Bhujia vs Sev: What Is The Difference Between These Crunchy Besan Snacks?

For those who grew up in the vibrant cultural landscape of India, the nostalgic allure of crunchy snacks like sev and bhujia is undeniable. These addictive treats have been a staple in many Indian households to elevate the flavours of popular dishes like poha and chaat. At first glance, the similarities between sev and bhujia are striking as both are crispy and tantalisingly yellow. Despite their outward similarities, a closer look reveals a multitude of distinctions. As we embark on a culinary journey to explore the distinctions between these two beloved snacks, we'll uncover the unique textures and flavours that set sev and bhujia apart. Here are some major differences between these famous besan snacks.

Bhujia And Sev

Bhujia's bold flavours and crunchy texture have won hearts, especially among those who crave strong flavours. Hailing from Rajasthan, the celebrated Bikaneri bhujia stands out with its distinctive taste whereas sev's delicate crunch and mild flavour make it a versatile snack, perfect for adding texture to dishes or enjoying on its own. With various types like barik, moti and Ratlami, sev is a popular topping for chaats or poha.

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Bhujia and sev are two delicious besan snacks (Image Credits: Canva)

Bhujia vs Sev: Differences

The distinction between bhujia and sev lies in their ingredients, textures, and flavours. While sev is made from gram flour, bhujia combines gram flour with moth dal flour, yielding a unique taste and texture. Sev's flavour profile is subtle and mild with basic spices whereas bhujia boasts bold and aromatic spices like ajwain, pepper and cinnamon. Sev's roots trace back to Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat whereas bhujia hails from Rajasthan, specifically Bikaner. Sev boasts a thicker, softer bite while bhujia shines with its finer, crisper and more delicate crunch. Their usage differs too - sev is often used as a topping, while bhujia is enjoyed on its own or added to snack mixes for an extra kick. These differences highlight the distinct personalities of these two popular Indian snacks.

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Can You Really Use Them Interchangeably?

While bhujia and sev share similarities, they can't be used interchangeably due to distinct flavour profiles and textures. Bhujia's bold spices and crunchy texture make it ideal for snacking whereas sev's mild flavour and softer bite suit it better as a topping or mix-in.