15 Sweet and Savory Fritters and Croquettes From Around the World

Little fried snacks: a global love story

By SAVEUR Editors | Published Aug 4, 2016 4:00 PM

Recipes by Course

Helen Rosner

There are a few things that seem to be common throughout the entire human race, and one of those things is a love for fried food. All over the world people fry handheld foods, because it just tastes so good. Jamaica chose the sweet route with fried bananas with cinnamon-sugar and rum, while Rome went savory with fried beef croquettes. India is the master of fried snacks, anywhere from vegetable fritters, to fried chickpea-battered potatoes, they know how to fry their food. If you can’t get enough of fried snacks, take a look at how the world fries their food with our best global fritters recipes.

Modernist Latkes

Padang-Style Mashed Potato Fritters (Perkedel Kenteng)

To make these crisp-crusted fritters, mashed potatoes blended with pan-fried shallots and freshly grated nutmeg are dipped in beaten egg and fried. Get the recipe for Padang-Style Mashed Potato Fritters (Perkedel Kenteng) »

Banana Fritters with Cinnamon-Sugar and Rum

Use very ripe organic bananas for these silver-dollar-size fritters, as they will mash the best and create a smooth, sweet batter. Get the recipe for Banana Fritters with Cinnamon-Sugar and Rum »

Zucchini Latkes

Roman Beef Croquettes

Crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, these fried croquettes made with braised beef make great party appetizers. Get the recipe for Roman Beef Croquettes »

Ham & Smoked Mozzarella Fritters

Coiled strands of spaghetti soak up a creamy sauce in these delectable fried ham and cheese fritters. Get the recipe for Ham & Smoked Mozzarella Fritters »

Indian Vegetable Fritters (Pakoras)

Crispy chickpea-battered vegetable fritters are a popular street-food snack throughout India. This recipe calls for potatoes and onion, but cauliflower florets, eggplant slices, or plantains can also be used. Get the recipe for Indian Vegetable Fritters (Pakoras) »

Cabbage Fritters (Cabbage Vepadu)

Cookbook author Madhur Jaffery describes these spidery-looking cabbage-and-peanut fritters as looking like little Medusa heads, “with the strands of shredded cabbage providing a crunchy, unruly halo.” A popular item in the mess halls of the south Indian state of Andhra Pradesh, they can be served as part of a meal or as a crunchy snack.

Chickpea Fritters in Curry (Besan Curry)

Pigeon Pea Fritters with Yogurt-Tomato Sauce (Vadai Pachadi)

Krisciki (Polish Bow Tie Fritters)

Also referred to as angel wings, these sugar-dusted fritters are both crunchy and pillowy. See the recipe for Krisciki »

Fried Stuffed Castelvetrano Olives

Making for a substantial snack, Rosa Pepe stuffs olives with a simple beef and pork filling; then dredges them in breadcrumbs before crisping them up in the deep-fryer. Get the recipe for Fried Stuffed Castelvetrano Olives »

Fried Chickpea-Battered Potatoes (Bhajiya)

Indian Fish and Potato Tikkis

A simple Indian croquette with fish, bold hits of cumin and green chile, and a refreshing mint chutney. Get the recipe for Indian Fish and Potato Tikkis »