India is known for its diverse range of food and flavours. Every region has its own unique cuisine, blending spices and cooking techniques that have been passed down through generations. Here are 10 must-try dishes from different regions of India.
1. Butter Chicken – Punjab
Butter Chicken is a popular dish from the region of Punjab in northern India. It is made with succulent pieces of chicken, marinated in spices and yoghurt, then cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It is best served with freshly made Naan bread.
2. Vada Pav – Mumbai
Vada Pav is the quintessential street food of Mumbai. It is essentially a vegetarian burger, consisting of a deep-fried potato fritter sandwiched between two slices of bread, along with chutneys and spices.
3. Dhokla – Gujarat
Dhokla is a staple snack in the state of Gujarat, located in western India. It is made from fermented batter made from gram flour and steamed to perfection. This steamed snack is often served with mint or coriander chutney.
4. Biryani – Hyderabad
Biryani is said to have originated in Hyderabad in south-central India. This rich and aromatic dish is made with basmati rice, meat or vegetables, and a blend of spices. It is usually served with raita, a yogurt-based side dish.
5. Masor Tenga – Assam
Masor Tenga is a popular fish-based dish from the northeastern state of Assam. It is a tangy fish curry made with tomatoes, lemon, and a variety of spices. It is best served with rice or chapatti.
6. Dosa – South India
A dosa is a crispy and savoury pancake, native to South India. It is made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal, which is cooked until crispy and golden brown. It is often served with coconut chutney, sambar and potato filling.
7. Rogan Josh – Kashmir
Rogan Josh is an aromatic and flavourful lamb curry, popular in the northern state of Kashmir. It’s made with a blend of spices such as cardamom, clove, cinnamon, and Kashmiri red chillies. The meat is typically cooked until tender and falls off the bone, making it a must-try dish.
8. Malai Kofta – Uttar Pradesh
Malai Kofta is a signature dish from the state of Uttar Pradesh in northern India. It is a vegetarian dish made from deep-fried balls of paneer and potato, simmered in a rich and creamy tomato-based sauce. It is usually served with naan, roti or rice.
9. Litti – Bihar
Litti is a traditional dish hailing from the state of Bihar, located in eastern India. It is a type of baked bread stuffed with spiced sattu (roasted gram flour) and served with chokha (mashed boiled vegetables blended in mustard oil and spices).
10. Rasgulla – West Bengal
Rasgulla is a popular dessert from the eastern state of West Bengal. It is made from chhena (cottage cheese), which is soft and spongy, and soaked in a sweet syrup made from sugar and water.
In conclusion, with India’s diverse culinary landscape, there are numerous must-try dishes from different regions. This list only scratches the surface of Indian cuisine, but each dish provides a glance at the richness and diversity of it.