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India is home to some of the best food in the world. From south to north, east to west, each region and community has its own signature dishes that are worth trying. India is known for its variety of foods. The spicy flavors of various chaats, the savory dosas, the sweet desserts, and so much more are available at every street corner and restaurant across India. Here is our list of the top 10 foods foreign visitors should never miss in India:
1. Dosa
Dosa is the most popular South Indian breakfast, loved by Indians and foreigners visiting the country. It is made from a batter of urad dal and rice that is allowed to ferment for a few hours. It is cooked in a round shape on a flat griddle on medium heat. It is stuffed with vegetables, coconut, and other ingredients and usually served with a coconut chutney, sambar, and spicy chutneys. Dosa is very rich in B vitamins, minerals, and protein. When you are traveling in India, you must try this dish at least once.
2. Samosa
This savory fried dish is one of the most popular street foods in India. It is made from a dough stuffed with potatoes, peas, onions, and spices. There are many varieties of samosas across the country, but one thing they all have in common is that they are best when served with a spicy chutney. To avoid getting sick, visitors should eat at a reputed restaurant and stick to the more traditional samosa variants, which are potato-only.
3. Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is a dish made up of bread rolls and vegetables. Butter is liberally used in making this dish, which is said to be extremely popular in Mumbai and Gujarat. The vegetable mix is made of potato, carrots, capsicum, green peas, tomato, onion, etc., which are cooked in butter with a special pav bhaji masala. To enjoy the best pav bhaji, one must go to Mumbai’s Chowpatty area, where it is sold on the beach and also in several restaurants around there.
4. Stuffed Paratha
Stuffed parathas are another Indian breakfast item every foreigner should try while in the country. Stuffed parathas are made from all-purpose flour, and the stuffing can be anything from cheese to vegetables to chicken, etc. It is usually served with a cup of tea, a cup of lassi, or a cup of masala tea. Stuffed parathas are quite filling and rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. This traditional food is sold across the country.
5. Haleem
Haleem is an old Persian dish that is popular in many parts of India. However, Hyderabadis claim it as their own, and they prepare it with love and care. It is a mix of meat, wheat, cardamom, and black pepper. It is best eaten with a side of rice. If you’re in Hyderabad during the Ramadan period, you will find food being prepared all around the city. It is also available all year in restaurants there.
6. Biryani and chole
Biryani is one of the beloved dishes of Indians and is available in many variants. It is a rice dish that is served with meat cooked in flavorful spices. The biryani is generally cooked in a clay pot, but now one can find biryani prepared in pressure cookers across the country. Some of the biryani variants available are Mutton biryani, Chicken biryani, Lamb biryani, Fish biryani, Prawn biryani, Vegetable biryani, Paneer biryani, and more. Biryani tastes best when it is served with raita or a thin yogurt salad.
7. Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is a dish popular in the Indian subcontinent but now eaten worldwide. It is a dry-roasted chicken (or sometimes mutton) that is usually served with tandoori roti (flat bread). The tandoor is a cylindrical clay oven that is used for grilling chicken. The pieces of chicken are usually doused in marinade and grilled to perfection. They are juicy and tender, and they are eaten along with onion slices and green chutney.
8. Rice Kheer
Kheer, a milky sweet dish, is loved by most Indians. It is made from rice and is often served with pistachios, almonds, or cashews. There are many varieties of kheer, and they are best when they are served warm. This is traditionally a South Indian wedding dessert called Payasam and is relished after a heavy, spicy meal. To make rice kheer, milk and sugar are simmered with overcooked rice for a long time. Once it turns a brownish color, it's ready to be served. Rice kheer is widely sold in many restaurants across India.
9. Pulao or Pilaf
Pulao is an Indian rice dish that is similar to continental pilafs, but it has a few unique Indian elements. It is usually served with various meat or non-vegetarian curries. Pulao is easy to make, but you need to be careful while handling it as it has a tendency to stick to the dish. It is normally made with basmati rice that has been washed, soaked, and then cooked with spices and herbs. It is usually served with curry and other dishes.
10. Rasgulla
You cannot miss the spongy rasgulla or rosogolla when visiting India. It is a popular Bengali dessert that is relished across the entire South Asian diaspora! Rasgulla is a soft round dumpling that is prepared from chenna, or cottage cheese, and semolina flour and cooked on low heat for hours in a cardamom-scented sugar syrup. It’s simply unmissable and a must-eat when you visit India.
India is a place where you can eat a wide variety of food. But you need to be careful about some foods that may be extra spicy. The foods listed above are mandatory for foreigners traveling through the country.
