India is a foodie’s paradise, with numerous options to sample indigenous dishes and tantalize the taste buds.
With so many dishes being sent out, it’s sometimes difficult to tell the difference between genuine cuisine and watered-down versions.
We’ve prepared a list of seven traditional must-try meals to eat in India to help you discover the country’s fantastic dining scene.
1. Masala dosa
Masala dosas, the most popular dish from South India, are renowned across the world. Dosa is a thin batter made of rice, flour, and lentils that are cooked on a hot Tava (griddle pan). The batter needs to soak in water for at least 24 hours before it can be moulded. Once prepared, the batter is poured onto a hot Tava (griddle pan) and shaped similarly to how a French person would form a crepe.
Dosas are traditionally folded in half and stuffed with potatoes. Hot sambar, for example, adds a spicy note to the dish, while whatever you stuff them with will ensure a tasty yet nourishing supper.
2. Chaat
Chaat, also known as street food in Delhi, is one of India’s most delectable savoury munchies. The name comes from three Hindi words that mean “delicacy,” “one licks one’s fingers” and “devouring with relish,” and this dish truly does live up to its heritage. Although there are now a variety of different versions, the classic chaat is a fantastic blend of diced potato chunks, crunchy fried bread, and chickpeas garnished with fresh coriander leaves, and yoghurt, and dried ginger and tamarind sauce. Make like a local and seek a local Dhaba, where the city’s most popular chaat dish will be available at all hours of the day.
3. Dal makhani
Dal is a common Indian cuisine, but there’s nothing quite like eating the country’s original dish. The Hindi word for lentils is dal, and this soup-like appetizer is prepared by simmering tiny black lentils for hours. Although there are numerous varieties of this lentil dish, dal makhani is unique.
The best of the best is reserved for large events like weddings. There are no rewards for guessing how rich and creamy this Indian classic is called, makhani meaning ‘buttery’ in Hindi. To taste genuine makhani, visit Punjab, India’s north.
4. Vada pav
Vada pav is a Mumbai specialty that’s as meatless as Indian food gets, originating in the traditionally vegetarian state of Maharashtra. One for carb lovers, vada pav consists of a deep-fried potato dumpling placed neatly inside a tiny bun. Vadas are commonly served with chutneys and green chillies to appeal to the spice-oriented tastes of Indians throughout the country. These tiny potato buns are known as Bombay burgers and can be found on street vendors across Mumbai.
5. Stuffed paratha
Dal makhani is just one of many Punjabi specialties. Stuffed parathas are widely appreciated in northern India and are considered the morning meal of champions. The term paratha comes from the Sanskrit words atta, which means “layers of cooked dough,” and this dish delivers on its name. Parathas are made from the leftover dough (or atta) that has been allowed to rest overnight. Parathas are cooked on a Tava before being shallow fried. Parathas can be filled with a variety of fillings, but our favourites include aloo paratha (stuffed with potatoes) and methi paratha (stuffed with fenugreek).
6. Dhokla
The Gujarati dish dhokla is a savoury vegetarian treat made of rice and split chickpeas that are popular throughout northwest India. It’s better than it sounds, as Gujaratis eat it for breakfast or lunch, and occasionally as a snack or side dish. Dhokla, which takes hours to make, involves soaking the rice and splitting the chickpeas into equal amounts overnight. Then, for added spice and to help the dish rise into tasty bite-size morsels, chilli, coriander, ginger, and baking soda are incorporated. This Gujarati specialty is highly addictive and frequently eaten with deep-fried chilli and coriander chutney.
7. Barfi
In India, barfi is a generic term that can be used to describe a variety of sweets. However, milk barfi is the most popular form. Naturally, these milk-based desserts are prepared with the milk powder, condensed milk, ghee, and cardamom powder. Barfi will not help anyone achieve their health goals; nevertheless, these rich, aromatic desserts are certain to bring a smile to anyone who tries them.
Indian sweets are commonly given as goodwill offerings at weddings, but there’s nothing stopping you from stopping by the candy store to buy one to go with your afternoon chai.
