There's something special about winding down with a warm cup of tea and the perfect snacks in the evening. Whether it's a quiet moment at home, a quick break at the office, or a friendly gathering, evening snack time offers a chance to refresh and refuel. Here, we’ve curated a list of the best evening snacks, specially sourced from traditional makers, to bring authentic, flavorful bites to your tea time. Let’s see these delicious and, in some cases, healthy options for your evening snack experience!
Top 16 Snacks for the evening:
Everyone has their favourite snacks for evening, whether light and crunchy or rich and savoury. In India, snacks vary from region to region, and Tamil Nadu is known for some of the most flavorful and delicious snack options.
Tamil Nadu offers a wide variety of traditional snacks that are not only delicious but also made with authentic ingredients and unique flavours. The best snacks from this region are perfect examples of the country's rich culinary heritage. Now let’s explore the best 16 of them.
1. Madurai Mixture
This mixture snack is a classic blend of flavours from Madurai, a mix of crunch and spice, and is ideal for those who love savoury bites. Made with various roasted and fried elements, it's perfect for evening tea snacks and has a taste balanced with just the right hint of spice. Enjoy Madurai Mixture as the best evening snack option that keeps you returning for more.
2. Chettinadu Thenkuzhal Murukku:
Originating from Chettinad, this traditional thenkuzhal murukku is a delightful combination of crispiness and flavour. This light evening snack with tea is made with rice flour, known for its health-friendly ingredients and satisfying crunch.
3. Nagercoil Nendran Chips:
These banana chips from Nagercoil are both tasty and nutritious. Made with nendran bananas, they offer a natural sweetness balanced by light salting and frying. Ideal as a healthy evening snack option, these chips are rich in fibre and potassium, making them a guilt-free treat.
4. Sattur Ribbon Seeval:
Ribbon Seeval is a thin, crunchy snack with a spicy kick. Perfect for adding a bit of excitement to your evening spicy snack selection, this is a favourite in South Indian households. Its tangy and savoury notes make it an ideal pairing with tea.
5. Udupi Mixture:
This mixture from Udupi combines crunchy fried elements with premium cashews and almonds. It’s a great evening snack that’s tasty and packed with the goodness of nuts, adding protein and healthy fats to your snack time.
6. Thinai Murukku:
For those looking for a healthy evening snack option, Thinai Murukku (Foxtail Millet) is an excellent choice. Made with millet, this snack provides a nutty taste and is high in dietary fibre, aiding digestion while offering a delicious flavour.
7. Spicy Peanuts:
Crunchy and coated in a spicy blend, these spicy peanuts are the perfect evening spicy snack. Rich in protein and packed with flavour, they’re great for a filling and tasty tea-time break.
8. Ooty Varkey:
Varkey from Ooty, this flaky, buttery snack, has a unique texture that melts in the mouth. It pairs wonderfully with tea, making it the best evening snack for those who love subtle flavours and a crumbly texture.
9. Pavakkai Chips:
Bitter gourd chips may sound unusual, but they’re delicious and offer several health benefits. With their slight bitterness balanced by the seasoning, these chips are a unique and healthy evening snack that is low in calories and antioxidants.
10. Chettinadu Seepu Seedai:
This Seepu seedai from Chettinad is a traditional snack made with rice and urad dal, shaped into intricate spirals that make them fun to eat. Perfect for evening snack time, these are light, crunchy, and great to share with family.
11. Ragi Murukku:
Ragi, or finger millet, is packed with calcium and fibre, making Ragi Murukku a nutritious choice. It’s a healthy evening snack that adds a rustic, earthy flavour to your tea time and is excellent for maintaining energy levels without the added guilt.
12. Sattur Varagu Karasev:
Karasev from Sattur is a spicy snack made with Kodo millet, providing a fiery flavour that will satisfy spice lovers. Ideal for evening spicy snacks, this is a great choice if you like bold flavours with a healthy twist.
13. Ooty Masala Varkey:
This savoury varkey is spiced to perfection and has a delightful flaky texture. Masala varkey from Ooty is an excellent choice for those looking for light evening snacks with tea, offering a balanced taste that complements the warmth of tea.
14. Roasted Peas:
High in protein and fibre, roasted peas are a simple yet healthy evening snack option. These peas are lightly seasoned and roasted to give a crunch, making them perfect for a guilt-free snack time.
15. Kayalpattinam Coconut Oil Mixture:
For a truly authentic taste, this Kayalpattinam mixture is fried in coconut oil, adding a rich aroma and a distinct flavour. It’s a good evening snack for those who love traditional flavours and enjoy a mix with a unique touch.
16. Kanniyakumari Baked Cashew:
These cashews are baked rather than fried, making them a healthier snack. Rich in magnesium and healthy fats, baked cashews are perfect for those looking for a tasty evening snack that’s both satisfying and nourishing.
