Top 25 Famous Dishes in India to Try

Are you also a foodie just like me, then this article is definitely for you. India is a country with a vibrant and diverse culture, offering several various flavors and dishes that attract food lovers across the globe. Traditional Indian food is famous for its excellent use of herbs and spices, presenting numerous deep-fried snacks, pastries, curries, gravies, sauces, rice dishes, tandoor-cooked meats, vegetable dishes, chutneys, breads, and sweets. This 5000-year-old culinary heritage reflects the melding of various cultures, resulting in distinctive regional cuisines that range from the vegetarian delights of the northern states to the spicy, flavor-rich dishes of the south.

Let’s start on the culinary journey through the famous dishes in India, perfect for dinner, breakfast, snacks, and also lunch. Indian cuisine, often regarded as the national food of India, offers an unparalleled experience with its ingenious combination of spices and very careful preparation methods. This rich culinary background not only defines the national dish of India but also attracts tourists from around the globe, eager to savor the unique and mouthwatering flavors that Indian dishes promise.

Top Famous Dishes in India – Must Try

1. Biriyani – Best & Must Try Food of India

Biryani is not just an Indian dish it’s an emotion. It is one of the famous dishes from the Mughal Empire era and is a masterpiece among famous dishes in India. Its primary ingredients include aromatic basmati rice, a blend of spices, and a base of meat, eggs, or vegetables, often complemented by dried fruits, nuts, and yogurt. Legend has it that Mumtaz Mahal, the beloved queen of Emperor Shah Jahan, inspired this traditional Indian meal in the 1600s. 

Biryani is a symbol of Indian traditional food, Biryani showcases the fragrant basmati rice seasoned with saffron, herbs, onions, garlic, beans, and cardamom, then cooked to perfection with chicken, goat, or lamb. There is a variety of Birayni starting from normal chicken biryani, Hyderabadi biryani, Mutton biryani, etc, there are also varieties in Veg biryanis – Aloo Dum biryani, paneer biryani, and many more. This Indian famous dish is often enjoyed with curd and roasted eggplant, adding a unique flavor to this exquisite mixed rice dish.

2. Naan with Butter Chicken – The Authentic Indian Cuisine

Butter Chicken is celebrated usually by pairing it with Butter Naan in Indian cuisine, one of the most famous dishes in India. This popular duo highlights the richness and diversity of the food of India. Naan, a beloved flatbread known for its chewy texture, is made from white flour, yeast, eggs, milk, salt, and sugar, and is baked to perfection in a tandoor oven. Its distinctive tear-drop shape forms as the dough droops while cooking on the tandoor walls or pan.

Butter Chicken originated in Delhi during the 1950s, and features tender chicken pieces enveloped in a mildly spiced tomato puree. Traditionally cooked in a tandoor, the dish begins with boiling fresh tomatoes, garlic, and cardamom into a bright red pulp, which is then pureed. The addition of butter, various spices, and thick fresh cream creates a rich and flavorful gravy. This iconic combination perfectly showcases the aromatic flavors and techniques defining Indian food.

Suggestive Read: Top 10 Popular Tea Brands in India

3. Masala Dosa – One of the Authentic South Indian Dishes

The traditional southern Indian dish known as masala dosa is one of the famous dishes in India. It is made from a fermented batter of soaked rice and black lentils, enriched with fenugreek seeds for a distinctive golden-brown color and crispy texture, this light meal from South India is enjoyed everywhere in India. Masala dosa, one of the most popular South Indian breakfast items, is baked on a hot oiled pan into a thin pancake and often stuffed with a savory mix of potatoes, onions, and mustard seeds, then garnished with grated coconut and chopped coriander. This originated in Delhi during the 1950s, this quick snack or breakfast delight has become one of the most famous dishes in India, showcasing the rich flavors of Indian traditional food and the unique taste of South Indian dishes.

4. Rogan Josh – Traditional Indian Meal

Rogan Josh is the best dish among the famous dishes in India, particularly famous and popular in Kashmiri cuisine. This aromatic dish, originally brought to Kashmir by the Mughals and influenced by Persian cuisine, is a main traditional Kashmiri multicourse meal known as wazwan. Made with cooked lamb chunks, and then it is cooked to perfection in a rich gravy of sauteed brown onions, yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a medley of aromatic spices.

Indian cuisine food lovers just love Rogan Josh for its brilliant vibrant red color, achieved through the liberal use of dried Kashmiri chilies. To develop its rich, signature color and tender meat, Rogan Josh is stewed slowly, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. This dish stands out as a quintessential example of the rich, flavorful foods of India, making any Indian meal truly unforgettable.

5. Paratha – Food of India

Paratha is a beloved, flaky, and golden-brown Indian bread, often enjoyed for breakfast across the Indian subcontinent. Made from whole wheat or maida flour and baked in ghee, this traditional Indian dish can take on a variety of shapes—round, triangular, square, or hexagonal. Thicker and more substantial than naan or chapati, paratha is prepared through a lamination technique that involves coating the dough with ghee or oil and folding it repeatedly, much like puff pastry.

Parathas are not only famous dishes in India but also a top food of India. They can be layered or stuffed with a variety of ingredients, such as spiced vegetables, potatoes, lentils, or paneer. Often accompanied by pickles, yogurt, and homemade chutneys, and sometimes served as a side to meat and vegetable curries, parathas make for a delightful meal. In Punjab, they are typically enjoyed with lassi, a popular yogurt-based drink, highlighting the rich and diverse foods of India.

6. Samosa – Famous Dish in India

Samosas are a traditional Indian snack and one of the most famous dishes in India. These golden-brown pastry triangles are deep-fried or baked to perfection and come with a variety of savory fillings. The traditional filling includes spiced potatoes, onions, peas, and lentils. You can try it with different fillings such as ground lamb, beef, or chicken are also popular. Served hot and accompanied by chopped onions, and yogurt. Or homemade chutneys made from mint, coriander, or tamarind, samosas are a delightful treat. The best time to have this hot samosa is as an evening snack with your tea. 

7. Thali Traditional Indian Dish

Thali is one of the most iconic and famous dishes in India, offering a delicious introduction to Indian cuisine food. This traditional meal is a round platter featuring an array of small bowls, each holding a different dish that represents the perfect balance of flavors—sweet, salty, bitter, sour, astringent, and spicy. Typical components include Basmati rice, Naan bread, bean curry, pickles, potatoes, yogurt, chutney, and a sweet dish, all organized and arranged around the tray. Thali is more than just a meal; it covers the diverse and rich food of India, providing a culinary experience that reflects the country’s vibrant heritage and regional variations.

8. Vada Pav  – Most Preferred Street Food in India

Vada Pav is a very much loved vegetarian fast food dish native to Maharashtra and is among the most famous dishes in India. This iconic street food, also known as the Bombay Burger is made from deep-fried potato dumplings (vada) tucked inside a soft bread bun (pav), accompanied by chutneys and green chili pepper. Originating from Mumbai, it was created by Ashok Vaidya in the sixties to feed hungry workers near Dadar train station. August 23 is celebrated as World Vada Pav Day.

Suggestive Read: Best Healthy Snacks to Keep You Active

9. Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun, one of the most famous dishes in Indian desserts, captures the essence of India’s rich and delicious cuisine. These mouthwatering fried dough balls are made from milk and flour kneaded into a dough, shaped into small spheres, and deep-fried in ghee or oil. Once golden brown, they are soaked in a sweet, thick syrup infused with saffron, green cardamom, and rose water, giving them a delicate rose flavor—hence the name “Gulab” (rose) and “Jamun” (a berry similar in size and color). Often garnished with dried nuts, Gulab Jamun is a yummy treat that showcases the sweetness and detailed flavors of Indian cuisine. 

10. Shahi Paneer

Shahi Paneer, a jewel of Indian cuisine, originated from the royal Mughlai culinary tradition. This rich and hearty cheese curry is made with paneer cheese, onions, almond paste, and a luxurious tomato-cream sauce, making it one of the most famous dishes in India. Typically served with Indian breads like naan, roti, or puri, and garnished with fresh coriander leaves. Shahi Paneer exemplifies the diverse and flavorful foods of India. Perfect for dinner, this dish is prepared by blending tomatoes, onions, ground cashews, butter, and cream into a tasty yummy curry, with paneer cubes. And a variety of spices add the final touch. Indian food pictures often capture the vibrant and mouthwatering essence of Shahi Paneer, showcasing the rich culinary heritage of Indian cuisine. 

11. Idli – Famous South Indian Dish

India’s traditional food, idli, is cherished for its taste and simplicity. It’s a delicious Indian cake that’s popular all over the country and a breakfast food in South Indian homes. Idli is a rice and lentil batter that is steamed to a fluffy perfection. These delicious cakes are usually served hot with other delicious sides like chutneys or sambar. Idli is a popular choice for breakfast as well as a pleasant complement to any Indian dinner table because it represents the rich and expanding offers of Indian cuisine.

12. Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori Chicken is one of the most famous dishes in India. This popular food of India features marinated, spiced chicken roasted in a tandoor, a cylindrical clay oven. Originating in the Indian subcontinent, Tandoori Chicken gained worldwide fame thanks to the Moti Mahal restaurant in New Delhi in the late 1940s. The chicken’s distinctive red color comes from yogurt and spices, creating succulent, smoky-flavored meat. As a staple in Indian cuisine, Tandoori Chicken is a beloved choice for Indian dishes for dinner, showcasing the rich flavors of food of India.

13. Malai Kofta

Malai Kofta is a beloved North Indian comfort food made with kofta, which is fried potato-paneer dumplings. These dumplings are served in a rich, creamy sauce that can either be a lightly colored cream sauce or a spicier orange curry with tomatoes and red chilies. As one of the famous dishes in India, Malai Kofta showcases the diverse flavors of Indian cuisine. This delicious food of India is perfect for Indian dishes for dinner, offering a taste of the rich and varied foods of India.

14. Rasmalai – Must Try Indian Food/Dessert

Ras Malai is a famous dish in India, originating from West Bengal and attributed to the renowned Bengali confectioner, Krishna Chandra Das from Kolkata. This delicious Indian dessert consists of creamy, flattened dough balls made from Indian cottage cheese, soaked in thick, sweetened condensed milk. Flavored with cardamom or rose water and often garnished with saffron, almonds, or pistachios, Ras Malai is a beloved part of Indian cuisine food. Spongy, soft, and aromatic, it is typically served chilled and enjoyed during festivals like Holi and Diwali. This delightful food of India is a testament to the rich culinary traditions of Indian cuisine, making it a must-try among the many foods of India, especially as an indulgent treat after Indian dishes for dinner.

16. Pani Puri – Popular Dish in India

Pani Puri is a unique Indian street food experience and one of the famous dishes in India. How can we even forget pani puri in the list of Indian dishes? It originated in the northeastern state of Bihar, this mouthwatering snack is an interactive treat. You start by using your thumb to poke a hole in a round, hollow puri. Then, it’s filled with flavored mint water called pani, then with chili powder, chaat masala, tamarind chutney, potatoes, chickpeas, or onions. The spices and fillings vary across different regions, making each bite a new adventure. Pop the entire puri in your mouth to enjoy an explosion of vibrant flavors and textures. Pani Puri is a beloved part of Indian cuisine, perfect for dinner or any time you crave the rich, diverse food of India. 

17. Chole Bhature – Famous Indian Cuisine Food

Chole Bhature is another famous dish in India, very famous in the northern regions. This classic Indian cuisine food features spicy chickpeas (chana masala) paired with puffed, deep-fried bread (bhatura). Often enjoyed for breakfast, as a street food snack, or as a hearty dinner, Chole Bhature represents the rich and diverse food of India. Served with onions, pickled vegetables, or chutneys, this dish is a staple in Indian cuisine and a beloved example of the delicious foods of India.

18. Lassi

Lassi, a refreshing yogurt-based drink, is one of the famous dishes in India, originating from Punjab. Traditionally served in a handle-less clay cup called a kulhad, it is blended with water and various fruits or seasonings. There are many varieties of lassi, from the salty traditional version to Egyptian fennel. To the modern sweet versions mixed with yogurt, sugar, rose water, and fruits like mango, banana, or peach. This creamy beverage is a perfect addition to spicy Indian cuisine food. Offering a delicately sweet and tangy way to cool down. Enjoyed widely, it is a beloved part of the food of India, showcasing the diversity of Indian cuisine.

Suggestive Read: 13 Best Oils for Cooking in India

19. Vindaloo

Vindaloo is a spicy and flavorful curry dish that hails from Goa and the Konkan region, making it a prominent part of famous dishes in India. Originally inspired by the Portuguese dish carne de vinha d’alhos, meaning meat marinated in wine vinegar and garlic, Vindaloo has evolved into a beloved Indian cuisine staple. It typically features marinated pork, although variations with chicken, beef, mutton, or paneer are also popular. This fiery dish is renowned for its blend of Indian spices like tamarind, cinnamon, cardamom, and hot chilis, creating a bold and aromatic flavor profile. Vindaloo remains a highlight on menus worldwide, cherished for its robust taste and contribution to the diverse food of India.

20. Kachori

Indian cuisine’s favorite deep-fried snack, kachori, is famous for its tasty contents and crispy coating. Prepared from a delicate flour dough, it contains a flavorful blend of lentils, beans, vegetables, or onions, enhanced by a spicy chutney or rich sauce. All around India, this well-liked roadside snack is available in a variety of forms. Such as Dal Kachori and Khasta Kachori, each with a distinct filling and flavor. Indian cuisine is known throughout the world for its great variety of mouthwatering dishes, of which kachori is one among them.

21. Masala Tea – Popular Hot Drink of India

Masala chai is a beloved beverage in India. Which has a history spanning over 5000 years and is cherished for its distinct flavor profile, often preferred over coffee. This iconic Indian drink combines black tea with a blend of traditional spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and black peppercorns. To prepare masala chai, milk is first simmered in a pot with sugar and water to achieve a creamy consistency. Then, tea leaves are added and steeped, infusing the brew with robust flavors. The final touch includes crushed ginger, which adds a spicy kick to the tea, making it a delightful choice for tea enthusiasts and a quintessential part of Indian cuisine.

22. Malabar Fish Curry

Malabar Fish Curry is a celebrated dish that originated from the coastal region of Malabar in Kerala, a gem in famous Indian cuisine. This flavorsome curry traditionally features seer, sea bass, tilapia, or sardines, cooked with a blend of onions, tomatoes, hot chili peppers, chili powder, curry leaves, coriander, turmeric, garlic, fenugreek, and tamarind. The key to its creamy texture lies in the addition of coconut milk. Which enriches the dish with a luscious, velvety consistency. Infused with deep and earthy Indian spices like fried curry leaves and tamarind. Malabar Fish Curry offers a delightful taste of Kerala’s culinary prowess.

23. Chaat

Chaat is a beloved category of Indian street food that encompasses a wide variety of snacks and small meals. It blends sweet, salty, spicy, and sour flavors into a delightful burst of taste and texture. Typically enjoyed as a snack or combined with other dishes for a larger meal. Chaat features aromatic spices and tangy sauces. Found across India at street stalls known as chaatwallas, these dishes range from stuffed breads to deep-fried pastries. Each offers a unique culinary experience that reflects the rich diversity of Indian cuisine.

24. Uttapam – Popular South Indian Cuisine

Uttapam is a beloved and traditional South Indian dish, often enjoyed for breakfast. These savory pancakes are crafted from a batter of fermented rice and lentils. Which makes them naturally gluten-free, vegan, and packed with protein. Uttapam is characterized by its optional toppings of assorted vegetables, spices, and herbs, adding a burst of flavor and texture. Served with chutney, sambar, podi, or pickle, Uttapam offers a delightful combination of salty and spicy flavors. Over time, innovative variations like tomato uttapam and cheese uttapam have emerged. By showcasing the versatility of this iconic Indian dish within the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine.

25. Puttu and Kadala Curry

Puttu and Kadala Curry are delicious breakfast delicacies from Kerala, South India, celebrated for their unique flavors and cultural significance. This food puttu is a steamed rice dish, shaped like cylinders using metal cylinders, making it unique. It is often served alongside Kadala Curry, a flavorful curry made from black chickpeas. Along with coconut milk, curry leaves, and a blend of spices including mustard seeds, red chili, onions, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. This dish is garnished with grated coconut and is traditionally enjoyed with ripe bananas on the side. Famous for their simplicity yet rich taste. Puttu and Kadala Curry exemplify the essence of Indian cuisine, particularly cherished in the southern regions for its traditional flavors and nutritional value.

Suggestive Read: 10 Best Selling Namkeen Brands in India

Conclusion

Exploring the top 25 famous dishes in India reveals a culinary journey rich in diversity, flavor, and cultural heritage. From the aromatic biryanis of Hyderabad to the fiery curries of Kerala, each dish embodies the essence of Indian cuisine. Which is celebrated across the world for its detailed blend of spices and vibrant regional variations. Whether tasting these dishes for dinner or experiencing them as part of India’s national food identity. Where, every bite tells a story of tradition, innovation, and the unifying power of food. Enjoy the flavors of India, where every meal is an invitation to explore centuries of culinary mastery and cultural exchange.