Picture this: you're at a lively desi night, surrounded by the infectious beats of bollymusic and great company with your favourite drink in hand. What's missing? Chakna!
For those who are new to this word, the term ‘chakna’ is an Indian slang referring to side dishes that are munched along with alcohol. Commonly used in northern and central India, chakna could be anything from snacks to starters.
Pronounced 'chuck-nah,' this isn't just any snack – it's a celebration in a bowl. Think of it as the desi answer to the classic bar peanuts, but with a flavour explosion (obviously) that'll make your taste buds dance.
Chakna isn't just a snack, it's a sidekick that elevates your sipping experience. Whether you're into the smooth notes of whiskey, the fizz of beer, or the fruitiness of a cocktail, there's a chakna pairing for every palate. It's the yin to your drink's yang, enhancing every sip with a burst of complementary flavours. I mean Haldiram’s (a popular snack and chakna brand from India) didn’t become a billion-dollar brand if desis didn’t take their chakna seriously.
Still not sure how to go about sourcing your chakna here in the UK? Here is a curated list for you to pair with your favourite drink!
Cheese naan
A richer version of the famous traditional naan, cheese naan as the name suggests is a popular Indian flatbread cooked in a tandoor, infused with grated cheese and often flavored with garlic and herbs.
You can find it at Brigadiers, Dishoom and Masala Zone amongst other South Asian restaurants.
(try it with wine instead of your usual cheese and bread charcuterie board)
Dal moth
Dal Moth is a captivating fusion of crunchy lentils and a medley of exotic spices with fried gram flour strings called sev. It’s both crunchy and salty.
You can buy the packaged version from the famous brand Haldiram’s at most Nisa Locals, in shops in Southall and Wembley. It is also available on BombayBasket.com.
(try it with your usual vodka drink to add a tangy touch to your evening)
Chakli
It’s a crunchy celebration of spices and textures that linger, making every bite a delightful dance of savoury indulgence. Made from a variety of lentils, gram flour and carom seeds, it’s fried to crispy perfection.
You can buy the packaged version at most Morrisons, in shops in Southall and Wembley. It is also available on Ocado for home delivery.
(try replacing your bar peanuts for this and try it with beer or a G&T)
Cheeslings
Cheeslings, the petite wonders of snacking joy, are tiny bites that pack a big flavour punch. These golden nuggets of cheesy delight are meticulously crafted, blending a symphony of cheddar goodness into each crispy piece. With their irresistible crunch and rich cheese essence, Cheeslings transform mundane moments into a savoury fiesta.
You can get your hands on them on Amazon.
(try pairing it with your usual malt or scotch for a cheesy twist to compliment your whiskey of choice)
Masala papad
A delectable Indian appetizer, features a crispy papad adorned with a tantalizing blend of spices. The crackling texture collides with a burst of flavours, as zesty chaat masala, tangy tomatoes, crunchy onions, and fiery chilli powder harmonize to delight your palette.
You can easily make one at home with chopped tomatoes, onions, and coriander. Get a normal salted papad from Amazon or your local grocery stores, and roast it in the microwave before putting your chopped veggies on it. Finish with salt, red chilli powder and a squeeze of lemon.
(It goes really well with a chilled pint of your favourite beer or cider)
Bhujia
A quintessential Indian snack, bhujia is a delectable ensemble of fine gram flour small noodle-like strings infused with a harmonious blend of aromatic spices. The crispy strands boast a perfect balance of texture and flavour, delivering a delightful crunch with every bite.
You can buy the packaged version at most Morrisons and Sainsbury’s, and shops in Southall and Wembley. It is also available on Amazon for home delivery.
(try giving your Rum drinks a nice crispy partner)
Chicken Lolipop
Chicken Lollipops are succulent chicken wings transformed into a delectable finger food, with the meat pushed to one end of the bone, resembling a lollipop. These crispy, flavorful delights are often marinated, batter-coated, and fried to golden perfection, offering a tantalizing culinary experience.
You can find it at Phatt Pundit, Hoppers Soho, and Tamil Prince amongst other South Asian restaurants.
(since it is one of my favourite appetizers, I am going to very partially say, it goes with every drink)
Other honourable mentions: Fried cashew nuts, roasted chickpeas, hara bara kebab, chicken 65, mathri, chana chor garam Kurkure, and Indian Masala Lays amongst others.