Namkeen refers to various savoury snack foods that are quick to prepare, spicy, usually fried, and eaten in the evening or morning with tea or with any one of the meals as a side dish. The term "Namkeen" is probably derived from the Hindi word "Namak" meaning salt. Thus, the word "Namkeen" is used for salty snack foods.

There are many kinds of namkeen available in the market. A given snack may be part of a local culture and its preparation and popularity vary from place to place. These snack items are made by mixing several things like beaten rice, fried pulses, sev, gathiya, ground nuts, dry fruits, corn flakes etc. All these things are mixed together according to preferences and some spices are mixed with it and they become a very tasty accompaniment with tea. Some very famous snacks are as follows:


•Chiwda: Chiwda is a fried snack very popular during festivals. It is made by deep frying poha and adding fried peanuts, coconut pieces, dry fruits and curry leaves.
•Masala Ribbons: Masala ribbons are really easy to make. Just prepare a dough pass through kitchen press, deep fry and done.
•Bhakarwadi: Bhakarwadi is simply amazing in taste bursting with flavours. It is a spicy tea time snack with a hint of sweet and slightly tangy.
•Besan ki Sev: Besan ki Sev are quite easy to make at home. It is a crispy and light snack that goes perfect with tea.
• Mathri: Mathri is one of the best Indian tea time snacks which are made with plain flour or wheat flour.
•Nimki: Nimki has a flavour of onion seeds and is crispy like Namak Pare. It has salty and spicy taste.
•Fafda: Fafda is crunchy snack made from chickpea flour and served with hot fried chillies or Chutney. It is a popular Gujrati snack. Fafda and Jalebi make great combination.
•Dal Moth: Chana dal moth is one of popular snack in North India along with moong dal moth.

These days Namkeen Hampers are made to gift friends and family on occasions and festivals. Some common mixtures available in the market are: "New Mix Mixture", "Panchratan Mixture", "Plain Chiwda", "Plain Dal Biji", "Plain Sev","Aloo Bhujia", "Bombay Mixture","Kaju Dal Biji", "Kashmiri Mixture" and "Cornflakes Mixture".