There is something truly magical about Kolkata, especially when it comes to street food. Among the many delicious dishes, Jhalmuri stands out as a popular breakfast with its combination of puffed rice, spices and fresh ingredients. For many leaving the city, the longing for a taste of home can be overwhelming, but one man’s unexpected encounter in London reminded him that home is never too far. While exploring the streets of London, a food vlogger came across a stall that brought the essence of Kolkata to life. He was drawn to a familiar setup called Jhalmuri Express, where a British vendor had recreated the classic Kolkata snack. The stall had an authentic Indian-style trolley, loaded with both steel and plastic containers.
In a video posted on Instagram, we see the seller skillfully preparing Jhalmudi. With a deft hand, he pours some puffed rice (muri) into a steel vessel and adds a handful of fresh coriander leaves. He then adds a series of spices, followed by freshly chopped cucumbers and onions. The vendor mixes everything with a long, thin knife and squeezes fresh lemon juice over the mixture.
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The final touch was the preparation of a classic serving cone made of old newspapers – just like Indian street food vendors do. For the final step, the vendor added a drop of tamarind chutney to the mixture and garnished it with bhujia and spices. The vlogger described the dish as “Kolkata style, authentic and spicy Jhalmuri in London”.
Take a look here:
The video soon went viral and people started flocking to the comment section.
One user wrote, “even the knife is the same (Even the knife is the same).” Another joked, “Uncle completed 6 month diploma in Jhalmudi marking.”
“I want to know her story,” one comment said, while another joked, “The British occupied India for 200 years,” read one comment.
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One user said, “Oh my god!!!! brother also used chicken (Mugs) and plastic bottles for storing stuff. I am 100% sure it tastes just like the local one.”
What do you think about this Jhalmuri video? Share your views in the comments section.
