Featuring the fabulous use of herbs and spices, Indian is without dispute one of the most abundant cuisines in the world. Additionally, it varies in preparation styles, cooking methods and culinary presentation, making it complex when making, thereby, unforgettable when trying.
In this article, we recommend 12 Indian popular foods that you should try when traveling here. If you keep getting interested, scrolling to the end!
1. Rogan Josh (lamp curry)
The first food in the list must come to Rogan Josh, a typical Kashmiri cuisine and a specialty in the North of India. It’s traditionally made of lamp added a variety of herbs and spices, making it a delicious curry. Besides, goat meat, beef or even chicken are adapted to this recipe.
2. Dum Aloo (fried potatoes simmered in spiced yogurt)
Another Kashmiri cuisine, Dum Aloo is also a popular dish in India. This tasty potato curry originated in the North but gradually spread throughout the country. It’s a mix of various ingredients, including small-sized potatoes, whisk yogurt, Kashmiri red chilli powder, turmeric powder and some more. Dum Aloo is often eaten with Indian flatbread like Naan and Roti (also known as Chapati), or rice.
3. Masala Dosa (rice crepe)
Masala Dosa, a specialty in the South of India is worth mentioning in this list. It features the wrapper (crepe) made of batter of rice and lentils soaked in water for 5 hours and the filling including potato and onion curry, dipped in chutney.
4. Chaat (rice, peas and vegetable snack)
If you are a big fan of street food, you should definitely give Chaat a try. This tasty snack has various adoptions but is mainly made of rice, peas and vegetables, and added some ingredients like kachori, pani puri, bhel puri and masala puri. It was firstly popular in the North but now spread to every corner of the country.
5. Tandoori chicken
Featuring roasted chicken marinated in yogurt and seasoned with spices, Tandoori chicken is other “must-eat” food in India. Chicken is low in calories, and yogurt is good for your digestion, so, this dish is a good choice for those who are on a diet.
6. Palak Paneer (Spinach and cottage cheese)
Other popular Indian food is Palak Paneer. Those who prefer a healthier diet or follow a stricter diet of a vegetarian or vegan, this spinach and cottage cheese curry should add this curry in the “must-try” list. To enjoy a better taste as well as fill your stomach, eat this with some slices of flatbread.
7. Naan (leavened Indian flatbread)
Naan is an essential dish in an Indian meal and a favorite snack and street food of both kids and adults alike. Its filling varies, including ghee, butter, garlic, and cheese. To fully enjoy its taste, you should dip the bread in sauce or chutney.
8. Goan fish curry
Goan fish curry is a famous unique dish of Goa, a state in western and southern India. Locals often use a flat fish called pomfret to make this curry. After marinated in onions, coconut, garlic and chili, the fish is cooked up into a thick soup, and served hot.
9. Beef Vindaloo
Aside from Goan fish curry, beef Vindaloo is also a “worth-tasting” food originated from Goa. Although it can be made with chicken or lamb but the traditional Vindaloo will be a tasty mix of beef, tomatoes, onions and loads of chilies.
10. Chicken Tikka Masala
Another chicken dish in the list is chicken Tikka Masala that promises to satisfy the appetite of gourmets. It captures your eyes with gold-brown grilled chicken spread with a creamy gravy made of tomato-yogurt, chili, garlic, ginger, and garam masala– the ubiquitous Indian spice.
11. Chole (chickpea curry)
Chole, a type of curry made from chickpea, is not only a favorite food in India but also a worldwide sensation. Made of chickpea, onions, and tomatoes and added some Indian common spices, the chickpea curry is healthy, thereby, should be added in the list of “must-eat” Indian food of any travelers.
12. Masala Chai
Masala Chai is a street drink but definitely worth mentioning as a popular Indian food. The reason is simple: it’s much loved by both kids and adults, locals and foreigners and can be found in any street food corner or teahouse. The tea is made by brewing black tea with a mixture of aromatic spices and herbs. Give it a try and you can’t help coming back with it once more.
If you plan to travel, work or study in India, knowing local famous foods is not simply a plus but also a need. It will help you fill your stomach as well as you could which of course help you live better in a new environment. More importantly, your trip might be incomplete if you do not treat yourself popular foods of the country, right?
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