Bajri Vada: The Rustic Gujarati Snack For Chai Time

By Shreya Sarpal

August 13, 2025

Bajri vada is a traditional Gujarati snack made from pearl millet flour, spiced with onions, chillies, and herbs, then deep-fried until golden and crisp. Known for its earthy taste and warming nature, it is especially popular in winter and pairs perfectly with chai or chutney.

Ingredients

1 cup bajra flour ¼ cup wheat flour (for binding) 1 finely chopped onion 2 finely chopped green chillies 1 tsp grated ginger 3 crushed garlic cloves 2 tbsp fresh chopped coriander leaves 1 tsp sesame seeds ½ tsp ajwain ¼ tsp turmeric powder to taste salt 1 tbsp oil (for dough) Oil for deep frying ¼ cup water

Step 1

In a large bowl, combine bajra flour, wheat flour, sesame seeds, ajwain, turmeric, and salt.

Step 2

Mix in chopped onions, green chillies, ginger, garlic, and coriander leaves.

Step 3

Pour 1 tbsp oil into the mixture and rub it in with your fingers.

Step 4

Gradually add water and knead into a stiff dough.

Step 5

Divide the dough into lemon-sized balls and flatten them into discs.

Step 6

Heat oil in a deep pan, fry the vadas in small batches until golden brown, crisp, and avoid very high heat, or the inside may stay raw.

Step 7

Drain on paper towels and serve hot with green chutney, sweet tamarind chutney, or masala chai.