Best Street Foods in Andhra Pradesh – A Spicy Culinary Journey Through the South

(Best Street Foods in Andhra Pradesh)India’s street food scene is full of regional surprises, but if you’re looking for fiery, tangy, and deeply flavorful options, Andhra Pradesh should be high on your list. Known for its bold spice palette and rich culinary heritage, the street food of Andhra isn’t just about taste—it’s a reflection of the state’s vibrant culture.

Whether you’re wandering through the energetic streets of Visakhapatnam, Vijayawada, Guntur, or Tirupati, the aroma of sizzling dishes will draw you in. Let’s dive into the most beloved street foods of Andhra Pradesh.

1. Punugulu – The Quintessential Andhra Bite(Best Street Foods in Andhra Pradesh)

Street food vendors across Vijayawada and Guntur proudly serve Punugulu, a crispy and fluffy delight that ranks high among the most famous street foods in Andhra Pradesh. They make these golden-brown fritters using fermented idli or dosa batter, frying them until they’re perfectly crisp on the outside and soft inside. Vendors typically serve crispy Punugulu with a side of coconut chutney, spicy peanut chutney, or a tangy tomato dip. The simple preparation and flavorful chutney pairings make this iconic Andhra snack a must-try for every foodie.

2. Mirchi Bajji – Andhra’s Spice Bomb(Best Street Foods in Andhra Pradesh)

Mirchi Bajji is easily among the state’s most iconic street snacks. Long green chilies are slit, filled with spicy tamarind or mashed potato, dipped in seasoned gram flour batter, and fried until golden. The result? A crunchy, fiery snack bursting with flavor.

Some stalls serve double-fried bajjis garnished with chopped onions, coriander, and lemon for extra zing. A popular street bite near Vizag’s RK Beach.

3. Pesarattu – The Protein-Packed Green Dosa(Best Street Foods in Andhra Pradesh)

Pesarattu is Andhra’s unique green gram dosa. Made from moong dal batter, it skips the usual urad dal and rice combination. Light, healthy, and loaded with protein, it’s often paired with upma or ginger chutney.

You’ll see skilled vendors in places like Rajahmundry and Nellore crafting these on sizzling tawas. This savory dish is perfect for health-conscious street food lovers.

4. Ulava Charu – Comfort in a Bowl

Ulava Charu, a horse gram stew, is one of Andhra’s most flavorful offerings. While often served in households and restaurants, it’s increasingly available at select street food joints, paired with rice or even dosa.

In Krishna and Godavari districts, this thick, tangy soup is especially popular in cooler seasons, appreciated for its depth and protein-rich ingredients.

5. Andhra Egg Dosa – A Hearty Fusion(Best Street Foods in Andhra Pradesh)

For those who enjoy a blend of spice and innovation, Andhra Egg Dosa hits the mark. This dosa is topped with beaten eggs, chopped onions, chilies, and spices while cooking, giving it a crispy, flavorful finish.

Found commonly in Tirupati and Anantapur, you’ll also see variations like chili egg dosa, paneer egg dosa, or cheese egg dosa sizzling on street skillets.

6. Bobbatlu – Andhra’s Sweet Surprise(Best Street Foods in Andhra Pradesh)

Vendors in Kakinada and Eluru serve Bobbatlu—also known as Puran Poli—throughout the year, delighting locals and tourists alike with this beloved Andhra sweet. They prepare this golden, ghee-roasted flatbread using maida and fill it generously with a sweet mixture of jaggery and chana dal. Although families in Andhra traditionally make Bobbatlu during festivals, it has now become a staple among the famous foods of Andhra Pradesh and a must-try item in street food in Andhra.

7. Dibbalu or Dosa Aavakaaya – Pickled Perfection

Dosa Aavakaaya, also known as Dibbalu, is a unique Andhra invention. These mini dosas are filled with spicy mango or ginger pickle, offering an intense flavor punch that’s unlike any regular dosa.

Found mostly in rural or small-town areas, these spicy parcels are a creative showcase of Andhra’s love for pickles.

8. Garelu – The Classic Lentil Donut(Best Street Foods in Andhra Pradesh)

Local cooks across Andhra Pradesh prepare Garelu, the state’s unique take on Medu Vada, by grinding urad dal into a smooth batter and frying it into fluffy, crispy donuts. They typically serve Garelu vada with flavorful chutneys or steaming sambar, making it a beloved choice for Andhra breakfast food or evening tea. While different regions give this dish their own twist—some making it spicy, others keeping it mild—its texture and taste consistently earn it a spot among the famous foods in Andhra Pradesh.

9. Andhra Chicken 65 – A Spicy Twist on a Classic

While Chicken 65 is loved nationwide, Andhra’s version is spicier and more aromatic. With bold flavors from red chili, garlic, and curry leaves, this version is street food royalty in places like Nellore and Vijayawada.

Served piping hot with onions and a lemon wedge, it’s a hit during festivals and street-side celebrations.

10. Bongulo Chicken – Tribal Taste in a Bamboo Tube

An exotic delicacy from Araku Valley, Bongulo Chicken is gaining fans beyond tribal areas. Marinated chicken is stuffed into bamboo stems and cooked over firewood, lending it a smoky, juicy flavor.

It’s becoming a street food highlight in places like Vizag and Araku Road, where tourists seek out authentic tribal flavors.

Why You Must Try Andhra Street Food(Best Street Foods in Andhra Pradesh)

From hills to coastlines, Andhra Pradesh offers a dynamic range of street food rooted in both tradition and experimentation. What sets this cuisine apart:

Use of potent spices like red chili, garlic, and tamarind
Locally-loved ingredients such as gongura and sesame oil
Simple, homestyle cooking techniques with powerful results

Whether you’re vegetarian or a meat lover, Andhra street food offers irresistible options for every palate.

Final Words

The best street foods in Andhra Pradesh are more than just snacks—they’re a peek into the soul of the region. From crispy Punugulu to hot Mirchi Bajji, and soulful Ulava Charu to sweet Bobbatlu, every dish tells a flavorful story.

So when you travel to Andhra, don’t just stop at the restaurants. Step into the buzzing food lanes and discover why Andhra’s street food is among the best in South India.