Calories in Samosa, Pakora, Vada Pav and Other Indian Snacks
Updated 11 November 2026 ยท By the Thali Lens team
Evening snacks are small in size and large in calories because most of them are deep fried. Knowing the rough numbers helps you choose which ones are worth it.
| Snack | Serving | Calories (kcal) |
|---|---|---|
| Samosa | 1, 80 g | 250 |
| Onion pakora | 4 pieces, 60 g | 220 |
| Kachori | 1 | 200 |
| Vada pav | 1 | 300 |
| Pav bhaji | 2 pav with bhaji | 400 |
| Pani puri | 6 pieces | 200 |
| Bhel puri | 1 plate, 150 g | 250 |
| Aloo tikki | 1 | 150 |
| Dhokla | 2 pieces | 150 |
| Roasted chana | 30 g | 110 |
| Roasted makhana | 30 g | 105 |
What frying does
Food soaks up oil while it fries. One samosa has about 14 g of fat, which is half of its calories. The filling is potato, so the rest is mostly starch. There is very little protein or fibre, and that is why two samosas do not keep you full for long.
The chai and snack habit
A samosa with a cup of sweet chai is about 340 kcal. As an occasional treat that is fine. Five evenings a week it adds up to 1,700 kcal, about the same as a full extra day of food every week.
Street food and salt
Chaat, pav bhaji and packaged namkeen are high in salt as well as fat. Chutneys and masala add more. If you have been told to watch your blood pressure, salt matters as much as calories here.
Lighter choices
- Roasted chana or peanuts: protein and fibre in a small handful.
- Roasted makhana with a little ghee and salt.
- Dhokla or idli: steamed, not fried.
- Sprouts or chana chaat with onion, tomato and lemon.
- Fruit with a glass of chaas.
Related guides
- Calories in Indian Sweets: Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, Ladoo and More
- Calories in Chai, Coffee, Lassi and Other Indian Drinks
- High-Protein Vegetarian Indian Foods (With a Sample Day)
- Indian food calorie chart
Values are typical estimates for home-style cooking and common serving sizes. Recipes and portions differ, so real values can be higher or lower. This page is general information, not medical advice.