BYOC (Bring Your Own Chips) is the latest trends among the hangouts. Walk into your favorite food stall, with a packet of your favorite chips. Choose from the mouthwatering array of toppings and sauces, and voilà – your chips are transformed into a flavor-packed delight. Think chopped tomatoes, onions, bell peppers, jalapeños, seasoned chicken, and dressings like guacamole, salsa, sour cream, or mayonnaise. It's like a chaat, but its chips instead of murmura or papdi, or loaded nachos.
This trend, originated from West, now capturing India and are popular in Delhi, Mumbai and Surat. Even Lay's India has joined the fun, launching a food truck in Delhi to showcase creative ways to enjoy their chips.
Karan Wasan, owner of Grapi, a Delhi eatery, explains the appeal: "This trend is known as 'walking tacos.' People love it because it combines convenience, customization, and bold flavors. The ability to personalize their chips with a variety of toppings and sauces makes it a fun and interactive dining experience. "Wasan's restaurant are one of the pioneers of BYOC trend, they offer both vegetarian and non-vegetarian toppings for Rs 200 and Rs 230, respectively. There are options and choice like: salsa, guacamole, sour cream, and shredded cheese, as well as pickled jalapeños, corn relish, and chipotle crema," he shares. "For healthier options, one can have it with low-fat Greek yogurt, fresh veggies, and a variety of greens. Menu also includes gluten-free and vegan-friendly toppings."
Is this healthy?
It is assumed adding fresh vegetables and chicken to chips makes it a healthier choice. And to some extent, they're right. Though on the positive side one is adding lean proteins, fibre rich vegetables and healthy fats to enhance the nutritional value while having the chips. But there’s catch most of the snackers go overboard with sauces and mayonnaise, which can negate the benefits of the added vegetables and protein. Most important the base is still a packet of chips, high in calories, salt and unhealthy fat. Adding chicken may boost the protein content, but if it's cooked in unhealthy oils, it can negate any potential benefits. Another loophole, are the addition of sauces, creams, and mayonnaise. This has high levels of unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar negatively impacting gut health.
Enjoy BYOC the healthy way
Enjoy BYOC without compromising your health? Here are some tips:
- Moderation is key: Even with healthy toppings, chips should be an occasional treat, not a regular habit.
- Balance your diet: If you indulge in BYOC, make sure the rest of your day's meals are healthy and balanced.
- Choose healthy toppings: Load up on vegetables, lean protein, and healthy fats like guacamole.
- Avoid unhealthy sauces: Replace mayonnaise and other creamy sauces with healthier alternatives like hummus, guacamole, or yogurt-based dips.
- Consider healthier chip options: Opt for baked or whole-grain chips, makhana (fox nuts), or homemade vegetable chips.
Here are Two Healthy BYOC Recipes
1. Mediterranean Delight
- Chips: Baked whole-grain pita chips
- Toppings: Hummus, chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, onions, olives, feta cheese, and a sprinkle of oregano
2. Spicy Fiesta
- Chips: Baked tortilla chips
- Toppings: Guacamole, salsa, black beans, corn, chopped jalapeños, and a dollop of Greek yogurt
BYOC trend can be a fun and tasty way to enjoy your favorite chips. Monitor your choices and prioritise healthy toppings and sauces for a guilt-free indulgence.
