For the foodies, India is a paradise. On every street and corner, you will find outstanding foods that will leave their mark on your taste buds. Besides, being an ancient civilization, India has several types of traditional foods that are the specialty of each state or place. You can’t find the taste and texture of ‘Roshogolla’ outside Kolkata as you find here. Also, ‘Dal Bati Churma’ can give you the taste of the royalty of Rajasthan.
With so many dishes and recipes, India will never disappoint you when it comes to food. While some foods are a bit over-rated, there are certain dishes that have earned applause from all over the world. Take the example of ‘Butter Chicken’. The soft and juicy chicken in yellow gravy loaded with butter is so famous that you will find it easily at any restaurant in foreign countries. So, today, we are going to give you a mouth-watering ride to different Indian foods that you should try once. Take the ride!
List of Famous Indian Foods that you should try once:
1. Masala Dosa
Starting in South India, Masala Dosa is a signature dish of the area. You will find it in every restaurant, roadside stall, cafe, etc. when you are in South India. Not only that, but this food is so appealing to people, that the entire country prepares it differently and each one tastes differently good. Made of rice flour and lentils, this is a type of pancake that hides stuffed curry of potato inside.
It is served with hot and sour sambar and coconut chutney. You can have masala dosa for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anything. It is also a healthy option as you get to eat lots of vegetables in it.
2. Butter Chicken
When Dosa is a healthy food option, travel to Delhi for satisfying your heart with the delectable bowl of butter chicken. The dish originated in Punjab and now it has earned huge significance around the world.
Created accidentally with leftover chicken pieces and sauce, this dish can help you to woe someone’s heart through his stomach. The aroma of butter and Kasuri methi, the tender and juicy chicken, and whole spices create magic together on your plate. Enjoy the dish with rice, roti, paratha, etc.
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3. Rogan Josh
Are you a mutton lover? Then, this is a dish that can make you lick the end of your finger! This is a Kashmiri dish, made out of lamb, but it is also made of mutton in other parts of the country. It belongs to Persian cuisine and has lots of spices, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes to make the dish delectable.
It is the aroma of the dish that wins your heart at first and then comes the soft and juicy meat on your palette to enjoy the meal.
4. Samosas
While talking about the full meals, you can’t miss the delicious Indian snacks. And whenever you think about snacks on a rainy evening or chilled wintry morning, the hot samosas with chutneys will come to your mind. Those triangular little devils can make you charmed and you may want it more as you have one. The fillings are usually made of potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower, nuts, and peas.
In some areas, you can also find non-veg samosas, made of meat or fish fillings. Samosas are also one of the most common street foods in India. Hanging out with your friends can be incomplete without a plate, full of samosas.
5. Idli Sambar
This is another South Indian delicacy, that originated in Tamil Nadu. From the high-end restaurants to the street-side vendors, you will find these rice cakes everywhere. Served with sambar and white chutney, this dish tastes wonderful.
If you are health conscious and want to eat something delicious, you can always start your day with a plate of idli sambar. This is a very good option for breakfast. Also, for midday snacking, go for a plate of idli sambar.
6. Paav Bhaji
For the snack lover, this Maharashtrian dish is perfect to munch on. Made with soft ‘Paav’ or bread and vegetable curry, this dish is a bit spicy. If you love spices, you will find this dish appetizing. This is an ideal dish for breakfast. The bread and curry are served with chopped onion, coriander leaves, and a bit of lemon juice above all.
You can have it for breakfast or for lunch. You may find pav bhaji in different parts of India, but what you find in Maharashtra is something different. It is the authentic taste over there.
7. Biryani
If there is any dish that talks about the history and tradition of foreign culture and its amalgamation with Indian cooking style, it is Biryani, always. Brought from Persia to India by the Mughals, this dish has come across lots of changes and is available in numerous varieties.
In different parts of India, you will find different variations, but the basic ingredients are common as those are fine-quality basmati rice, whole spices, yogurt, and meat/chicken. Now, based on the local taste, you will find potatoes in Kolkata Biryani, too many spices in Hyderabadi Biryani, and so on. Whatever it is, you can never go wrong with biryani!
8. Makki ki Roti and Sarson da Saag
If you think of Punjab, this is the signature dish of the state. Punjabis are known for their love for this every day, yet spectacular dish. The Rotis are made of cornflower and the Sarson da saag is the curry of mustard leaves and spinach. Covered with so much ghee or butter, this dish is one of the earliest traditional dishes of India.
Mostly eaten in the winter, this dish is famous not only in India but also in Pakistan. Though it is an indispensable part of rural India, specifically the villages of Punjab, the aroma of the dish will make you finish your meal once you are here.
9. Dal Makhani
Don’t just take the dish as mere a bowl of ‘daal’ as it is way more than that. Made of black lentils, this soup is spicy, tasty, and full of flavors. Mainly a North Indian dish, dal makhani is available throughout India and you can enjoy it with rice and Rotis.
The aroma of butter and the whole spices and the creamy texture make the dish yummy and you can’t leave it without finishing your bowl.
10. Nihari
Though it is difficult to finish the list of the best 10 Indian foods, still we have found something unique to do that. Nihari is a royal dish, enjoyed by the royal families of India in the earlier times. Nihari comes from the word ‘Nahar’ which means morning.
To kickstart your day, there is nothing better than a plate of Nihari on your table. It is basically slow-cooked meat in hot and spicy gravy that you can enjoy with Rotis and parathas. It is so an energetic meal that you get a boost in yourself for an amazing day. Usually, it tastes awesome on chilled wintry mornings.
So, these are the best 10 foods you can try in India. There are more and each one of these is full of local flavors. You can enjoy a meal when the aroma appeals to you. Try these and keep your taste buds calm.
Also, see the articles on famous Indian foods:
- 10 Most Popular Food in North East India
- India’s 10 Famous Food Festivals and Foodie Experiences
- Top 11 Popular Street Food Destinations in Delhi
- 10 Famous Seafood Restaurants in India
- Top 15 Food Destinations in Mumbai
- 10 Most Famous Restaurants in Amritsar
- 10 Local Foods You Must Try in Kerala
- 10 of the Most Famous Street Foods from Different Cities of India
