15 Indian Dishes That Will Change Your Life | 6 Min Read
India is not only a land of diverse cultures, traditions, and religious practices but also an embodiment of cuisines and delicacies. Right from the northernmost state of Kashmir to the southern tip of Kanyakumari, the 3000 km distance is splayed with delicious food and a gastronomical experience! This article will take you on a culinary escapade through the country, with numerous pit stops on the route to satiate your hunger. So, let's begin the journey!
- Vada Pav
What: Every Mumbaikar will swear by this delicious street food consisting of a batata vada sandwiched between two slices of pav, served with a combination of sweet, green & dry garlic chutney.
Where: You can find it on every street and corner of the heart of Maharashtra, Mumbai.
When: Walking down the streets of Bombay, enjoying the gushing rains and the redolence of the sea
How: You can teleport yourself to the streets of Mumbai by preparing this delicious street snack at home
Follow this simple recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C4pzmjHgqLw&t=2s
2. Butter Chicken & Naan
What: One of the most piquant, lip-smacking, and beloved dishes of India. This delicacy consisting of chunks of grilled chicken, cooked in creamy tomato-based gravy is every non-vegetarians' dream come true.
It is typically served with Naan, a thick flatbread comprising of a mix of wheat flour and refined flour.
Where: Contrary to popular opinion, originated in the capital city of India, Delhi
When: Perfect for a dinner party which will leave your guests licking their fingers
How: No need to wait for your next trip to Delhi. Make this delicacy at home with this straightforward recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bX7AyuNMrVY
3. Biryani
What: An aromatic rice dish hit with people all over the country, proven by the fact that every region has invented its style of preparing the delicacy. The dish is cooked with several spices, prominently saffron, and a protein (typically mutton or chicken) that's been marinated.
Where: Hyderabad, Calcutta, Lucknow, Gujarat, Chennai, Mangalore- each city has its history and version of this scrumptious dish
When: A get-together or a huge family feast
How: Pacify your hunger for an authentic biryani by cooking it on your own with this recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0Jf8gge7Do0
4. Golgappe
What: A street snack becoming for all weathers and conditions. It consists of a crisp small hollow bread, filled with chickpeas, potato, onion, tamarind chutney and a mixture of spicy flavored water
Where: Known as Golgappe in Delhi, Pani-puri in Mumbai, Phuchka in Kolkata, & Gup-Chup in Orissa
When: Impeccable to satisfy the craving of a hundred flavors at once
How: Longing for those road-side panipuris? Make your Ghar ka Golgappas with this self-explanatory recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fOu3wB0Inx8
5. Gulab Jamun
What: A mouth-watering dessert impossible to resist, it provides the shortest route to heaven. These small round-brown balls are prepared using dried milk, boiled, and then soaked in a light sugar syrup (chashni).
Where: With no clear origins, the delicacy is loved by one and all in the country
When: Cherry on top of a satiating meal. No festival or preeminent celebration is concluded sans this dessert
How: A big festival is round the corner and it is time to bring your A-game to the kitchen. Follow the informative recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVMpZNHQV9c
6. Dhokla
What: A culinary dish made with a fermented batter of rice and split chickpeas. Multi-purpose cuisine which can be eaten as a breakfast or served as a snack with tangy chutney.
Where: Native to the state of Gujarat
When: A very light and luscious evening snack with a side of family fun and gossip
How: This 5-minute recipe to making a traditional dhokla is perfect for a quick breakfast or an evening snack: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EFrkJgZXNI4
7. Litti Chokha
What: Littis, drizzling with desi ghee, coupled with aloo ka choka and baingan is the ultimate Bihari culinary experience. The litti, made using wheat flour, stuffed with powdered grams, chilies, and masala is baked on an earthen stove and served hot with chokha and chutney.
Where: The earthiness of Bihar in a single dish
When: A traditional Bihari feast with your loved ones
How: Impress your loved ones with your expertise in a variety of cuisines with this simple recipe for the paramount Bihari adventure: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqF4iPq9000
8. Sarso da saag & Makki di roti
What: This dish is a representation of all the flavors of Punjab in a single palette. A combination made in heaven, Makki ki roti is made with corn flour dough as a flatbread and served alongside Sarso da saag, a curry prepared with the aromatic leaves of mustard, balanced with ginger, garlic, and onion.
Where: The happy-go-lucky, food-loving state of Punjab
When: A cold winter night, made warm by savoring this delectable dish with a side of jaggery, white butter or honey
How: Make the ultimate Punjabi combination with the following recipes at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fU5G92KqnLo & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jDdRceW8ZLE
9. Rogan Josh
What: An Indian curry represented by thick, flavorsome red gravy and tender meat (traditionally, lamb). Nowadays, the goat has replaced mutton, as it is more widely available, but the taste is unhindered and the blend of spices is just as mouthwatering!
Where: An aromatic curried meat dish staple of Kashmiri cuisine
When: Perfect for a royal feast in your best traditional outfit on a special occasion
How: Cook this delicious delight with mutton using the below-mentioned recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-dh_uGahzYo
10. Dal Bati Churma
What: The aforementioned Rajasthani delicacy is a treat for your taste buds and your stomach. Bati, made with wheat flour and baked on the earthen stove, traditionally, is accompanied by an assortment of pulses & spices used to prepare the dal. Churma is a savory prepared with wheat flour, dripping ghee, and garnished complete with cashews and almonds.
Where: The land of the desert, Rajasthan
When: A wholesome meal complete with dessert, paradisiacal for a family luncheon with a backdrop of regional folk music
How: Here is a facile recipe of this Marwari specialty which you can cook at the convenience of your kitchen: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cxNgzsfXjSA
11. Kulfi
What: A frozen dairy dessert, this is the traditional Indian ice-cream. Having a history as early as the 16th century, kulfi is prepared by slowly cooking sweetened milk and flavored milk followed by freezing it in sealed molds (kulhars). The variety of flavors available- pistachio, mango, cream, rose, cardamom, apple, strawberry, peanut, avocado, et al- make it appealing to all generations, young or old.
Where: Historically, this delicacy originated during the Mughal empire. Presently, it belongs to the entire subcontinent of India
When: Mollifying the yearning for something sweet and cold after an eventful trip to the mela or street market
How: Enjoy a cold dessert at the comfort of your home with this quick 5-minute Matka kulfi recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uk9OuvQcnqo
12. Dimer Dhokkar Dalna & Luchi
What: A local Bengali delicacy of steamed cakes made with eggs, potatoes, spices, and simmered in an aromatic curry. Lucchi is a must-have dish prepared with wheat flour, in the shape of small-sized, fluffy, deep-fried chapattis, gold-brown in color.
Where: The state with a plethora of creativity and palatable food, West Bengal
When: Mandatory for all small and big celebrations in Bengali households
How: Celebrate the season of Durga Puja any time of the year by cooking this authentic Bengali dish at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q84ghR7VwTI
13. Dosa
What: Every South Indian will vouch for this lucid yet, delightful rice pancake. This uncomplicated dish is prepared using a fermented batter of rice and black gram with a dash of salt and is accompanied by a lentil sauce i.e. sambhar and a variety of chutneys.
Where: The eclectic states of the Republic of South India
When: Ideal for an agile, bellyful breakfast chaperoned by steaming hot filter coffee
How: An easy recipe to make a Tawa dosa at home: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mWMe0B7J_5o
14. Pork with Bamboo Shoots
What: A simple and enigmatic dish, with a surfeit of flavors from the land of the seven sisters. Using elementary ingredients, the delicacy is cooked with dry bamboo shoots, herbs, and loads of chilies. The doublet of pork with boiled rice is made in heaven.
Where: One of the sinful delicacies form the Seven states of North-east India
When: An authentic North-eastern feast consorted by Apong (traditional rice beer)
How: Cook this ethnic Naga style dish in your kitchen with the following recipe: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8YvYgBPN-o
15.Sandesh
What: Originating in the medieval times in the Bengal region, this straightforward dessert is a sight for sore eyes. This extraordinary delicacy is concocted using an uncomplicated mixture of milk and sugar, .
Where: A state where the people are as sweet as the desserts themselves, West Bengal
When: Sneaking a piece after dinner to satisfy the midnight cravings
How: Satisfy your tummy with this yummy Sandesh recipe at your doorstep: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t1vU_tKaCUE
So, which of these 15 Indian delicacies are you planning to try out first? Share your cardinal experience with these savories in the comments below!
