Indian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavours, colours, and aromas, reflecting the country’s rich cultural heritage and diverse traditions. Each region of India brings its own unique style to the table, from the fiery curries of the south to the creamy, aromatic dishes of the north. Indian cooking is known for its intricate use of spices, often blended into complex masalas that give each dish its distinct character.
1. Biryani (Spiced Rice with Meat or Vegetables)
Biryani is much more than a rice dish, it’s a celebration of flavours and textures. Each layer, from fragrant basmati rice to tender chunks of meat or vegetables, is infused with a medley of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves.
Traditionally slow cooked, biryani often includes saffron soaked rice for added richness. Popular across India, every region adds its own twist, from the Hyderabadi version with its bold flavours to the lighter Kolkata style biryani featuring boiled potatoes
2. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Butter Chicken is a North Indian classic that has won hearts worldwide. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and spices before being cooked in a tandoor or grilled.
The rich, velvety sauce combines tomatoes, butter, and cream, balanced with subtle spices like fenugreek and garam masala. Served with naan or rice, it’s a dish that perfectly marries comfort and indulgence, making it a favourite at dinner tables.
3. Masala Dosa (Spiced Pancake with Potato Filling)
Masala Dosa is not just food; it’s an experience. The dosa’s crispy exterior contrasts beautifully with the soft, spiced potato filling inside.
Made from a fermented batter, it has a tangy undertone that pairs wonderfully with the coconut chutney and sambar it’s served with. This dish showcases the artistry of South Indian cooking, blending simplicity with bold flavours.
4. Rogan Josh (Spiced Lamb Curry)
Rogan Josh is a Kashmiri specialty that warms the soul. The dish is slow cooked, allowing the lamb to absorb the aromatic flavours of spices like fennel, cardamom, and ginger.
Kashmiri red chilies lend it a vibrant hue without overwhelming heat. Finished with yogurt, it creates a creamy texture that’s perfect with steamed rice or naan.
5. Palak Paneer (Spinach with Cottage Cheese)
Palak Paneer is a dish that’s as nutritious as it is delicious. The vibrant green spinach gravy is enriched with garlic, ginger, and a touch of garam masala. Cubes of paneer absorb the flavours while adding a creamy bite. Often served with roti or rice, it’s a vegetarian favourite that’s both hearty and wholesome.
6. Chole Bhature (Spiced Chickpeas with Fried Bread)
Chole Bhature is a dish that promises bold flavours and hearty satisfaction. The chickpeas are slow cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices until they achieve a rich, thick consistency.
Paired with puffed, golden bhature, it’s a match made in culinary heaven. Often accompanied by pickles and yogurt, it’s a meal that leaves you craving more.
7. Hyderabadi Haleem (Slow Cooked Meat and Lentil Stew)
Hyderabadi Haleem is synonymous with celebration and comfort. This dish, slow cooked for hours, blends meat, lentils, and wheat into a smooth, flavourful paste.
Spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves add depth, while fried onions and fresh coriander make for the perfect garnish. It’s a wholesome dish that shines during Ramadan but is enjoyed year round.
8. Dhokla (Steamed Fermented Rice and Chickpea Cake)
Dhokla is a light and fluffy snack that’s both nutritious and flavourful. The fermentation gives it a subtle tang, while the steaming process keeps it moist.
Topped with a tempering of mustard seeds and green chilies, it’s served with chutney for an added kick. A favourite in Gujarat, it’s perfect for breakfast, tea time, or as a party snack.
9. Pani Puri (Crispy Puffed Bread with Tangy Water)
Pani Puri is a street food adventure in every bite. The crispy puris are filled with a mixture of tangy tamarind water, spiced potatoes, and chickpeas.
The combination of flavours; spicy, tangy, and sweet, along with the satisfying crunch of the puri, creates a sensory explosion that’s hard to resist.
10. Tandoori Chicken (Spiced Roasted Chicken)
Tandoori Chicken is a smoky, flavourful delight. Marinated in yogurt, lime juice, and a mix of spices like paprika and cumin, the chicken is cooked in a clay oven for a charred, tender finish.
The result is a juicy, smoky dish that pairs beautifully with naan, mint chutney, and a side of salad.
11. Dal Tadka (Tempered Lentil Curry)
Dal Tadka is the essence of comfort food in Indian cuisine. Cooked lentils are tempered with a fragrant mix of ghee, cumin, garlic, and dried red chilies.
The smoky, earthy aroma of the tadka transforms the humble lentils into a dish bursting with flavour. Served with steamed rice or roti, it’s a staple in Indian homes.
12. Malai Kofta (Creamy Curry with Vegetable Dumplings)
Malai Kofta is an indulgent dish fit for special occasions. The koftas, made with mashed vegetables or paneer, are deep fried to golden perfection and simmered in a creamy tomato based sauce.
The richness of the gravy is balanced with mild spices, making it a luxurious treat when paired with naan or basmati rice.
13. Pulao (Spiced Rice with Vegetables or Meat)
Pulao is the understated cousin of biryani. It’s a quick one pot dish made by cooking rice with vegetables, meat, and aromatic spices. Lighter in flavour than biryani, it’s perfect for a quick meal and pairs well with a side of raita or salad.
14. Rajasthani Laal Maas (Spicy Red Mutton Curry)
Laal Maas is a bold dish that’s not for the faint of heart. The fiery red curry is spiced with dried Mathania chilies, garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices. Traditionally enjoyed with bajra (millet) roti, it’s a dish that showcases the robust flavours of Rajasthani cuisine.
15. Vindaloo (Spicy and Tangy Meat Curry)
Vindaloo combines heat and tanginess in a single dish. Marinated in vinegar and spices, the meat (often pork) is slow cooked to tender perfection. A staple of Goan cuisine, its Portuguese influence is evident, making it a unique entry in India’s curry repertoire.
16. Rasam (Spicy Tamarind Soup)
Rasam is the ultimate South Indian comfort food. Made with tamarind, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, this tangy soup is perfect for aiding digestion. Served with rice or enjoyed as a standalone soup, its spicy, sour flavour is both refreshing and warming.
17. Sambar (Lentil Based Vegetable Stew)
Sambar is a cornerstone of South Indian cuisine. Lentils and vegetables are simmered with tamarind and a blend of spices, creating a tangy, hearty stew. It’s traditionally served with rice, idli, or dosa, making it a versatile and beloved dish.
18. Aloo Gobi (Potato and Cauliflower Curry)
Aloo Gobi is a dry curry that blends soft potatoes and tender cauliflower, all coated in a medley of spices like turmeric, cumin, and coriander.
It’s a simple, home style dish, often cooked with a touch of ginger and green chilies for added flavour. A North Indian staple, this vegetarian favourite pairs well with chapati or paratha, making it a comforting and wholesome meal.
19. Bhindi Masala (Spiced Okra Stir Fry)
20. Kheer (Rice Pudding)
Kheer is a creamy, traditional dessert made by slowly simmering rice in milk, sweetened with sugar, and infused with fragrant cardamom and saffron.
Often garnished with almonds, cashews, and raisins, kheer is a celebratory dish served during festivals, weddings, and special occasions. Its delicate sweetness and silky texture make it a cherished treat across India.
21. Pav Bhaji (Spicy Vegetable Mash with Bread Rolls)
Pav Bhaji is Mumbai’s street food gem, featuring a spicy, buttery vegetable mash (bhaji) made with potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and spices.
Served with pav rolls toasted in butter, it’s garnished with onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lemon. This indulgent dish offers a burst of flavours in every bite and is a favourite among all age groups.
22. Pesarattu (Green Gram Pancake)
Pesarattu is a nutritious South Indian pancake made from green gram (moong dal) batter. Lightly spiced with ginger, green chilies, and cumin, it’s often served with ginger chutney and upma on the side.
Popular in Andhra Pradesh, this dish is not only protein rich but also naturally gluten free, making it a healthy choice for breakfast or brunch.
23. Idli (Steamed Rice Cakes)
Soft and fluffy, Idlis are made by steaming a fermented batter of rice and urad dal. These light, spongy cakes are a staple breakfast in South India, typically served with sambar (a tangy lentil soup) and coconut chutney. Their mild flavour and airy texture make them a versatile dish, enjoyed by people of all ages.
24. Vada Pav (Indian Burger with Spiced Potato Filling)
Vada Pav is Mumbai’s answer to fast food. A spicy potato fritter (vada) is placed between a pav (soft bread roll), layered with tangy tamarind and spicy green chutneys.
Often served with fried green chilies, this street food delight is a quick, budget friendly snack that’s bursting with flavour and texture.
25. Baingan Bharta (Smoked Eggplant Mash)
Baingan Bharta is a smoky flavoured North Indian dish made by roasting eggplant until soft, then mashing it and cooking it with onions, tomatoes, and spices. Its rich, earthy flavour pairs beautifully with roti or naan. A rustic dish, it highlights the simplicity and depth of traditional Indian cooking.
26. Mutton Biryani (Spiced Rice with Goat Meat)
Mutton Biryani is a fragrant, layered rice dish where tender, marinated goat meat is cooked with long grain basmati rice, saffron, and a blend of spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom.
Often garnished with fried onions and boiled eggs, this dish is a centrepiece for celebrations and feasts.
27. Rajma (Kidney Bean Curry)
Rajma is a hearty and comforting North Indian dish where red kidney beans are slow cooked in a spiced tomato and onion gravy.
Commonly served with steamed basmati rice, this dish is a staple in Indian households, offering both nutrition and rich, warming flavours.
28. Malabar Parotta (Layered Flatbread)
Malabar Parotta, a Kerala specialty, is a flaky, layered flatbread made by repeatedly folding and rolling dough made from refined flour. Its slightly crispy exterior and soft, chewy layers make it the perfect accompaniment to spicy curries like chicken or mutton stew.
29. Methi Thepla (Fenugreek Flatbread)
Methi Thepla is a Gujarati flatbread made with fresh fenugreek leaves, whole wheat flour, and spices like turmeric and chili powder.
Soft and lightly spiced, it’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with yogurt, pickles, or chutney, making it ideal for breakfast or travel meals.
30. Saag (Leafy Green Curry)
Saag is a wholesome curry made with leafy greens like spinach, mustard greens, and fenugreek, slow cooked with garlic, ginger, and spices. Often enriched with paneer or cream, saag pairs beautifully with makki ki roti (cornmeal flatbread) for a rustic, hearty meal.
31. Prawn Curry (Spiced Prawn Stew)
Prawn Curry is a coastal delicacy featuring prawns cooked in a tangy, spiced gravy made with coconut milk, tamarind, or tomatoes. Popular in Kerala and Goa, it’s a dish that balances the sweetness of prawns with bold, aromatic spices, creating a rich yet light flavour profile.
32. Murg Musallam (Whole Roasted Chicken in Spiced Gravy)
Murg Musallam is a show stopping Mughlai dish where a whole chicken is marinated in yogurt, garlic, and spices, then cooked in a luxurious gravy made with tomatoes, nuts, and cream. This regal dish, once reserved for royalty, is a celebration of bold flavours and rich textures.
33. Poori Bhaji (Fried Bread with Spiced Potato Curry)
Poori Bhaji is a comforting North Indian breakfast dish where golden, puffed pooris (fried bread) are paired with a flavourful potato curry (bhaji). Often served with pickles or yogurt, this dish is a perfect blend of crispy and soft textures, ideal for a hearty morning meal.
34. Lassi (Yogurt Based Drink)
Lassi is a cooling drink made with yogurt, water, and spices. Sweet lassi is often flavoured with sugar, cardamom, or mango, while the savoury version includes salt, cumin, and mint.
Originating from Punjab, lassi is a refreshing accompaniment to spicy meals or a standalone treat on a hot day.
