIs trying to delay the inevitable end of their comforting flavors.



An universal truth binds all Indians - if rain clouds gather, pakoras will soon follow. Crispy, spiced fritters of onions, potatoes, spinach or paneer, are the go-to comfort food for monsoons past and present. While many attempt to recreate them abroad, nothing compares to the memories of standing at the stove, crafting a fresh batch with the sounds and smells of home, pretending the snow outside is merely Mumbai's monsoon rain once more.


Call it mixture, chivda, or simply namkeen—this spicy, savory medley never fails to satisfy one’s cravings. Packed with sev, peanuts, lentils, and occasional sweet morsels, these timeless Indian snacks have graced NRI households for generations. While a mere handful might be intended, before long the entire packet has vanished.


When it comes to finding culinary balance between zest and subtlety, Gujarat leads the way. Kachoris, with their flaky shells and spicy insides, and dhokla, light as air yet robustly tangy, are prominent features at Indian gatherings abroad. Whether celebrating achievements or simply being together, these snacks bring both comfort and jubilation, ensuring their enduring presence at NRI parties and festivals alike.



Let us not neglect the craving for sweets. Whether savoring the granular texture of besan ladoos or enjoying the delicate flakiness of soan papdi, such treats satisfy more than one’s sugar appetite—they evoke fond memories of festivities, family warmth, and the joy of giving. For many NRIs worldwide, a tin brimming with popular Indian sweets represents a parcel of home.


What renders these beloved NRI snacks truly special isn't just their rich flavors. They epitomize shared mirth, cultural rituals, holidays back home, and a profound sense of belonging with every bite. While Indian cuisine now captivates globally, these snacks remain unsung symbols of emotional nourishment. They remind NRIs of their identities, origins, and precisely how deep our love for cuisine—and homeland—runs.

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