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Check out this list of 26 iconic Indian dishes to try next ! From tasty street food to hearty curries, delicate sweets, and savory snacks, Indian food is a gastronomic adventure that caters to all taste buds. From North Indian staples such as Butter Chicken and Samosa to South Indian favorites like Masala Dosa and Pani Puri, you’ll find Indian dishes that will take you on a culinary journey through the subcontinent. Whether you’re new to Indian cuisine or a seasoned fan, there’s something in this list for everyone to enjoy.
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1. Chicken Biryani
A Fragrant Feast for the Senses
Chicken biryani is an aromatic and flavorful Indian dish that is a true feast for the senses. The combination of tender chicken, fragrant basmati rice, and a mix of spices creates a dish that’s both satisfying and delicious. As you dig into a bowl of chicken biryani, you’ll experience a burst of flavors that’s typical of Indian cuisine.
Perfect for Celebrations
Chicken biryani is often associated with celebrations and special occasions in India. It’s the kind of dish you serve when you’re hosting friends or family, making it the perfect choice for your next dinner party. While it does take some time and effort to prepare, the result is absolutely worth it.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize your chicken biryani by adjusting the amount of spices or adding other ingredients such as hard-boiled eggs or fried onions. This recipe is flexible and can be tailored to your liking.
2. Palak Paneer
A Healthy and Delicious Indian Dish
Palak paneer is a classic Indian dish that’s as healthy as it is delicious. It features soft cubes of paneer (a type of Indian cheese) in a creamy spinach sauce. The sauce is rich in flavor, thanks to a blend of Indian spices, and the paneer adds a lovely textural contrast.
Great for Any Meal
Palak paneer is a versatile dish that can be served for lunch or dinner. It goes well with both rice and Indian breads like naan or roti. Because it’s packed with protein and nutrients, it’s also a fantastic choice for vegetarians.
Customize to Your Preference
Feel free to adapt the recipe to your preferences. You could add other vegetables, use tofu instead of paneer for a vegan version, or adjust the spices to make it spicier or milder.
3. Dal Makhani
A Comforting and Satisfying Dish
Dal Makhani is a beloved Indian dish made with black lentils and kidney beans. Slow-cooked in a rich, creamy sauce spiced with garam masala and other spices, it’s incredibly comforting and satisfying. Each spoonful offers a depth of flavor that’s characteristic of Indian cuisine.
Ideal for Meal Prep
Because dal makhani tastes even better the next day, it’s an ideal dish for meal prep. You can make a big batch, store it in the fridge, and enjoy hearty meals throughout the week.
Adapt to Your Taste
Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your taste. You can make the dal makhani as spicy or as mild as you like. You can also add other ingredients, such as vegetables, to add even more nutrition to the dish.
4. Chole Bhature
A Lip-Smacking Indian Delight
Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish known for its bold, lip-smacking flavors. It consists of spicy chickpeas (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature). The combination of the hearty chickpeas and fluffy bread makes for a satisfying and delicious meal.
Perfect for a Festive Brunch
Chole Bhature is a great option for a festive brunch or a weekend indulgence. It’s a crowd-pleaser and is sure to impress your guests with its incredible taste and presentation.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize your Chole Bhature to your liking. Adjust the spices in the chickpea curry or add a side of pickles or yogurt to complement the flavors. You could also try making the bhature with whole wheat flour for a healthier twist.
5. Aloo Gobi
A Simple Yet Flavorful Dish
Aloo Gobi is a simple yet flavorful Indian dish that features potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi) cooked with a blend of spices. Despite its simplicity, Aloo Gobi is incredibly satisfying and packed with flavor, making it a staple in many Indian homes.
Ideal for Quick Meals
This recipe is perfect for those days when you need a quick and easy meal. It doesn’t require any complicated ingredients or cooking techniques, but the result is a hearty, comforting dish that’s sure to satisfy.
Customize to Your Liking
Feel free to adjust the spices to suit your palate or add other vegetables to the mix. Aloo Gobi is a versatile dish that can be tailored to your liking.
6. Butter Chicken
A World-Famous Indian Dish
Butter Chicken is a world-famous Indian dish known for its rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. The chicken is marinated in a blend of spices and yogurt, then cooked until tender. The result is a mouthwatering dish that’s packed with flavor.
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Perfect for Special Occasions
Butter Chicken is the kind of dish you serve on special occasions or when you want to treat yourself. Despite its richness, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home, so you can enjoy this restaurant-quality dish any time you like.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to customize your Butter Chicken by adjusting the amount of cream or adding other ingredients. You can also make it healthier by using a low-fat cream or grilling the chicken instead of frying it.
7. Dosa
A South Indian Specialty
Dosa is a thin, crispy pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter. It’s a South Indian specialty that’s enjoyed for breakfast or as a snack. Dosa can be eaten plain with chutneys or filled with a variety of fillings like spicy potato masala.
Great for a Light Meal
Because Dosa is light yet satisfying, it’s a great choice for a light breakfast or dinner. It’s also versatile and can be paired with a variety of accompaniments, making it a dish you can enjoy in many different ways.
Experiment with Fillings
Feel free to get creative with your Dosa fillings. While potato masala is traditional, you can also fill your Dosa with other vegetables, cheese, or even meat for a different twist.
8. Pav Bhaji
A Beloved Street Food Dish
Pav Bhaji is a popular Indian street food dish that’s known for its bold flavors. It consists of a spiced vegetable mash (bhaji) served with soft bread rolls (pav). The combination of the hearty bhaji and soft pav makes for a satisfying meal that’s loved by all.
Great for Sharing
Pav Bhaji is a communal dish that’s perfect for sharing. It’s often cooked in large quantities and is a popular choice for parties and get-togethers. Despite its humble street food origins, it’s a dish that’s sure to impress your guests.
Customize to Your Liking
Feel free to adjust the spices in the bhaji or add other vegetables to the mix. Pav Bhaji is a versatile dish that’s easy to adapt to your personal preferences.
9. Rajma Chawal
A Comforting Indian Dish
Rajma Chawal is a comforting Indian dish made with red kidney beans (rajma) and rice (chawal). The rajma is cooked in a flavorful gravy and served over rice for a hearty and satisfying meal. It’s a simple, home-style dish that’s loved by all.
Ideal for Weeknight Dinners
Because Rajma Chawal is easy to make and requires simple ingredients, it’s a great choice for weeknight dinners. It’s also a fantastic option for meal prep as the flavors of the rajma only get better with time.
Customize to Your Taste
Feel free to adjust the spices in the rajma or use a different type of beans if you prefer. You can also serve the rajma with roti or naan instead of rice for a different variation.
10. Samosa
Iconic Indian Snack
Samosa is an iconic Indian snack that features a crispy pastry shell filled with a spiced potato mixture. This delicious triangular snack is a perfect accompaniment to a cup of chai and is enjoyed by millions across the country.
Perfect for Entertaining
These bite-sized delights are great for entertaining. Prepare a batch of samosas for your next party and watch them disappear. They’re also ideal as a starter for an Indian-themed dinner.
Customize Your Fillings
The classic filling is spiced potato, but feel free to experiment with other fillings such as minced meat or mixed vegetables. Add some paneer or peas to the mix, or even experiment with sweet fillings for a unique twist.
11. Paneer Tikka
A Delicious Vegetarian Option
Paneer Tikka is a popular vegetarian dish where chunks of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) are marinated in spices and grilled until they’re slightly charred. It’s a wonderful appetizer that’s packed full of flavor.
Great for Barbecues
Paneer Tikka is a fantastic option for barbecues. Skewer the marinated paneer and vegetables, then grill them for a delicious vegetarian option that even meat-eaters will love.
Play with Your Marinade
Feel free to play with the marinade for your paneer tikka. Add different spices, adjust the heat, or even add some yogurt for a tangy twist.
12. Dal Makhani
A Rich and Creamy Dish
Dal Makhani is a rich and creamy dish made from whole black lentils and red kidney beans. It’s slowly cooked with spices, butter, and cream until it develops deep, complex flavors. This hearty dish is a staple in many North Indian homes and restaurants.
Ideal for Special Occasions
Dal Makhani is often reserved for special occasions due to its rich and creamy nature. Serve it with naan or rice for a hearty, satisfying meal.
Customize Your Dal
Feel free to customize your Dal Makhani by adjusting the amount of cream or butter to suit your preference. You could also add other types of lentils for a different flavor and texture.
13. Chicken Tikka Masala
A Global Favorite
Chicken Tikka Masala is a beloved dish all around the world. It’s made by marinating chicken pieces in spices and yogurt, then grilling them and adding them to a creamy tomato sauce. The result is a flavorful, slightly smoky dish that’s absolutely irresistible.
Perfect for Impress
Chicken Tikka Masala is a dish that’s sure to impress your guests. Despite its complex flavors, it’s surprisingly easy to make at home.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to adjust the spices in the marinade or the sauce to suit your palate. You could also use paneer or tofu instead of chicken for a vegetarian version.
14. Matar Paneer
A Delicious Paneer Dish
Matar Paneer is a delicious dish made with paneer and green peas cooked in a tomato-based sauce. It’s a popular North Indian dish that’s both simple and satisfying.
Great for Everyday Meals
Matar Paneer is an ideal dish for everyday meals. It pairs well with both rice and roti, making it a versatile dish that’s great for lunch or dinner.
Customize Your Curry
Feel free to experiment with different spices in your Matar Paneer. You can also add other vegetables to the mix or even replace the paneer with tofu for a vegan version.
15. Chole Bhature
A Flavorful Punjabi Dish
Chole Bhature is a flavorful Punjabi dish that consists of spicy chickpeas (chole) and deep-fried bread (bhature). It’s a popular breakfast dish in North India but can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Ideal for Special Occasions
Chole Bhature is a dish that’s often reserved for special occasions. The combination of the spicy chole and the fluffy bhature is truly irresistible.
Make it Your Own
Feel free to adjust the spices in the chole to suit your taste. You can also experiment with the bhature dough by adding yogurt or milk to make it extra soft.
16. Gajar ka Halwa
A Classic Indian Dessert
Gajar ka Halwa is a classic Indian dessert made from grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. It’s a rich and comforting dish that’s traditionally made in winter when fresh, sweet carrots are in season.
Perfect for Festive Occasions
Gajar ka Halwa is often made for festive occasions and celebrations. Despite its simplicity, it’s a dessert that’s sure to impress your guests.
Customize Your Halwa
Feel free to add your choice of nuts or dried fruits to the halwa. You can also experiment with different spices like cardamom or saffron to add an extra layer of flavor.
17. Aloo Paratha
A Staple Indian Breakfast
Aloo Paratha is a staple Indian breakfast dish. It’s a type of Indian bread that’s stuffed with a spiced potato filling and then cooked on a griddle. Served with yogurt or pickle, it’s a satisfying start to the day.
Ideal for Brunch
Aloo Paratha is perfect for a leisurely brunch. You can prepare the filling in advance and then assemble and cook the parathas when you’re ready to eat.
Personalize Your Paratha
Feel free to add other ingredients to your potato filling like cheese, onions, or other spices. You can also experiment with other filling options like paneer or minced meat.
18. Masala Dosa
A South Indian Delight
Masala Dosa is a popular South Indian dish that’s loved all over the world. It’s a thin, crispy pancake made from a fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with a spiced potato filling.
Perfect for Breakfast or Lunch
Traditionally served as a breakfast dish, Masala Dosa makes for a satisfying meal at any time of the day. Pair it with coconut chutney and sambar, a tangy lentil soup, for the ultimate taste experience.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to experiment with different fillings for your dosa. You can try spinach, paneer, or even a sweet filling for a unique twist.
19. Bhindi Masala
A Delicious Okra Dish
Bhindi Masala is a delicious dish made from okra cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of Indian spices. It’s a great way to enjoy this nutritious vegetable.
Great for Everyday Meals
Bhindi Masala is a wonderful option for everyday meals. It pairs well with both rice and roti, making it a versatile dish that’s loved by all.
Customize Your Curry
Feel free to adjust the spices in your Bhindi Masala or add other ingredients like potatoes or paneer. This recipe is very adaptable and can be tailored to suit your tastes.
20. Rajma Masala
A Hearty Kidney Bean Dish
Rajma Masala is a hearty and comforting dish made from red kidney beans cooked in a flavorful onion-tomato gravy. It’s often enjoyed with rice, creating a meal known as Rajma Chawal.
Perfect for a Family Dinner
Rajma Masala is a great option for a family dinner. It’s a one-pot dish that’s packed with protein and full of flavor.
Customize Your Rajma
Feel free to adjust the spices in your Rajma Masala or add other ingredients like spinach or other types of beans. The possibilities are endless!
21. Pani Puri
A Popular Street Food
Pani Puri is a popular Indian street food that consists of hollow, crispy puris filled with a mixture of flavored water, tamarind chutney, chili, chaat masala, potato, onion, and chickpeas. It’s a burst of flavors and textures in every bite.
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Fun for Parties
Pani Puri is a fun dish for parties. Set up a Pani Puri station with all the fillings and let your guests assemble their own.
Personalize Your Pani Puri
Feel free to experiment with different fillings for your Pani Puri. You can try sweet yogurt, different types of chutney, or even unconventional fillings like sprouts or fruits.
22. Kheer
A Classic Indian Dessert
Kheer is a classic Indian dessert, often known as Indian rice pudding. It’s made by cooking rice or broken wheat with milk and sugar, and flavored with cardamom, raisins, saffron, cashews, pistachios, or almonds.
Perfect for Festive Occasions
Kheer is often made for festive occasions and celebrations. Its creamy, rich taste makes it a favorite among people of all ages.
Make It Your Own
You can experiment with different types of Kheer by using different grains like vermicelli or tapioca. Adding fruits like apple or pineapple can also add a unique twist.
23. Dahi Vada
A Refreshing Snack
Dahi Vada is a popular snack where lentil fritters are soaked in a thick yogurt sauce. The fritters are first deep-fried, then soaked in water to make them soft, and finally dipped in sweet and tangy yogurt.
Perfect for Summer
Dahi Vada is a great dish to enjoy in the summer. The cool yogurt helps to balance the spices and makes for a refreshing snack or side dish.
Customize Your Dahi Vada
You can adjust the amount of sweet and tangy flavors in your Dahi Vada by playing around with the amount of tamarind chutney and yogurt.
24. Gulab Jamun
A Classic Indian Sweet
Gulab Jamun is a classic Indian sweet made from balls of khoya (milk solids) that are deep-fried and then soaked in sugar syrup. It’s a rich and sweet dessert that’s perfect for celebrations.
Ideal for Festive Occasions
Gulab Jamun is often served during festivals or special occasions. These sweet delights are sure to impress your guests and satisfy your sweet tooth.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to add flavorings like cardamom or rose water to your sugar syrup for an extra layer of flavor.
25. Pav Bhaji
A Popular Street Food
Pav Bhaji is a popular street food from Mumbai that consists of a thick, vegetable curry (bhaji) served with a soft bread roll (pav). It’s a flavorful and hearty dish that’s loved by people of all ages.
Perfect for Sharing
Pav Bhaji is a great dish to share with family and friends. The bhaji can be made in a large batch and served with warm, buttered pavs.
Customize Your Bhaji
Feel free to adjust the vegetables in your bhaji according to what’s in season or what you have on hand. You can also adjust the spices to suit your taste.
26. Vada Pav
A Classic Mumbai Snack
Vada Pav is a classic Mumbai snack that’s loved all over India. It consists of a spicy potato filling deep-fried in a gram flour batter, served inside a bread bun with chutneys.
Ideal for a Quick Snack
Vada Pav is perfect for a quick snack. The spicy and savory flavors make it a satisfying treat that can be enjoyed at any time of the day.
Make It Your Own
Feel free to play around with the fillings and chutneys in your Vada Pav. Add some cheese, different types of chutneys, or even some pickles for an extra kick.
Conclusion
Embarking on a journey through Indian cuisine allows you to experience a rich tapestry of flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques. From the robust, spicy flavors of North India to the coconut-rich dishes of the South, each regional cuisine adds its unique touch to the country’s culinary landscape. Trying these 26 iconic Indian dishes is an excellent way to explore this diverse and vibrant cuisine.
Whether you’re a fan of hearty curries, flavorful street food, or sweet delicacies, Indian cuisine offers a plethora of choices to delight your palate. So why wait? Dive in and explore the delicious world of Indian food today!
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