What is inside
What is inside Dahi Bhalla?
Dahi Bhalla is soft lentil dumplings soaked and served in cool, sweet yogurt with chutneys. Here is what is inside it, layer by layer, and why each one is there.
From the Tapri Chai kitchen · November 2026 · 2 min read
Layers
5 in all
Key ingredient
Urad dal dumplings
Heat
Mild
Served
Chilled
The 5 layers of Dahi Bhalla
Dahi Bhalla is built from 5 parts. They are listed in the order you meet them, and the numbers match the diagram.
The bhalla
Dumplings of soaked, ground urad dal (black gram), whisked until light and fried until just golden. They are the soft, airy heart of the dish.
The soak
The fried bhallas are dipped in warm salted water so they swell and turn spongy, then gently squeezed dry before the yogurt.
Sweet whisked yogurt
Thick yogurt beaten smooth with a little sugar and salt, poured over the bhallas so they absorb it.
Tamarind and green chutneys
Sweet-sour tamarind and fresh mint-coriander chutney, drizzled over the yogurt for contrast.
The spice finish
Roasted cumin powder, red chilli powder and chaat masala, with pomegranate, sev or crisp papdi on top.
01
What it is made of
Dahi bhalla is one lentil dumpling and one cool sauce. The batter must be whisked until it floats, and the bhallas soaked until they are soft enough to cut with a spoon.
- Urad dal
- Yogurt
- Tamarind chutney
- Mint-coriander chutney
- Roasted cumin
- Chaat masala
- Papdi or sev
02
How the layers work together
It is cool and creamy first, then sweet from the yogurt and tamarind, then sharp from the mint and chilli. The bhalla is soft and almost custardy, with the papdi adding crunch. It is a gentle dish that is more soothing than spicy.
03
Where it comes from
Dahi bhalla is popular across North India, where it is served at festivals such as Holi and at weddings. It is also known as dahi vada in other regions, and there are many family versions.
04
Variations and other names
Regional versions differ in the dumpling and the toppings:
- Dahi vada: the same dumpling, usually with a ring shape, in South and East India.
- Dahi bhalla papdi chaat: topped with crisp papdi discs.
- Moong dal bhalla: made with yellow lentils for a lighter dumpling.
- Sweet dahi vada: served with dates and raisins.
05
How to eat it
Eat it cold with a spoon, taking some bhalla, yogurt and chutney together. Eat quickly, so the papdi keeps its crunch.
06
Dahi Bhalla at Tapri Chai
Dahi Bhalla Chaat is $12.99 CAD on our menu. We make it in a 100% vegetarian kitchen at 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa, open Tuesday to Sunday, 11am to 11pm, closed Mondays.
Questions, answered.
What is Dahi Bhalla made of?
Dahi Bhalla is made of urad dal, yogurt, tamarind chutney, mint-coriander chutney, roasted cumin, chaat masala and papdi or sev.
How many layers does Dahi Bhalla have?
Traditionally 5: the bhalla, the soak, sweet whisked yogurt, tamarind and green chutneys and the spice finish.
Is Dahi Bhalla vegetarian?
Yes. The traditional recipe is vegetarian, and every dish at Tapri Chai is vegetarian.
Is Dahi Bhalla spicy?
It is mild. The yogurt and tamarind cool the dish, and the chilli powder is sprinkled on lightly.
Where can I try Dahi Bhalla in Ottawa?
At Tapri Chai, 200 Kennevale Dr Unit 104, Barrhaven, Ottawa. Dahi Bhalla Chaat is $12.99 CAD on our menu.
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.