Chat Patta Corner - Fremont

Chaat. The one word that puts a smile on almost every Indian person's face.

<Begin Chaat Education>
Chaat describes a wide variety of savory snacks, typically served at little road-side establishments. Vendors serve up everything from stuffed breads to deep-fried pastries with dipping sauces. Each plate is a symphony of flavors and textures - salty, sweet, sour, crisp and chewy.

Every person has their favorite go-to place, and every region has its own special dish. Sev Puri, Vada-Pav and Ragda Pattice are specialties of Mumbai, and Dahi Bhalla, Papri Chaat are specialties of  Delhi. Pani Puri (called different things in different parts of the country) seems to have a fan follwing everywhere.

Chaat is immensely popular in India and is now gaining popularity in the rest of the world!
<End Chaat Education>

Chaat is something that shows up on the menu at many restaurants, but not all chaat is created equal. Chat Patta Corner (link to yelp site) is one location in the Bay Area that is well known for chaat. Their Pani Puri/Gol Gappa/Puchka (crispy shells filled with spiced water, sweet and spicy chutney, and garbanzo) is excellent, as is their Aloo Papri Chaat (flat crisp crackers topped with boiled potato, yogurt, chutneys, spices and chopped cilantro).

Chat Patta Corner
(Clockwise from Top Right: Pani Puri Accoutrements
Aloo Papri Chaat, Sev Puri)

What makes the pani puri extra special is that they serve it the traditional way, none of that new fangled DIY style - grab a bowl and get in line. When it is your turn, you tell them if you want it spicy, sweet, or medium. The lady proceeds to assemble at full speed, so you better be able to keep up! Every puri has to be eaten in one bite, so you dont spill the contents all over yourself, or worse, look like an amateur!

The Aloo Papri Chaat is a great way to cool off after the spice of the pani puri kicks in. Another must have is their Aloo Tikki Chhole (potato patty topped with spiced garbanzo). The Sev Puri however, is completely passable. The ladies of Chat Patta Corner sure know what they are doing, and the throngs of people that flock to the place are evidence.

If you do make it out to Fremont, remember to get the pani puri, the aloo papri chaat, and the aloo tikki. The Chhaas (mildly seasoned salty buttermilk) is a great finish to the meal, or you can get the Mango Lassi if you so desire.

The decor isn't much, but believe me, one bite of the pani puri, and you won't care!

Bottom Line:
Price - $
Ambience - Casual

Vegetarian Friendly - Yes