India is a paradise for food lovers. With its diverse regional cuisines, each state offers a unique culinary experience. From rich, creamy curries to spicy street snacks and fragrant sweets, Indian food reflects the country’s culture, history, and love for spices. If you’re planning a trip to India, make sure you savor these Top Indian Food Dishes that will elevate your travel experience.
1. Butter Chicken (Delhi)
Where to Try: Delhi and Punjab
Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is one of India’s most beloved dishes. Originating in Delhi, this creamy, rich chicken dish is a flavorful blend of spices, butter, and tomatoes. Paired with naan or basmati rice, butter chicken is a must-try for anyone wanting to explore the essence of North Indian cuisine.
Recommended Restaurant: Moti Mahal
2. Masala Dosa (South India)
Where to Try: Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu
Masala Dosa is a popular South Indian breakfast dish made from a fermented rice and lentil batter. It’s a thin, crispy pancake filled with a spiced potato filling and served with coconut chutney and sambar (a tangy lentil soup). The contrast of textures and flavors makes it a memorable dish for travelers exploring the southern part of India.
Recommended Restaurant: Anna Idli
3. Rogan Josh (Kashmir)
Where to Try: Kashmir and North Indian restaurants
Rogan Josh is a flavorful and aromatic lamb curry from the Kashmir region. This dish is cooked with a variety of spices like fennel, cardamom, and cloves, giving it a distinct flavor. Slow-cooked to perfection, Rogan Josh is rich and hearty, perfect for those looking to try traditional Kashmiri cuisine.
Recommended Restaurant: Carter’s Blue
4. Pani Puri (Mumbai and Beyond)
Where to Try: Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata
Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa or Puchka, is an iconic Indian street food. This crispy, hollow puri is filled with spiced potato, chickpeas, and tangy tamarind water. Pani Puri is not just a dish; it’s an experience. You eat it in one bite, feeling an explosion of flavors – spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet. It’s a must-try for anyone exploring India’s vibrant street food culture.
Recommended Restaurant: Gupta Bhelpuri
5. Hyderabadi Biryani (Hyderabad)
Where to Try: Hyderabad
Hyderabadi Biryani is a legendary dish from Hyderabad, known for its unique cooking technique and rich flavors. Made with basmati rice, meat (usually chicken or lamb), and a blend of spices, this biryani is slow-cooked to perfection. The layered cooking process, known as “dum,” locks in the aroma and flavors, making every bite delightful. Pair it with raita (yogurt-based side) for a complete experience.
6. Chole Bhature (Delhi and Punjab)
Where to Try: Delhi, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh
Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish that includes spicy chickpeas (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature). It’s hearty, filling, and packed with flavor. This dish is a favorite breakfast item in Delhi and Punjab, but it’s available throughout the country. Enjoy it with a side of pickled onions for a truly authentic experience.
7. Dhokla (Gujarat)
Where to Try: Gujarat
Dhokla is a steamed savory cake made from fermented rice and chickpea batter, originating from Gujarat. It has a soft, fluffy texture and is typically garnished with mustard seeds, green chilies, and coriander. Served with green chutney, this light and healthy snack is perfect for anyone looking to try Gujarati cuisine.
8. Fish Curry (Kerala)
Where to Try: Kerala
Kerala, known as “God’s Own Country,” is famous for its coastal cuisine. Fish Curry is a staple here, often made with coconut milk, tamarind, and a variety of spices. The flavor is tangy, spicy, and creamy, giving you a taste of Kerala’s unique culinary style. Try it with steamed rice for a satisfying meal.
Recommended Restaurant: Pratap Lunch Home
9. Litti Chokha (Bihar)
Where to Try: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand
Litti Chokha is a traditional dish from Bihar and neighboring states. Litti is a roasted whole-wheat dough ball filled with spiced gram flour, and Chokha is a mashed mixture of roasted vegetables like eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes. This rustic dish is cooked over open flames, giving it a smoky flavor. It’s a wholesome meal that showcases the culinary roots of rural India.
10. Thali (All Over India)
Where to Try: Across India
A Thali is not just a dish; it’s a complete culinary experience. It’s a platter that includes various dishes like curries, lentils, vegetables, rice, roti, and desserts, served on a single plate. Each region has its own version of a Thali – from Rajasthani to Maharashtrian, Punjabi to South Indian. Trying a Thali is the best way to experience multiple flavors and dishes in one meal.
11. Vada Pav (Mumbai)
Where to Try: Mumbai
Vada Pav is Mumbai’s answer to the burger, and it’s loved by locals and travelers alike. This street food consists of a spicy potato fritter (vada) placed inside a bun (pav) and is served with chutneys and green chili. Simple yet delicious, Vada Pav is a must-try for anyone exploring Mumbai’s street food scene.
12. Samosa (All Over India)
Where to Try: Across India
Samosas are triangular-shaped pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat. They’re deep-fried to a crispy golden brown and served with mint and tamarind chutney. You’ll find samosas in every corner of India, from street stalls to high-end restaurants. They’re a popular snack, perfect for a quick bite while on the go.
13. Gulab Jamun (All Over India)
Where to Try: Across India
Gulab Jamun is a sweet treat made from khoya (dried milk) dough balls, which are deep-fried and then soaked in sugar syrup flavored with cardamom and rose water. These soft, melt-in-the-mouth balls are a popular dessert across India and are often served at festivals and celebrations.
14. Pongal (Tamil Nadu)
Where to Try: Tamil Nadu
Pongal is a traditional South Indian dish made from rice and lentils, seasoned with black pepper, cumin, and curry leaves. There are both savory and sweet versions of Pongal. It’s often enjoyed as breakfast in Tamil Nadu and is especially popular during the Pongal festival, which celebrates the harvest.
Final Tips for Enjoying Top Indian Food Dishes
- Start Slow with Spices: Indian food can be spicy. If you’re not used to it, start with milder dishes and gradually try spicier options.
- Stay Hydrated: Indian spices and weather can be intense, so keep yourself hydrated.
- Eat Where the Locals Eat: To enjoy the best of Indian cuisine, find places where locals dine. This will give you an authentic experience and the best flavors.
- Book Tours from Reputable Companies: For a safer culinary adventure, consider food tours with reputable companies. They ensure high hygiene standards and offer unique insights into the cuisine.
Wrapping Up
India’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its people. From the bustling streets of Mumbai to the royal kitchens of Rajasthan, Indian food reflects the country’s heritage and love for flavors. Trying these Top Indian Food Dishes will make your journey unforgettable, as each bite tells a story of tradition, history, and culture.
So, the next time you’re planning a trip to India, make sure to add these dishes to your must-try list. Happy eating!
