Exploring the Best Indian Food: Popular Indian Dishes To Try

If you’re traveling to India or someone looking to order food at an Indian restaurant, get ready to set off on an authentic Indian food journey! Indian cuisine offers various delicious dishes full of flavor and spices. You can try aromatic curries, tasty snacks, and sweet desserts.

Whether you like vegetarian non-vegetarian or prefer mild or spicy flavors, Indian food has something to satisfy every taste bud. So get ready to explore the incredible world of Indian cuisine and discover the best dishes you must try.

How to order Food at Indian Restaurant

Among the various Indian cuisines, the most predominant and widely available in North America is North Indian cuisine. Across North America and the Western world, one can find many restaurants serving North Indian cuisine.

North Indian cuisine features butter chicken, tikka masala, biryani, dal makhani, and various kebabs. The cuisine includes vegetarian options like paneer tikka, palak paneer, and chana masala.

Starters or Appetizers: Begin your meal by ordering starters or appetizers. Standard options include:

• Samosas (fried pastry filled with savory fillings).
• Pakoras (deep-fried fritters).
• Tikkas (marinated and grilled meat or vegetables).

Main Course Selection: Choose your main course dishes based on your preferences for vegetarian or non-vegetarian options, spiciness level, and desired flavors. Indian cuisine offers a variety of curries, biryanis, tandoori dishes, and lentil preparations. Consider pairing your main dish with bread like naan, roti, or rice.

Accompaniments: Remember to order accompaniments such as raita (yogurt-based side dish), pickles, and chutneys. These add extra flavors and complement the main dishes.

Beverage Selection: Indian restaurants often offer a variety of beverages such as lassi (yogurt-based drink), masala chai (spiced tea), or traditional Indian soft drinks. Choose a beverage that appeals to you or complements your meal.

Popular Indian dishes and Appetizers you can order at Indian restaurant

Samosas:

Samosas are a popular Indian appetizer or snack enjoyed across the country. Typically, chefs fill these crispy, triangular pastries with a savory mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes minced meat. They are deep-fried until golden and served with chutney for a delightful treat.

Vegetable Pakoras: 

Vegetable pakoras are crispy fritters dipping assorted vegetables such as onions, potatoes, and spinach in a spiced chickpea flour batter. These deep-fried delights are perfect as an appetizer or tea-time snack, offering a crunchy texture and a burst of flavors.

Tandoori Chicken: 

Originating from the Punjab region, Tandoori Chicken is a traditional Indian dish with marinated chicken cooked in a conventional clay oven called a tandoor. The marinade typically includes yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, and a blend of spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, giving the chicken a vibrant red color and smoky flavor.

Chicken 65: 

Chicken 65 is a popular spicy and crispy chicken appetizer or snack. The chicken pieces are marinated in a tangy and spicy mixture, deep-fried until golden and crisp, and then tossed with curry leaves, green chilies, and spices for an extra flavor.

Chilli Chicken: 

Indian Chilli Chicken is a popular Indo-Chinese dish with crispy chicken, onions, and bell peppers. It’s spicy, tangy, and packed with flavors, combining Indian spices with Chinese influences. Served as an appetizer or main course, it’s a favorite for its unique taste and versatility.

Tikkas and Kabobs: 

Chefs marinate Indian Tikkas and Kabobs in a blend of spices and yogurt and then grill or roast the meat dishes. They are flavorful, tender, and famous worldwide. Served as appetizers or main courses, they offer a delightful combination of smoky and aromatic flavors.

Best Indian Non-Vegetarian Dishes

Chicken Tikka Masala: 

This popular North Indian dish features succulent chicken pieces marinated in spiced yogurt and cooked in a rich tomato-based sauce. Common ingredients include chicken, yogurt, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and fragrant spices. Originating from the Punjab region of North India, it has become an iconic Indian dish worldwide.

Butter Chicken: 

Hailing from the kitchens of North India, Butter Chicken is a favorite Indian dish known for its creamy tomato-based sauce. Chefs marinate tender chicken, roast it, and then simmer it in a luscious combination of butter, cream, tomatoes, and aromatic spices such as fenugreek and garam masala.

Chicken Korma: 

Chicken Korma is a rich and creamy curry that features tender chicken cooked in a velvety sauce made with yogurt, cream, and a blend of fragrant spices. The dish originates from Mughlai cuisine and is known for its indulgent flavors and smooth texture.

Chicken Curry: 

Chicken Curry is a staple dish in Indian cuisine, featuring tender chicken pieces cooked in a flavorful curry sauce made with onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a medley of spices. The curry can be customized in various regional styles, offering a range of delightful flavors.

Chicken Chettinad: 

Chicken Chettinad is a popular South Indian dish known for its bold and spicy flavors. It features chicken cooked in a rich and aromatic gravy made with various spices, including black pepper, cardamom, cloves, fennel, and curry leaves, resulting in a delightful culinary experience.

Prawn Curry: 

In Prawn Curry, a delicious seafood dish, chefs cook succulent prawns in a flavorful curry sauce that includes coconut milk, onions, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices, enhancing the natural flavors of the prawns. People often enjoy this curry with rice or bread.

Madras Curry: 

Madras Curry is a famous Indian curry known for its vibrant flavors and moderate spiciness. It originated in the southern Indian city of Chennai (formerly known as Madras), hence the name. This curry typically includes a combination of Indian spices, tomatoes, coconut milk, and a choice of meat or vegetables, resulting in a rich and aromatic dish.

Chicken Vindaloo:

Vindaloo is a popular Goan dish known for its fiery and tangy flavors. Chefs marinate the chicken in a spiced mixture of vinegar, garlic, ginger, and red chilies, then cook it with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices to create a spicy and tangy curry.

Fish Curry:

Fish Curry is a coastal favorite in India, with each region having its unique preparation. It typically involves cooking fish in a flavorful sauce made with spices, onions, tomatoes, coconut milk, and sometimes tamarind or curry leaves. The result is an irresistible and aromatic curry that showcases the diverse flavors of coastal Indian cuisine.

Lamb Rogan Josh: 

Originating from the Kashmir region of North India, Rogan Josh is a flavorful lamb curry known for its rich red color and Indian spices. The dish features tender lamb cooked with a blend of spices, including Kashmiri red chili, cardamom, cloves, and cinnamon. It is often finished with a garnish of fried onions and served with rice or naan bread.

Best Indian Vegetarian curries

Palak Paneer: 

Hailing from North India, Palak Paneer is a delicious vegetarian dish made with fresh spinach (palak) and paneer cubes (Indian cottage cheese). Chefs cook spinach with spices such as cumin, garam masala, turmeric, onions, garlic, and ginger, then add paneer to create a creamy and nutritious dish.

Aloo Gobi:

Aloo Gobi is a popular North Indian vegetarian dish that combines potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi) with a flavorful blend of spices. Common ingredients include cumin, turmeric, ginger, garlic, and tomatoes. Diners often enjoy this comforting dish with rice or roti, as it showcases the natural flavors of the vegetables.

Dal Makhani: 

Hailing from the Punjab region, Dal Makhani is a creamy lentil dish made with black lentils (urad dal) and kidney beans (rajma). Chefs slow-cook it with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of spices, then finish with butter and cream, resulting in a velvety and flavorful vegetarian delight.

Malai Kofta: 

Malai Kofta is a popular vegetarian dish made with soft, melt-in-your-mouth koftas (dumplings) made from paneer, potatoes, and various spices. These koftas are served in a creamy and flavorful tomato-based sauce, making it a beloved choice in Indian restaurants.

Baingan Bharta:

Baingan Bharta is a popular North Indian dish made with roasted and mashed eggplant cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and a blend of spices. This flavorful vegetarian preparation is often enjoyed with roti or naan and offers a smoky and earthy taste.

Bhindi Masala (Okra Masala): 

Bhindi Masala is a flavorful vegetarian dish with tender okra cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander. This stir-fried preparation highlights the natural flavors of the okra and makes for a delicious side dish.

Shahi Paneer: 

Shahi Paneer is a royal and creamy Indian dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a rich and velvety sauce made with onions, cashews, cream, and Indian spices. Diners often enjoy this indulgent vegetarian dish with naan or rice.

Kadai Paneer:

Kadai Paneer is a flavorful dish with paneer and bell peppers cooked in a spiced tomato-based gravy. It gets its name from the traditional kadai (wok) in which it is prepared, adding a smoky flavor to the dish.

Matar Paneer: 

Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish with green peas and paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a tomato-based gravy. The combination of sweet green peas and creamy paneer, flavored with aromatic spices, creates a delicious and comforting dish often enjoyed with roti or rice.

Chana Masala:

Chana Masala is a flavorful and spiced chickpea curry popular across India. Chefs prepare this dish with tender chickpeas cooked in a tangy tomato-based gravy infused with fragrant spices such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala. This hearty and protein-rich dish is enjoyable with rice, naan bread, or roti.

Paneer Butter Masala: 

Paneer Butter Masala is a creamy and indulgent dish made with paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a rich and flavorful tomato-based gravy. The dish is enhanced with butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices, creating a delectable option for paneer lovers.

Saag Paneer:

Saag Paneer is a popular Indian dish that originated in North India. It features paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a flavorful spinach-based gravy. The spinach, along with other Indian spices and seasonings, lends a vibrant green color and earthy taste to the dish. Saag Paneer offers a delightful combination of creamy paneer and nutritious spinach, making it a beloved choice among vegetarian food enthusiasts.

Lentils (Daals):

Lentils, commonly known as daals in India, are a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine. They are nutritious, protein-rich legumes in various types and colors, such as red lentils, yellow lentils (moong dal), and split chickpeas (chana dal). Chefs cook daals until soft and then flavor them with a blend of spices, creating a comforting and wholesome dish. Whether preparing a simple dal tadka or a rich dal makhani, lentils are a versatile and essential component of Indian meals.

Indian Naan Bread, Basmati Rice and Chutney to pair with your Curry

Naan Bread:

Naan, a famous Indian bread originating from the Indian subcontinent and now enjoyed worldwide, combines all-purpose flour, yeast, yogurt, and sometimes a touch of sugar or honey. The dough is traditionally cooked in a tandoor, producing soft and fluffy bread that complements various Indian dishes.

Aloo Paratha:

Aloo Paratha is a delicious and hearty Indian bread with a whole wheat dough stuffed with a spiced mashed potato filling. This popular breakfast or brunch dish is pan-fried until golden and served with yogurt, pickle, or chutney.

Basmati Rice: 

Basmati Rice, a long-grain rice variety, is highly valued for its aromatic fragrance and fluffy texture. In Indian cuisine, it commonly serves as a staple accompaniment to curries, biryanis, and other flavorful dishes. Basmati rice is known for its delicate flavor and can elevate the dining experience with its distinct aroma.

Biryani: 

Biryani is a fragrant rice dish made with basmati rice and a blend of aromatic spices. This flavorful one-pot meal is cooked with layers of rice, meat, and fried onions, infusing every grain with the essence of the spices. Biryani could be Chicken, Lamb, Goat, or Vegetarian.

Raita:

Raita is a refreshing yogurt-based side dish that complements Indian meals. To make it, one mixes yogurt with grated cucumber, chopped tomatoes, onions, and mint and seasons it with roasted cumin, salt, and black pepper. Raita helps balance the spices of the main dishes and provides a cooling effect.

Chutney:

Chutney is a condiment that adds a burst of flavor to Indian dishes. One makes it by grinding or blending various ingredients such as herbs, spices, fruits, and vegetables. Chutneys can be sweet, sour, tangy, or spicy, complementing various Indian snacks and meals. From the tangy tamarind chutney to the refreshing mint chutney and the fiery tomato chutney, these versatile accompaniments elevate the taste of Indian dishes, providing a balance of flavors and textures.

Best Indian Sweet dishes desserts to try

Rasgulla:

Rasgulla is a popular Bengali sweet made by cooking soft and spongy cottage cheese balls in a sugar syrup flavored with cardamom or rose water. These delicate and syrupy balls are enjoyed chilled and are a delightful treat for dessert lovers.

Gulab Jamun:

Gulab Jamun is a popular Indian sweet from deep-fried khoya (reduced milk) dumplings soaked in a sugar syrup flavored with rose water or cardamom. These soft and syrupy dumplings are a delightful treat, often served warm and garnished with pistachios or saffron strands.

Gajrela (Carrot Kheer):

Gajrela is a traditional Indian dessert made with grated carrots cooked in milk, sugar, and flavored with cardamom and nuts. This sweet and creamy carrot kheer is often enjoyed during festive celebrations and offers a delightful end to a meal.

Jalebi:

Jalebi is a famous Indian sweet that is synonymous with celebrations and festivals. These deep-fried pretzel-shaped swirls are soaked in sugar syrup, resulting in a crispy and syrupy dessert. With its vibrant orange color and sweet, crisp texture, jalebi is a beloved treat in India.

Rabri:

Rabri is a delectable and creamy Indian dessert with a rich and indulgent taste. Originating from Uttar Pradesh, Rabri is made by simmering sweetened milk over low heat for a long duration, allowing it to thicken and develop a deep caramelized flavor. The milk is then further flavored with cardamom, saffron, and sometimes garnished with chopped nuts. Chefs create a luscious and velvety treat that is enjoyed across India during festive occasions or as a sweet ending to a meal by preparing the dessert accordingly.

Kheer(Rice Pudding):

Kheer, known as rice pudding, is a popular and comforting dessert in India. It is made by slow-cooking rice in milk, sweetened with sugar or condensed milk, and flavored with aromatic spices like cardamom, cinnamon, or saffron.
Chefs often add chopped nuts, raisins, or grated coconut for extra texture and flavor to kheer. People cherish this versatile dessert in homes, temples, and during special occasions across the country, enjoying it warm and chilled. Its creamy and fragrant taste makes it a beloved dessert for people of all ages.

Best Traditional Indian Drinks

Masala Chai:

Masala Chai is a popular Indian spiced tea that combines aromatic black tea with warming spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, ginger, and cloves. This delightful beverage is often mixed with milk and sweetened with sugar, offering a comforting and flavorful way to start your day or relax in the evening.

Lassi:

Lassi is a refreshing yogurt-based drink that originated in the Punjab region of India. It is made by blending yogurt with water, and sometimes adding sugar or fruit for a touch of sweetness. Lassi comes in various flavors, including mango, rose, and plain, and provides a cool and creamy respite from spicy Indian dishes.

What is Indian Thali? What does it mean to eat Indian food in the Thali style?

India is known for its diverse and delicious culinary traditions, and one way to experience the rich flavors of Indian cuisine is through thalis. A thali is a complete meal served on a single platter, typically featuring a variety of dishes that vary based on the region and culture. Here are different types of thalis you can find in India:

Rajasthani Thali:

Rajasthani thalis are known for their royal and rich flavors. They often include dishes like dal baati churma (lentils with baked wheat bread), gatte ki sabzi (gram flour dumplings in a spicy curry), ker sangri (dried desert beans and berries), and papad ki sabzi (curry made with papadum). These thalis also feature a selection of rotis, rice, pickles, and buttermilk.

Gujarati Thali:

Gujarati thalis offer a vegetarian feast with sweet, salty, and spicy flavors. They usually include dishes like dal (lentil curry), kadhi (gram flour and yogurt curry), a variety of vegetable curries, dhokla (steamed fermented chickpea flour snack), kachori (deep-fried bread with a filling), along with khichdi (rice and lentil dish) or pulao. These thalis also feature snacks like farsan (fried snacks), pickles, chutneys, and a variety of sweets like shrikhand or basundi.

Punjabi Thali:

Punjabi thalis are known for their robust and flavorsome dishes. They often feature dishes like butter chicken (tandoori chicken in a rich tomato and butter-based gravy), sarson ka saag (mustard greens curry), dal makhani (creamy lentils), paneer tikka (grilled cottage cheese), along with a variety of bread like naan, roti, and paratha. These thalis include raita (yogurt-based side dish), salads, pickles, and desserts like gulab jamun or phirni.

South Indian Thali:

Chefs characterize South Indian thalis by extensively using rice, lentils, and coconut. They typically include dishes like sambar (lentil and vegetable stew), rasam (tangy tomato and tamarind soup), avial (mixed vegetables in a coconut-based gravy), poriyal (stir-fried vegetables), dosa (fermented rice and lentil crepes), idli (steamed rice and lentil cakes), and a variety of chutneys. These thalis often feature payasam (sweet milk-based dessert) or Kesari (semolina dessert) as a sweet ending.

Bengali Thali:

Bengali thalis offer a delightful assortment of flavors from the Eastern part of India. They feature dishes like macher jhol (fish curry), shorshe ilish (hilsa fish in mustard gravy), cholar dal (Bengali-style chana dal), aloo posto (potatoes cooked in poppy seed paste), shorshe bata maach (mustard fish), along with various vegetable curries. These thalis also include rice, bhaja (fried vegetables), shorshe bata (mustard sauce), and sweets like rasgulla or mishti doi (sweetened yogurt).

Maharashtrian Thali:

Maharashtrian thalis offers a burst of flavors from the state of Maharashtra. They often include dishes like varan bhaat (dal-rice), puran poli (sweet stuffed bread), usal (sprouted lentil curry), batata bhaji (potato curry), rassa (spicy curry), and kothimbir vadi (coriander fritters). These thalis also feature bhakri (sorghum or millet bread), pickles, and aamras (mango pulp dessert).

Best Indian street foods you must try

Chole Bhature:

Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish of spicy chickpea curry (chole) served with deep-fried bread called bhature. The chickpea curry is cooked with a blend of spices, including cumin, coriander, and garam masala, resulting in a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Masala Dosa:

Masala Dosa is a popular South Indian dish that consists of crispy and thin fermented rice and lentil crepe filled with a spiced potato filling. This savory and satisfying dish, served with coconut chutney and sambar (a lentil soup), is a breakfast favorite.

Chaat:

Chaat is a popular category of savory street snacks in Indian cuisine. These snacks are known for their explosion of flavors, combining sweet, sour, tangy, and spicy elements. Chaat dishes often feature a variety of ingredients, such as crispy fried dough, boiled potatoes, chickpeas, yogurt, chutneys, and spices. From the tangy tamarind chutney to the refreshing mint chutney, chaat offers a delightful balance of flavors.

Pani Puri:

Pani Puri is a beloved Indian street food snack that consists of small, crispy hollow puris filled with a mixture of spiced potatoes, chickpeas, and tangy tamarind chutney. Just before eating, the puris are filled with a flavorful and tangy mint-flavored water, creating an explosion of flavors in every bite.

Aloo Tikki:

Aloo Tikki is a popular street food snack made with mashed potatoes mixed with spices like cumin, coriander, and chaat masala. These potato patties are shallow-fried until golden and crispy, and served with chutneys and toppings like yogurt, tamarind chutney, and sev.

Vada Pav:

Vada Pav is a beloved street food originating from the bustling streets of Mumbai. It consists of a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between a soft bun (pav) and is often accompanied by a tangy chutney. This humble yet flavorful combination offers a satisfying and convenient snack with a punch of flavors.

Pav Bhaji:

Pav Bhaji is a popular street food that originated in Maharashtra, India. It features a medley of mashed vegetables cooked with aromatic spices, served with buttered pav (soft bread rolls). The buttery and flavorful vegetable curry, paired with the soft and fluffy pav, creates a delightful gastronomic experience.

Dahi Puri:

Dahi Puri is a delightful and refreshing street food that originates from the streets of Mumbai. It consists of small crispy puris filled with yogurt, tangy tamarind chutney, and spices. Combining crunchy puris, creamy yogurt, and zesty flavors creates a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.

Bhel Puri:

Bhel Puri is a popular street food snack that hails from the streets of Mumbai. It combines puffed rice, sev (crispy noodles), chopped vegetables, tangy tamarind chutney, and spices. One tosses the mixture together to create a savory and crunchy medley of flavors that is both refreshing and addictive.

Kathi Roll:

Kathi Roll is a street food specialty in Kolkata, West Bengal. It consists of skewer-roasted or sautéed fillings, such as chicken tikka, paneer, or kebabs, wrapped in a paratha (flaky flatbread). The combination of succulent fillings, tangy sauces, and the flaky paratha creates a portable and delicious treat.

Momos:

Momos are savory dumplings originally from the Himalayan region but have gained immense popularity as street food across India. These steamed or fried dumplings are typically filled with delicious fillings, such as vegetables or minced meat, and are often served with a spicy chili sauce. Momos offer a delectable blend of flavors and make for a satisfying snack.

Kachori:

Street food vendors in various parts of India offer Kachori, a popular snack. It consists of deep-fried pastries filled with spiced lentils or peas. These crispy and flavorful kachoris are often served with tangy chutneys and offer a delightful combination of textures and tastes.

Egg Roll:

Egg Roll is a street food favorite that originated in Kolkata. It features a wrap filled with scrambled eggs, onions, and spices. This savory and satisfying snack is a popular choice for those craving a quick and tasty bite.

Ram Ladoo:

Ram Ladoo is a popular street food snack often found in the bustling streets of Delhi. It consists of deep-fried lentil fritters topped with grated radish, tangy chutneys, and a sprinkle of spices. The crispy exterior and soft interior of these fritters, along with the combination of flavors, make Ram Ladoo a delightful indulgence.

We trust this handpicked selection of the best Indian food dishes to savor will tantalize your taste buds and ignite your culinary curiosity. . 

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