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Indian food, hailing from one of the most populous countries in the world, is a vibrant fusion of cultures and regional traditions. Shaped by a rich history, Indian cuisine has been deeply influenced by both Eastern and Western colonizers, as well as various religious beliefs and practices.
What makes Indian cuisine truly unique is its diverse regional specialties, a blend of cultural influences, and the signature use of aromatic spices. While iconic breads and curries are well-known globally, there’s so much more to discover, from vibrant street food to festive dishes and traditional beverages that showcase India’s culinary richness.
For those ready to dive into the bold and colorful world of Indian food, here are 49 traditional Indian dishes that should be on every food lover’s bucket list.
Get a Taste of Traditional Indian Foods
One of the best ways to truly experience a cuisine is by learning to cook it yourself. By joining hands-on cooking classes led by expert chefs, you can recreate the iconic flavors of Indian food at home. These classes offer valuable insights into how history, geography, and culture have shaped Indian cuisine, as well as how the names and ingredients of dishes reflect the diverse regional styles across India.
In places like the Bay Area, NYC, and other locations, you’ll find Indian cooking classes where skilled chefs guide you through traditional techniques, helping you master the art of creating rich flavors and balancing spices to craft authentic Indian dishes. If local classes aren’t available, discover the unique stories and spices of Indian cuisine through interactive online cooking classes.
Indian Breads
Bread is a cornerstone of Indian cuisine, with a wide variety of styles found across the Indian subcontinent. While some breads share similarities in ingredients and appearance, they stand out for their unique cooking techniques, textures, and types of flour used. From soft flatbreads and delicate crêpes to stuffed dough and crispy puffs, each variety offers a one-of-a-kind experience.
In Indian cuisine, bread is an essential element, often served as an appetizer alongside chutneys, dips, or sauces. It also complements snacks and meals, soaking up the rich curries and gravies that are integral to many Indian dishes.
1. Naan
One of the most beloved Indian breads is naan. This soft, airy flatbread is a staple in Indian restaurants around the world. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor, a high-temperature clay or metal oven, naan can be served plain or enhanced with butter, garlic, and chilies for extra flavor.
2. Chapati
Chapati is an unleavened flatbread made from finely ground whole wheat flour, water, and salt. It’s traditionally cooked on a tava, a flat skillet. The name “chapati” is derived from the Hindi word “chapati”, meaning slap or flat, referring to the traditional method of shaping the dough by slapping it between wet palms.
Also known as roti in some regions, chapati is a staple bread in many cuisines across Asia, the Middle East, and the Caribbean.
3. Paratha
Paratha is a type of unleavened, whole-wheat flatbread that holds a prominent place in Indian cuisine. Unlike naan or chapati, paratha is thicker and heartier. It’s made by layering dough with ghee (clarified butter) or oil and folding it multiple times, similar to the process of making puff pastry. This technique creates the paratha’s signature flaky texture.
Paratha can also be layered or stuffed with spiced vegetables, potatoes, lentils, or paneer (Indian cheese). After stuffing or layering, the paratha is shallow-fried, giving it a crispy finish. It is often enjoyed as a breakfast dish or snack.
4. Papadam
Papadam is a thin, deep-fried bread made from black gram bean flour. It is fried or cooked until crispy, similar to a chip or tortilla. Papadams are commonly served alongside Indian dishes, paired with chutneys, raita (a creamy vegetable dip), or toppings like lime pickle, chopped onions, or chilies. They can be enjoyed as an appetizer or as part of a meal.
Indian Street Foods
Street food plays a crucial role in Indian food culture, with each region and city offering its own unique delights. These foods are commonly enjoyed on lively streets and may have varying names or spellings across the country. Typically, street foods are simple, satisfying, and easy to enjoy on the go, yet they are bursting with bold flavors from fried dough, savory vegetables, and toasted spices.
5. Samosas
Samosas are undoubtedly one of the most popular street foods in India. These crispy pastries are either fried or baked and are usually stuffed with a savory blend of spiced potatoes, onions, and peas. Originating around the 10th century, samosas come in different shapes and fillings and can be found across Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Today, they stand as an iconic Indian food, enjoyed globally.
6. Chaat
Chaat is a diverse and popular category of Indian street food enjoyed across the country at street stalls and roadside stands. It brings together aromatic spices and tangy sauces to create a dish that balances sweet, salty, crunchy, spicy, and savory elements. Though each type of chaat may look different, they all share a similar concept, delivering a burst of flavors and textures with every bite.
Typically, chaat starts with a starchy base such as samosas, puffed rice, or fried bread. Then, it’s topped with vegetables like raw onions, boiled potatoes, or chopped tomatoes. Chutneys, which can be sweet, spicy, or tangy, are drizzled over the vegetables, while a sprinkle of chaat masala adds that signature zest, giving it a distinct and delicious flavor.
To finish, crispy or fried toppings like fried potato bits, crunchy chickpeas, or deep-fried noodles are added. A popular variation, Aloo chaat, features spiced potatoes and is a great choice for anyone wanting to experience this flavorful Indian snack.
7. Pani Puri
Pani puri is a unique and interactive Indian street food enjoyed across the country, though it’s believed to have originated in the northeastern state of Bihar.
The experience of eating pani puri is fun and engaging. To begin, you poke a hole in a round, hollow puri, which is a crispy, deep-fried flatbread. Next, you fill it with a flavorful mix of spiced water, chaat masala, chili powder, tamarind chutney, and fillings like potatoes, chickpeas, or onions. The specific spices and ingredients can vary by region. Once filled, pop the entire puri into your mouth and enjoy the explosion of vibrant flavors and textures.
8. Bhelpuri
Bhelpuri is a crunchy snack made from puffed rice and served in the traditional chaat style. It combines sweet, sour, and spicy flavors, with varying textures from chutneys, vegetables, and crispy toppings.
Indian Appetizers
Indian appetizers often blend with snacks and street foods, providing a fascinating mix of spices and textures. These starters showcase the diverse cultural influences and rich culinary traditions that define Indian cuisine.
9. Pakora
Pakora, also known as bhaji, are spiced vegetable fritters deep-fried to a crispy perfection. These tasty treats are commonly served as a snack, street food, or appetizer and are often paired with tamarind sauce, chutney, or raita. They are a popular choice at Indian weddings and other special celebrations.
10. Gobi Manchurian
Gobi Manchurian is a beloved Indo-Chinese appetizer found in Indian restaurants both in India and internationally. The word “gobi” means cauliflower in Hindi, and “Manchurian” refers to a Chinese cooking style that’s been adapted to create a distinctive sweet and sour sauce. This dish became especially popular in cities like Kolkata in the western part of India.
This popular appetizer consists of deep-fried cauliflower coated in a spicy, sticky sauce, making it a classic vegetarian dish that perfectly represents this unique fusion of flavors.
11. Chicken 65
Although there are myths surrounding its origins, Chicken 65 is widely attributed to A.M. Buhari, who is said to have created the dish in 1965. This spicy, deep-fried chicken first made its appearance on the menu at the Buhari Hotel in Tamil Nadu. Over time, variations like Chicken 78, Chicken 82, and Chicken 90 were introduced, and some of these versions are still served at the historic hotel today.
12. Momos
Momos are steamed dumplings originating from Eastern India, China, Tibet, and Nepal. Typically, they are filled with minced meat, tofu, or vegetables and are commonly served with a spicy chutney or a clear noodle soup known as thukpa.
Indian Dishes
Indian cooking styles and techniques vary greatly across the Northern, Western, Eastern, and Southern regions. Shaped by history, geography, and migration, each region boasts its unique signature dishes and methods, making Indian cuisine truly diverse.
Northern Indian cuisine is characterized by the use of dairy products such as yogurt, ghee, and paneer, along with deep-fried snacks like samosas, rich stews, and curries, often cooked in tandoors. Western Indian food reflects its geography, with Goa influenced by Portuguese heritage, Gujarat known for its predominantly vegetarian dishes with a hint of Chinese flavor, and Maharashtra offering seafood curries cooked in coconut milk, thanks to its coastal location.
Eastern India is renowned for its desserts and influences from Tibetan and Nepali cuisines. In contrast, Southern Indian cuisine is famous for vibrant curries, tangy sauces, dosas, and the popular South Indian thali. While Northern Indian cuisine is the most widely served style in Indian restaurants globally, other regional cuisines are steadily gaining international recognition.
When interpreting Indian food names, remember that “masala” refers to a blend of spices, and “curry” typically means a spiced sauce. The name often reflects the main ingredients, such as “aloo” (potato), “dal” (lentil), “chana” (chickpea), or “saag” (spinach).
13. Tandoori
An iconic Indian dish labeled “tandoori” typically features bread or meat that is seasoned and cooked at high temperatures in a tandoor oven. Tandoori chicken is the most well-known example, where chicken pieces are marinated in a spiced yogurt mixture and cooked to perfection, with the level of spiciness varying according to preference.
14. Tikka Masala
Interestingly, the beloved chicken tikka masala, one of the most famous Indian dishes, is thought to have originated in Great Britain, inspired by India’s classic butter chicken. This popular dish typically features roasted, marinated boneless chicken in a creamy, orange, tomato-based curry made with coconut milk and a blend of aromatic spices.
15. Butter Chicken
Traditionally known as murgh makhani, butter chicken is a delectable dish that originated in Northern India in the 1950s. The chicken is marinated and cooked in a tandoor, then served in a rich, creamy, spiced tomato and butter sauce. Vegetarian variations using paneer instead of chicken are also commonly offered on Indian restaurant menus.
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 variation is navratan korma, which includes a mix of vegetables or paneer.
Indian Desserts
No journey through Indian food is complete without savoring its signature sweets and desserts. These delightful treats provide a tasty glimpse into India’s rich culinary traditions, with each region offering its unique specialties.
17. Gajar Ka Halwa
Like many Indian dishes, halwa showcases the country’s rich history and regional influences, with many variations across different areas. One popular version, gajar ka halwa, is made by cooking grated carrots in milk and infusing it with cardamom. The mixture is then fried in ghee and sugar and topped with dried fruits. This vibrant and flavorful dessert is commonly enjoyed during Hindu and Muslim festivals in India
18. Kulfi
Kulfi, often known as traditional Indian ice cream, is a rich and creamy frozen dessert available in a variety of flavors. Unlike regular ice cream, it has a dense texture and melts slowly, making it ideal for the Indian heat. Popular flavors include saffron, mango, vanilla, and rose.
19. Kheer
Indian cuisine offers a rich variety of desserts, with kheer being one of the most beloved sweet treats. Kheer is a creamy pudding made by simmering rice in milk and sugar until it reaches a perfect, indulgent consistency. It is often topped with coconut, saffron, cardamom, and a blend of dried fruits and nuts, adding both flavor and texture to this cherished dish.
20. Gulab Jamun
Gulab jamun is a classic Indian dessert made from deep-fried milk solids known as khoya, which is milk reduced to a dough-like texture. These golden, crispy balls are soaked in a fragrant sweet syrup infused with cardamom and rose water, often topped with almonds or cashews. This irresistible syrupy treat is especially popular during festivals, birthdays, and other special occasions.
Indian Drinks
Some of the must-try Indian beverages range from refreshing, creamy fruit drinks to warm, spiced tea. These classic drinks perfectly complement traditional Indian dishes, adding an extra layer of flavor to the experience.
21. Lassi
This refreshing drink is the perfect match for a spicy Indian meal. The creamy, yogurt-based lassi, often blended with fruits like mango, banana, or strawberry, provides a sweet and tangy way to cool down on a hot day.
22. Masala Chaas
Also known as spiced buttermilk, masala chaas is a refreshing drink that combines creamy dairy with a touch of spice. Made from yogurt, it features a mild heat from green chilies, ginger, and black pepper, finished off with a cooling minty note. This drink is the perfect way to beat the heat.
23. Masala Chai
One of the most iconic Indian beverages is masala chai, a hot spiced tea. This beloved drink blends black tea with a mix of Indian spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black peppercorns. The spiced tea is then combined with milk, creating a warm, creamy cup of classic masala chai.
24. Jal jeera
Jal jeera is a refreshing summer drink that offers a unique twist on traditional lemonade. Its vibrant green color comes from a spice mix known as jaljira powder, which typically includes cumin, ginger, black pepper, mint, black salt, and sometimes fruit powders like mango or citrus, along with a hint of chili or hot pepper. Originating near the Ganges River, jal jeera is also believed to have medicinal properties, aiding digestion and providing a cooling effect.
Indian Spices
A defining aspect of traditional Indian cuisine is its use of a wide array of spices and aromatics. The seven essential spices in Indian cooking include cardamom, cumin, clove, turmeric, coriander, cinnamon, and fenugreek. These spices, among others, contribute to the rich, distinctive flavors that characterize classic Indian dishes.
Indian cuisine across various regions uses herbs and spices in unique ways, which gives each area its own culinary identity. While garlic, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper are widely known in the West, it is the carefully balanced regional spice blends that infuse Indian food with its signature distinctive and complex flavors.
Some common spices in Indian cuisine include:
- Turmeric: Turmeric is a bright golden spice known for its warm, peppery taste and earthy notes.
- Ginger: Cinnamon provides a sweet, warm, and spicy flavor with subtle earthy citrus undertones.
- Garlic: Garlic has a powerful aroma reminiscent of onions, with a sharp spiciness and sulfuric undertones. It is often chopped, turned into a paste, or fire-roasted to enhance its flavor.
- Cumin: Coriander is a fragrant, earthy, and warm spice that belongs to the parsley family. It can be used either in its whole seed form or ground and is a key ingredient in Indian cuisine and various spice blends.
Conclusion
Indian cuisine presents a vibrant mix of flavors, textures, and aromas that capture the country’s rich cultural diversity. From street food staples like pani puri and vada pav to the indulgent butter chicken and aromatic biryani, each dish narrates the story of its region’s history and traditions. Desserts such as gulab jamun and kheer offer a sweet ending to any meal, while drinks like masala chai and lassi beautifully balance the complex spices of Indian food.
As you dive into Indian cuisine in 2024, indulge in these iconic dishes, each serving as a distinctive taste of India’s culinary heritage. Whether relishing a fiery chaat from a lively street vendor or savoring a rich korma at a cozy restaurant, you are embarking on a flavorful adventure through one of the world’s most dynamic food cultures.
