Quick Party Starters From Different Indian States: Small Bites With Big Flavour

By Akshara

July 25, 2025

If you’re throwing a party and want snacks that aren’t all the same, these regional Indian starters will add variety without extra effort. Each one comes with familiar flavours and a bit of local flair.

Mini Dhokla Squares (Gujarat)

Cut soft khaman or masala dhokla into bite-sized pieces and top each one with a dollop of green chutney and a sprinkling of sev. Serve on toothpicks or cocktail sticks for a mess-free snack.

Aloo Chop (West Bengal)

Spiced mashed potato patties are dipped in gram flour batter and fried till crisp. These can be made in advance and reheated in the oven before serving. Serve with kasundi for a sharp kick.

Andhra-Style Chilli Mushroom

Toss mushrooms in a spicy Andhra masala and fry until dry and crisp. Serve them hot as toothpick starters with some sliced onions and a squeeze of lemon.

Mutton Cutlets (Kerala)

Shallow-fried patties made from minced mutton, mashed potatoes, and spices. These are crisp on the outside, soft inside, and go perfectly with coconut chutney or ketchup.

Paneer Pakora (Punjab)

Cubes of paneer dipped in seasoned besan batter and fried till golden. They’re crunchy outside, soft inside, and perfect with mint chutney.

Kozhukattai with Spiced Filling (Tamil Nadu)

Steamed rice flour dumplings filled with a mix of coconut and jaggery or spiced lentils. They’re bite-sized, gluten-free, and add a slightly festive touch to your snack table.