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Love Momos? Some Disadvantages You Need to Know

Love Momos? Some Disadvantages You Need to Know

Steamed, juicy, spicy, and addictive — momos have taken Indian street food culture by storm. Whether you’re grabbing a quick plate outside a metro station, enjoying a cozy snack during monsoons, or craving something spicy in the evening, momos have become the go-to comfort food for millions.

But as delicious and irresistible as they are, have you ever stopped to think about what goes into your favorite dumplings? What if your love for momos is coming at a hidden cost to your health?

In this blog, we’re diving deep into the dark side of momos — from the ingredients that make them to the hygiene risks they pose, and how you can enjoy them more safely.


🧾 The Momo Phenomenon in India

Originating from Tibet and Nepal, momos are essentially dumplings filled with meat, vegetables, or cheese, typically steamed or fried and served with spicy red chutney. Their simplicity, affordability, and adaptability to Indian palates made them an instant hit across Indian cities.

Today, from Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar to Mumbai’s Lokhandwala and Kolkata’s College Street — momos are everywhere. But as their popularity has soared, so have concerns about their nutritional value and hygiene standards.


⚠️ The Hidden Health Hazards of Momos

1. The Refined Flour Dilemma (Maida Overload)

Most momos are made using refined white flour (maida) — which undergoes chemical processing to give it a bright white appearance and fine texture. The issue? It’s:

  • Low in fiber — making digestion sluggish.
  • High glycemic index — can spike blood sugar quickly.
  • Often bleached — with chemicals like benzoyl peroxide and azodicarbonamide, which may harm the pancreas and disrupt insulin sensitivity.

📌 Long-term consumption of maida-based foods has been linked to obesity, insulin resistance, and digestive issues.


2. Mystery Fillings and Quality Concerns

Here’s the brutal truth: not all street vendors use fresh or quality ingredients. In some cases:

  • Meat used is stale or sourced unethically.
  • Cabbage and other veggies may be unwashed or infested with bacteria.
  • Spices and oils are reused or of extremely low grade.

🥬 Did you know improperly washed cabbage can carry tapeworm eggs? If undercooked, these can enter your body and, in rare cases, reach the brain, causing neurocysticercosis — a potentially life-threatening condition.


3. MSG – The Silent Enhancer

To make their momos tastier, many vendors add monosodium glutamate (MSG) — a flavor enhancer that:

  • Can trigger “Chinese Restaurant Syndrome” in sensitive individuals — headaches, dizziness, and chest pain.
  • Is associated with obesity, fatigue, and neurotoxicity when consumed in large quantities.
  • Often hidden under names like “Ajinomoto” or “flavor enhancer” in ingredient lists.

💡 There are no legal mandates in India requiring vendors to disclose MSG use.


4. High Sodium & Spicy Chutneys

The red momo chutney — arguably the soul of the dish — often contains:

  • Massive amounts of salt, vinegar, and chili.
  • Spoiled tomatoes or fermented ingredients to cut costs.
  • Artificial colors that can irritate your gut lining.

📌 Regular intake can lead to:

  • Gastric ulcers
  • Acid reflux
  • Elevated blood pressure

5. Hygiene? Often an Afterthought

In the hustle of Indian streets, hygiene standards can be shaky at best:

  • Raw and cooked foods stored together.
  • Lack of gloves or hairnets.
  • Momo steamers and oil reused for days without cleaning.
  • Exposed to flies and polluted air.

During monsoons, when contamination risks are highest, consuming unhygienic momos can lead to food poisoning, E. coli infections, or dysentery.


🧬 Real Stories, Real Consequences

Here’s a sobering case: In 2017, AIIMS doctors in Delhi highlighted an alarming number of cases involving tapeworm larvae in the brain linked to consuming street-side momos with improperly cooked cabbage. The cases triggered a regional health advisory — and yet, many people remain unaware of these dangers.

Another report by The Times of India stated that excessive momo consumption, especially among school and college students, led to rising instances of gastritis, obesity, and lethargy.


✅ Enjoy Momos the Right Way: Tips for Safe Indulgence

You don’t have to give up on momos entirely. Here’s how you can savor them safely:

  1. Choose Clean, Reputable Outlets
    Avoid roadside stalls with poor hygiene. Opt for restaurants or cafes that maintain kitchen transparency and food safety standards.
  2. Go for Steamed, Not Fried
    Fried momos add trans fats and make digestion harder. Stick to steamed or tandoori varieties with minimal oil.
  3. Limit the Chutney
    Try squeezing lemon instead or use yogurt-based dips to avoid acidity.
  4. Make Them at Home
    Homemade momos let you choose whole-wheat flour, fresh fillings, and low-sodium sauces. Bonus: You can even bake them!
  5. Watch the Frequency
    Treat momos like a cheat snack — not a daily meal. Balance with fiber-rich fruits, vegetables, and hydration.

🌱 Healthier Alternatives to Traditional Momos

If you’re a momo lover but health-conscious, explore:

  • Whole Wheat or Millet Momos
  • Tofu, Paneer, or Soya Fillings
  • Grilled or Baked Momos
  • Low-sodium chutneys with herbs, mint, and lemon

❤️ Final Thoughts: Don’t Hate the Momo, Just Be Smart About It

Momos are more than food — they’re culture, comfort, and community. But indulging in them blindly, especially from questionable sources, can be dangerous to your health.

Let your love for momos be balanced by awareness. Ask questions, observe preparation methods, and most importantly — listen to your body. With just a few smart choices, you can keep enjoying momos without putting your health at risk.


Do you have a momo horror story or a healthy momo recipe? Share it in the comments below! Let’s make the momo movement safer and smarter. 🥢

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are momos unhealthy to eat?

Momos aren’t inherently unhealthy, but they become a problem when made with refined flour (maida), filled with low-quality or unhygienic ingredients, or deep-fried. The health risks increase significantly when consumed regularly from questionable sources.


2. What are the most common health risks of eating street momos?

Health risks include food poisoning, tapeworm infections, stomach ulcers, high sodium intake, MSG-related reactions, and long-term risks like obesity and digestive issues due to maida.


3. Can I get worms or parasites from eating momos?

Yes. If the cabbage or meat inside momos is not washed or cooked properly, it can carry tapeworm larvae, which may lead to neurocysticercosis, a serious brain infection.


4. Is it okay to eat momos every day?

No. Eating momos daily—especially from street vendors—can affect digestion, increase your sodium and MSG intake, and lead to chronic health conditions like high blood pressure or weight gain.


5. What’s the problem with using maida in momos?

Maida is a refined flour with almost no fiber or nutrition. It’s difficult to digest and may spike blood sugar levels. Over time, it can contribute to metabolic issues and sluggish digestion.


6. Are steamed momos healthier than fried ones?

Yes. Steamed momos are lower in fat and calories. Fried momos absorb oil, increasing trans fats and digestive strain. If you’re going to eat momos, steamed is the safer option.


7. What should I watch out for when buying momos outside?

Check for:

  • Cleanliness of the vendor’s stall
  • Whether ingredients are refrigerated or exposed
  • If the chutney is stored properly
  • Use of gloves or clean utensils
    Always avoid vendors with poor hygiene or reused oil.

8. How can I make healthier momos at home?

Use whole wheat or millet flour for the wrapper. Fillings can include fresh vegetables, tofu, or paneer. Avoid MSG and use herbs and spices for flavor. Steam or bake instead of frying.


9. Is momo chutney bad for health?

It can be. Street momo chutneys often contain excessive salt, chili, artificial color, and even spoiled tomatoes. Overconsumption may lead to acid reflux, ulcers, or stomach pain.


10. Can children eat momos safely?

Occasionally, yes — especially if made at home with healthy ingredients. Avoid feeding children street momos frequently due to hygiene concerns, MSG, and high spice levels.

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10 Foods that Indians Crave for During Monsoons

Monsoon snacking made easier

🌧️☔ Monsoons in India is a time of enchantment and culinary indulgence. As the rain showers the land, there’s a special craving for flavors that perfectly complement the weather. From savoring crispy pakoras to enjoying a steaming cup of masala chai, monsoon foods evoke a sense of comfort and delight. In this blog post, we invite you to embark on a flavorful journey as we explore 10 irresistible dishes that Indians crave during the rainy season.

Get ready to indulge in the magic of monsoons and satisfy your taste buds with these delightful treats! 😋🌧️

10. Crispy Corn Bhutta: A Classic Monsoon Snack to Savor! 🌽🌽

🌽🌽 There’s something incredibly satisfying about sinking your teeth into a roasted or boiled corn on the cob during the monsoons. Seasoned with a sprinkle of salt, chili powder, and a squeeze of tangy lime juice, the crispy corn bhutta offers a burst of flavors that perfectly complement the rain-kissed atmosphere. It’s a classic monsoon snack that never fails to evoke a sense of joy and nostalgia. So, grab a corn bhutta and let its flavors transport you to monsoon bliss! 😍🌧️

9. Garama Garam Pakodi Kadhi: A Soul-Soothing Combination! 🍲🌧️

🍲🌧️ What could be better than a warm bowl of kadhi, a yogurt-based curry, with garama garam (steaming hot) pakodis during the rainy season? The crispiness of the pakodis immersed in a tangy and spiced yogurt gravy creates a harmony of textures and flavors that is hard to resist. This delightful combination, when enjoyed with steamed rice or soft rotis, has the power to warm your soul and bring a smile to your face. Indulge in the comforting goodness of garama garam pakodi kadhi and let it envelop you in its monsoon magic! 🥣🌈

8. Jalebi: Sweet Spiral Treats for Rainy Day Cravings! 🌀🍥

🌀🍥 As the raindrops create a rhythmic melody outside, treat yourself to a plate of golden, syrupy jalebis. These pretzel-shaped sweets are made by deep-frying a fermented batter of all-purpose flour, which is then soaked in sugar syrup until it becomes irresistibly sweet and indulgent. Each bite of these crispy, syrupy treats takes you on a delightful journey of flavors and textures that leave you craving for more. So, surrender to your sweet tooth and relish the magic of jalebis during the monsoons! 😋✨

👥 Join Our Community 👥

If you’re a food lover like us, we invite you to join our Facebook group, Eatlo. It’s a community of passionate foodies where we share recipes, cooking tips, and more. We’d love to hear about your experiences with making Hoisin sauce or any other recipes you’ve tried. See you there!

Best partner for the chai-pakoda season
Because monsoon and pakodas go hand in hand

7. Aloo Paratha: Warm, Flaky Stuffed Bread for Monsoon Mornings! 🥔🥖

🥔🥖 What could be more comforting on a rainy morning than a plate of piping hot aloo parathas? These flaky, stuffed breads are made by rolling out dough and filling it with a spiced mashed potato mixture. Cooked to perfection on a griddle with ghee or oil, they are best enjoyed with a dollop of butter, a side of tangy pickle, and a steaming cup of masala chai. Indulge in the warmth and richness of aloo parathas and let them kickstart your monsoon mornings with delight! 🌧️🌞

6. Aloo Tikki: Crispy Potato Patties for Monsoon Cravings! 🥔🍽️

🥔🍽️ Aloo Tikki, or potato patties, are a popular monsoon street food that will satisfy your cravings in an instant. These crispy delights are made by pan-frying mashed potatoes seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, and red chili powder. The golden-brown crust gives way to a soft and flavorful interior, making each bite a burst of pure bliss. Enjoy aloo tikki with tangy tamarind chutney and mint chutney for an explosion of flavors that will leave you craving more! 😋🌧️

5. Masala Chai: Warm Hugs in a Cup on Rainy Evenings! ☕🌧️

☕🌧️ As the rain pours outside, wrap your hands around a steaming cup of masala chai and feel its warmth embrace you. This aromatic blend of black tea leaves, spices like ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves, combined with milk and sugar, creates a symphony of flavors that soothe your senses. Sip by sip, masala chai takes you on a journey of relaxation and comfort, making it the perfect companion for cozy evenings spent indoors during the monsoons. Let the magic of masala chai rejuvenate your soul and make the rainy season even more memorable! 😌🌈

Chai Masala classic

4. Samosas: Crispy Triangular Parcels of Joy! 🥟🤩

🥟🤩 No monsoon food list is complete without the mention of the beloved samosas. These crispy, triangular parcels of joy are filled with a flavorful mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes minced meat. Deep-fried to golden perfection, samosas offer a burst of flavors with every bite. Whether you’re enjoying them as a snack with friends or as a part of your evening tea time ritual, samosas are sure to bring smiles to faces and make rainy days all the more delightful. So, indulge in the goodness of samosas and let the happiness unfold! 😄🌧️

👥 Join Our Community 👥

If you’re a food lover like us, we invite you to join our Facebook group, Eatlo. It’s a community of passionate foodies where we share recipes, cooking tips, and more. We’d love to hear about your experiences with making Hoisin sauce or any other recipes you’ve tried. See you there!

3. Rasam: A Tangy Soup to Warm Your Soul! 🍲🔥

🍲🔥 Originating from South India, Rasam is a tangy and spicy soup made with tamarind, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices like black pepper, cumin, and coriander. It is known for its comforting flavors and is often enjoyed with steamed rice or sipped as a soothing drink. The tanginess and spiciness of Rasam provide a perfect balance of flavors, making it a delightful monsoon food. So, indulge in a bowl of Rasam and let the warmth and tanginess of this soup nourish your body and soul on a rainy day! 😌🌧️

2. Vada Pav: A Mumbai Street Food Delight! 🍔🌶️

🍔🌶️ Originating from the bustling streets of Mumbai, Vada Pav is a monsoon favorite that satisfies cravings for a savory treat. This street food delight consists of a deep-fried potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between a soft pav (bread roll) and served with spicy chutneys. The combination of the flavorful vada, the pillowy pav, and the tangy chutneys creates a taste sensation that leaves you craving for more. Bite into a Vada Pav and experience the true essence of Mumbai’s monsoon street food culture! 😍🌧️

Instant Batata Vada Mix by Masala Monk.
Instant Batata Vada Mix by Masala Monk.

1. Pakoras: Crispy Fritters to Sizzle Your Palate! 🌽🍚

🌽🍚 When the rain comes pouring down, it’s time to relish the sizzling goodness of pakoras. These deep-fried fritters are made by dipping a variety of ingredients like onions, potatoes, spinach, or paneer in a flavorful batter, resulting in a crispy and irresistible treat. The moment you take a bite, the crispy exterior gives way to a burst of flavors that tickle your taste buds. Paired with a cup of masala chai or tangy chutneys, pakoras are the perfect monsoon comfort food that will leave you craving for more. So, savor the crispy delight of pakoras and let your taste buds dance with joy! 😋🔥

👥 Join Our Community 👥

If you’re a food lover like us, we invite you to join our Facebook group, Eatlo. It’s a community of passionate foodies where we share recipes, cooking tips, and more. We’d love to hear about your experiences with making Hoisin sauce or any other recipes you’ve tried. See you there!

Conclusion

☔🌧️ Monsoons in India are a time of culinary indulgence, where flavorsome dishes add an extra touch of magic to the rainy season. From the crispy delights of pakoras and samosas to the comforting warmth of masala chai and rasam, these monsoon foods satisfy cravings and evoke a sense of comfort and joy. So, embrace the magic of the monsoons and savor these delightful treats that are an integral part of Indian culture. Let your taste buds revel in the flavors and your heart dance with the joy of monsoon feasting! 🍽️✨

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How to make Korean Rice Corn Dogs: A Delicious Day’s Guide 🌽🌭

happy woman with rolling pin cooking at home

Welcome to another culinary adventure with 매일맛나 delicious day, a YouTube channel dedicated to bringing you the most mouthwatering recipes from around the world. In this episode, we’re diving into the world of Korean street food with a focus on the ever-popular Korean Rice Corn Dogs. This isn’t your average corn dog; it’s a unique fusion of flavors and textures that will leave you craving for more.

If you’re a fan of street food or just love trying out new recipes, this is a must-try! The video tutorial can be found here. But before we delve into the recipe, let’s take a moment to appreciate the creativity and culinary expertise of 매일맛나 delicious day. Their channel is a treasure trove of delectable recipes that are easy to follow and absolutely delightful to taste.

🌽 The Magic of Korean Rice Corn Dogs 🌭

Korean Rice Corn Dogs, also known as Myungrang Hot Dogs, are a popular street food in Korea. Unlike the traditional corn dogs, these are made with a blend of wheat flour and rice flour, giving them a unique texture that’s crispy on the outside and chewy on the inside. But the real magic lies in the variety of toppings and fillings that you can experiment with. From cheese and sausage to potatoes and ramen, the possibilities are endless!

📝 The Recipe: How to Make Korean Rice Corn Dogs 🍡

The recipe starts with a simple dough made from strong bread flour, rice flour, sugar, salt, yeast, an egg, and warm water. The dough is then left to ferment, which helps it rise and develop a light, airy texture.

Once the dough is ready, it’s time to prepare the fillings. The video tutorial shows how to make three different types of corn dogs: sausage, mozzarella cheese, and a combination of both. The sausages and cheese are skewered on wooden sticks, then coated in the dough.

Next comes the fun part: the toppings! One version is coated in small diced potatoes, another in crushed ramen noodles, and the third is left plain. All three versions are then rolled in bread crumbs for an extra layer of crunch.

The corn dogs are then deep-fried until golden brown and crispy. The final touch is a sprinkle of sugar and a drizzle of ketchup and mustard. The result is a deliciously crunchy, cheesy, and satisfying snack that’s perfect for any time of the day!

🍽️ Enjoying Korean Rice Corn Dogs: Tips and Suggestions 🌭

When making Korean Rice Corn Dogs at home, here are a few tips and suggestions to keep in mind:

  • Feel free to experiment with different fillings and toppings. You can try using different types of cheese, or even add some veggies for a healthier twist.
  • When frying the corn dogs, start with high heat to seal the outside, then lower the heat to ensure the inside is cooked through without burning the outside.
  • Serve the corn dogs while they’re still hot to enjoy the maximum crunch and melty cheese goodness!

🎉 Join the Foodie Community! 🍽️

If you try this recipe or have other delicious recipes to share, join the vibrant and engaging food lovers community on Facebook. It’s a place where you can share your culinary experiments, discover new recipes, and connect with fellow food enthusiasts.

So, are you ready to bring a taste of Korean street food into your kitchen? With this Korean Rice Corn Dogs recipe, you can enjoy a delicious and unique snack right at home. Happy cooking! 🍽️🎉

Remember to check out more amazing recipes on 매일맛나 delicious day‘s YouTube channel. Enjoy the delicious day! 🌞🍡🌭

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4 NYC Food Trucks that are Raising the Bar

photo of statue of liberty

In the video titled “NYC Food Truck Tour!! Cheap Eats in USA’s Expensivest City!!” on the Best Ever Food Review Show YouTube channel, hosts Sonny Side, Ben, and Ming take viewers on a culinary journey to find the best food trucks in New York City.

Sonny Side, the main host of the show, is a food enthusiast who travels around the world to explore diverse food cultures and bring unique findings to his audience. In this episode, they visit four of the most acclaimed food trucks in New York City. Their quest is not just about finding the tastiest food, but also about showcasing the variety and cultural depth of food that NYC has to offer.

For a detailed account of their food truck tour, watch the full video here.

Here’s a reverse chronological tour of our flavorful adventure:

4. Express Halal Food 🥙

Express Halal Food is a popular food truck in New York City that offers a variety of Middle Eastern dishes. In this episode, the hosts tried the lamb over rice and a falafel sandwich. The lamb over rice is a flavorful dish made with tender, seasoned lamb served over a bed of long grain basmati rice. The falafel sandwich is a vegetarian delight, made with crispy, flavorful falafel balls served in a soft pita bread with fresh veggies and a creamy garlic sauce.

3. Taqueria Regina 🌮

Next, they visited Taqueria Regina, a food truck known for its authentic Mexican cuisine. They tried the chorizo taco, pork ear taco, and sopes. The chorizo taco is a spicy, flavorful dish made with Mexican sausage, while the pork ear taco offers a unique, crunchy texture. The sopes are a traditional Mexican dish made with a thick corn tortilla topped with a variety of ingredients.

2. Rafiqi’s Food Cart 🌭

Rafiqi’s Food Cart is a staple of New York City’s street food scene. In this episode, the hosts tried their hot dog, a classic American street food. Rafiqi’s offers a simple yet satisfying hot dog that’s perfect for a quick bite on the go.

1. Arnie & Ebony Catering 🍤

The final stop was Arnie & Ebony Catering, a food truck that offers a variety of dishes. The hosts tried their fried shrimp, potato salad, and baked mac & cheese. The fried shrimp is a crispy, flavorful dish that seafood lovers will enjoy, while the potato salad and baked mac & cheese offer a comforting, home-cooked taste.

So, if you’re in NYC and craving some street food, make sure to visit these food trucks. Whether you’re a fan of Middle Eastern cuisine, Mexican food, classic American dishes, or seafood, there’s something for everyone. Happy food truck hunting! 🚚🍴