10 Traditional Must Try Indian Food To Eat in India
Masala Dosa: This iconic South Indian delicacy is celebrated worldwide. It resembles a thin, Indian pancake, crafted from a batter of rice, flour, and lentils. Creating masala dosas is a meticulous process, with the batter requiring a 24-hour soak before it can be expertly shaped. Once prepared, the batter is ladled onto a hot griddle and shaped, similar to the way crepes are made. Traditionally, dosas are folded in half and filled with spiced potatoes. Complementing elements like fiery sambar provide a spicy kick, making masala dosas a delicious and satisfying meal.Top 10 dishes
Chaat: A delectable snack synonymous with Delhi’s street food culture, chaat is an epitome of savory delight. Its name derives from Hindi words meaning ‘delicacy,’ ‘finger-licking,’ and ‘devoured with relish,’ and it lives up to this reputation. While there are various chaat varieties, the original version combines diced potatoes, crispy fried bread, chickpeas, fresh coriander, yogurt, and a tantalizing tamarind sauce. For an authentic experience, seek out local dhabas, where expertly crafted chaat is available at all hours.
Dal Makhani: While many have heard of dal, tasting the authentic version in its country of origin is an unparalleled experience. “Dal” in Hindi refers to lentils, and this dish involves slow-cooking small black lentils for hours. Among the diverse lentil dishes, dal makhani stands out as the crème de la crème. With “makhani” translating to ‘buttery’ in Hindi, it’s no surprise that this Indian classic boasts a rich and creamy flavor. To savor the real deal, head to Punjab in northern India.
Vada Pav: Hailing from Maharashtra, a predominantly vegetarian state, vada pav is India’s answer to veggie burgers. This delight for carb enthusiasts consists of a deep-fried potato dumpling tucked inside a small bun. Accompanied by chutneys and a green chili, vada pav caters to the spice-loving taste buds of Indians across the nation. Often referred to as a “Bombay burger,” these petite potato buns can be found at street food stalls throughout Mumbai.
Stuffed Paratha: Punjab’s culinary heritage goes beyond dal makhani. Frequently enjoyed at the beginning of the day, stuffed parathas are hailed as the breakfast of champions in northern India. The term “paratha” is derived from the Sanskrit word “atta,” signifying ‘layers of cooked dough,’ and these dishes live up to their name. After allowing the dough to rest overnight, parathas are made by cooking it on a griddle before shallow frying. Parathas can be filled with a variety of ingredients, but favorites include aloo paratha (stuffed with potatoes) and methi paratha (stuffed with fenugreek)
Dhokla: Celebrated as a regional dish in northwest India, dhokla is a savory vegetarian snack made from rice and split chickpeas. It’s far tastier than it might sound. Gujaratis enjoy it for breakfast, lunch, as a snack, or a side dish. Preparing dhokla involves soaking an equal quantity of rice and split chickpeas overnight, followed by the addition of chili, coriander, ginger, and baking soda to add spice and create delightful bite-sized morsels. Typically served with deep-fried chili and coriander chutney, this Gujarati delicacy is incredibly moreish.
Barfi: While the term “barfi” can refer to various Indian sweets, the traditional type is milk barfi. These milk-based sweets are crafted from milk powder, condensed milk, ghee, and cardamom powder. While they may not align with health-conscious goals, these indulgent, fragrant desserts are sure to bring a smile to anyone who tries them. They are often gifted as tokens of good luck at occasions like wedding ceremonies.
Pani Puri: Originating from the northern state of Bihar, pani puri (also known as gol guppa) is a beloved street snack. These hollow, deep-fried balls, made from semolina or wheat, are served with spicy potatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind water. Eating pani puri is an experience in itself, involving cracking open the top of the fried shell with a spoon before filling it with the delectable accompaniments. This renowned street snack unites people from all walks of life across India.
Idli: A favorite across South India, idli is often considered the breakfast counterpart to dosa. These light, savory rice cakes are made by steaming a batter consisting of fermented black lentils and rice. While idli on their own are relatively plain, they are typically served with sambar, coconut-based chutneys, or spicy fish curries. Over the years, idli has evolved into various varieties, ensuring there’s something to suit every palate.
Masala Chai: India’s most famous export, masala chai is ubiquitous, served everywhere from high-end restaurants to chaiwallas at train stations. While diluted versions of this classic Indian tea exist globally, the authentic version can only be found in India. Authentic masala chai is prepared by brewing black tea on the stove with a blend of aromatic spices and herbs, such as green cardamom pods, cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and black pepper, resulting in a wonderfully aromatic cup of tea. There’s nothing quite like sipping a hot cup of authentic masala chai to kickstart your day!
2 thoughts on “Top 10 dishes of traditional Indian food”