A guide to saying it correctly

How to Pronounce Samosa

A savory fried pastry, often triangular, filled with spiced potatoes and peas. Hear it pronounced correctly.

samosa

suh-MOH-suh

/səˈmoʊsə/  ·  suh · mo · suh

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Native US English  ·  Kokoro neural TTS  ·  0:01

They are popular as appetizers or snacks, often served with chutneys.

Where the word comes from

The word 'samosa' likely comes from the Persian word 'sanbosag', which referred to a similar triangular pastry. It spread through India and other parts of Asia.

Common ways people get it wrong

  • SAH-moh-suh The first syllable is unstressed and should be a soft 'suh' sound, not a strong 'sah'.
  • sah-MOH-sah The final syllable is also unstressed, like the first, and should be a soft 'suh'.

Frequently asked

What is inside a samosa?

Traditional samosas are filled with a savory mixture, most commonly spiced potatoes and peas. Other fillings like minced meat, onions, or lentils are also popular.

Is samosa a main course or appetizer?

Samosas are typically served as an appetizer or snack. They are often enjoyed before a main meal or as a standalone treat.