If you’re into Indian street food - or just wanna try Golgappa (also called Pani Puri) - Tabla in Schaumburg’s got that vibe where a quick bite feels like a real experience: crispy, sour, hot stuff you can’t stop eating. It’s crisp, refreshing, tangy, spicy, and sweet — all in one bite. Whether you're trying it for the first time or you’ve been a street-food lover for years, this guide will help you enjoy Pani Poori like a pro.
What is Pani Poori
Pani Poori - known as golgappa, phuchka, or panipuri depending on where you are - is a tiny, crispy ball made of fried dough. Instead of being plain, it gets stuffed with either mashed potatoes or chickpeas seasoned with spices. After that, someone pours or drops in flavored liquid, like zesty green water with mint and coriander or syrupy tamarind juice. You’re meant to eat the whole thing at once, which means your mouth hits crunch first, then flavor bursts through. When done right, each piece delivers sharpness, soft bits, heat, and sour notes together. At Tabla, they keep it real: their version uses chickpeas and spuds inside, plus both sweet and hot liquids drizzled over. That mix? Exactly how this street-style starter should taste.
Step 1 — Order like a pro
Ask for a fresh batch. Pani Poori hits harder when the shells stay crunchy while the flavored waters come cold, straight up fresh. Over at Tabla, it’s tucked into the snacks or small bites part of the menu. Sharing with two to four folks? One serving - usually six to eight pieces - is just right to kick things off.
Specify spice level. Many places can adjust the heat in the green pani. If you prefer mild, say so; if you love the burn, ask for extra green pani.
Step 2 — Inspect the components
A well-served plate should have:
Crispy puris - still whole, with a hollow center
A little bowl with seasoned mashed potatoes or chickpeas - Tabla mixes both, stuffing made from potatoes and legumes.
One kind is tangy-sweet, made with tamarind, while the other packs heat with fresh mint.
Try adding chutney or a sprinkle of sev on top if you like
If any component looks soggy or the puris is broken, politely ask for a fresh plate — it really changes the experience.
Step 3 — How to assemble & eat (the pro method)
Crack the top: Use your fingers to grip the puri - press lightly on the upper side till it splits open just a bit - not too wide, not too tight. That tiny gap? Perfect for filling without losing its snap.
Fill: Spoon a bit of the potato/chickpea stuffing into the puri. Don’t overstuff — the puri should still be mostly hollow, so it snaps in your mouth.
Add chutney (optional): Try chutney if you’ve got it - tamarind or date works. Love that tangy-sweet kick? Just a splash’ll do. Skip it if you’re not into bold flavors.
Dip or pour the pani: Some people shove the puri right into the pani, while others drizzle a bit on top. Either way it works fine with Tabla’s tangy, slightly sweet drink. It handles both styles without fuss.
One-bite rule: Take it whole. That way, you get the snap plus the rush of taste inside.
Repeat & experiment: Try different ratios of sweet to spicy water to find your signature bite.
Tips to eat Pani Poori like a local
Grab a napkin: also bring an extra fork if someone’d rather not eat with fingers.
Rotate flavours: Try a sweet one time, then go for fiery next - keep things fresh without boring your taste buds.
Share the experience: Pani Poori’s meant to be shared. Grab a few chaats like Aloo Tikki or Samosa Chaat instead of just one. Turn dinner into a little flavorful adventure. The options at Tabla fit well together.
What to pair with Pani Poori
Pani Poori pairs beautifully with chilled, effervescent, or mildly sweet drinks that cut through spice:
Masala chai brings cozy vibes when paired together - if you're after something different.
Sweet lassi - or maybe a cold mango lassi version - to calm your taste buds.
Soda/roasted masala soda — the fizzy contrast is a classic street-snack move. When in doubt, ask Tabla what house drinks they recommend — they list several refreshing options on their menu and social posts.
Get Ready for Pani Poori at Tabla — Reserve on OpenTable!
Is Pani Poori spicy or sweet?
Pani Poori does two things at once - that's what makes it fun. Most times, there’s a spicy green drink made from mint, cilantro, along with hot green chilies, or else a tangy-sweet one using tamarind mixed with jaggery. What it tastes like changes based on which liquid you pick, plus how much flavored paste goes in. At Tabla, they hand it out with both sweet and fiery dips side by side - so count on catching each flavor in just one serving.
FAQs
1. What is Pani Poori made of?
Pani Poori comes with tiny crunchy balls stuffed with spiced potatoes or chickpeas, then dipped in tangy liquid. Over at Tabla, they serve crisp new puris, a mix of chickpeas and potatoes inside, along with zesty mint water plus a sugary version for balance.
2. How do you eat Pani Poori properly?
To enjoy Pani Poori right, lightly break the puri’s top - drop in some filling, then dunk it into the spiced liquid before popping it whole into your mouth. That way, the shell stays crisp while the tastes mix just well.
3. What fillings does Tabla use in Pani Poori?
Tabla makes Pani Poori using mashed potatoes mixed with chickpeas - a solid combo that fills every puri well. That rich stuffing goes great with tangy, zesty water flavors for a real street-food kick.
4. Is it spicy or sweet?
Pani Poori can be spicy, sweet, or a mix of both. Tabla serves two types of pani—mint-chili spicy water and sweet tamarind water—letting you customize every bite based on your preferred heat and sweetness level.
5. Can kids enjoy Pani Poori?
Yes, kids can absolutely enjoy Pani Poori. Just opt for the sweet tamarind water or request milder spice levels. The crunchy shells, gentle flavors, and fun one-bite experience make it a kid-friendly Indian street snack.
6. What drinks pair with Indian street food?
Indian street food like Pani Poori pairs well with cooling drinks such as mango lassi, sweet lassi, or soda. These beverages help balance spices, refresh the palate, and enhance the chaat flavors without overpowering them.
Final pro move — ordering for a group
If you’re hosting or want to bring Pani Poori for a small gathering, order multiples and request that puris be packed separately from the pani to preserve crunch. Consider pairing with other Tabla appetizers (Aloo Tikki Chaat, Samosa Chaat) for variety. Tabla’s chaat menu offers easy crowd-pleasers that travel well.
Conclusion
Pani Poori is one of those small pleasures that can turn a simple evening into a shared experience. At Tabla Schaumburg, you get the classic construction — crisp puris, potato & chickpea filling, and sweet & spicy waters — which means you’re set for a genuine golgappa moment right here in Schaumburg. Bring friends, order a few chaats, and don’t be shy about experimenting with spices and sweets.