Indian street food
How spicy is Indian street food?
Indian street food balances heat with sweet, sour and cool. Many dishes are mild until you add the chutney, and a few have a real kick.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 1 min read
Mild
Dahi puri, paratha
Medium
Chaat, vada pav
Hotter
Momos, pani puri
Cool down
Lassi, yogurt
01
Heat is only one flavour
Indian street food is designed around contrast. Sweet tamarind, cool yogurt and sour lemon sit beside green chilli, so a dish that sounds spicy may taste balanced. The heat typically comes from green chutney, chilli powder and fresh green chillies.
02
Typically mild
These dishes are usually gentle, and good for children or anyone who is cautious:
- Dahi Puri, $11.99
- Bun Maska, $3.49
- Cheese Paratha, $10.99
- Plain Maggi, $5.99
- Regular Fries, $4.99
- Mango Lassi, $5.99
03
Typically medium
A noticeable warmth, but not overwhelming for most people:
- Samosa Chaat, $12.99
- Aloo Tikki Chaat, $12.99
- Vada Pav, $5.49
- Pav Bhaji, $13.99
- Aloo Paratha, $9.99
- Hakka Noodles, $14.99
04
Typically hotter
These have more heat and suit people who enjoy spice:
- Pani Puri, $9.99
- Peri Peri Momo, $15.99
- Peri Peri Fries, $6.99
- Peri-Peri Vada Pav, $6.49
- Veg Manchurian, $14.99
05
How to cool down and ask for less
Dairy cools better than water, so reach for a lassi, yogurt or a sweet chai. If you want less heat, ask the team to go easy on the chilli or chutney. These are traditional heat levels, and the kitchen can tell you about each dish. Tapri Chai is at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm.
Questions, answered.
Is all Indian food spicy?
No. Many dishes are mild, and heat is usually balanced with sweet and cool flavours.
What is the mildest dish at Tapri Chai?
Plain Maggi, Bun Maska, Cheese Paratha and Dahi Puri are among the mildest.
What cools down spicy food?
Yogurt, lassi, milk and sweet things work better than water.
Can I ask for less spice?
Yes. Ask the team about the dish you are ordering.
At Tapri Chai
Taste it for yourself.
Our kitchen in Barrhaven is 100% vegetarian. 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Ottawa. Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm. Closed Mondays.