Tamatar chaat is a simple and tasty Indian street food made from tomatoes.
It is fresh, tangy, spicy, and perfect for summer or anytime snacking.
This dish uses ripe tomatoes, spices, chutneys, chaat masala, and crunchy toppings.
It is very easy to make at home with everyday Indian ingredients.
This guide gives you a detailed, step-by-step recipe written in simple English.
Sentences are short for easy reading.
Everything is explained for Indian kitchens and Indian taste.

Keywords: tamatar chaat recipe, how to make tamatar chaat, tomato chaat, Indian street food at home, healthy chaat, summer chaat recipe, chaat masala tomato salad, quick Indian snacks.

What is Tamatar Chaat?

Tamatar chaat is a light salad-like snack made from juicy tomatoes.
It is mixed with spices, herbs, lemon, chutneys, and crunchy elements.
In North India, chaat is a common street food idea.
Chaat food combines spicy, tangy, sweet, and salty flavors all in one.
Tamatar chaat is one of the easiest chaat recipes to make and enjoy at home.

Unlike samosa chaat or aloo chaat, tamatar chaat uses fresh raw tomatoes as the main ingredient.
This makes it healthy, refreshing, and perfect for hot weather.
It can also be a quick starter or side dish for lunch and dinner.

Also Read How to Make Samosa Chaat at Home: Easy Step-by-Step Guide for Indian Tastebuds 🍅🥔

Ingredients You Will Need

Here is a list of ingredients for tamatar chaat (serves 4):

Main Ingredients

• 4 to 5 large ripe tomatoes
• 1 small onion, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 small cucumber, finely chopped (optional)
• 1 green chilli, finely chopped (adjust to taste)
• Fresh coriander leaves, chopped

Spices and Seasoning

• 1 teaspoon chaat masala
• 1/2 teaspoon roasted cumin powder
• 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon red chilli powder (adjust to taste)
• Salt to taste
• Black salt (optional but gives a classic tangy taste)

Tangy and Sweet Flavors

• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 to 3 tablespoons tamarind chutney (optional but highly recommended for flavor)

Crunchy Toppings (Optional but tasty)

• Sev (thin gram flour noodles)
• Roasted peanuts
• Pomegranate seeds (for colour and juicy pops)

Optional Extras

• Boondi
• Chopped capsicum
• Grated carrots
• Chatpata spices or pav bhaji masala

Step 1: Choose the Right Tomatoes

Choose ripe and firm tomatoes for the best tamatar chaat.
Avoid soft or overripe tomatoes that may become mushy.
Firm tomatoes give a good texture and hold well with the spices.
Ripe red tomatoes have natural sweetness and juice that balance the spices.

Wash the tomatoes well under running water.
Pat them dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Step 2: Chop the Tomatoes Properly

Cut the tomatoes into small cubes about 1 cm in size.
Small pieces allow the spices and lemon juice to mix well with every bite.
If the tomatoes are too juicy, remove some seeds before chopping.
This keeps the chaat from becoming watery.

You can also cut the tomatoes into wedges if you prefer a chunkier chaat.

Step 3: Add Fresh Veggies (Optional)

If you like more texture, add finely chopped onion and cucumber.
Capsicum and grated carrots also work well in tamatar chaat.
These vegetables add crunch and make the dish more colourful.

Mix all chopped vegetables with the tomatoes in a serving bowl.

Step 4: Add Spice and Seasoning

Sprinkle chaat masala over the tomato mixture.
Chaat masala gives a tangy and salty flavour that is unique to Indian chaat.
Add roasted cumin powder. This adds a smoky taste.
Add red chilli powder slowly and adjust to your heat preference.

Add salt and black salt if you have it. Black salt adds a classic Indian tang.
Mix all spices gently with the tomatoes and vegetables.

Step 5: Add Lemon Juice and Chutneys

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chaat.
The lemon is important for tang and freshness.

Now drizzle tamarind chutney.
Tamarind chutney is sweet and tangy.
This adds a wonderful contrast with the spices.

If you prefer extra heat, you can also add green chutney (coriander and mint).
Use just a little, as green chutney has strong flavour.

Step 6: Add Crunchy Toppings

Sprinkle sev on top just before serving.
Sev stays crispy when added last.
Add roasted peanuts for extra crunch.
Pomegranate seeds add colour and juicy bursts.

These toppings make tamatar chaat exciting to eat.

Step 7: Final Garnish

Finish tamatar chaat with fresh coriander leaves.
You can also add a pinch of chaat masala on top.
Serve immediately.
Chaat tastes best fresh and cold.

Serving Suggestions

Serve tamatar chaat in small bowls or on plates.
It pairs well with masala chai, lassi, or lemonade.
This dish can be served as an evening snack or party appetizer.

For a fuller meal, you can serve it with pav bhaji, dahi vada, or samosa chaat as part of a chaat platter.

Why Tamatar Chaat is Good for You

Tamatar chaat uses fresh vegetables and spices.
Tomatoes are rich in vitamin C and antioxidants.
Onions and green chillies add flavour with little calories.
Fresh lemon juice adds vitamin C.
Using minimal oil keeps this chaat light and healthy.

It is a great snack choice for summers and for anyone who wants a fresh dish.

Variations You Can Try

Dahi Tamatar Chaat

Add a layer of whipped yogurt.
Drizzle yogurt over the tomato mixture.
Add sev and spices on top.
This gives a creamy, cooling taste like dahi chaat.

Sprout and Tomato Chaat

Add boiled moong sprouts or mixed sprouts.
Sprouts add protein and nutrition.

Fruit and Tomato Chaat

Add chopped fruits like apple or pomegranate.
Fruits add sweetness and freshness.

Pav Tamatar Chaat

Serve the tomato chaat with small toasted bread cubes.
Brush pav with butter and toast.
Mix with tomato chaat for a fusion snack.

Tips for Best Tamatar Chaat

1. Use firm, ripe tomatoes for the best texture.
2. Chop all ingredients uniformly for even taste in every bite.
3. Add chutneys and sev just before serving so the chaat stays crisp.
4. Use fresh lemon for tang. Bottled lemon juice changes the taste.
5. Adjust spice levels for children or older adults.
6. If tomatoes are very juicy, remove seeds before chopping to prevent a watery chaat.

Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

Chaat turns watery

This happens when the tomatoes are too ripe or seeds are left in.
Remove extra juice for a firm texture.

Chaat is too salty

Add lemon juice or yogurt to balance salt.
Rinse tomatoes lightly before chopping if they taste salty.

Spices are too strong

Add them slowly and taste as you go.
You can always add more but you cannot take them out.

Sev becomes soft

Add sev just before serving.
Do not mix chutneys and sev too early.

FAQs — Quick Answers for Indian Home Cooks

Final Thoughts

Tamatar chaat is a bright and fresh Indian snack.
It is tangy, spicy, and full of texture.
It is healthy and easy to make.
With simple steps and fresh ingredients, you can make restaurant-style tamatar chaat at home.
Try this recipe for your next tea-time, party, or family snack session.
It is sure to become a favourite!