9 Popular Indian Foods You Must Try

India is a land of diverse cultures and traditions, and one of the things that unites the country is its love for food. Indian cuisine is known for its bold flavors, aromatic spices, and a wide variety of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes. From the street food to the royal cuisine, India has it all. In this article, we will explore nine of the most popular Indian dishes that you must try.

1. Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken, also known as Murgh Makhani, is a North Indian dish that is believed to have originated in the 1950s. The dish consists of succulent chicken pieces cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce, which is flavored with a blend of aromatic spices such as garam masala, coriander powder, and cumin powder. The chicken is usually marinated overnight in a mixture of yogurt, spices, and lemon juice, which helps to tenderize the meat and infuse it with flavor. The dish is typically served with naan bread or rice.

2. Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is a popular Punjabi dish that is often eaten for breakfast or lunch. It consists of spicy chickpeas cooked in a tangy tomato-based sauce, which is flavored with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The dish is usually served with bhatura, which is a deep-fried bread made from a dough of all-purpose flour and yogurt.

3. Biryani

Biryani is a fragrant rice dish that originated in the Mughlai cuisine of India. It is typically made with basmati rice, spices, and meat or vegetables. The dish is cooked in layers, allowing the flavors to infuse, and is often garnished with fried onions and fresh coriander. There are several different types of biryani, including Hyderabadi biryani, Lucknowi biryani, and Kolkata biryani, each with its unique set of spices and cooking techniques.

4. Dosas

Dosas are a popular South Indian dish that is eaten for breakfast or as a snack. The batter is made from a mixture of rice and urad dal, which is soaked overnight and then ground into a smooth paste. The batter is then fermented, which helps to make the dosas light and crispy. The batter is spread thin on a hot griddle and cooked until it is golden brown and crispy. Dosas are usually served with a variety of chutneys and sambar, which is a vegetable soup made with lentils and tamarind.

5. Vada Pav

Vada Pav is a popular street food from Mumbai, also known as the “Indian Burger.” It consists of a potato fritter called vada, which is sandwiched between a soft bread roll called pav. The vada is made by mixing boiled and mashed potatoes with a blend of spices such as cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The mixture is then shaped into balls and coated in a chickpea flour batter before being deep-fried until crispy. The dish is often served with a variety of chutneys and is a favorite among college students and office-goers alike.

6. Samosas

Samosas are a popular snack throughout India, often eaten as an appetizer or as a tea-time snack. They consist of crispy, triangular-shaped pastry pockets filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat or cheese. The pastry is made from a mixture of all-purpose flour and ghee, which is rolled out thin and then stuffed with the filling. The samosas are then deep-fried until they are golden brown and crispy.

7. Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken is a popular dish from the North Indian cuisine and is made by marinating chicken in a blend of yogurt and spices, including cumin, coriander, and turmeric. The chicken is then cooked in a tandoor oven, which is a cylindrical clay oven that is heated with charcoal. The heat of the tandoor oven gives the chicken a smoky flavor and a crispy texture. Tandoori chicken is often served with mint chutney and onion rings.

8. Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a popular street food from Mumbai, consisting of a vegetable curry made with potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and a blend of spices, served with a soft bread roll called pav. The vegetables are cooked until they are soft and mashed to form a smooth curry. The dish is typically garnished with fresh coriander and chopped onions and is often accompanied by a slice of lemon.

9. Rasgulla

Rasgulla is a popular dessert from the eastern Indian state of West Bengal. It consists of small, spongy balls made from chenna, which is a type of curdled milk. The balls are cooked in a syrup made from sugar and water until they are soft and spongy. Rasgulla is usually served chilled and is a popular dessert during festivals and special occasions.

Each of these popular Indian foods has its unique flavor and cultural significance. Whether you’re a food enthusiast or a traveler exploring India, these dishes are must-try items that offer a glimpse into the country’s rich culinary heritage.