Indian food is significant in the world with its mouth-watering snacks and traditional curries. Its food is not just about flavors; rather, it is a way to deeply understand its vast cultural heritage. Multiple dishes like Butter Chicken, Chole Bhata, Pakhala Bhata, Hyderabadi Biryani, etc., are deeply rooted in its history.
Indian cuisine is famous worldwide for its exquisite flavors, spices, and delightful tastes. If you want to explore Asian culinary excellence, then India is the right spot to start your journey. Here, the top cuisines are highlighted that you must try during your trip to India.
List of Top 11 Foods in India
Here is the list of the top 11 foods that you must try in India:
- Butter Chicken
- Chole Bhature
- Pakhala Bhata
- Hyderabadi Biryani
- Dosa
- Sambar
- Macher Jhol
- Goan Fish Curry
- Dhokla
- Pani Puri/Golgappa
- Vada Pav
1. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
This curry dish originated in Delhi and is one of the most delicious Indian dishes. It is made with tandoori chicken and has a smoky flavour with its different seasonings. In 1950, two Indian chefs named Kundan Lal Jaggi and Kundan Lal Gujral introduced this delightful chicken recipe. At that time, they were working at the Moti Mahal restaurant located in Old Delhi. It was named Murgh Makhani because of its butter ingredient.
The term butter chicken was first introduced by Gaylord Indian restaurant, based in Manhattan, in 1975. It is currently famous worldwide and mistakenly taken as a Western cuisine. Along with India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and nearby countries widely use this tomato-based chicken curry as a main meal. Some of the common spices that are used for making curry sauce are cumin, pepper, garam masala, cardamon, fenugreek, etc. If you are looking for the traditional butter chicken that is prepared by using a clay oven or tandoor, then try out Gulati Restaurant, Dhaba By Claridges, Moti Mahal Aslam Chicken Corner, Punjab Grill, etc, in Delhi.
2. Chole Bhature
This dish is based on two main components: chole, which means white chickpeas served with different spices, and bhatura, bread made from wheat flour. This food is commonly taken as breakfast in all regions of India and even in nearby countries like Pakistan. Chickpeas are prepared using various spices, such as turmeric powder, chilli powder, cumin, garlic, and ginger. Likewise, for bhature, the dough is prepared using flour, salt, and oil. Then, it is rolled in circular shapes and deep fried.
Some of the common accompaniments of this dish are lassi, a yogurt-based drink, and naan or paratha, kulcha, etc. These are all different versions of bread widely consumed with various curry dishes and are rich sources of carbohydrates. Sita Ram Diwan Chand, Baba Nagpal Corner, Chache Di Hatti, Nathu’s, etc, are some of the authentic places to enjoy spicy chole with crispy bhatura as a snack or breakfast.
3. Pakhala Bhata
Pakhala Bhata is another top dish in India that is highly nutritious and recommended for a weight loss journey. Some of the critical ingredients are cooked rice, water, curd, etc. For seasoning, salt, ginger, lemon juice, curry leaves, etc., are used. The recipe is quite simple and includes just two steps. You need to boil the rice and let it cool down. After that, it is mixed in with the curd and water mixture. It is left overnight and consumed the next day with mustard seeds and coriander leaves garnish.
There are different variations of this dish commonly used in various regions of the country, such as Saja Pakhaḷa, Basi Pakhaḷa, Jira Pakhaḷa, Dahi Pakhaḷa, etc. Odisha Hotel, Bukhara, Lha Kitchen, The Pavilion, Dum Pukht, etc., are some of the food points for getting authentic Pakhala Bhata in Delhi.
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4. Hyderabadi Biryani
If you are looking for a spicy food option to enjoy maximum traditional flavours, Hyderabadi biryani is highly recommended. This rice-based dish originated in Hyderabad and is a true representation of South Asian culture. The key ingredients of this dish are chicken, basmati rice, onions, etc. Some of the magical spices behind its unique taste are cumin, bay leaves, coriander, saffron, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
This recipe is either baked in the oven or slow-cooked on the stovetop. The chicken is marinated for a few hours, and the proportion of meat is kept higher than the rice. This food is also good for its healthy nutrients like proteins, multiple vitamins, etc., and improves digestion and prevents inflammation. People prefer to enjoy this cuisine with accompaniments like dahi chutney, baghaar-e-baingan, and fresh salads comprising carrots, onions, cucumbers, etc. Biryaniwala and Co, Cafe Bahar, Hotel Shadab, Hotel Shadab, Paradise, Bawarchi, etc. are some hot spots to try this biryani.
5. Dosa
This South Indian food is a popular breakfast option. It offers a number of health benefits, with low amounts of saturated fat and high amounts of carbohydrates. The main ingredients of dosa are rice and black gram, and people like to enjoy it with various accompaniments like sambar, chutney, Idli podi or Indian pickles, etc.
The batter of dosa is prepared by fermenting rice and lentils overnight. The batter is spread on a pan as a crepe with a bit of oil until it turns crispy. Masala dosa, ghee dosa, wheat dosa, oats dosa, etc, are some of the variations in this delightful recipe. In 2014, it came to the Guinness World Record as the longest dosa prepared by Hotel Daspalla in Hyderabad. Saravana Bhavan, Sagar Ratna, Juggernaut, Zambar, Carnatic Cafe, etc., are some key places in Delhi where you can try nutritious Dosa.
6. Sambar
Sambar is South Indian cuisine famous in most regions of India or nearby countries like Sri Lanka for its delightful flavours. It is believed to have originated in the Tamil Nadu state of India in the 17th century. This lentil and vegetable stew is highly nutritious and is a rich source of protein, vitamin A, vitamin C, and calcium. Some of the common vegetables that are used in this recipe are pumpkin, potato, cucumber, carrots, raw mango, beans, brinjal, etc.
Every state or region of India has its own unique style of sambar, so the actual ingredients are based on the location. Common accompaniments that are served alongside are dosa, pongal, upma, and medu vada. Kerala Food House, Sambar Soul, Saravana Bhavan, Adyar Ananda Bhavan, etc. are some of the key places that serve finger-licking sambar in both traditional and unique tastes.
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7. Macher Jhol
If you are fond of spicy cuisine and looking for a real boost of textured curry, then Macher Jhol is the right option. This spicy fish curry is famous in India, Nepal, and Bangladesh for its unique flavors. Some of its basic ingredients are white fish steaks, cauliflower florets, potatoes, onions, etc. Ilish, rui, and catla are commonly used fish for this recipe. However, it is liked and consumed in multiple variations, and each variant has its own specific spices and ingredients.
Macher Jhol curry is prepared with turmeric, garlic, onions, grated ginger, and various other Indian spices. Potatoes are added to make the curry thick, and tomatoes are added, giving it a reddish appearance, as the locals like. If you want to enjoy authentic recipes for this Indian dish, then try Paramjeet Machhi Wala, Bijoli Grill, My Spice Kitchen, Kirwa’s Kitchen, etc.
8. Goan Fish Curry
If you want to explore the coastal state of Goa and its delicious cuisine, try the Goan Fish Curry.
This dish is famous for its delightful tomato and coconut-based sauce, which is full of flavors and spices. Goan Fish Curry is eaten as a main meal at lunch or dinner and is a rich source of protein. Residents of Gao highly rely on this fish dish and use it as a staple food. Pomfret, Kingfish, Mackerel, Red Snapper, etc., are preferred for making this tangy curry.
Multiple food points all around India serve this fish-based curry in different variants. Lady Baga, Viva O’ Viva, Increval Goa, Bernado’s, By The Bay, The Godinho’s, etc., are some key places to try Goan Fish Curry with authentic ingredients and various accompaniments.
9. Dhokla
This spongy dish originated in Gujrat and is famous for its cake-like texture. It is made from a fermented batter that is then steamed for thorough cooking. The main ingredients of this batter are rice, gram, chickpeas, pigeon peas, urad beans, etc. Rice and chickpeas are dipped overnight and grounded before fermentation. To have delightful flavors, spices like chili pepper, coriander, and ginger are added.
This dish is available in multiple variants, such as Moong dal dhokla, Khandavi dhokla, Cheese dhokla, and toor dal dhokla. Rice is utilized in all these variants, while other ingredients vary depending on which type you want to try. Rava Dhokla Bikanervala, The Shim Tur, Haldiram’s, The Dhokla House, etc., are some key places to get authentic Dhokla with a variety of accompaniments.
10. Pani Puri/Golgappa
If you are looking for some traditional yet full-flavored snacks at roadside stalls in India, then try Pani Puri. It is easily available in almost every region of this country and is budget-friendly. To enhance the flavors, it is served with tamarind chutney, chili powder, or chaat masala. Paani patashi, Pani puri, Pani ke batashe, Golgappay, etc. are some alternative names that are used in various regions of India and nearby countries like Pakistan.
In this dish, a fried wheat shell filled with various ingredients, such as mashed potatoes and chickpeas, is served with flavoured water. You have to dip the shell into that spicy mixture to get the ultimate experience.
In 2005, the Oxford English Dictionary added the word “panipuri” with its widespread use and popularity.
Every food point or market has a stall offering pani puri with various accompaniments, such as jalapeño water, green chili water, lemon or tomato water. If you’re looking for an authentic restaurant to try this snack, Prabhu Chaat Bhandar, Pani Puri Chowk, Rasili Chaat, Delhi Pani Puri, etc., are good places to go.
11. Vada Pav
After Pani Puri, Vada Pav is another famous food in India, easily and widely available on the street, at food stalls at cheap prices. Vada Pav looks like any other burger, and it is often called the Bombay burger. It includes a bread bun with a potato dumpling in between. People love to eat it with various chutneys and a green chili pepper for more spices.
The recipe is quite easy to follow at home especially when you are using a ready-made bread bun. The boiled potatoes are mixed with spices, green chilies, mustard seeds, garlic, etc. It is then deep-fried after covering it in an all-purpose flour batter. If you want to try it at restaurants or cafes, then consider Johny’s Vada Pav, Vadapav Junction & More, Bombay Vada Pav Centre, etc., in Delhi.
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Bottom Line
India is one of the top destinations for foodies, and its worth is based on its South Indian and North Indian food recipes. Try out its cultured cuisines and experience a variety of flavours, such as sour, sweet, salty, astringent, etc. Restaurants, cafes, food stalls, etc. are available in huge numbers, offering local food at reasonable prices and the ultimate dining experience.
Whether you choose a vegetable dish, curries, gravies, or any other snack, the use of different herbs and spices in particular proportions is what makes Indian cuisine delightful. All the above-mentioned authentic flavours of Indian tradition are a must-try to enjoy a heavenly culinary journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the National Food of India?
Khichdi, which is a traditional dish, is the national food of India. It is based on two major ingredients, rice and lentils, and various spices are added to enhance flavour. This recipe is easy to cook and is very healthy in terms of nutrients
What Is the Most Popular Restaurant in India?
India’s most popular restaurant is Indian Accent that is located in New Delhi. Here, you can enjoy traditional Indian cuisine with a variation based on international ingredients.
Is Food in India Available at Affordable Prices?
Most traditional Indian cuisines are reasonably priced, as they are mostly based on cheap ingredients like potatoes, rice, onions, lentils, etc. Also, most snacks available at food stalls are budget-friendly yet rich in flavors.
What Do People in India Eat for Breakfast?
Some of the common foods that are widely used as breakfast in India are Poha, Upma, Thepla, Idli, Dosa, etc.
Which Beverages Are Popular in India?
Some of the commonly used beverages in India are Assam tea, Sweet Lassi, Masala Chai, South Indian Coffee, Mango Lassi, and Darjeeling tea.
What Is the Most Famous Indian Snack?
Medu Vada is the most famous Indian snack that is a doughnut-shaped fritter. Black lentils and rice flour are the main ingredients of this crispy food.
