When your taste buds are craving something delicious and flavourful, it’s a sign for you to indulge in some rich cuisine. Whenever there is a conversation about spices, flavors, and a fine culinary experience, it is incomplete without mentioning Indian food. From the mouth-watering street side delicacies to the extravagant festive delights, every element of Indian food is a novelty. Just like its cultural and regional diversity, the cuisine from every part of the nation brings a unique blend of flavors, spices, and ingredients. So, if you are ready to satiate your cravings with a culinary selection, let’s take you on a journey of the best Indian foods you must try.
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Table of Contents
Palak Paneer
Finding its roots in the northwestern part of India, Palak Paneer is among the many amazing dishes from Punjab. With the rich consistency of pureed spinach, the gravy is cooked with aromatic spices, garlic, fresh cream, and paneer. With each household using a unique combination of homemade spices, every dish is different, yet equally tasty.
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Biryani
Though the origin of biryani is unclear and has numerous variations served across the country, Hyderabadi Biryani is a must-have. The Hyderabadi biryani combines juicy and tender meat with a savory collection of spices that gives it an iconic flavor. Spice and yogurt marinated meat along with nuts, caramelized onions, saffron, and herbs, and the complex cooking process makes Biryani, the gem it is.
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Masala Dosa
While we are exploring the southern lands, let’s go further down to Tamil Nadu, where another dish is in the making. Made with fermented lentils, soaked rice, and some skillfulness, masala dosa is one of the dishes that are worth the wait. Crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside, the dosa can be stuffed with an assortment of veggies or mixtures. Complemented with Sambar, a soupy preparation with veggies and spices, and chutneys – coconut, tomato, mint, chilly, or garlic, it is a wholesome experience.
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Vada Pav
While the West has its burgers and patties, India has its desi Vada Pav, and so much better. Mostly seen as a street food, Vada Pav is a delicious snack made with a bun, potato patty, and a bunch of condiments. Although it has the simplest of ingredients, once you take a bite, the complexity of its flavors will leave your tastebuds flabbergasted.
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Pani Puri
A street-side favorite all over the country, Pani Puri is a hollow shell stuffed with different fillings and sauces. To top it off, there are an astonishing number of options for flavored water to choose from. Though, it’s a challenge to stuff the entire thing in your mouth in one go, once you do, it cracks open and releases the spicy, tangy, and sweet flavours all at once. If you are someone who needs this experience, Pani Puri is a must.
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Gulab Jamun
After the spicy experience, it’s time to have a break and switch gears to something sweeter. Picking up from the Indian platter of desserts, we have the soft and sweet Gulab Jamun. The fried and caramelized curd balls, are soaked in a sugary syrup of honey, sugar, and saffron and served hot. And as soon as you put it in your mouth, it melts and diffuses its flavors, for that “Mmm” moment.
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Samosa
The most popular tea-time snack and common street food are the hot and sizzling samosas with tamarind and mint chutney. A delectable and savory snack stuffed with spicy potatoes, peas, and spices and rolled into its iconic shape. Finally deep fried to give its signature crispy golden brown look and served for you to dig right in.
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Chana Bhatura
A classic all-time street food that you can have for any meal when you are craving something tasty and filling. A flavourful chickpea side made with spices, fried potatoes, chilies, and pickles along with fried bread (Bhatura) perfect for breakfast, lunch, or evening snacks.
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Rajma Chawal
While you are roaming the streets of Delhi and are looking for a nice and warm meal to satiate your hunger, Rajma Chawal is the way to go. Rajma is a gravy made of kidney beans cooked in tomato and onion puree and a variety of household spices. To add more flavors, people often add bay leaves, ginger, cinnamon, and coriander. It is served with steamed rice and homemade pickles. A perfect meal for a cool afternoon.
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Dal Makhani
If we have mentioned Rajma, there is no way you can skip Dal Makhani. A similar blend to Rajma, Dal Makhani is made with black lentils with a slightly smoky flavor. Made with a small portion of kidney beans and Urad dal, cooked in butter and yogurt, and served with regional flatbreads.
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Masala Chai
There is no better way to conclude a meal than sipping over a cup of hot masala tea. A specialty, mainly in the northern parts of India, masala tea is a simple milk tea with a twist. Adding a concoction of ground spices like cardamom, black pepper, ginger, and a few other regional specials.
It’s no surprise that you are already searching for Indian food near me, after all these mouthwatering delicacies are hard to resist.
