Indian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavours and traditions, celebrated for its incredible diversity and richness. From the aromatic spices of North India to the coconut-infused delicacies of the South, each region offers a unique culinary experience that reflects its culture and history. This blog will take you on a delicious journey through eleven iconic dishes from various states, showcasing popular traditional foods that everyone should savour. Rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving, Indian cuisine continues to delight palates worldwide.
1. Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature, a spicy, rich, and heavy vegetarian delight, is one of Delhi’s most beloved dishes. Typically enjoyed for breakfast, it consists of chole (spicy chickpea curry) and bhature (fried bread made from maida). It pairs perfectly with chilled lassi, creating a sweet and spicy flavour combination. Chole Bhature is often served with onions, pickles, and mint chutney.
This dish, invented in Delhi in the 1940s, is popular throughout North India and can be found in many street carts. Some of the best places to try it in Delhi include Sita Ram (Paharganj), Chache Di Hatti (Kamala Nagar), Baba Nagpal Corner (Lajpat Nagar), Roshan’s (Karol Bagh), and Bikanervala (Rajouri Garden).
2. Butter Chicken
Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, is a creamy, tomato-based chicken curry that originated accidentally in Delhi in the 1950s at Moti Mahal restaurant. The cooks mixed leftover marinade juices with butter and tomatoes, tossing in tandoori chicken to create this now-famous dish. Known for its rich and mildly spiced flavour, butter chicken has become a globally cherished dish, popular in Indian restaurants worldwide.
If you’re in Delhi, some of the best places to try it include Aslam’s Chicken Corner (Jama Masjid), Moti Mahal (Daryaganj), and Havemore (Pandara Road).
3. Chaat
Chaat is a beloved Indian street food, famous for its explosion of tangy, sweet, and spicy flavours. Dishes like Bhel Puri, Dahi Puri, golgappe, and aloo tikki are iconic in Delhi, drawing food lovers from near and far. These snacks combine chickpeas, vegetables, and spices, topped with flavourful sauces like coriander, tamarind, and yoghurt.
For the best chaat in Delhi, visit spots like Bittoo Tikki Wala, Natraj Dahi Bhalle Wala (Chandni Chowk), and Vaishno Chaat Bhandar (Kamla Nagar). You can also recreate these delightful bites at home, perfect for sharing with family and friends!
4. Parathas
Parathas are homemade Indian flatbreads, typically enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Made from layered whole wheat dough, they are cooked on a hot griddle until golden brown, filling the kitchen with the enticing aroma of freshly baked bread and melting ghee.
In Delhi, parathas hold a special place in the hearts of food lovers, alongside other specialities like chole bhature, vadas, dosas, and gol gappas. A variety of parathas can be found throughout the city, each more delicious than the last. Some must-visit spots for parathas in Delhi include Moolchand Parantha, Parathe Wali Gali, Murthal Paratha, Pt Babu Rao Paranthe Wala, and Kake Di Hatti.
5. Dal-bati-churma
Rajasthan’s signature dish, Dal Bati Churma, is a delightful trio consisting of dal (lentils), bati (baked wheat rolls), and churma (a sweet mixture of wheat, ghee, and sugar or jaggery). While this dish is often enjoyed in local homes, you can experience it and other Rajasthani specialties at Chokhi Dhani, a recreated village offering entertainment and generous spreads of traditional fare.
Dal Bati Churma is widely regarded as the most popular dish in Rajasthani cuisine, with churma typically served alongside the dal and bati. To savour this dish, visit famous eateries like Laxmi Misthan Bhandar (LMB), Chokhi Dhani, Handi Restaurant, or Niros in Jaipur, where you can enjoy authentic Rajasthani flavours in a vibrant atmosphere.
6. Litti Chokha
Litti Chokha is a traditional dish from Bihar, Jharkhand, and Eastern Uttar Pradesh, featuring wheat flour balls (litti) stuffed with sattu (roasted chickpea flour) and spices, served with chokha, a mashed relish made from roasted vegetables like brinjal, potato, and tomato. This flavourful combination is popular street food known for its health benefits, especially due to the cooling properties of sattu.
To enjoy authentic Litti Chokha, visit renowned spots like Baba Litti Wala in Patna, Chhath Puja celebrations, Bihar Niwas, and Mithila Litti Chokha, which are famous for their delicious offerings of this traditional dish.
7. Dosa
Dosas are a quintessential South Indian dish with a rich history dating back to ancient times. Made from fermented lentil and rice flour batter, these thin pancakes or crêpes are served hot, either folded or rolled, and typically enjoyed with chutney or sambar (a lentil and vegetable stew). Known for their crispy texture and slightly bitter flavour, dosas can be eaten as a snack, breakfast, or anytime you crave a savoury meal.
Originating in Southern India, dosas have been popular since the 5th century AD and were first mentioned in Tamil literature in 1054 AD. They come in various regional styles, each with unique fillings and preparation methods.
To savour authentic dosas, visit renowned places like MTR (Mavalli Tiffin Rooms) in Bangalore, Sankranti in Chennai, and Vidyarthi Bhavan in Bangalore, which are famous for their delicious and traditional dosa offerings.
8. Vada Pav
Vada Pav is a popular vegan street food from Maharashtra, particularly enjoyed in Mumbai. This savory snack consists of a fried potato dumpling (Batata Vada) stuffed inside a soft bread roll (Pav), often accompanied by spicy and sweet chutneys and green chilies. Known for its filling nature and delightful blend of flavours and textures, Vada Pav has become a beloved dish both in India and internationally.
Originating in the mid-20th century as an affordable meal for workers, Vada Pav also holds cultural and political significance in Mumbai. World Vada Pav Day is celebrated annually on August 23.
To experience authentic Vada Pav, visit famous spots like Anand Stall, Aaram Vada Pav, and Ashok Vada Pav in Mumbai, where you can enjoy this iconic street food at its best.
9. Biryani
Hyderabadi biryani is a renowned South Indian dish made with basmati rice, marinated goat, mutton, or chicken, along with lemon, yoghurt, onions, and saffron. It comes in two main varieties: kachchi (raw) and pakki (cooked). The dish’s rich flavours stem from the unique cooking method known as dum, where raw rice and meat are cooked together with spices, a technique believed to have been influenced by Persian cooking during the Mughal era.
While biryani is popular throughout India, the Hyderabadi style is particularly celebrated for its fragrant and flavourful profile. You can find this iconic dish in numerous restaurants in Hyderabad, including famous spots like Paradise Biryani, Biryani House, and Shah Ghouse. Biryani’s popularity has transcended borders, making it a globally recognised dish cherished for its complex flavours and textures.
10. Shahi Paneer
Shahi Paneer is a rich and creamy dish from Mughlai cuisine, known for its royal u profile. The name “Shahi” means “royalty,” and this dish features paneer, a fresh cheese that does not melt, cooked in a luxurious gravy made from nuts, onions, yoghurt, and spices such as ginger, garlic, red chili powder, saffron, and cardamom. While some variations include tomatoes and butter, this recipe opts for yoghurt to create a lighter version suitable for special occasions.
Mughlai cuisine, which emerged during the Mughal era in India, is characterised by its use of whole spices, slow cooking techniques, and aromatic fragrances from rose and kewra water. Shahi Paneer stands out as one of the few vegetarian options in a predominantly meat-based cuisine, showcasing the culinary creativity of Khansaamas (royal chefs).
For those looking to enjoy Shahi Paneer, some renowned restaurants include Bukhara at ITC Maurya in Delhi, Dum Pukht at ITC Windsor in Bengaluru, and Pind Balluchi in Gurgaon, where you can experience this royal delicacy alongside other Mughlai specialties.
11. Amritsari kulcha
Amritsari Kulcha is a delicious stuffed flatbread known for its crispy exterior and soft, melt-in-mouth texture. Often referred to as Aloo Naan or Potato Kulcha, this dish is a must-try for any food lover, perfect for weekend dinners, parties, or potlucks.
Originating from Amritsar, Punjab, this kulcha is typically stuffed with a spiced potato filling and baked in a tandoor, making it a popular street food. The best Amritsari Kulcha can be found at local vendors and restaurants in Amritsar, such as Kesar Da Dhaba and Balle Balle. These eateries serve it alongside the classic Amritsari Chole, creating a nostalgic experience for many, especially for those with ties to the region.
Traditional Indian food is a vibrant culinary journey that showcases the diverse flavours and aromas from each state across the country. From the rich, spicy gravies of the north to the coconut-infused dishes of the south, Indian cuisine offers a wide array of iconic and globally loved dishes. This culinary heritage reflects India’s cultural richness and expertise in gastronomy, cherished by people in India and around the world.
