Chaat masala is a mix of hot and tangy spice. The word 'chaat/chat' means 'to lick' and the word 'masala' means spice in Hindi. Generally, the word chaat is used for a collection of savoury and highly spicy snacks that make you lick /smack your lips, sort of 'finger licking' good! "Asafoetida, mango powder, and black salt distinguish the chat masala from other masalas, giving the blend a sourness that makes it a welcome accompaniment to fresh fruit and other snacks. Fresh fruit often is sprinkled with lime juice and chaat masala. Black salt (which is actually reddish gray), available at Indian food stores, has a distinctive flavor that's quite different from sea salt or table salt.