Nigar Sultana –
Chotpoti and Fuchka are two of the most beloved street foods in Bangladesh. They are a common snack that can be found practically anywhere in the nation. They have developed into a crucial component of Bangladesh’s street food culture. These snacks are inexpensive, simple to prepare, and a tasty source of energy for those who are constantly on the go. They are frequently eaten as a light meal, an afternoon snack, or an appetizer during a party or social gathering.
Chotpoti is a spicy and tangy snack made with boiled potatoes, chickpeas, tamarind water, and a blend of spices. Onions, cilantro, and green chilies are often diced and added during serving. Its tangy flavor comes from the tamarind water, while the heat comes from the spices. Chickpeas and cooked potatoes give it texture and filling power.
Fuchka is another popular street food in Bangladesh. It is also known as Paani Patashi, Fulki, Gup Chup, Pani Puri, Golgappa, and Pani ka Batasha in different regions of the Indian subcontinent. It has a crunchy, hollow shell that is stuffed with a spiced mixture of mashed potatoes and chickpeas. Semolina flour is used to make the shell; it is combined with water and then deep-fried. Chickpeas, mashed potatoes, and a combination of spices are used to make the filling. Often, tamarind water and chopped onions are served with fuchka.
The origin of these snacks is still a topic of debate among food historians. Some people think that the concept of chotpoti began in India and then extended to Bangladesh while Bangladesh was a British colony. Some contend that the history of these snacks in the area goes back beyond the colonial era. Several foods produced from chickpeas, such as chana dal and Chola bhuna, have been well-liked for decades in the region, so the notion of utilizing them as the basis for this snack is not new.
According to another theory, the Mughals brought chotpoti to Bengal in the 16th century. A similar snack made of chickpeas known as chana masala was reportedly a favorite of the Mughal emperors, and the inhabitants of the Bengal region customized this meal to suit their culinary preferences and available ingredients.
The story of Fuchka can be traced to ‘Mahabharata’. As the legend goes Draupadi, the wife of the five Pandava brothers, is the inventor of the Fuchka. It is believed that during their exile, their mother Kunti once challenged her daughter-in-law’s culinary abilities by asking her to prepare something to satisfy her sons’ taste buds while just providing her with leftover potato and dough. What Draupadi created was the forerunner to Fuchka, which unquestionably captivated the hearts of the brothers as well as Kunti, who blessed it with the power of immortality.
Another myth states that fuchka originated in the Magadha kingdom in ancient India. It was not exactly how it is today in Magadha. They were cooked with smaller, crispier shells than those used today and were known as “Fulki”. It is unknown what they were originally filled with, although it was probably some kind of potato.
Chotpoti and Fuchka are beloved snacks in Bangladesh and are often staples at social gatherings. They are enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds and are often shared among family and friends. They are often served at weddings and festivals as a symbol of happiness and celebration.
Chotpoti and fuchka are quite popular in Bangladesh, and as a result, there are a ton of street vendors who specialize in selling them. These sellers are frequently seen in crowded markets and on busy streets. They often erect little booths and provide their clients with an efficient and delectable snack. Although the classic chotpoti and fuchka have always been well-liked, sellers have begun experimenting with other variations of these delicacies to provide customers with more choices.
In recent years, chotpoti and fuchka have also gained popularity outside of Bangladesh. These appetizers are a mainstay of Bengali cooking and are frequently offered in restaurants serving Bengali food worldwide. They are also well-liked at cultural events and street food festivals, where they give visitors from all countries a chance to sample the cuisine of Bangladesh.
