When it comes to Indian snacks, Chivda holds a special place in every household — especially during festivals, family gatherings, or even lazy evenings with a cup of chai. Among the many variations, Makai Ka Chivda is a truly unique and tasty version made using makai poha (corn flakes) that are crisped up and tossed with aromatic spices, nuts, and a hint of sweetness.
Whether you’re from Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, or simply a snack enthusiast, this light, crunchy, and flavorful mixture is something you must try.
🌾 What is Makai Ka Chivda?
Makai ka Chivda is a savory Indian snack made from raw cornflakes (not the cereal kind!). These flakes are either deep-fried or roasted until crisp and then tossed with a blend of spices, fried peanuts, roasted cashews, curry leaves, and a pinch of sugar to balance the flavors.
It’s a staple during Diwali, Navratri, and tea-time snacking across several states in India.
🍽 Ingredients That Make It So Tasty
The magic of Makai Ka Chivda lies in its simplicity and the contrast of textures. Common ingredients include:
Makai Poha (raw corn flakes)
Peanuts
Cashews
Raisins (optional)
Curry leaves
Green chilies or dry red chilies
Mustard seeds
Turmeric powder
Asafoetida (hing)
Salt & sugar
Oil (for frying or roasting)
You can customize it by adding roasted chana dal, sev, or even puffed rice.
🏡 How to Make Makai Ka Chivda at Home
Here’s a simple homemade recipe to prepare crunchy and tasty Makai Chivda:
🌿 Ingredients:
2 cups Makai Poha (corn flakes – raw, not cereal)
¼ cup Peanuts
2 tbsp Cashews
1 tbsp Raisins (optional)
2 Green Chilies (slit or chopped)
10-12 Curry Leaves
½ tsp Mustard Seeds
½ tsp Turmeric Powder
A pinch of Hing (asafoetida)
Salt & Sugar – to taste
Oil – for frying or roasting
🔥 Instructions:
Fry or Roast Corn Flakes
Heat oil in a deep pan and fry small batches of makai poha until puffed and crispy. Drain on tissue paper.
Alternatively, you can dry roast them in a heavy pan without oil until crisp (for a low-fat version).
Prepare the Tempering
In a separate pan, heat 2-3 tbsp oil. Add mustard seeds and let them splutter.
Add green chilies, curry leaves, peanuts, and cashews. Fry till golden. Add raisins if using.
Add Spices
Lower the heat, add turmeric powder, hing, salt, and a pinch of sugar. Mix well.
Combine & Cool
Add the fried/roasted corn flakes to the tempering and toss everything gently.
Let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.
🎉 Enjoy it as a tea-time snack or pack it in tiffins!
🥜 Nutritional Benefits of Makai Chivda
While it’s still a snack, makai chivda offers some decent health benefits when made with minimal oil:
Gluten-Free: Ideal for people with gluten intolerance.
Good Source of Fiber: Especially when roasted.
High in Energy: Thanks to the corn, nuts, and healthy fats.
Customizable: You control the salt, sugar, and spice level.
📦 Where to Buy Makai Ka Chivda Online
If you don’t have the time to make it at home, no worries! You can now buy authentic Makai Chivda online from various platforms:
Amazon India
BigBasket
MeenakshiRecipe.com (for homemade, regional-style snacks)
Local snack brands or homemade sellers on Instagram or WhatsApp groups
🌍 Makai Chivda in Different Regions
Makai Chivda has regional avatars that vary slightly:
Maharashtra: Spicier version with garlic and chili powder.
Gujarat: Often sweeter, with more raisins and sugar.
MP & Chhattisgarh: Simpler version, more focus on makai flavor.
Rajasthan: Bold flavors with dry spices and a hint of sourness.
🤔 FAQs About Makai Ka Chivda
Q: Is it the same as breakfast cornflakes?
A: No. Makai poha used here is raw and meant for frying or roasting — not the cereal kind.
Q: How long can I store Makai Chivda?
A: If stored in an airtight container, it stays fresh for 2–3 weeks.
Q: Can I make it oil-free?
A: Yes! You can roast all the ingredients instead of frying for a lighter version.
Q: Is it kid-friendly?
A: Absolutely! Just reduce the chili and make it mildly sweet.
❤️ Final Thoughts
Makai Ka Chivda is more than just a snack — it’s tradition in every bite. Whether you enjoy it with a hot cup of chai or pack it for road trips, it never fails to satisfy your crunch cravings. The beauty of this snack lies in its versatility — healthy or indulgent, spicy or sweet, it can be made your way.
So, whether you’re making it at home or buying it from a trusted store, don’t forget to give this humble cornflake snack the spotlight it deserves.