At Delhi's Dussehra melas, sushi is the new chaat (almost!)

Sushi has joined chaat and pav bhaji at Ramlila and Dussehra melas across Delhi. Its arrival reflects growing Indian interest in Japanese food and global culinary trends.Mela food gets a gourmet twist in Delhi. (Photos: Getty, Instagram/tina.sharmaaaa)New Delhi,Oct 20, 2026 15:26 ISTDussehra melas in North India are incomplete without plates of aloo chaat, piping-hot aloo tikki, gol gappe, desi chowmein and pav bhaji. But the familiar mela food trail is getting an unexpected addition this year: sushi.Imagine ordering asparagus tempura sushi at a mela! Well, people are doing that for real.Yes, the Japanese delicacy, which we mostly associate with fine-dining restaurants, carefully plated portions and gourmet menus, is now making its way to the bustling food stalls of Ramlila and Dussehra melas in Delhi.Between bites of spicy chaat and buttery pav bhaji, Delhiites are now reaching for sushi. At the Rohini sector 23 mela, a food stall is offering a wide variety of vegetarian sushi options served properly with wasabi, soy and gari. The cost? Rs 400 for 5 pieces. Sushi at a Delhi mela. (Photo: Instagram/tina.sharmaaaa) The menu also has more gourmet options like dimsums served with chilli oil. Even the desi street food has got a gourmet makeover with dishes like nitro freeze dahi bhalla in cone and waffle aloo tikki on the menu. Forget masala soda and banta, there are mocktail bars stations at melas with nitrogen theatrics.Ramlila melas in Delhi’s Pitampura PU Block and Gujranwala Town have vendors selling sushi alongside the usual North Indian fare. But don’t be surprised to find the Japanese delicacy listed under the ‘Chinese’ section of the menu! Sushi in the 'Chinese' section of the mela menu. The ever-growing popularity of sushi in IndiaSushi’s arrival at Delhi’s Ramlila and Dussehra melas is yet another sign of the Japanese delicacy’s growing popularity in India. Once largely associated with fine-dining restaurants, elaborate menus and a more acquired taste, sushi is on the way to becoming a street food staple. In several Indian cities, it has already made the leap to the streets, with roadside carts and food stalls serving up desi and classic versions of the dish. There has even been a Jain version of it.While Japanese food has been available in India for several years, the growing obsession with sushi and other Japanese staples such as ramen and matcha can be credited to the anime boom, a greater willingness to experiment with food, increased international travel and wider exposure to global food trends on social media.But would you have sushi at a mela? Do tell us in the comments section below.- Ends