Traditional Indian Foods to Taste in 2024

Indian food comes from one of the most populous countries in the world, reflecting a rich blend of cultures and regional traditions. Shaped by a long and eventful history, Indian cuisine has been influenced by colonizers from both the East and the West, as well as various religious beliefs and practices.

What makes Indian food unique is its diverse regional specialties, a blend of cultural and religious influences, and the use of signature aromatic spices. While iconic breads and curries are well-known outside India, there’s much more to explore, including the vibrant street food, festive dishes, and traditional beverages that make Indian cuisine rich and varied.

For those eager to explore the bold and colorful flavors of Indian cuisine, here are 49 traditional Indian dishes that deserve a spot on your foodie bucket list.

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Get a Taste of Traditional Indian Foods

One of the best ways to truly understand a cuisine is by learning to cook it yourself. You can recreate the iconic flavors of Indian food at home by joining hands-on cooking classes taught by expert chefs. These classes offer insights into how history, geography, and culture have shaped Indian food and how the names and ingredients of dishes reflect the diverse regional cuisines of India.

In the Bay Area, NYC, and other locations, you can find Indian cooking classes where skilled chefs guide you through traditional techniques for creating rich flavors and balancing spices to make authentic Indian dishes. If local classes aren’t available, explore the unique stories and spices of Indian cuisine through interactive online cookery classes.

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Indian Breads

Bread is a key part of Indian cuisine, with various styles across the Indian subcontinent. Despite some similarities in ingredients and appearance, Indian breads are unique in their cooking techniques, textures, and types of flour. From soft flatbreads and thin crêpes to stuffed dough and crispy puffs, each type offers a distinct experience.

Bread is essential in Indian cuisine, often enjoyed as an appetizer with chutneys, dips, or sauces. It also pairs with snacks and meals, soaking up the rich curries and gravies that are a staple in Indian dishes.

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1. Naan

One of the most popular Indian breads is naan. This soft, bubbly flatbread is commonly found in Indian restaurants worldwide. Traditionally baked in a tandoor, a high-temperature clay or metal oven, naan can be served plain or with butter, garlic, and chilies.

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2. Chapati

Chapati is an unleavened flatbread made from finely ground whole wheat flour, water, and salt. It is cooked on a tava, a flat skillet. The name “chapati” comes from the Hindi word “chapati,” meaning slap or flat, which refers to the traditional method of preparing the dough by slapping it between wet palms.

Chapati, also known as roti in different regions, is a fundamental bread in various cuisines across Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.

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3. Paratha

Paratha is a type of unleavened, whole-wheat flatbread that is a staple in Indian cuisine. Unlike naan or chapati, paratha is thicker and heartier. It is made by layering dough with ghee (clarified butter) or oil and folding it repeatedly, similar to puff pastry. This technique gives the paratha its distinctive, flaky texture.

Paratha can also be layered or stuffed with spiced vegetables, potatoes, lentils, or paneer (Indian cheese). After layering or stuffing, the paratha is shallow-fried, giving it a crispy texture. It is commonly enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack.

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4. Papadam

Papadam is a thin, deep-fried bread made from black gram bean flour. It is fried or cooked until crisp, like a chip or tortilla. Papadams are often served with Indian dishes alongside chutneys, raita (a creamy vegetable dip), or toppings like lime pickle, chopped onions, or chilies. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or with a meal.

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Indian Street Foods

Street food is a vital part of Indian food culture, with each region and city offering unique treats. These foods are often enjoyed on bustling streets and may have different names or spellings nationwide. Typically, street foods are simple, satisfying, and easy to eat on the go, yet they are packed with bold flavors from fried dough, savory vegetables, and toasted spices.

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5. Samosas

Samosas are arguably the most popular street food in India. These crispy pastries are fried or baked and are typically filled with a savory mix of spiced potatoes, onions, and peas. Originating around the 10th century, samosas come in various shapes and fillings and can be found across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Today, they are an iconic Indian food enjoyed worldwide.

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6. Chaat

Chaat is a diverse category of Indian street food enjoyed throughout the country at street stalls and roadside stands. It combines aromatic spices and tangy sauces to create a dish that balances sweet, salty, crunchy, spicy, and savory elements. Each chaat may look different, but they all share a similar approach, offering flavor and texture sensations in every bite.

Chaat starts with a starchy base like samosas, puffed rice, or fried bread. Next, it’s topped with vegetables such as raw onions, boiled potatoes, or chopped tomatoes. Sweet, spicy, or tangy chutneys are drizzled over the vegetables, and a sprinkle of chaat masala spice blend adds the final touch, giving chaat its unique and delicious flavor.

Finally, top the chaat with something crispy or fried, like fried potato bits, crunchy chickpeas, or deep-fried noodles. Aloo chaat, which features spiced potatoes, is a popular variation of this Indian dish and a great choice if you’re eager to try chaat.

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7. Pani Puri

Pani puri is a distinctive Indian street food enjoyed under various names nationwide. It is widely believed to have originated in the northeastern state of Bihar.

Enjoying pani puri is an interactive experience. First, you poke a hole in a round, hollow puri—a deep-fried, crispy flatbread. Then, fill it with a mix of flavored water, chili powder, chaat masala, tamarind chutney, and ingredients like potatoes, chickpeas, or onions. The spices and fillings can vary by region. Pop the entire puri into your mouth for vibrant flavors and textures.

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8. Bhelpuri

Bhelpuri is a crunchy snack made from puffed rice, served in the chaat style. It blends sweet, sour, and spicy flavors with different textures from chutneys, vegetables, and crispy toppings.

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Indian Appetizers

Indian appetizers often overlap with snacks and street foods, offering a compelling mix of spices and textures. These starters reflect the diverse cultural influences and rich culinary traditions that define Indian cuisine.

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9. Pakora

Pakora, or bhaji, are spiced vegetable fritters deep-fried until crispy. They are commonly enjoyed as a snack, street food, or appetizer and are often served with tamarind sauce, chutney, or raita. They are a popular choice at Indian weddings and other celebrations.

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10. Gobi Manchurian

Gobi Manchurian is a popular Indo-Chinese appetizer found at Indian restaurants both in India and abroad. “gobi” means cauliflower in Hindi, and “Manchurian” refers to a Chinese cooking style adapted to create a distinctive sweet and sour sauce. This dish became especially popular around cities like Kolkata in the West of India.

This popular appetizer features deep-fried cauliflower coated in a spicy, sticky sauce. It is a classic vegetarian dish that exemplifies this style of Indian cuisine.

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11. Chicken 65

Although myths surround its origins, Chicken 65 is widely credited to A.M. Buhari, who created the dish in 1965. This spicy, deep-fried chicken dish first appeared on the menu of the Buhari Hotel in Tamil Nadu. Later, other versions like Chicken 78, Chicken 82, and Chicken 90 were added, and some are still served at the historic hotel today.

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12. Momos

Momos are steamed dumplings from Eastern India, China, Tibet, and Nepal. They are usually filled with minced meat, tofu, and vegetables and served with spicy chutney or a clear noodle soup called thukpa.

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Indian Dishes

Indian cooking styles and techniques differ significantly across the Northern, Western, Eastern, and Southern regions. Influenced by history, geography, and migration, each area has its signature dishes and cooking methods, making its Indian food unique.

Northern Indian cuisine uses dairy products like yogurt, ghee, and paneer and fried snacks like samosas, rich stews, and curries, often cooked in tandoors. Western Indian food is shaped by geography, with Goa influenced by its Portuguese history, Gujarat known for its primarily vegetarian dishes with a Chinese touch, and Maharashtra featuring seafood curries cooked in coconut milk, thanks to its coastal location.

Eastern India is famous for its desserts and culinary influence from Tibetan and Nepali cuisines. In contrast, Southern Indian food is known for its vibrant curries, tangy sauces, dosas, and the popular South Indian thali. Northern Indian cuisine is the most commonly served style in Indian restaurants worldwide, though other regional cuisines are gaining international popularity.

When interpreting Indian food names, remember that “masala” refers to a blend of spices, while “curry” indicates a spiced sauce. The name often reflects the main ingredients, like “aloo” (potato), “dal” (lentil), “chana” (chickpea), or “saag” (spinach).

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13. Tandoori

An iconic Indian dish labeled “tandoori” usually involves bread or meat seasoned and cooked at high heat in a tandoor oven. Tandoori chicken is the most popular example, featuring chicken pieces marinated in spiced yogurt and available in varying levels of spiciness.

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14. Tikka Masala

Interestingly, the famous chicken tikka masala, one of the most beloved Indian dishes, is believed to have originated in Great Britain and was inspired by India’s butter chicken. This popular dish typically features roasted, marinated boneless chicken in a creamy, orange tomato-based curry made with coconut milk and a mix of spices.

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15. Butter Chicken

Traditionally called murgh makhani, butter chicken is a delicious dish that originated in Northern India in the 1950s. The chicken is marinated and cooked in a tandoor before being served in a creamy, spiced tomato and butter sauce. Vegetarian options using paneer instead of chicken are also commonly available on Indian restaurant menus.

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16. Korma

Korma is a rich and aromatic curry made with meat or vegetables slowly cooked in a creamy blend of coconut milk, yogurt, spices, and often almonds or cashews. A popular vegetarian version is navratan korma, which features a mix of vegetables or paneer.

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Indian Desserts

No exploration of Indian food is complete without indulging in its signature sweets and desserts. These treats offer a delicious glimpse into the rich culinary traditions of India, with each region offering its unique specialties.

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17. Gajar Ka Halwa

Like many Indian dishes, halwa reflects the country’s rich history and neighboring influences, with various types available across regions. Gajar ka halwa, a popular version, is made from grated carrots cooked in milk and flavored with cardamom. The mixture is then fried in ghee and sugar and topped with dried fruits. This vibrant dessert is commonly enjoyed during Hindu and Muslim festivals in India.

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18. Kulfi

Kulfi, often referred to as traditional Indian ice cream, is a rich and creamy frozen dessert available in many flavors. Unlike regular ice cream, it has a dense texture and melts slowly, making it perfect for the Indian heat. Popular flavors include saffron, mango, vanilla, and rose.

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19. Kheer

Indian cuisine boasts a rich array of desserts, with kheer one of the most cherished sweet treats. Kheer is a creamy pudding made by boiling rice in milk and sugar until it reaches a delightful consistency. It is often garnished with coconut, saffron, cardamom, and a mix of dried fruits and nuts, adding flavor and texture to this beloved dish.

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20. Gulab Jamun

Gulab jamun is a traditional Indian dessert made from deep-fried milk solids called khoya, which is milk reduced to a dough-like consistency. These fried balls are soaked in a sweet syrup with cardamom and rose water, often garnished with almonds or cashews. This deliciously syrupy dessert is a favorite during festivals, birthdays, and special celebrations.

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Indian Drinks

Some of the must-try Indian delights are beverages. From refreshing, creamy fruit drinks to warm, spiced tea, classic Indian beverages perfectly complement traditional Indian dishes.

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21. Lassi

This refreshing drink pairs perfectly with a spicy Indian meal. The creamy, yogurt-based lassi, often mixed with fruits like mango, banana, or strawberry, offers a sweet and tangy way to cool off on a warm day.

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22. Masala Chaas

Also known as spiced buttermilk, masala chaas is a refreshing drink that balances creamy dairy with a hint of spice. It is made from yogurt and has a mildly spicy flavor from green chilies, ginger, and black pepper, with a cooling, minty finish. This drink is a perfect way to beat the heat.

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23. Masala Chai

One of the most famous Indian beverages is masala chai, a hot spiced tea. This beloved drink features black tea infused with Indian spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black peppercorns. The spiced tea is combined with milk to create a warm, creamy cup of classic masala chai.

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24. Jal jeera

Jal jeera is a refreshing summer drink similar to lemonade but with a unique twist. It’s bright green and flavored with a spice mix known as jaljira powder. This blend typically includes cumin, ginger, black pepper, mint, black salt, and sometimes fruit powders like mango or citrus, along with a touch of chili or hot pepper. Originating near the Ganges River, jal jeera is also believed to have medicinal properties that aid digestion and provide a cooling effect.

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Indian Spices

A key feature of traditional Indian cuisine is the use of a diverse range of spices and aromatics. The seven essential spices in Indian cooking are cardamom, cumin, clove, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and fenugreek. These spices, among others, create the rich, distinctive flavors found in classic Indian dishes.

Indian cuisine from various regions uses herbs and spices in unique ways that set each area apart. While spices like garlic, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper are well-known in the West, it is the carefully balanced regional spice blends that provide Indian food with its distinct and rich flavors.

Common spices in Indian cuisine include:

• Turmeric: Turmeric is a brightly golden-hued spice known for its warm, peppery notes and earthy undertone.

• Ginger: Cinnamon has a sweet, warm, and spicy flavor with earthy citrus notes.

• Garlic: Garlic has a strong aroma related to onions, sharp spiciness, and sulfuric undertones. It is often chopped or made into a paste, and garlic cloves may be fire-roasted.

• Cumin: Coriander is an earthy, warm, and aromatic spice from the parsley family. It can be used ground or as whole seeds and is widely used in Indian food and spice blends. 

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Conclusion

Indian cuisine offers a rich tapestry of flavors, textures, and aromas that reflect the country’s diverse cultural heritage. From the street food delights of pani puri and vada pav to the comforting depths of butter chicken and fragrant biryanis, every dish tells a story of its region’s history and traditions. Desserts like gulab jamun and kheer provide a sweet conclusion to any meal, while beverages such as masala chai and lassi perfectly complement the complex spices of Indian food.

As you explore Indian cuisine in 2024, savor these iconic dishes, each offering a unique taste of India’s culinary landscape. Whether enjoying a spicy chaat from a bustling street stall or a rich korma at a local restaurant, you’re embarking on a flavorful journey through one of the world’s most vibrant food cultures.

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FAQs

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