25 Best Indian Dishes to Try: A Culinary Journey Across India

Discover the best Indian dishes to try, their origins, and top restaurants to experience them. Explore India’s rich culinary heritage with this delicious guide.

India is a land of diverse cultures, each with its unique culinary traditions. From rich curries to street food favorites, the country offers a smorgasbord of flavors that reflect its history and geography.

If you’re looking for good Indian dishes to try or planning your next adventure with unique foods to try, this guide will take you through the best Indian dishes to try and where to find them.

25 Best Foods To Try In India

Dive into this list of exotic foods to try and uncover the best foods to try in India with a detailed exploration of their origins, flavors, and top-rated restaurants.

#1. Biryani

Origin: Hyderabad, India

A fragrant, spiced rice dish cooked with layers of meat or vegetables, yogurt, and caramelized onions. Biryani’s origins trace back to Mughal kitchens, where it was a royal delicacy.

Best Restaurants:

• Paradise Biryani (Hyderabad): Known as the “Biryani King of Hyderabad.”
• Biryani By Kilo (Multiple Cities): Offers a delicious range of biryanis.

#2. Butter Chicken

Origin: Delhi, India

Creamy and flavorful, Butter Chicken is a North Indian classic made with marinated chicken cooked in a tomato-based gravy enriched with butter and cream.

Best Restaurants:

• Moti Mahal (Delhi): The birthplace of Butter Chicken.
• Punjabi Grill (Multiple Cities): Famous for its authentic preparation.

#3. Masala Dosa

Origin: Karnataka, India

A thin, crispy rice crepe filled with spiced potato masala. This South Indian breakfast staple is typically served with coconut chutney and sambar.

Best Restaurants:

• MTR (Bangalore): Renowned for its authentic Masala Dosa.
• Dakshin (Chennai): A fine dining spot for South Indian classics.

#4. Rogan Josh

Origin: Kashmir, India

A slow-cooked lamb curry featuring aromatic spices and a rich yogurt-based gravy. Rogan Josh is a hallmark of Kashmiri cuisine, influenced by Persian flavors.

Best Restaurants:

• Ahdoos Restaurant (Srinagar): Known for its authentic Kashmiri dishes.
• The Kashmir Wazwan (Delhi): Offers a traditional Wazwan experience.

#5. Chole Bhature

Origin: Punjab, India

A hearty dish of spiced chickpeas served with deep-fried bread (bhature). Chole Bhature is a Punjabi favorite, often enjoyed as a breakfast or lunch dish.

Best Restaurants:

• Sita Ram Diwan Chand (Delhi): Legendary for its Chole Bhature.
• Cream Centre (Mumbai): Offers a modern take on this classic dish.

#6. Vada Pav

Origin: Maharashtra, India

Often called the “Indian Burger,” Vada Pav consists of a spicy potato fritter sandwiched between a bun, served with chutneys and green chilies.

Best Restaurants:

• Anand Stall (Mumbai): A street food favorite near Mithibai College.
• Shivaji Vada Pav (Mumbai): Known for its authentic flavors.

#7. Paneer Tikka

Origin: North India

Skewered cubes of paneer marinated in spiced yogurt and grilled to perfection. Paneer Tikka is a popular starter in Indian cuisine.

Best Restaurants:

• Pind Balluchi (Multiple Cities): Famous for its North Indian starters.
• Barbeque Nation (Multiple Cities): Offers live grilling experiences.

#8. Pani Puri (Gol Gappa)

Origin: North India

Hollow, crispy puris filled with spicy tamarind water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas. Pani Puri is a beloved street snack with regional variations.

Best Restaurants:

• Elco Pani Puri Centre (Mumbai): Renowned for hygienic and flavorful Pani Puri.
• Kailash Parbat (Delhi): A go-to spot for street food favorites.

#9. Dhokla

Origin: Gujarat, India

A soft, steamed cake made from fermented rice and chickpea flour, seasoned with mustard seeds. Dhokla is a healthy snack or breakfast item.

Best Restaurants:

• Das Surti Khaman (Ahmedabad): Known for its fluffy Dhokla.
• Rajwadu (Ahmedabad): A cultural dining experience with authentic Gujarati cuisine.

#10. Tandoori Chicken

Origin: Punjab, India

Marinated chicken cooked in a clay oven (tandoor) to achieve a smoky, charred flavor. A signature dish of Punjabi cuisine.

Best Restaurants:

• Kake Da Hotel (Delhi): Known for its authentic Tandoori Chicken.
• Peshawri (Multiple Cities): Famous for its North Indian delicacies.

#11. Gajar Ka Halwa

Origin: Punjab, India

A rich dessert made from grated carrots, milk, ghee, and sugar, often garnished with nuts. Gajar Ka Halwa is a winter specialty.

Best Restaurants:

• Haldiram’s (Multiple Cities): A popular choice for Indian desserts.
• Punjabi By Nature (Multiple Cities): Known for its dessert offerings.

#12. Pav Bhaji

Origin: Maharashtra, India

A spicy vegetable mash served with buttery buns (pav). Pav Bhaji originated as a quick, wholesome meal for Mumbai mill workers.

Best Restaurants:

• Sardar Pav Bhaji (Mumbai): An iconic destination for Pav Bhaji.
• Canon Pav Bhaji (Mumbai): A popular street food spot.

#13. Malai Kofta

Origin: North India

A rich and creamy curry featuring fried paneer and potato dumplings. Malai Kofta is often served at celebrations and special occasions.

Best Restaurants:

• Karim’s (Delhi): Known for Mughlai cuisine.
• Bukhara (Delhi): Offers high-quality North Indian dishes.

#14. Kebabs

Origin: Lucknow, India

Succulent, spiced meat skewers cooked over a flame or in a tandoor. Variants like Galouti and Seekh Kebabs are crowd favorites.

Best Restaurants:

• Tunday Kababi (Lucknow): Famous for its melt-in-your-mouth kebabs.
• Bade Miya (Mumbai): Offers a range of meaty delights.

#15. Aloo Paratha

Origin: Punjab, India

A stuffed flatbread filled with spiced mashed potatoes served with butter, yogurt, or pickles. Aloo Paratha is a breakfast staple in North India.

Best Restaurants:

• Giani’s Dhaba (Murthal): Renowned for its parathas.
• Moolchand Paratha (Delhi): A favorite among locals.

#16. Samosa

Origin: North India

A deep-fried pastry stuffed with spiced potatoes, peas, or minced meat. Samosas are a ubiquitous Indian snack.

Best Restaurants:

• Bikanervala (Multiple Cities): Offers a range of Indian snacks.
• Haldiram’s (Multiple Cities): Known for quality and consistency.

#17. Lassi

Origin: Punjab, India

A refreshing yogurt-based drink served sweet or salted. Sweet Lassi is often flavored with cardamom and topped with cream.

Best Restaurants:

• Amritsari Lassi Wala (Amritsar): Legendary for its frothy Lassi.
• Sharma Ji Ki Lassi (Varanasi): A hidden gem.

#18. Idli-Sambar

Origin: Tamil Nadu, India

Soft, steamed rice cakes served with a tangy lentil-based vegetable stew. A healthy and filling South Indian breakfast option.

Best Restaurants:

• Saravana Bhavan (Multiple Cities): A global favorite for South Indian food.
• Murugan Idli Shop (Chennai): Famous for its soft idlis and chutneys.

#19. Pongal

Origin: Tamil Nadu, India

A comforting dish made with rice and lentils, seasoned with ghee, pepper, and curry leaves. Pongal is a traditional South Indian breakfast.

Best Restaurants:

• Dakshin (Chennai): A luxurious take on South Indian classics.
• Murugan Idli Shop (Chennai): A must-try for its authentic flavors.

#20. Thali

Origin: Pan-India

A platter featuring a variety of dishes, including curries, rice, bread, and desserts. Thalis represent the diversity of Indian cuisine.

Best Restaurants:

• Rajdhani Thali (Multiple Cities): Known for its Rajasthani and Gujarati Thalis.
• Annalakshmi (Chennai): A cultural dining experience.

#21. Baingan Bharta

Origin: Punjab, India

A smoky, mashed eggplant dish cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. Baingan Bharta pairs beautifully with Indian bread.

Best Restaurants:

• Kake Da Hotel (Delhi): Famous for its vegetarian options.
• Punjab Grill (Multiple Cities): Offers authentic North Indian flavors.

#22. Fish Curry

Origin: Goa, India

Description: A tangy, spicy fish curry made with coconut milk and tamarind. Goan Fish Curry is a coastal favorite.

Best Restaurants:

• Martin’s Corner (Goa): Known for its seafood specialties.
• Britto’s (Goa): A beachside haven for food lovers.

#23. Dal Tadka

Origin: North India

Yellow lentils tempered with garlic, cumin, and red chilies. Dal Tadka is a simple yet flavorful dish enjoyed across India.

Best Restaurants:

• Pind Balluchi (Multiple Cities): Famous for its dals and breads.
• Bukhara (Delhi): Known for its rich and hearty lentil dishes.

#24. Kulfi

Origin: North India

A dense and creamy frozen dessert made with condensed milk and flavored with cardamom, saffron, or pistachios.

Best Restaurants:

• Kuremal Mohanlal Kulfi Wale (Delhi): A century-old institution.
• Naturals Ice Cream (Multiple Cities): Offers seasonal flavors.

#25. Jalebi

Origin: North India

A deep-fried spiral-shaped dessert soaked in sugar syrup. Jalebi is a crispy, sweet treat often enjoyed hot.

Best Restaurants:

• Old Famous Jalebi Wala (Delhi): A must-visit for Jalebi lovers.
• Haldiram’s (Multiple Cities): Consistently good Indian desserts.

India’s rich culinary heritage offers a vast array of dishes that reflect its diverse culture and traditions. From iconic street foods to royal delicacies, there’s something for every palate to savor.

If you’re eager to dive deeper into authentic Indian cooking, Madhur Jaffrey, one of the greatest living authorities on Indian cuisine, can guide you through this flavorful journey.

With more than 30 award-winning cookbooks and a James Beard Foundation Cookbook Hall of Fame Award, she brings these storied traditions to life.

Learn 30 authentic recipes — from vegetables and breads to South Asian meats and street foods — mastering the art of blending and layering spices for vibrant, unforgettable meals.

Click here to learn Indian cooking

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