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A viral video has surfaced online showcasing the preparation of pani puri with ingredients, including fire ants.
The video was shared by Chef Varun Totlani. (Photo Credits: Instagram)
Who doesn’t crave delicious pani puri? This tangy street food is a favourite across India, but a recent viral video is taking this dish to new heights. The video showcases a surprising twist that involves a unique ingredient: red ants. Yes, you read that correctly! Considered a delicacy in some Indian regions, these tiny critters are now being used as a topping for pani puri. Many social media users have expressed their surprise and curiosity over this unexpected addition to the iconic street food.
In an Instagram video, Chef Varun Totlani describing the dish, states, “We brought the best of both worlds to this Pani Puri. The puri is from India, the stuffing is Thai heirloom tomatoes and fermented bean, and the pani is coconut milk with tons of aromatics. Topped with tangy fire ants from Chattisgarh. It is the perfect crossover between India and Thailand.”
In the video, we see puris being filled with unique ingredients like fresh tomatoes and beans. Instead of the traditional tamarind or mint water, this version features creamy coconut milk. The final touch is a topping of tangy fire ants.
“Thai curry meets Pani Puri,” Totlani wrote in the caption, tagging people he collaborated with to make the pani puri and other dishes.
Take a look at the video here:
Since being posted online, the video has created quite a buzz, amassing over 70,000 views. This unique fusion of Thai and Indian flavours has certainly caught attention online but the inclusion of ants in the dish has left many in disbelief, sparking a variety of reactions in the comment section.
One user remarked, “Pani puri is an emmotion for Indians, don’t ruin it. TQ!”
Another chimed in with, “Did I see ants on panipuri? Kyu mood bighad rahe ho bhai (Why are you spoiling my mood brother?)”
“This guy should be behind bars the bars for distortion of Panipuri,” someone else commented and another lamented, “Insult to so many cuisines!!”
The criticism kept pouring in with remarks like, “Disaster. Why u have to eat insects n animal all the time” and “Damn… ruined a simple eatery.”
Another comment simply read, “Why why why!!! Just because you can does not mean you should !!!”
However, amidst the backlash, a few users defended the dish. One pointed out, “Fire ants are a staple of our tribal community in Chhattisgarh,” and another added, “Fire Ants are GI tagged from Mayurbhanj, Odisha.”
Would you try this pani puri with fiery red ants?
