If you’re looking for a delicious and refreshing Indian dish, look no further than panipuri. This popular snack consists of small, crispy fried dough balls filled with a spicy filling made from potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and coriander. It is then topped with flavored water made from tamarind, mint, chili, and spices. Panipuri is a true explosion of flavors and textures that delights the taste buds with every bite. Origin of Panipuri Panipuri is a popular dish in Indian cuisine, consisting of small fried dough balls filled with a spicy filling of potatoes, chickpeas, onions, and coriander. The name “panipuri” comes from the Sanskrit words “pani,” which means water, and “puri,” which means bread. Panipuri is often served with flavored water made from tamarind, lime, or mint, which is poured into the dough balls before eating. The exact origin of panipuri is not clear, but there are several theories about it. Some believe that panipuri originated in the Magadha region, in present-day Bihar, where it was known as “phulki.” Others suggest that panipuri was invented by a chef named Mahadev in Mumbai, who came up with the idea of filling puris with potatoes and spices. Another hypothesis is that panipuri is derived from bhelpuri, another Indian dish made with puffed rice, vegetables, and sauces. Regardless of its origin, panipuri is now a beloved snack throughout India and in other South Asian countries. There are many regional variations of panipuri, which have different names based on the ingredients and flavors used. For example, panipuri is called “golgappa” in Delhi, “puchka” in West Bengal, “gupchup” in Odisha, and “pani ke bataashe” in Uttar Pradesh. Panipuri is also a symbol of India’s cultural and culinary diversity, as well as a friendly and festive dish that brings people together. Preparing Panipuri To prepare panipuri, you first need to make the puris, the fried dough balls. You can either buy them ready-made from Indian grocery stores or make them yourself using wheat flour, salt, and water. The dough is formed into small balls and then flattened thinly before being fried in hot oil until they puff up and become golden and crispy. They are then drained on paper towels and allowed to cool. The filling for panipuri typically consists of boiled and mashed potatoes, cooked chickpeas, chopped onions, and chopped coriander. You can add roasted cumin, chaat masala, red chili powder, and black salt to enhance the flavor. You can also vary the filling by using mung bean sprouts, corn, paneer cheese, or fruits like raw mango. The flavored water that accompanies panipuri is called “pani.” It is prepared by blending mint leaves, coriander, ginger, green chili, lemon juice, sugar, and salt in a blender with a little water. The mixture is then strained, and more water is added according to the desired consistency. Tamarind can also be added to give it a tangy taste, or sweet tamarind chutney can be incorporated for a sweet and savory contrast. How to serve panipuri To serve panipuri, pierce the top of the puri with your finger or a small spoon to create a cavity. Each puri is then filled with a teaspoon of filling and dipped in the flavored water. The whole panipuri is then eaten in a single bite, to fully enjoy the explosion of flavors. If you want to discover panipuri in Antananarivo, Madagascar, head to Quantum Isoraka, a restaurant that combines tradition and modernity. Whether you’re a fan of kebab, couscous, chawarma or tajine, or prefer Indian cuisine with its curries, naans and samoussas, you’ll find what you’re looking for at Quantum Isoraka. Meat is always halal, and products are fresh and of the highest quality. At Quantum Isoraka, you can enjoy Panipuri in a friendly and unusual atmosphere. You’ll be welcomed by our attentive staff, and you’ll be able to admire the talent of our chefs as they prepare their dishes before your very eyes. You can also enjoy a good sound in the lounge bar. Quantum Isoraka restaurant in Isoraka Quantum Isoraka is a gourmet restaurant in Antananarivo’s historic Isoraka district. It offers creative, refined cuisine inspired by world flavors and local produce. Quantum Isoraka boasts an elegant and cosy dining room, as well as a terrace with a breathtaking view over the city. The restaurant is open 7 days a week from 6.30am to 11pm. We believe that Le Quantum Isoraka has strong growth potential, thanks to its original concept, its location and its reputation. We are convinced that we can make this restaurant a reference in the field of gastronomy in Antananarivo.