India is a vast country with a diverse range of cultures, traditions, and cuisines. From the spicy and flavorful dishes of the north to the coconut-based and seafood-rich cuisine of the south, there is a regional Indian dish for every taste and palate. In this blog, we will explore ten of the must-try regional Indian dishes and where to find them.
Butter Chicken (Punjab)
Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a classic Punjabi dish that is loved by foodies all over the world. The dish is made with tender chunks of chicken marinated in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce, flavored with spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and finished with a generous dollop of butter. You can find this delicious dish at traditional Punjabi restaurants or street food stalls in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Biryani (Hyderabad)
Biryani is a classic rice dish that is said to have originated in the royal kitchens of Hyderabad. The dish is made with basmati rice that is cooked with spices like cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon, and flavored with saffron, rose water, and kewra. The dish can be made with a variety of meats, from chicken and lamb to goat and fish, but the vegetarian version, made with seasonal vegetables and fried onions, is just as delicious. You can find biryani in traditional Indian restaurants, or street food stalls in Hyderabad.
Vada Pav (Mumbai)
Vada pav is a classic street food dish that is loved by foodies in Mumbai and all over India. The dish is made with a spicy potato fritter that is sandwiched between two slices of bread and served with a variety of chutneys and spices. You can find this delicious street food snack at street food stalls and street vendors throughout Mumbai.
Dosas (South India)
Dosas are a staple food in South India and are enjoyed in many forms, from the classic masala dosa filled with spiced potatoes to the crispy rava dosa made with semolina flour. Dosas are made by fermenting a batter made from rice flour and urad dal and are served with a variety of chutneys, sambar, and coconut chutney. You can find dosas in traditional South Indian restaurants or street food stalls in cities like Bangalore and Chennai.
Tandoori Chicken (North India)
Tandoori chicken is a classic North Indian dish that is made by marinating chicken in a mixture of yogurt and spices and then cooking it in a tandoor oven. The tandoor oven gives the chicken a smoky and charred flavor, and the tender and juicy meat is served with a variety of dipping sauces and spices. You can find the tandoori chicken in traditional North Indian restaurants or street food stalls in cities like Delhi and Agra.
Momos (Northeast India)
Momos are a popular street food snack that originated in the Northeast region of India, and have since become popular all over the country. The dish is made with steamed or fried dumplings filled with a mixture of meats, vegetables, and spices, and served with a spicy dipping sauce. You can find momos in street food stalls and street vendors throughout the Northeast region of India, or in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Kati Roll (Kolkata)
Kati Roll is a classic street food dish that originated in the city of Kolkata and has since become popular all over India. The dish is made with a soft paratha bread that is filled with a variety of fillings, such as spiced chicken, lamb, or vegetables, and rolled up like a burrito. The Kati roll is then served with a variety of chutneys and spices and is a popular snack for people on the go. You can find kati rolls at street food stalls and street vendors in Kolkata, or in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Idlis (South India)
Idlis are a staple food in South India and are made from a batter of fermented rice and urad dal that is steamed and served with a variety of chutneys, sambar, and coconut chutney. The idlis are soft and fluffy and are a popular breakfast food in South India. You can find idlis in traditional South Indian restaurants or street food stalls in cities like Bangalore and Chennai.
Rajma Chawal (Punjab)
Rajma chawal is a classic Punjabi dish that is made with red kidney beans that are simmered in a rich and spicy tomato-based sauce and served over a bed of fluffy basmati rice. The dish is flavored with a variety of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and is a popular comfort food in Punjab. You can find rajma chawal in traditional Punjabi Indian restaurants or street food stalls in cities like Delhi and Mumbai.
Samosas (North India)
Samosas are a classic street food snack that is popular all over India and are made from a crispy pastry that is filled with a mixture of spiced vegetables, meat, or potatoes. The samosas are then fried until crispy and golden and are served with a variety of dipping sauces and spices.
Wrapping it
In conclusion, India is a country that is rich in diverse regional cuisines, each with its own unique flavors and traditions. From the spicy and flavorful dishes of the north to the coconut-based and seafood-rich cuisine of the south, there is a regional Indian dish for every taste and palate. So, whether you are a seasoned foodie or a curious traveler, be sure to try these ten must-try regional Indian dishes and immerse yourself in the rich and diverse world of Indian cuisine.