Our mother always told us to quit snacking or we'd ruin our appetite. But at Bombay Chaat, the 8-month-old Indian restaurant near Cleveland State University, it's all part of the fun. While the Indian term chaat refers to the snacks typically served from roadside trucks, this Euclid Avenue corner spot has become a permanent pit stop in our culinary exploration. Come here after 3 p.m. to experience the full menu (there's a limited $9.99 lunch buffet during the day) featuring more than 70 options such as vada ($5.99). The south Indian fry cakes resemble doughnuts but have a dense, savory quality thanks to chilies, onions and curry. Or try the dahi puri ($4.99), a popular Mumbai street food known for its delicate shells filled with chickpeas and yogurt. Pro tip: Pop them whole into your mouth to get every last bit of the sweet, floral stuffing. For something a little more substantial, get hands on with one of 18 dosas — crepes made from fermented rice and lentils then filled with potato curry. Opt for the Andhra spicy dosa ($6.99) wrapped with a layer of red chutney on the inside. It comes with extra red chutney, coconut chutney and sambar — a lentil and vegetable stew — for your dunking pleasure. The wonderful, bold exotic flavors are definitely worth munching on.
When You Go: Bombay Chaat, 2044 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-331-4598, bombaychaat.net
