Every evening near Kashidih Chowk in Jamshedpur, a street cart selling a distinctive ten-grain snack mix draws a steady crowd looking for something lighter than the usual fried tea-time bites.
Ten Grains, One Mix
What sets this snack apart is the sheer variety packed into it. The mix brings together roughly ten items, including flattened rice, almonds, chickpeas, corn flakes, sweet corn and rice flakes. That combination gives every handful a slightly different texture and flavour, setting it apart from the plain chura bhuja sold elsewhere in the city.
Salt Does the Roasting, Not Oil
Vendor Sonu Kumar Gupta explains that the method behind the mix is simple but effective. Salt is heated thoroughly in a pan first, and only then are the flattened rice and other ingredients tossed in and roasted using that same scorching salt. According to Sonu Kumar Gupta, roasting in hot salt removes the need for oil altogether, which keeps the mix crunchy without any greasiness.
A Lighter Match for Evening Chai
When the craving for an evening snack with tea hits, most people reach for samosas or pakoras, but this mix offers an alternative for anyone who wants to skip the deep-fried route. The chickpeas and almonds add a bit of protein, while the corn flakes and sweet corn bring crunch and a mild sweetness. That balance is why locals have started treating it as a more balanced tea-time option.
Big on Taste, Easy on the Wallet
The mix sells for Rs 200 a kilogram, though most customers buy it in smaller portions of 100 grams, which costs just Rs 20. That combination of an unusual recipe and an affordable price is a big part of why it has caught on in the neighbourhood.
Customer Aseem Patra says what makes the snack stand out isn't just its taste but also the way it is prepared and the range of ingredients that go into it. According to Patra, that is what separates it from everyday snacks like samosas and pakoras. Around Kashidih Chowk, the ten-grain mix has quickly become a talked-about addition to the evening snack lineup.
