10 of the Best Indian Foods You Need to Try

For the foodies, India is a paradise. On every street and corner, you will find outstanding foods that will leave their mark on your taste buds. Besides, being an ancient civilization, India has several types of traditional foods that are the specialty of each state or place. You can’t find the taste and texture of ‘Roshogolla’ outside Kolkata as you find here. Also, ‘Dal Bati Churma’ can give you the taste of the royalty of Rajasthan.

With so many dishes and recipes, India will never disappoint you when it comes to food. While some foods are a bit over-rated, there are certain dishes that have earned applause from all over the world. Take the example of ‘Butter Chicken’. The soft and juicy chicken in yellow gravy loaded with butter is so famous that you will find it easily at any restaurant in foreign countries. So, today, we are going to give you a mouth-watering ride to different Indian foods that you should try once. Take the ride!

List of Famous Indian Foods that you should try once:

1. Masala Dosa

Starting in South India, Masala Dosa is a signature dish of the area. You will find it in every restaurant, roadside stall, cafe, etc. when you are in South India. Not only that, but this food is so appealing to people, that the entire country prepares it differently and each one tastes differently good. Made of rice flour and lentils, this is a type of pancake that hides stuffed curry of potato inside.

It is served with hot and sour sambar and coconut chutney. You can have masala dosa for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or anything. It is also a healthy option as you get to eat lots of vegetables in it.

• Best Places: South India, especially Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, with hotspots in Bangalore and Chennai.
• Things to Do: Try dosa with coconut chutney and sambar, and watch the dosa preparation process at traditional dosa stalls or cafes.
• Tips: Enjoy this breakfast staple early in the morning for a fresh experience.

2. Butter Chicken

When Dosa is a healthy food option, travel to Delhi for satisfying your heart with the delectable bowl of butter chicken. The dish originated in Punjab and now it has earned huge significance around the world.

Created accidentally with leftover chicken pieces and sauce, this dish can help you to woe someone’s heart through his stomach. The aroma of butter and Kasuri methi, the tender and juicy chicken, and whole spices create magic together on your plate. Enjoy the dish with rice, roti, paratha, etc.

• Best Places: Delhi and Punjab, particularly in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk or Amritsar.
• Things to Do: Pair it with naan or buttered parathas, and explore eateries like Moti Mahal in Delhi for its original flavor.
• Tips: Mild spice lovers should ask for “less spicy,” as North Indian butter chicken can be quite rich.

3. Rogan Josh

Are you a mutton lover? Then, this is a dish that can make you lick the end of your finger! This is a Kashmiri dish, made out of lamb, but it is also made of mutton in other parts of the country. It belongs to Persian cuisine and has lots of spices, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes to make the dish delectable.

It is the aroma of the dish that wins your heart at first and then comes the soft and juicy meat on your palette to enjoy the meal.

• Best Places: Kashmir and nearby Northern states.
• Things to Do: Visit traditional Kashmiri Wazwan restaurants, where Rogan Josh is part of a multi-course meal.
• Tips: This dish is lamb-based, so check for authenticity and ask for suggestions on side accompaniments like saffron rice.

4. Samosas

While talking about the full meals, you can’t miss the delicious Indian snacks. And whenever you think about snacks on a rainy evening or chilled wintry morning, the hot samosas with chutneys will come to your mind. Those triangular little devils can make you charmed and you may want it more as you have one. The fillings are usually made of potatoes, tomatoes, cauliflower, nuts, and peas.

In some areas, you can also find non-veg samosas, made of meat or fish fillings. Samosas are also one of the most common street foods in India. Hanging out with your friends can be incomplete without a plate, full of samosas.

• Best Places: Found nationwide, but try Delhi or Varanasi for unique regional flavors.
• Things to Do: Explore street vendors, especially in old marketplaces. Pair with tamarind and mint chutney for the best taste.
• Tips: Samosas can vary by region, so sample both North Indian potato-filled and South Indian keema (meat) versions.

5. Idli Sambar

This is another South Indian delicacy, that originated in Tamil Nadu. From the high-end restaurants to the street-side vendors, you will find these rice cakes everywhere. Served with sambar and white chutney, this dish tastes wonderful.

If you are health conscious and want to eat something delicious, you can always start your day with a plate of idli sambar. This is a very good option for breakfast. Also, for midday snacking, go for a plate of idli sambar.

• Best Places: South India, especially Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
• Things to Do: Experience idli at local restaurants in Chennai or Bangalore, with fresh coconut chutney and spicy sambar.
• Tips: For a twist, try variations like “masala idli” or “idli fry.”

6. Paav Bhaji

For the snack lover, this Maharashtrian dish is perfect to munch on. Made with soft ‘Paav’ or bread and vegetable curry, this dish is a bit spicy. If you love spices, you will find this dish appetizing. This is an ideal dish for breakfast. The bread and curry are served with chopped onion, coriander leaves, and a bit of lemon juice above all.

You can have it for breakfast or for lunch. You may find pav bhaji in different parts of India, but what you find in Maharashtra is something different. It is the authentic taste over there.

• Best Places: Mumbai and Maharashtra.
• Things to Do: Enjoy this iconic street food in Mumbai’s Chowpatty or Juhu Beach, and watch vendors prepare it on massive hotplates.
• Tips: For the best experience, ask for “extra butter” on the paav (bread rolls) for an indulgent taste.

7. Biryani

If there is any dish that talks about the history and tradition of foreign culture and its amalgamation with Indian cooking style, it is Biryani, always. Brought from Persia to India by the Mughals, this dish has come across lots of changes and is available in numerous varieties.

In different parts of India, you will find different variations, but the basic ingredients are common as those are fine-quality basmati rice, whole spices, yogurt, and meat/chicken. Now, based on the local taste, you will find potatoes in Kolkata Biryani, too many spices in Hyderabadi Biryani, and so on. Whatever it is, you can never go wrong with biryani!

• Best Places: Hyderabad, Lucknow, and Kolkata.
• Things to Do: Sample Hyderabadi or Awadhi biryani, each with distinct spices and cooking styles. Many popular spots offer a “biryani platter” to try multiple variations.
• Tips: Be sure to specify your spice level, as biryani can be intense for some palettes.

8. Makki ki Roti and Sarson da Saag

If you think of Punjab, this is the signature dish of the state. Punjabis are known for their love for this every day, yet spectacular dish. The Rotis are made of cornflower and the Sarson da saag is the curry of mustard leaves and spinach. Covered with so much ghee or butter, this dish is one of the earliest traditional dishes of India.

Mostly eaten in the winter, this dish is famous not only in India but also in Pakistan. Though it is an indispensable part of rural India, specifically the villages of Punjab, the aroma of the dish will make you finish your meal once you are here.

• Best Places: Punjab, especially during winter.
• Things to Do: Visit a Punjabi dhaba (roadside eatery) for the freshest experience, accompanied by butter and jaggery.
• Tips: This dish is seasonal, best from November to February when mustard greens are freshest.

9. Dal Makhani

Don’t just take the dish as mere a bowl of ‘daal’ as it is way more than that. Made of black lentils, this soup is spicy, tasty, and full of flavors. Mainly a North Indian dish, dal makhani is available throughout India and you can enjoy it with rice and Rotis.

The aroma of butter and the whole spices and the creamy texture make the dish yummy and you can’t leave it without finishing your bowl.

• Best Places: Delhi and Punjab.
• Things to Do: Try it at traditional North Indian restaurants, especially in Delhi, where it’s a popular dinner choice.
• Tips: Perfect with butter naan or rice for an authentic taste. Ask for extra cream for a richer flavor.

10. Nihari

Though it is difficult to finish the list of the best 10 Indian foods, still we have found something unique to do that. Nihari is a royal dish, enjoyed by the royal families of India in the earlier times. Nihari comes from the word ‘Nahar’ which means morning.

To kickstart your day, there is nothing better than a plate of Nihari on your table. It is basically slow-cooked meat in hot and spicy gravy that you can enjoy with Rotis and parathas. It is so an energetic meal that you get a boost in yourself for an amazing day. Usually, it tastes awesome on chilled wintry mornings.

• Best Places: Delhi, Lucknow, and Hyderabad.
• Things to Do: Often enjoyed as a breakfast delicacy, especially in Old Delhi. Watch chefs slow-cook it overnight for unmatched tenderness.
• Tips: Be aware that Nihari is a rich dish, ideal for meat lovers who enjoy slow-cooked flavors.

So, these are the best 10 foods you can try in India. There are more and each one of these is full of local flavors. You can enjoy a meal when the aroma appeals to you. Try these and keep your taste buds calm.

Also, see the articles on famous Indian foods:

• 10 Most Popular Food in North East India
• India’s 10 Famous Food Festivals and Foodie Experiences
• Top 11 Popular Street Food Destinations in Delhi
• 10 Famous Seafood Restaurants in India
• Top 15 Food Destinations in Mumbai
• 10 Most Famous Restaurants in Amritsar
• 10 Local Foods You Must Try in Kerala
• 10 of the Most Famous Street Foods from Different Cities of India

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What are some must-try Indian foods?

Some must-try Indian foods are Butter Chicken, Biryani, Masala Dosa, Rogan Josh, Samosas, and Chole Bhature.

2. Which Indian food is popular worldwide?

Chicken Tikka Masala, Butter Chicken, and Biryani are popular Indian dishes enjoyed around the world.

3. What’s a famous vegetarian dish in India?

Paneer Butter Masala and Aloo Gobi are popular vegetarian dishes known for their flavors.

4. What’s a traditional South Indian dish to try?

Masala Dosa with coconut chutney and sambar is a must-try from South India.

5. Which Indian bread is most popular?

Naan and Roti are widely enjoyed breads served with curries in India.

6. What’s the best Indian street food?

Pani Puri, Chaat, Vada Pav, and Kathi Rolls are popular Indian street foods.

7. What Indian dessert should I try?

Gulab Jamun, Jalebi, and Rasgulla are delicious Indian sweets worth trying.

8. What spices make Indian food special?

Common spices include turmeric, cumin, coriander, garam masala, and chili powder, which add rich flavors.

9. What’s a must-try Indian rice dish?

Biryani, a spiced rice dish with meat or vegetables, is a favorite across India.

10. What are some healthy Indian foods?

Daal (lentils), Idli (steamed rice cakes), and Raita (yogurt-based dish) are nutritious and tasty options.

11. Is Indian food spicy?

Some dishes are spicy, but you can always ask to adjust the spice level to suit your taste.

12. What’s a famous Indian drink to try?

Masala Chai (spiced tea) and Lassi (yogurt drink) are popular and refreshing drinks.

13. What’s the best Indian food for breakfast?

Aloo Paratha, Idli, and Poha are common Indian breakfast choices.

14. What’s a popular Indian street snack?

Samosas (fried pastry with spicy filling) are a beloved street snack throughout India.

15. What’s a classic Indian curry dish?

Chicken Curry, Rogan Josh (lamb curry), and Daal Makhani (lentil curry) are famous curries with deep flavors.