Nine Delicious Variants
At Chungums, we take pride in bringing you authentic Caribbean snacks, with Kurma being one of our signature delights.
Kurma is a beloved snack in Trinidad and Tobago, known for its sweet, crunchy texture and rich, spiced flavours. While it holds a special place in Caribbean culinary culture, variations of this snack exist in many parts of the world. Each region brings its own twist to this fried dough treat, incorporating local ingredients and flavours. Let’s take a journey across the globe and explore 9 delicious Kurma-like snacks from around the world.
1. Mithai (Guyana)
Mithai, the Guyanese version of Kurma, is a crunchy, deep-fried snack coated with sugar. Much like its Trinidadian counterpart, it’s prepared by frying small strips of dough until golden brown and then tossing them in a sugar syrup, creating a crisp, sweet exterior. It’s a popular treat at religious and festive celebrations and is enjoyed as a snack with tea.
Simple yet satisfying, just like our Ginger Delight.
2. Bugnes (France)
Bugnes is a French pastry, particularly popular in the region of Lyon during Carnival season. These deep-fried, sweet treats are similar to Kurma but are often shaped into thin, twisted strips and dusted with powdered sugar. Unlike Kurma’s syrup coating, Bugnes have a lighter, airy texture and are more delicate in flavour, often flavoured with lemon zest or vanilla.
3. Žagarėliai (Lithuania)
In Lithuania, Žagarėliai is a traditional fried pastry similar to Kurma, but with a different shape and flavour. These pastries are usually diamond-shaped and lightly fried to achieve a crispy, golden texture. Unlike Kurma, Žagarėliai is typically dusted with powdered sugar or served plain. This Lithuanian variant has a simple, buttery flavour, making it a lighter option for those who enjoy fried dough snacks.
4. Namakpare (India)
Namakpare, a savoury snack from India, is a distant cousin to Kurma. Much like our upcoming savoury Kurma options and instead of sugar syrup, Namakpare blends spices for a rich, bold taste. Fried to a crisp, this snack is commonly enjoyed during festivals such as Diwali and is loved for its crunchy texture and savoury spice blend.
5. Shankarpali (India)
Another Indian variant of Kurma is Shankarpali, which is made from sweetened dough and deep-fried until crispy. This snack, often prepared during Diwali, has a crumbly, biscuit-like texture and can be flavoured with cardamom or nutmeg. The sweet, golden bites of Shankarpali share similarities with Kurma’s texture but differ in their mildly sweet, buttery taste.
6. Chin Chin (Nigeria)
In Nigeria, Chin Chin is a popular snack with roots in both savoury and sweet cuisines. These small, fried dough pieces are similar in texture to Kurma but often come with a sweeter, denser bite. Chin Chin is made from flour, milk, and sugar, and is fried until crunchy. It is a common party snack, enjoyed for its versatility, as it can be flavoured with nutmeg or vanilla.
7. Youtiao (China)
Youtiao, often referred to as Chinese doughnuts, is a savoury variant of fried dough that’s widely enjoyed as a breakfast item in China. Though quite different from Kurma’s sweetness, Youtiao offers a comparable fried crispness. The dough is elongated, deep-fried, and commonly served with soy milk or congee (rice porridge). Its airy, light texture is ideal for dipping and is a favourite street food in China.
8. Frappe/Chiacchiere (Italy)
Known as Frappe or Chiacchiere in Italy, these thin, fried dough strips are a staple during Carnival. Similar to Kurma, they are fried to a crisp but are typically sprinkled with powdered sugar rather than dipped in syrup. Chiacchiere is light, crunchy, and often served with a hint of citrus or anise for added flavour. It’s a must-try during Italy’s festive seasons.
9. Klenät (Sweden)
In Sweden, Klenät (or Klenäter) is a traditional fried pastry enjoyed during the Christmas season. Like Kurma, Klenät is deep-fried, but it’s lighter in texture and often flavoured with cardamom or vanilla. The dough is twisted into intricate shapes, adding to its appeal. Once fried, the pastry is usually dusted with powdered sugar, making it a sweet, crispy treat enjoyed with coffee or tea.
Kurma - A Global Treat with Caribbean Roots
While Kurma is a Caribbean classic, it's part of a rich tradition of fried dough snacks worldwide. At Chungums, we’re proud to bring you this delightful treat, inspired by our heritage but appreciated globally. Whether you're trying our Simply Sweetened Kurma or the spicy kick of Ginger Delight, know that every bite is part of a global snacking tradition.
Why not try a taste of our authentic Caribbean Kurma and be part of this delicious journey? Explore our range of flavours today!
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