Bengali Jol Khabar-Moshla Muri or Jhalmuri

There’s an old joke in Bengal that when you try to make jhalmuri at home, it somehow transforms into plain old “moshla muri.” As a lifelong jhalmuri enthusiast, I couldn’t help but chuckle at this quip. But it also got me thinking about the unique magic of this beloved street food.

When we embarked on our Jol Khabar Series, featuring classic Bengali snacks, we knew jhalmuri had to take centre stage. After all, what could follow the crispy alur chop and simple muri better than the king of street snacks itself—jhalmuri?

Your neighbourhood Jhalmuri Wala, the hero of childhood

Growing up in Kolkata, jhalmuri walas were as common as traffic signals. You’d find them everywhere:

• Stationed outside school gates, tempting students with their spicy-tangy treats and as we grew up, kaku also grew old with us. He would make it less spicy and once, we found our previous year’s answer script as a thonga (the paper bag in which the jhalmuri was served). 
• In parks, evening strollers would pause for a quick snack and adda.
• On bustling railway platforms, offering a tasty distraction to waiting passengers with perfect information about train timings
• Near movie theaters, providing the perfect pre-show munchies—at times, if you had a good relationship with them, they would always keep the tickets for you also. Remember this is a pre-online booking and multiplex-era phenomenon
• At colourful festivals, adding their own flavour to the celebrations.
• Even inside local train compartments, bringing joy to commuters. This needs a separate segment.

 

The Jhalmuri Phenomenon and the Railway Hawkers

The popularity of jhalmuri isn’t confined to the streets of Kolkata or even India. Any word about Jhalmuri is incomplete without speaking about Angus Denoon. That’s right – jhal muri went international! He has an interesting story of where all he has sold Jhalmuri.

A bustling railway platform in Bengal, and the unmistakable sight of a jhalmuri vendor. His cart, a large drum filled with muri (puffed rice), hangs from his neck. Surrounding it are small containers of colourful condiments – a mobile jhalmuri station in action. The lids are attached with strings to the base. Everytime, he opens a lid to take out a condiment it will make a nice sound. 

What sets railway jhaalmuri apart is the theatrical preparation. In a crowded compartment, the vendor expertly adds ingredients to the drum, then pours oil from high above, creating a visual spectacle. The mixing process produces a symphony of sounds, building anticipation among onlookers. Finally, it’s served with a large coconut slice—the perfect garnish, added with the flourish of a master chef.

The one at the railway station isn’t just a snack. As much as it’s a source of livelihood for people. it’s a performance, a tradition, and a taste of authentic Bengali culture all rolled into one. The unique preparation and serving style offers a truly immersive experience.

Jhalmuri or Bhelpuri?

Just like some legendary rivalries like Mohun Bagan – East Bengal, Uttam – Soumitra there was also a rivalry of Jhalmuri and Bhelpuri. Jhalmuri was a safer bet than Bhelpuri. Every time I begged for Bhelpuri, my mother would say that the sauce is not good. In her words, ‘kishob diye toiri kore’ meaning don’t know what the sauce is made of. The sauce that we are talking here was normally a pumpkin pulp with less tomato and more food colour. One would often see our hands being red after having that sauce. Hence no prizes in guessing that Jhal Muri often used to get made at home with bare necessary ingredients available and yet everyone eagerly awaited for it . Yes, it was called Moshla Muri. 

Here is the Jhalmuri which we have made at home and we have called in Moshla Muri

Vote for Jhalmuri

What makes jhalmuri so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavours—spicy, tangy, and savoury all at once. Or the satisfying crunch of puffed rice mixed with crisp vegetables and peanuts spiked with mustard oil? Perhaps it’s the theatrical preparation, with vendors expertly mixing ingredients and the ting ting ting sound in the large steel vessel.

Whatever the secret, one thing’s for sure – jhalmuri has a special place in the hearts (and taste buds) of Bengalis everywhere. It’s more than just a snack; it’s a nostalgic trip down memory lane, a comfort food that reminds us of carefree days and simple pleasures.

So the next time you’re in Kolkata, don’t forget to seek out a jhalmuri wallah. And if you’re feeling adventurous, try making it at home—who knows, you might just break the “moshla muri” curse!

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