There’s a new trend in town, and it’s called BYOC (Bring Your Own Chips). It’s simple, fun, and super popular right now in cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Surat. The idea? Take your favorite packet of chips to a restaurant or stall, and they’ll load it up with toppings and sauces of your choice. Think of it as chaat but with chips or a quick version of loaded nachos—customised just for you!

Imagine crunchy chips topped with fresh veggies, seasoned chicken, or even guacamole, salsa, and sour cream. Doesn’t that sound tempting? Grapi, a café in Delhi, has become a BYOC hotspot, offering both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options starting at just ₹200. Even Lay’s India joined the fun by launching a food truck in Delhi to promote creative ways to enjoy chips.

But is this tasty trend healthy? Adding veggies and proteins like chicken or eggs can make chips a little better for you, as they add fibre, vitamins, and protein. However, chips are still high in salt, unhealthy fats, and calories. The sauces, like mayo and sour cream, can also pack in a lot of sugar and fats, which isn’t great for regular snacking.

For a healthier twist, try baked chips, whole-grain options, or even makhana (fox nuts). Pair them with fresh toppings and yoghurt-based dips instead of heavy sauces. Homemade dips like hung curd with herbs or hummus are great too!

BYOC is perfect for a fun cheat meal, but don’t overdo it. Enjoy the trend, try different combos, and make sure to balance it out with healthier meals during the day. Ready to spice up your chips? Give BYOC a shot!