Top 10 Foods to Try When Visiting India

Indian food is divine but it can be hard for you to order if you’re unfamiliar with the dishes. We will help you order the 10 best foods to try when in India. You may visit Ghatkopar Khau Galli to try some of India’s best street food.

Foods to Try When Visiting India

1. Dal Tadka

The traditional dal is cooked with burnt charcoal to give it a rich smoky flavour. It involves a simple process of steaming the dal, seasoning and tempering it with spices such as ghee, garlic, cumin, and vegetables. Packed with protein, it can be paired with most types of bread ranging from a simple Tawa roti to piping hot naan.

Foods to Try When Visiting India

2. Butter Chicken

This is one of the most popular Indian foods that you must try if you’re a non-vegetarian. Originating in the Northern Indian state of Punjab, it’s made its way to restaurants across the globe. Chicken is cooked and added to a delicious tomato curry and goes well with both bread and rice.

Foods to Try When Visiting India

3. Chaat

If you visit India, don’t shy away from indulging in street food. Chaat is a broad term that has several dishes under its umbrella such as Samosa Chaat, Aloo Chaat, Pani Puri, Bhel Puri, etc.

Foods to Try When Visiting India

4. Samosa

Classic, hearty samosas are not to be missed. They differ in fillings, size, and shape according to region but are delicious no matter where you eat them at.

Featuring a crusty exterior that’s deep-fried, they’re filled with a variety of vegetables such as lentils, potatoes and even meat with seasoning. They’re served with spicy chutneys and sauce which compliments the samosa well.

Foods to Try When Visiting India

5. Masala Chai

Next is not a food item but a beverage. One of the classic and traditional staples of India, Masala Chai is prepared using fresh tea leaves. Leaves are steeped in hot water and mixed with grated ginger, cardamom seeds and black pepper. This gives a hint of spiciness. Following the brewing process, milk is added and is often served with snacks.

Foods to Try When Visiting India

6. Tandoori Chicken

Pieces of chicken are marinated for a few hours in a tandoori masala and yoghurt mix. It’s then baked in a tandoor until crisp and is served with sliced onions and lemon wedges.

7. Matar Paneer

The main ingredients of this dish are peas and cottage cheese. It’s a flavorful dish that’s made in tomato gravy with a blend of ground spices. You can eat it with anything ranging from roti and naan to plain rice and biryani.

8. Dhokla

Originated in Gujarat, Dhoklas are made using a fermented batter that’s made of rice and split chickpeas. They can literally be earthen for any course from breakfast and snacks to the main course!

Soft, fluffy dhoklas are served with sweet tamarind chutney and spicy mint chutney.

9. Vada Pav

A deep-fried potato fritter is placed between two pieces of bread i.e. the pav. Onion slices and spicy mint chutney are added between the slices to add more flavour. It almost looks like a burger (but trust me, it tastes even better!)

If you can handle the spice, eat them with fried green chillies for an instant burst of flavour.

10. Rogan Josh

Originating in Kashmir, Rogan Josh has Mulsim influences. It’s a meat curry that features lumps of red meat such as goat or lamb. They are flavoured by Kashmiri chillies and alkanet roots or flowers.

There you have it, Top 10 Foods to Try When Visiting India. All of the dishes will definitely have you wanting more. Have you tried any of these dishes before? Which ones do you want to try now? Tell us in the comments section below!

About the Author

Shristi Patni is a content writer and owner of F and B Recipes. She enjoys writing about Intuitive Counseling and Spiritual Mind Treatment. Formerly the Chief Content Officer at Raletta, she is currently working on her second cookbook.

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12 comments

  1. Thank you so much for these top 10 foods recommendation to try if we visit india. One thing I love is trying different kind of foods from different cuisine. I really love it.

  2. ang sasarap naman po ng mga foods sa india must try talaga ang mga ito and sure na mag eenjoy ka sa food lalo na sa mga spicy lovers kasi mukang mahilig po sila sa maanghang ☺️

  3. I try the No’s. 2, 4, 6, 7, and 8 and All this Food was Spicy Here.. but Also The taste Was good, Specially the Chicken Masala. THE no. 1 Foos From India, Kaya Highly Recommended po talaga to dito sa Saudi.. Any Idnian Restaurant here…

  4. Wow ang sasarap ng mga foods nila . Hndi ko oa ito na try . Lalo na ung matar paneer . Muka tlga siyng masarap ang gnda pa ng presentation nila ?❤️

  5. Wow I haven’t tried any of these yet, I wanna try po, these all looks delicious and flavorful.

  6. Hi Karla, I would like suggest many more foods to try when visiting India. For e.x – Shahi Paneer (One of my favorite), Mix Vegetables, Gol Gappa, Idly Dosa and the list continues. In fact every state has their specialty that a whole book on every state food could be written on it.

      1. You are most welcome Karla, stay safe. One more tip – don’t forget to visit Delhi’s Chandni Chowk to try Rabri Jalebi and Parantha’s ?

  7. Not usually a fan of Curry’s po pero as you give these ten indian foods im curious pa din po sa lasa nila lalo na nadescribed niyo po mga ingredients ng bawat dish po. Big help po mga recommended dish niyo po para atleast kung may pagkakataon na may mapuntahan or may friend na kami n naghahanap ng mga best indian foods din ay may maishare din kami na ganitong blog po❤️

  8. Nice to know these Indian foods very unique especially for Filipino. Looks so yummy!

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