Momos have become very popular in Bhubaneswar. Pictures by Ashwinee Pati

Bhubaneswar, May 23: As evening descends in the capital, foodies can be found swarming roadside kiosks to savour their favourite snacks. Although traditional evening munchies such as bara and alu chop still attract many people, it is the steaming hot momo that has now found a huge following in the city.

The Tibetan delicacy is found outside malls and at kiosks everywhere in the city. And customers do not seem to mind having to wait for their turn (which could be more than 30 minutes at times) to taste the steaming dim sums.

“Last year, I found this place outside my coaching class serving momos. Since then I have become addicted to it. I find it healthy and delicious,” said Rajeev, a Plus Two student. “The best part is that it comes in different varieties,” he added.

Momos come with both vegetarian and non-vegetarian fillings. For veggies, apart from the price being lower, there is a lot of variety. There is the grated-paneer momo where the filling is steamed cheese. A mix of vegetables such as cabbage, carrots and a dash of garlic is wrapped in the dough and then steamed. Some kiosks also offer the delicacy with mushroom fillings.

Among non-vegetarian choices, the most popular is the chicken momo. Some kiosks also offer mutton and even prawn options. These are accompanied by a hot and spicy, tangy sauce, prepared out of tomato pulp and grated garlic, soaked in oil.

“As a food item, momos are healthy since they are low in calories and rich in taste. It is a regular dish in the northeast but elsewhere, it was earlier treated as a snack and then they became a popular appetiser. But now people love to have it as a dish in itself,” says Suman Thapa, a vendor.

The steamed dish takes only few minutes to prepare and is easy on the pocket. It is also served fried after being steamed at some joints at the request of the customer.

“Frying the dim sum adds a crispy layer to it and makes it more scrumptious. Many momo-lovers go for this option,” says Madan, another vendor.

“Initially people in Bhubaneswar seemed to be doubtful about the taste. But the popularity has grown over the past two years,” he adds.

“I fell in love with momos during my stay in Delhi where it is immensely popular. Since people in Bhubaneswar love street food, I planned to launch a momo joint here with some cooks from the northeast and it has been a success,” says Priya Sadangi, an entrepreneur.

This version of dumplings has also made it to the menu of many Indian, continental and of course Chinese restaurants.

“We offer dim sums as appetisers and it is an integral part of our buffet owing to the demand of customers,” says hotelier Debasish Patnaik.

The price of momos available at roadside kiosks begins at Rs 15 for four pieces. The price varies when it comes to restaurants.