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As winter evenings quietly step in, cravings quietly shift from full meals to something small but deeply satisfying. That is when the need for something crunchy arrives. A crunchy snack sometimes does what comfort food cannot: it gives your chai time a rhythm. The first sip warms your palms, the next bite crackles, and suddenly the cold feels passable. These are the snacks prepared for twilight hours, when the day slows down, but hunger has not quite signed off. Fried, roasted, flaky or crispy, winter snacks have their crunch better, taste richer, and feel more indulgent without trying too hard.
When paired over a cup of chai, they sharpen flavours, balance the sweetness, and turn a simple tea break into something you look forward to. This is not rushed eating, but it’s tearing, dipping, and nibbling between having conversations. Whether you are watching the sky turn grey or warming up after work, these crunchy tea-time snacks give winter evenings something to look forward to.
Methi Mathri
The crunch of Methi mathri makes you pause mid-sip and enjoy the crispiness. Flaky, salty, and faintly bitter from dried fenugreek, it cuts through over a cup of chai beautifully. Prepared by kneading spiced dough with ghee and resting it well, the slow-frying is the art that gives mathri its layered signature crunch. During winter, methi gives a deeper and more aromatic flavour, making every bite warm rather than just being sharp. It is a snack that does not soften fast, so you can bite between conversations. It is a perfect breakfast option for long, lazy tea breaks.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Aloo Lachha Pakora
Aloo lachha pakoras are not just fried potatoes; they are a crunchy breakfast at their best. Thin potato strands are tossed with little besan, spices, and some ajwain, then dipped into hot oil where they lace together. The result is shatter-crisp edges with a soft, steamy centre. Over a cup of hot chai, the starchiness perfectly balances the bitterness, whereas the heat warms the frozen fingers. Winter potatoes have more starch in them, which results in better crisping and deeper flavour. These pakoras are enjoyed best when served straight from the kadai, standing near the stove, with a cup of tea in hand.
Til-Namak Para
Til-namak para is winter’s answer to sweet cravings hidden as savoury comfort. Prepared from wheat flour dough seasoned with sesame seeds and some ajwain, these bite-sized crackers turn crunchy and nutty when fried. Sesame emits its oils during cold weather, making every piece fragrant and lightly toasty. With chai, the salt-sesame combo enhances the warmth of the tea rather than overpowering it. Store it in an airtight box, and they remain crispy for days. It is an excellent snack for spontaneous winter tea sessions when guests come in unannounced.
(Image credit: Freepik)
Masala Murmura Chivda
Masala murmura chivda is proof that crunch does not always need deep frying. Puffed rice is tossed with some roasted peanuts, curry leaves, garlic, and some warming spices, then slowly roasted until they are dry and crisp. Winter air makes it ideal for chai-time snacking. It is light, addictive, and it lets you sip tea without feeling heavy. The gentle heat from the spices instantly wakes up your palate, particularly on foggy evenings when chai feels more like a medicine than an indulgence.
Paneer Kurkure Sticks
Paneer kurkure sticks are a pure winter indulgence done right, crispy outside, soft inside. Thick paneer strips are marinated lightly, coated in crushed cornflakes or bread crumbs, and shallow-fried until golden. Paneer tastes rich in winter, and the crunch counters it beautifully with its creamy centre. Over a hot cup of chai, the peppery crust and milky sweetness play with each other, making every bite extremely. These snacks taste best when served fresh. When steam escapes as you break them, it is an unbeatable companion to evening tea.
(Image credit: Freepik)
