Crunchy, golden, and packed with flavor, Sev is one of India’s most iconic and crispy snacks. Whether scattered on street food, added to homemade dishes, or simply eaten on its own, Sev has earned a special place in the hearts and kitchens of millions. But how did this simple chickpea flour snack become a national obsession? Let’s uncover the fascinating history of Sev, sprinkle in some fun facts, and see how it rose to fame.

A Bite into History: The Origins of Sev

Sev has deep roots in India’s culinary traditions, with its origins believed to trace back to the regions of Gujarat and Rajasthan. These regions, famous for their skills in preserving food, found Sev to be an ideal snack. Made from chickpea flour (besan), water, and spices, Sev was deep-fried into crispy strands that could be stored for long periods—a perfect solution for areas where fresh food wasn’t always easily available.

Royal Beginnings: From Courts to Streets

While Sev may have been a common household snack, it was also a favorite in royal courts, especially in Rajasthan, where elaborate feasts often included a variety of fried snacks. Sev’s appeal lay in its versatility—it could be spiced differently, served with chutneys, or enjoyed on its own. Over time, this crunchy delight moved from royal kitchens to the bustling streets of India.

By the 19th century, as street food culture began to thrive in cities across India, Sev became a crucial element of chaat (Indian street snacks). Its crispiness added a new texture to dishes like ‘bhel puri’, ‘sev puri’, and ‘dahi puri’, becoming a key component in balancing the flavors of tangy, spicy, and sweet snacks.

Did you know? In Gujarat, Sev is often eaten on its own as a snack with tea, while in Rajasthan, spicier versions of Sev are favored, loaded with chili and ajwain.

Regional Flavors: Sev Across India

Sev may have originated in Gujarat and Rajasthan, but its popularity quickly spread across India, with each region adding its own twist to the recipe. In Madhya Pradesh, ‘ratlami sev’ became a famous variant—thicker, spicier, and flavored with cloves and pepper. This version is so iconic that Ratlam city’s Sev even holds a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, meaning no other region can claim its unique recipe!

In Maharashtra, Sev plays a central role in ‘misal pav’, a fiery curry served with bread and topped with—you guessed it—a generous helping of Sev for that satisfying crunch. The variety of Sev is endless: garlic-flavored Sev, tomato Sev, and even the extra-fine ‘bhujia sev’ from Bikaner, Rajasthan, which has its own GI tag as well. MM Mithaiwala offers a wide variety of Sevs to cater to diverse tastes and preferences.

Sev’s Role in Festive Foods

Sev isn’t just a casual snack—it’s an important part of India’s festive cuisine. During Diwali, one of India’s biggest festivals, households prepare massive quantities of namkeen mixtures, where Sev often plays a major role. Mixed with nuts, puffed rice, and spices, these savory treats are served to guests and shared with neighbors.

Sev in the World of Street Food

No conversation about Sev is complete without talking about its reign in India’s street food culture. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Ahmedabad, street vendors use Sev as a key ingredient in a variety of chaats. Sev Puri, for instance, is a popular street snack where Sev is heaped onto crisp puris along with tamarind chutney, onions, and potatoes.

Sev adds not only texture but also layers of flavor to street food. Its light, crispy nature balances the rich, spicy, and tangy flavors that dominate Indian chaats, making it an indispensable part of these dishes.

A Modern Twist: Healthier Sev for the Conscious Snacker

In recent years, as more people focus on health and wellness, Sev has adapted to modern tastes. Some companies are now producing Sev made from high-quality grains and low-oil alternatives, catering to the growing market of health-conscious consumers. MM Mithaiwala, for instance, has embraced this trend by offering a range of Sev options that prioritize quality and flavor while being mindful of health trends.

Despite these modern twists, the essence of Sev remains the same—it’s that satisfying, crunchy bite that continues to make it a favorite across generations.

Here’s an incredible statistic: Every year, millions of tons of Sev are consumed in India alone! Whether bought fresh from local markets or in pre-packaged bags, Sev is a daily snack for millions of households. It’s so popular that it even has its own variations based on thickness, spice levels, and regions, with each state putting its own unique spin on this iconic snack.

Conclusion: Sev, A Timeless Snack

Sev has come a long way from its origins in Gujarat and Rajasthan to becoming a national snack sensation. Its crispy texture, simple ingredients, and endless versatility make it a must-have for every snack lover. Whether you’re sprinkling it on your chaat, mixing it into a festive namkeen, or just enjoying it on its own, Sev is a crunchy delight that continues to win hearts across India. And when you’re in search of the perfect Sev, the variety at MM Mithaiwala offers an unforgettable crunch that’s hard to beat.