India is a country with a rich culinary tradition that is influenced by a wide range of cultural and regional factors. From spicy curries and savoury street food to sweet desserts and aromatic rice dishes, there is a vast array of flavours and textures to explore. In this blog post, we will take a look at 50 foods to try in India, including classic dishes like aloo gobi and butter chicken, as well as lesser-known specialties like litti chokha and malpua. Whether you are a seasoned traveler or just starting to discover the culinary delights of India, this list is sure to inspire your taste buds and provide some inspiration for your next meal. So, let's dive in and discover the delicious foods that India has to offer!
India is a diverse country with a rich culinary tradition. Here is a list of 50 foods to try in India:
Aloo gobi
Aloo gobi is a classic Indian dish made with potatoes and cauliflower in a spiced tomato-based sauce. It is a popular vegetarian dish that is often served with rice or roti (flatbread). The combination of tender potatoes and crisp cauliflower is a perfect match for the aromatic spices used in the sauce, which can include cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala (a blend of ground spices). Aloo gobi is a versatile dish that can be served as a main course or as a side dish, and it is a great option for those who are looking for a tasty and satisfying vegetarian meal.
Butter chicken
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a popular Indian dish made with tender pieces of chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce. The dish gets its name from the generous use of butter in the sauce, which gives it a rich and velvety texture. Butter chicken is often served with rice or roti (flatbread) and is a popular choice for those who enjoy mildly spiced dishes. The flavors of butter chicken are rich and complex, with a blend of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, and cumin, as well as sweet and tangy notes from the tomato and butter. Whether you are a fan of chicken or just love Indian food, butter chicken is a must-try dish that is sure to satisfy your cravings.
Biryani
Biryani is a popular Indian rice dish that is often made with a combination of spices, vegetables, and protein such as chicken, lamb, or shrimp. The dish gets its name from the Persian word “birinj,” which means rice. Biryani is typically made with basmati rice, which is a long grain variety that is known for its fragrant aroma and delicate texture. Biryani is often served with a side of raita (a yogurt-based condiment) or other accompaniments such as chutney or papadum (a type of thin, crispy cracker). Biryani is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a hearty meal. It can be found in many parts of India and is often a popular choice for special occasions or celebrations.
Dosas
Dosas are a type of crepe or pancake that are popular in South India. They are made with a fermented batter of rice and lentils, which is then cooked on a griddle to form a thin, crispy and savory crepe. Dosas are often served with a variety of fillings such as potatoes, onions, and spices, and are often served with sambar (a lentil-based stew) and chutney (a sauce or condiment made from fruit or vegetables). Dosas are a versatile and delicious food that can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. They are a popular choice for vegetarians and can be found at street stalls and restaurants throughout India.
Kebabs
Kebabs are a type of grilled meat or vegetables that are popular in India and many other countries around the world. They are typically made with pieces of marinated meat or vegetables that are skewered and grilled over a fire or on a griddle. Kebabs can be made with a wide range of meats, including lamb, chicken, and beef, as well as vegetarian options such as paneer (a type of Indian cheese) or mixed vegetables. Kebabs are often served with a variety of accompaniments such as rice, bread, or salad, and are a popular choice for a flavorful and satisfying meal. They can be found at street stalls, restaurants, and other food outlets throughout India.
Kulfi
Kulfi is a popular Indian frozen dessert that is similar to ice cream but has a denser and creamier texture. It is made with milk, sugar, and a variety of flavorings such as cardamom, saffron, or nuts. Kulfi is often served in a tall, cylindrical shape and is garnished with nuts or dried fruit. It is a popular choice for a refreshing and sweet treat, and is often enjoyed during the hot summer months. Kulfi can be found at ice cream shops and sweet stalls throughout India, and is a must-try dessert for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Chaat
Chaat is a popular Indian street food that is made with a combination of crispy fried ingredients, spicy sauces, and tangy chutneys. The word “chaat” means “to lick” in Hindi, and refers to the way that the dish is often enjoyed by scooping up the various ingredients with the fingers and licking them off. Chaat can be made with a wide range of ingredients, including puffed rice, potatoes, chickpeas, and other vegetables. It is often served as a snack or appetizer, and is a popular choice for those who are looking for a quick and flavorful bite to eat. Chaat can be found at street stalls and food carts throughout India, and is a must-try for anyone who loves bold and spicy flavors.
Kachori
Kachori is a popular Indian snack that is made with a spiced filling encased in a dough shell. The filling can be made with a variety of ingredients, including lentils, peas, or spices, and is often flavored with aromatic spices such as cumin, coriander, and fennel. Kachori is often served with a side of chutney or other accompaniments, and is a popular choice for a snack or appetizer. It can be found at street stalls, markets, and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Paratha
Paratha is a popular Indian flatbread that is made with whole wheat flour and is often served as a breakfast or snack food. It is typically made by rolling out the dough into a thin, round shape and then cooking it on a griddle or frying pan. Paratha can be served plain or stuffed with a variety of fillings such as potatoes, paneer (Indian cheese), or vegetables. It is often served with a side of butter, yogurt, or pickles, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Paratha can be found at street stalls, markets, and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Tandoori chicken
Tandoori chicken is a popular Indian dish that is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice, and then cooking it in a tandoor (a cylindrical clay oven). The dish gets its name from the tandoor and is known for its tender and flavorful meat, as well as its distinctive red color, which is achieved by the use of food coloring or spices such as paprika or turmeric. Tandoori chicken is often served with a side of rice, naan (a type of flatbread), or vegetables, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. It can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Samosas
Samosas are a popular Indian snack that is made with a filling of spiced potatoes, peas, or other vegetables, encased in a dough shell and then deep-fried. Samosas are often served with a side of chutney or other accompaniments, and are a popular choice for a snack or appetizer. They can be found at street stalls, markets, and food outlets throughout India, and are a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavours of Indian cuisine.
Vada pav
Vada pav is a popular Indian street food that is made with a spiced potato patty that is encased in a bun and then served with a variety of chutneys and accompaniments. The dish is often referred to as the “Indian burger” and is a popular choice for a quick and satisfying snack or meal. Vada pav can be found at street stalls and food carts throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavours of Indian cuisine.
Masala chai
Masala chai is a popular Indian tea that is made with a blend of black tea, milk, and a variety of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cloves, and ginger. The tea is often sweetened with sugar or honey, and is a popular choice for a warm and comforting beverage. Masala chai can be found at many tea stalls and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavours of Indian cuisine.
Jalebi
Jalebi is a popular Indian sweet that is made by deep-frying a mixture of flour, water, and baking powder in a spiral shape, and then soaking it in a syrup made of sugar and water. The result is a crispy and sweet treat that is often served at festivals and celebrations, and is a popular choice for a sweet and indulgent dessert. Jalebi can be found at sweet stalls and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavours of Indian cuisine.
Pakoras
Pakoras are a popular Indian snack that is made by dipping vegetables (such as onions, potatoes, or spinach) in a batter made of gram flour and water, and then deep-frying them until they are crispy and golden brown. Pakoras are often served with a side of chutney or other accompaniments, and are a popular choice for a tasty and satisfying snack. Pakoras can be found at many food stalls and restaurants throughout India, and are a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavours of Indian cuisine.
Paneer
Paneer is a type of Indian cheese that is made by curdling milk with lemon juice, vinegar, or another acidic substance. The cheese is soft and creamy, and has a mild and slightly acidic flavour. Paneer is often used in Indian dishes such as paneer tikka (grilled paneer cubes) and paneer butter masala (paneer in a creamy tomato-based sauce), and is a popular choice for vegetarians looking for a protein-rich alternative to meat. Paneer can be found at many grocery stores and supermarkets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavours of Indian cuisine.
Naan
Naan is a type of Indian flatbread that is made by stretching and slapping a dough ball made of wheat flour, water, and yeast on the walls of a tandoor (a cylindrical clay oven). The bread is then baked until it is soft and fluffy, and has a slightly charred and smoky flavour. Naan is often served with a variety of Indian dishes such as curries and kebabs, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavourful accompaniment. Naan can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavours of Indian cuisine.
Chana masala
Chana masala is a popular Indian dish that is made with chickpeas (also known as chana) that are cooked in a spicy and flavorful tomato-based sauce. The dish is often served with a side of rice or flatbread, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Chana masala can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Palak paneer
Palak paneer is a popular Indian dish that is made with paneer (a type of Indian cheese) and a puree of spinach (palak) that is cooked together in a spicy and flavorful sauce. The dish is often served with a side of rice or flatbread, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Palak paneer can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Dal makhani
Dal makhani is a popular Indian dish that is made with black lentils (urad dal) and kidney beans (rajma) that are cooked together in a creamy and flavorful tomato-based sauce. The dish is often served with a side of rice or flatbread, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Dal makhani can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Chole bhature
Chole bhature is a popular Indian dish that is made with a spicy and flavorful chickpea curry (chole) and a soft and fluffy deep-fried bread (bhature). The dish is often served with a side of pickles or other accompaniments, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Chole bhature can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Idli sambar
Idli sambar is a popular Indian dish that is made with steamed rice cakes (idli) that are served with a spicy and flavorful lentil-based soup (sambar). The dish is often served with a side of chutney or other accompaniments, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Idli sambar can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Pani puri
Pani puri is a popular Indian snack that is made with small, hollow crisp shells (puri) that are filled with a variety of ingredients such as mashed potatoes, chickpeas, and spices. The snack is then served with a spicy and flavorful water (pani) that is poured over the filling, and is a popular choice for a tasty and satisfying snack. Pani puri can be found at many food stalls and restaurants throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Chicken tikka
Chicken tikka masala is a popular Indian dish that is made with pieces of marinated chicken that are grilled and then served in a creamy and flavorful tomato-based sauce. The dish is often served with a side of rice or flatbread, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Chicken tikka masala can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Keema matar
Keema matar is a popular Indian dish that is made with minced meat (keema) and green peas (matar) that are cooked together in a spicy and flavorful sauce. The dish is often served with a side of rice or flatbread, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Keema matar can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Lamb rogan josh
Lamb rogan josh is a popular Indian dish that is made with pieces of lamb that are cooked in a spicy and flavorful sauce made with yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a variety of spices. The dish is often served with a side of rice or flatbread, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Lamb rogan josh can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Chicken curry
Chicken curry is a popular Indian dish that is made with pieces of chicken that are cooked in a spicy and flavorful sauce made with a variety of ingredients such as onions, tomatoes, and a variety of spices. The dish is often served with a side of rice or flatbread, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Chicken curry can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Chole bhature
Chole bhature is a popular Indian dish that is made with a spicy and flavorful chickpea-based curry (chole) and a soft and fluffy fried bread (bhature). The dish is often served with a side of pickles or chutney, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Chole bhature can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Keema
Keema is a popular Indian dish that is made with minced meat (such as lamb or chicken) that is cooked with a variety of spices and flavorings. The dish is often served with a side of rice or flatbread, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Keema can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
Paneer
Paneer tikka is a popular Indian dish that is made with cubes of paneer (a type of Indian cheese) that are marinated in a spiced yogurt sauce and then grilled or baked. The dish is often served with a side of vegetables or flatbread, and is a popular choice for a satisfying and flavorful meal. Paneer tikka can be found at many Indian restaurants and food outlets throughout India, and is a must-try for those who are looking to explore the diverse and delicious flavors of Indian cuisine.
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