The pani puri vendors around Kinari Bazaar near Jama Masjid don't mess around with spice levels — Their tamarind water will send you to the emergency room if you're not prepared. Even when you ask for 'kam masala' (less spice) and point to your obviously foreign face, what they consider 'mild' is still molten lava.

Start with bhel puri (₹30) or aloo tikki (₹40) around Sadar Bazaar first — These are usually survivable for beginners. But those green chutneys at Kinari Bazaar? Avoid completely until you've built tolerance over several days. The vendors here cater to locals who've been eating this intensity since childhood.

Carry sweet lime soda or lassi as backup — Never water which spreads the capsaicin like napalm in your mouth. If you think you can handle authentic Agra street chaat after reading generic travel tips, think again. This is next-level heat that requires serious respect and gradual conditioning.