India is a country with a rich and diverse culture. And while some dishes are so popular, they could be found in any Indian restaurant, there are many other regional dishes that you may never have even heard of before. Their taste and appearance could be different from what you’re used to, but life is all about trying new things, right? If you do end up seeking out the following Indian dishes, you are in for a real treat.
1. Pani Puri
Pani puri is a popular Indian street food, also known as golgappas. It is a small hollow sphere of thin, crispy dough filled with either potatoes and spices or chickpeas and chutney. The sphere, which resembles a small balloon, is then dipped in seasoned water. Pani puri can be eaten on the go and served for lunch or dinner; it’s usually eaten with spicy tamarind chutney to balance the flavors.
2. Vada Pav
Vada pav, a burger in India, is a popular street food throughout the country. It consists of an Indian-style potato patty served between two pieces of bread that resemble a burger bun. The cake is usually dipped in spicy chutney and eaten with chopped onions.
3. Idli
Idli is a soft white steamed cake made from ground rice and black lentil. The cakes are flavored with spices and are often served alongside tangy chutney. Idli can be eaten for breakfast or dinner and is a trendy dish in southern India.
4. Dum Aloo
Dum aloo is a spicy Indian-style potato stew famous throughout the country. It consists of spicy potatoes, onions, and spices cooked together in a rich and flavorful broth. This dish can be eaten as an entrée or a side dish served with roti, rice, or another carbohydrate.
5. Vindaloo
Vindaloo is a spicy curry dish that cooks onions, tomatoes, and spices in a spicy vindaloo paste. It is one of the most famous Indian dishes and can be mild or hot. Vindaloo is traditionally served with rice, but it can also be eaten as an entrée or shared with others as a main course.
6. Punjabi Bhelpuri
Bhelpuri is a famous Punjabi street food that is commonly seen on Indian food menus; it consists of a mixture of raw, spiced, boiled chickpea flour fritters served with chili sauce. The dish can be eaten as an entrée or a side dish and is usually eaten with spicy basmati rice.
7. Chettinad cuisine
Chettinad, also known as the Tamil region of southern India, is home to many traditional Indian dishes. Some popular local dishes include vadai, avial, and idiyappam. Vadai is a small fried ball made from fermented rice batter. Avial is a cake made by cooking a mixture of rice and urad dal (a kind of lentil) together in a spicy curry spice-salt mixture. Idiyappam is a light, spongy pancake made from fermented rice batter and fermented chickpea flour. It is served with coconut milk and a savory sauce.
8. Samosa
Samosas are deep-fried triangular-shaped pastries filled with potatoes, spices, and other seasonings. You can find this dish in various Indian restaurants throughout the country, which are trendy among travelers to India. With more than 100 different types of samosas, something is sure to suit everyone’s taste buds.
9. Chicken Chettinad
Chettinad cuisine is also home to one of India’s most popular chicken dishes. The recipe consists of a spicy chicken curry made with chili powder, pepper, and other seasonings. The dish is usually served with steamed rice and is often eaten for breakfast or dinner.
10. Kashmiri Naan
Kashmiri naan is a type of leavened bread made from enriched dough. The bread is cooked in a tandoori clay oven, which gives it its distinctive appearance and delicious taste. The bread is often served alongside some chicken or lamb kebabs and can be eaten as an entrée or a side dish.
Bottom Line
India has a rich and diverse culture, and the country’s cuisine is no exception to this rule. One of the best ways to experience Indian culture is by enjoying some of the country’s traditional dishes. Many of these dishes may differ from what you’re used to, but don’t be afraid to try them – you’ll undoubtedly discover some new favorites.
