Indian cuisine is a fusion of diverse culinary traditions from different regions of India. It has been shaped by centuries of contact with various cultures and peoples across Central Asia and the Middle East. The influence of these cultures is evident in its various regional cuisines. North India, for example, has predominantly vegetarian cuisines, whereas south India is famous for its meat preparations.
In this Chlorine listicle, we have compiled a list of the 25 amazing Indian dishes you may want to try.
1. Biryani
Biryani is possibly the most popular dish in the Indian Subcontinent. It is a dish made by cooking rice with mutton or chicken and spices. The dish is often served with raita or Chatni. If your Indian friend invites you to dinner, you are sure to have biryani on the menu.
You can try making biryani at home using this chicken biryani recipe.
2. Tandoori Chicken
It is a chicken dish that is marinated in yogurt, spice, and yogurt-based marinade. It is then cooked in a tandoor (oven). The chicken is cooked in a variety of spices and herbs. The Tandoori is a popular dish in South Asia.
3. Haleem
A stew is made from wheat and meat or vegetables and is slow-cooked to give a smoother texture. This dish is eaten with boiled rice, and usually with a few pieces of naan. Haleem is a meal in itself and is usually served with yogurt and dried mint chutney. In Hyderabad, haleem is served in the famous Bawarchi Restaurant.
4. Nihari
Nihari is a very popular Pakistani dish and is eaten all over the world. It is made from tender meat, slowly cooked overnight with a blend of spices. Nihari is eaten with naan and even with bread. It is known for its spicy taste and is served with a variety of accompaniments such as raw onions and green chilies.
5. Dal Tadka
A lentil-based stew made with various spices and herbs. There are many variations of Dal Tadka. It is served with a variety of Indian bread and rice. There are various forms of Dal Tadka. One of the most well-known is the Punjabi version which is topped with ghee.
6. Dal Makhani
A lentil-based dish popular in the Punjabi province. Dal Makhani is a slow-cooked spicy delicacy made with a variety of lentils and legumes.
8. Dahi Bhalla
It is a popular street food snack in the Indian subcontinent. Lightly salty rice dough balls fried and added to a spicy sugary yogurt. Additional ingredients include onions and potatoes.
Check also: 13 Traditional Indian Breakfast Dishes: Treat for Your Tastebuds
9. Dosa
An Indian crepe that is made with a batter consisting of a variety of lentils and rice. It is usually served with a variety of chutneys and sambhar.
10. Chaat
Chaat is a popular street food dish in the Indian subcontinent. It is made up of a variety of ingredients such as potatoes, carrots, chickpeas, and yogurt. Chaat also contains a variety of spices and herbs.
11. Dahi Puri
Dahi Puri is a popular street food dish in the Indian subcontinent. It consists of a variety of ingredients such as potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, and a variety of spices. The dish is widely enjoyed both in India and Pakistan.
12. Gulab Jamun
Gulam Jamun is a dessert associated with the North Indian people. It is made up of flour, cream, and a variety of nuts. The sweet consists of a variety of ingredients and spices
13. Khir
It is a spiced milky rice dish made with atta or boiled rice, yogurt, milk, sugar, saffron, and cardamom. The sweetness of the dish is balanced by the tanginess of the yogurt. It is a traditional dish of the Muslims of Gujarat.
14. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Butter Chicken is a popular dish which is eaten all over the world. It is a rich dish with a blend of butter and cream, cooked with chicken and a variety of spices.
15. Vindaloo
Vindaloo originated in the Portuguese colony of Goa. It is an intensely flavored dish, and it is very hot and spicy. Its heat comes from red chili peppers and other spices. The curry is known for its red color which is achieved by cooking the meat in red wine. This was originally a pork dish, but later on, the Portuguese started to use other meat as well. It is a common dish in Goa and is also eaten in other parts of India.
16. Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is a highly popular dish from India. It was invented by the chef of the British royal family. Later on, the dish was made popular by one of the most successful Indian restaurants in Great Britain. Tikka Masala is a spicy dish with a creamy texture. It is made from boneless chicken, yogurt, and cream. The yummy dish is served with naan, roti, or rice.
17. Butter Roti
Butter Roti is a very popular dish eaten with Chicken Biriyani. It is a soft, flatbread made from wheat flour and butter. It is also known for its buttery taste.
18. Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is an Indian street food dish that is made with vegetables, mashed potatoes, and bread. It is a spicy dish and is known for its different tastes.
20. Paratha
A flatbread that can be stuffed with anything, from vegetables to meat and cheese, while it is being cooked. It is very popular street food in India, especially in the northern part of the country.
21. Pani Puri
Pani Puri is a popular street food snack usually served at roadside stalls during the summer. It is a savory snack made from “puris”. Puris are hollow small round balls made of a mixture of flour and water and are fried until they become crispy. They are then filled with potatoes, onions, and tamarind water.
22. Samosa
It is a fried or baked pastry with minced meat or potatoes. It is common street food in India. Samosas are triangular in shape and deep-fried. There are several types of samosas like potato samosa, paneer samosa, chicken samosa, and many more.
23. Jalebi
The sweet dish is made with sugar syrup and flour, dipped in sugar syrup, then fried. It is a special sweet offered to guests and festivals like Diwali.