Vamu Komulu: The Ajwain Snack That's Easy on the Stomach

Vamu komulu are thin, crisp savoury sticks with a gentle, warming flavour. If you have seen them in a Telugu snack box and wondered what gives them that taste, the answer is in the name.

What is vamu?

Vamu is the Telugu word for ajwain, the small seed with a sharp, thyme-like aroma. In Andhra kitchens it has long been added to food to make it easier to digest, and it is the main flavour in vamu komulu.

How vamu komulu are made

A dough of rice flour and gram flour is flavoured with crushed ajwain and salt, pressed into long thin sticks, and fried until crisp. The result is lighter and less oily-tasting than many fried snacks, with the ajwain coming through in every bite.

Why people reach for it

Because it is mildly spiced and light, vamu komulu suits people who find chilli-heavy namkeen too much: elders, children, and anyone who wants something crunchy with tea without the heat. It also makes a good contrast on a plate of sweets.

What to eat it with

Evening chai is the obvious partner. It is also good alongside curd rice, or packed in a tiffin box as a crunchy side. Our tea-time namkeen guide has more combinations.

Price and storage

Vamu komulu come in 250 g (₹90) and 500 g (₹180) packs. Keep them in an airtight container, away from moisture, and they stay crisp for up to 30 days.