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Best Indian Snacks for Tea Time

Tea time in South Asian homes usually means something savoury and crunchy alongside a cup of chai. Packaged namkeen, biscuits and rusks make it easy to recreate that at home.

Savoury namkeen

• Bhujia and sev: fine, crunchy gram-flour noodles—great on their own or sprinkled on chaat.
• Mixtures: blends of sev, peanuts, lentils and flakes, from mild to very spicy.
• Roasted chana and peanuts: a lighter, high-protein option.

Biscuits and rusks

• Rusks (toast) are twice-baked and made for dunking in chai.
• Glucose and butter biscuits are mild and popular with children.
• Nankhatai are crumbly shortbread-style biscuits flavoured with cardamom.

Buying tips

• Check the spice level on the pack; “masala” and “hot” mixes can be fiery.
• Look at the best-before date, as fried snacks can taste stale once opened.
• Store opened packs in an airtight jar to keep them crisp.

Frequently asked questions

What is namkeen?

Namkeen is the general name for savoury, usually fried and spiced snacks from South Asia, such as bhujia, sev and mixtures.

How do I keep snacks crunchy after opening?

Tip them into an airtight jar or clip the bag tightly and keep it away from humidity.

What goes best with masala chai?

Something salty and crunchy, like bhujia or a mixture, or a rusk for dunking.

Product availability, prices and shipping are set by the store and can change.