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HUNGRY for a beat? Then join us on a musical journey that combines the magic of Bollywood with the tantalising world of food. On the occasion of World Music Day, celebrated on 21 June, we bring you a delightful compilation of Bollywood songs that celebrate the joy of everything from samosas to ice cream. A word of warning though: these foot-tapping tunes will trigger cravings for all kinds of treats! So, put on your dancing shoes and get ready to indulge in the delicious food-centric melodies of Bollywood!
"Khaike Paan Banaraswala" – Don (1978)
Take a musical trip to Banaras with "Khaike Paan Banaraswala" from the movie Don. This iconic track sung by the whimsical genius Kishore Kumar, is a tribute to the famous paan (betel leaf preparation) of the city. The song's catchy rhythm and playful lyrics will transport you to the streets of Varanasi, where paan is sold aplenty.
"Jab Tak Rahega Samose Mein Aloo" – Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi (1994)
You might have heard this hilarious song that pays tribute to the humble samosa, on Instagram reels. With lyrics like "Jab tak rahega samose mein aloo, tera rahunga oh meri Shaalu," this catchy number from Mr. & Mrs. Khiladi, starring Akshay Kumar and Juhi Chawla will have you tapping your feet and craving a plateful of these crispy delights.
"Chocolate Lime Juice" – Hum Aapke Hain Koun…! (1994)
Get ready to satisfy your sweet tooth with this nostalgic and peppy track from Hum Aapke Hain Koun…! With lyrics like "Chocolate, lime juice, ice cream, toffeeyaan," this song will transport you to a world of sugary delights of your childhood and the bittersweet sentiment of growing up.
"Main Toh Raste Se Ja Raha Tha" – Coolie No. 1 (1995)
Get ready to hit the streets with this energetic Govinda number from Coolie No. 1. "Main toh raste se ja raha tha, main toh bhelpuri khaa raha tha," the lyrics exclaim. This song will make you want to shake a leg, Govinda-style and head straight to the nearest street food vendor for a plate of masaledaar bhelpuri.
"Ek Garam Chai Ki Pyaali" – Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega (2000)
Sometimes, it's the simple pleasures in life that bring us the most joy. This upbeat groovy number from Har Dil Jo Pyar Karega starring a young Salman Khan, celebrates the joy of a cup of tea. With lyrics like "Ek garam chai ki pyaali, koi usko pilane waali ho," this song will make you dream of a steaming cup of tea — and perhaps some romance.
"Tandoori Nights" – Karzzzz (2008)
For lovers of tandoori delights, "Tandoori Nights" from the movie Karzzzz will make your taste buds tingle. This foot-tapping number combines vibrant beats with recurring lyrics that embody the best elements of a tandoor feast.
"Aloo Chaat" – Aloo Chaat (2011)
Transporting us to the streets of India, we have the title track "Aloo Chaat" from the movie Aloo Chaat. This peppy dance track celebrates the mouth-watering and tangy flavours of everyone's favourite street food, aloo chaat. If you just listen to the song without the video, the song's catchy beats and playful lyrics might just transport you to the crowded streets, where you can relish this zesty street food.
"Jalebi Bai" – Double Dhamaal (2011)
For those with a sweet tooth, "Jalebi Bai" is a must-listen. This peppy track from the movie Double Dhamaal celebrates the sugary delight that is jalebi. With its catchy lyrics and energetic dance moves, the song makes you want to hit the dance floor while relishing this traditional Indian dessert.
"Ice Cream Khaungi" – The Xpose (2014)
Get ready to cool down with this fun and flirty number from The Xpose. "Ice cream khaungi, Kashmir jaungi," the lyrics playfully declare. This song will have you dreaming of indulging in a variety of ice cream flavours and being whisked off to the picturesque valleys of Kashmir. What’s more, it’s a groovy song which you can silly dance to with Himesh Reshammiya and Yo Yo Honey Singh playing in the background.
"Chicken Kuk-Doo-Koo" – Bajrangi Bhaijaan (2015)
If you're a fan of non-vegetarian delicacies, "Chicken Kuk-Doo-Koo" from Bajrangi Bhaijaan is a treat for your senses. Sung melodiously by Mohit Chauhan, this song will make you tap your feet while simultaneously making your taste buds yearn for some succulent chicken. The playful lyrics and lively choreography perfectly capture the joy of relishing a hearty chicken meal.
Bollywood has a unique way of incorporating our daily experiences into its songs, and food holds a special place in our lives. From tea to jalebis, chicken to aloo chaat, and tandoori dishes to delightful desserts, Bollywood songs capture the essence of our diverse culinary traditions.
