by Indian cuisine is known for its rich and flavorful dishes that are influenced by a diverse range of cultural and historical traditions. From fragrant curries to juicy tandoori chicken, there are many delicious and unique dishes to choose from. If you’ve never tried Indian food, then now is the perfect time to start exploring this diverse and flavorful cuisine. Here are five of the best Indian dishes that you should try.
What we will cover:
Northern vs. Southern Indian Foods
Indian cuisine is vast and diverse, with regional cuisines varying greatly in ingredients, flavors, and cooking styles. Northern and southern Indian cuisines are two distinct regional cuisines with unique characteristics.
Northern Indian cuisine is characterized by its rich, creamy sauces and an emphasis on meat-based dishes. Tandoori dishes, such as tandoori chicken, are also a staple in northern Indian cuisine, as the tandoor oven is a traditional cooking method in the region. In addition, northern Indian cuisine is known for its use of spices, such as cumin, coriander, and garam masala, to add flavor to dishes. Common northern Indian dishes include Butter Chicken, Keema, and Biryani.
Southern Indian cuisine, on the other hand, is characterized by its use of coconut and tamarind, which add a sweet and sour flavor to dishes. In southern Indian food, rice is a staple, and dishes are often served with chutneys and spice blends that add flavor. The region is also known for its vegetarian cuisine, with dishes such as Sambar, Dosas, and Idlis being popular choices. There are also many seafood dishes in southern Indian food, like Fish Curry, which are popular in coastal areas.
In terms of cooking methods, northern Indian cuisine often uses a lot of ghee or clarified butter, which gives dishes a rich and creamy flavor. Southern Indian cuisine, on the other hand, makes use of coconut oil, which gives dishes a lighter and more fragrant flavor.
5 Best Indian Dishes You Need to Explore
Butter Chicken:
Butter chicken is a popular and rich dish made with tender chicken chunks cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. This dish is made with a mixture of spices, including ginger, garlic, and garam masala, which give it a complex and satisfying flavor. Serve butter chicken with basmati rice or naan bread for an unforgettable meal.
Biryani:
Biryani is a flavorful and aromatic dish made with layers of basmati rice and spices, along with your choice of meat or vegetables. This dish is often cooked in a sealed pot, allowing the flavors to meld together and create a delicious and satisfying meal. Biryani is perfect for special occasions or when you’re looking for a comforting and filling meal.
Chana Masala:
Chana masala is a spicy and flavorful dish made with chickpeas simmered in a fragrant tomato-based sauce. This dish is often served with rice or roti and is perfect for those looking for a vegetarian option. The combination of spices and chickpeas creates a delicious and satisfying meal that is both flavorful and filling.
Tandoori Chicken:
Tandoori chicken is a classic Indian dish made with chicken that is marinated in a mixture of spices and yogurt, then roasted in a tandoor oven. The high heat of the tandoor oven creates a juicy and flavorful chicken that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Serve tandoori chicken with a side of naan bread and a tangy mint chutney for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Samosas:
Samosas is considered one if the best Indian dishes. It’s a snack made with a crispy pastry filled with a mixture of spices and your choice of filling, such as potatoes or meat. These triangular-shaped treats are often deep-fried, giving them a crispy and flaky exterior while the filling remains hot and flavorful. Samosas are perfect for a quick and satisfying snack or as an appetizer to a larger meal.
You Need to Know, And Love the Indian Streetfood Called “Chaat”
Chaat is a popular street food in India that locals and tourists enjoy. It’s a delicious and flavorful snack that typically consists of a mixture of crunchy and tangy ingredients, including spiced potatoes, chickpeas, chutneys, and spices. The ingredients are typically arranged on a bed of crisp and flaky puri, a deep-fried bread that adds a satisfying crunch.
The flavors in chaat are bold and intense, with the tangy and sweet chutneys balancing out the spiciness of the other ingredients. There are dozens of variations of this popular street food. The result is a delicious and satisfying snack that will please any palate. Whether looking for a quick and tasty bite on the go or a satisfying snack during a break, chaat is a must-try for anyone visiting India.
Final Thoughts About The Best Indian Dishes You Should Know About
Indian food has a lot of unique and tasty dishes that will please even the pickiest eaters. From rich and creamy butter chicken to spicy and flavorful chana masala, there are many dishes to choose from. Whether you’re looking for a vegetarian option or a hearty meat-based dish, Indian cuisine has something for everyone. So, next time you want to try something new, consider exploring the rich and flavorful world of Indian cuisine.
