Sweet Tradition vs. Modern Shortcut: Viral Chikki Video

New Delhi, December 23, 2025: A culinary controversy has been stirred across social media platforms this December 2025 following the release of a viral video documenting the commercial production of chikki. In the footage, which was shared by food vlogger Arjun Chauhan and has since crossed two million views, a street vendor is observed preparing the beloved winter sweet using a method that many traditionalists have labeled “sacrilegious.” The clip has sparked a heated debate regarding the preservation of authentic recipes versus the convenience of modern street food innovations.

The Viral Recipe: Sugar, Color, and Criticism

The video, which captures the entire cooking process from scratch, shows a vendor caramelizing large quantities of refined sugar in a massive iron vessel over an open flame. Once the sugar has reached a thick, syrupy consistency, ghee and vibrant food coloring are observed being stirred into the mixture, followed by a heavy dose of cashews, almonds, and pumpkin seeds.

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“This Is Not Chikki”: Netizens Defend Culinary Heritage

The comment section of the viral reel was quickly transformed into a battlefield of opinions. A significant portion of the audience expressed disappointment, with one popular comment stating, “This is a sugar bar, not the chikki our grandmothers made us.”

A Sign of the Times? The Defense of Innovation

Despite the backlash, a smaller group of social media users was observed defending the vendor. They pointed out that “Sugar Chikki” is a legitimate variation often sold as a lighter, more brittle alternative to the dense, jaggery-based version. As the debate continues to trend in late 2025, it remains a vivid example of how deeply Indians are connected to their food history. Whether viewed as a convenient evolution or a loss of culture, the video has successfully reminded millions that some traditions are simply too sweet to be tampered with.