Are you a foodie who loves exploring cuisines around the world? If yes, then India is one place you simply must not miss, but what Indian food should I try?
Indian cuisine is a delightful mix of flavors, aromas and spices.
Every region has its own delicacies, so here’s what to look out for when exploring Indian food – beyond the obvious curry and naan.
What Indian Food Should I Try?
India’s 5,000-year-old history and diverse geographic regions are both encapsulated in its food. Regional cuisines use locally available ingredients — rice in the South,
wheat in the North — and distinct blends of spices: fiery red chillies of Andhra Pradesh, creamy coconut curries of the Malabar Coast and sharp green mango pickles found all over the country.
As India showcases traditional dishes as well as modern interpretations by chefs who are looking to capture eccentricity on a plate,
there is something interesting to try almost everywhere you go.
Whether you’re looking for vegetarian favorites or calorie-laden snacks, from Kolkata’s addictive street foods to Delhi’s famously creamy Punjabi curries,
there is no shortage of Indian foods that will tantalise your taste buds. Here’s what we recommend trying first:
1. Samosa: This deep-fried triangular pastry is a popular snack in India, filled with potatoes, onions, peas and spices. It’s usually served with chutney or tamarind sauce.
2. Dosa: This South Indian dish is made from fermented rice and lentils, and is served as a thin crepe with various fillings like potatoes, onions, and spices.
3. Tandoori Chicken: This North Indian dish is marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a tandoor oven. The result is succulent chicken with a smoky flavor.
4. Biryani: This popular rice dish is made with meat or vegetables, and flavored with saffron, cardamom, cloves, cinnamon and other spices.
5. Pani Puri: This popular street food is made with crispy fried dough balls filled with potatoes, chickpeas and tamarind water.
6. Chole Bhature: This Punjabi dish consists of spicy chickpeas served with deep-fried bread called bhatura.
7. Vada Pav: This Mumbai street food is a potato patty served in a bun with chutney and spices.
8. Paneer Tikka: This North Indian dish is made with cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) marinated in yogurt and spices, then grilled in a tandoor oven.
9. Kulfi: This traditional Indian ice cream is made from milk, sugar, cardamom and other flavors like saffron, rosewater and pistachio.
10. Gulab Jamun: This popular dessert is made from deep-fried dough balls soaked in a sweet syrup flavored with cardamom and saffron.
No matter what you choose to try, Indian food is sure to tantalise your taste buds and leave you wanting more!
Popular Indian Dishes
The Indian subcontinent is a vast country with up to 36 distinct cuisines. North Indian food and South Indian food are the two main regions of cuisine in India.
North Indian cuisine is characterized by its use of dairy products, such as yogurt, ghee, and paneer, as well as spices like cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala.
Popular dishes from this region include tandoori chicken, butter chicken, dal makhani (a lentil dish), aloo gobi (potatoes and cauliflower cooked in spices),
samosas (fried pastries filled with potatoes or vegetables), and naan bread.
Great Dishes for Beginners—What Should I Order?
One of the best dishes for beginners is tandoori chicken. This dish is marinated in yogurt and spices, then cooked in a clay oven called a tandoor.
The result is succulent chicken with a smoky flavor and a hint of spice.
Another great option is butter chicken, which features tender pieces of chicken simmered in a creamy tomato sauce.
For vegetarians, aloo gobi is an excellent choice—it’s made with potatoes and cauliflower cooked in fragrant spices like cumin and coriander.
Finally, no Indian meal would be complete without naan bread—a delicious flatbread that pairs perfectly with all these dishes!
So if you’re looking to try something new, these classic Indian dishes are sure to please!
Conclusion
Indian food is a delicious and diverse cuisine that offers something for everyone. From tandoori chicken to aloo gobi, there are plenty of dishes to choose from.
Whether you’re looking for something spicy or mild, vegetarian or non-vegetarian, Indian food has it all!
So if you’re ready to explore the flavors of India, why not give these classic dishes a try?
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