5 Unique Chakhna From Around India That Pair Perfectly With Your Rum Drink
Chakhna—that delightful category of quintessentially Indian bar snacks that you had to have heard of if you live in or have visited India (especially an Indian pub). Chakhna is that unspoken promise between a patron and an establishment, which makes it the first item that’s always ordered while you sip on some delicious drinks.
Now, chakhna isn’t just your average bag of chips, no siree. It’s a treasure trove of flavours, textures and regional specialties that elevate one’s drinking experience. Anything can be chakhna with the right spirit (literally and figuratively).
Giving chakhna perfect companionship is one of India’s most beloved alcoholic spirits: rum.
Dark, white, coconut, flavoured or the hero of your favourite cocktails—rum is as versatile a spirit as India’s vast cultural thread.
So, grab your glass of rum and let's embark on a culinary journey through India’s most unique and delicious chakhna (remember to thank us the next time you’re drinking and munching on some mind-blowing chakhna recommended by us).
Murukku from South India
Let’s kick things off in the south with Murukku. These crispy, spiral-shaped snacks made from rice flour and urad dal are a crunchy delight. Flavoured with sesame seeds, cumin and a hint of asafoetida, Murukku is perfect for munching on while you sip a smooth dark rum.
Sandige from Karnataka
Next up on our unique Chakhna list is Sandige originating from Karnataka. These sun-dried lentil and rice flour crisps are flavoured with green chillies, cumin seeds and asafoetida. Sandige is typically deep-fried until golden and crispy (it’s a fact: everything’s better when it’s deep fried)
These crunchy delights are perfect for munching on while you sip a smooth dark rum with a splash of ginger ale, with the subtle spices of Sandige that hit just the right spot.
Jhalmuri from Bengal
Heading east, let’s go to Bengal and get a taste of Jhalmuri. This spicy puffed rice snack, mixed with peanuts, mustard oil, chopped vegetables and a medley of spices, is the epitome of street food goodness (you can take our word for this).
Jhalmuri’s spicy kick and crunchy texture make it an ideal companion for a rum-based cocktail. Imagine a refreshing Mojito, with 50 ml of white rum, muddled mint, lime and a splash of soda, cutting through the heat and enhancing the snack’s vibrant and punchy flavour profile.
Bhutta from Punjab
Now, let's venture north to Punjab with Bhutta—roasted corn on the cob. But we’re not talking about your plain, buttered, basic bhutta.
In Punjab, Bhutta is roasted to perfection, then slathered with a tangy mixture of lemon juice, chaat masala and red chilli powder. It’s smoky, spicy and absolutely addictive.
Pair this with a simple rum punch: 45 ml of dark rum, a mix of orange and pineapple juice and a dash of grenadine.
Chana Jor Garam from Maharashtra
Finally, we land in Maharashtra for Chana Jor Garam. These spiced, flattened chickpeas are a street food staple, known for their crunch and bold flavours. Tossed with onions, tomatoes, coriander and a squeeze of lime, Chana Jor Garam is both satisfying and flavourful.
Pair this with a classic Daiquiri: 50 ml of white rum, 25 ml of fresh lime juice and 15 ml of simple syrup, shaken with ice and strained into a chilled glass.
The tart, citrusy cocktail balances the spicy, tangy chakhna, making it a match made in snack heaven.
