Winter Special Foods From Across India That Warm You Inside Out

By Aditi Saraswat

January 7, 2026

The winter season brings dishes rich in warmth, nutrition, and the regional goodness of food. These seasonal recipes comfort the body while honouring local flavours.

Sarson Ka Saag & Makki Roti (Punjab)

Slow-cooked sarso is blended with bold spices and finished off with butter. Pair it with makki roti, and this winter staple delivers flavours, warmth, and nutrition perfect for cold winters.

Bajra Khichdi (Rajasthan)

It is a hearty one-pot dish prepared with pearl millet (bajra), moong dal, and ghee. Bajra khichdi is filling and suits perfectly for cold desert nights in Rajasthan.

Undhiyu (Gujarat)

This is a mixed vegetable curry prepared with winter produce. Slow-cooked with basic kitchen spices, undhiyu celebrates seasonal abundance and nourishment at its best.

Pathar Ke Kebab (Hyderabad)

The minced meat is directly cooked on a heated stone slab. It is a unique winter delicacy that develops smoky flavours without using oil, making it rich, soft, and extremely satisfying.

Pakhala Bhata (Odisha)

Fermented rice is served with sautéed spinach and other accompaniments. During winter, it is comforting and helps in digestion while keeping the body warm and nourished from within.

Kozhi Varutharacha Curry (Kerala)

Chicken is cooked in a roasted coconut and spice paste. Though tropical, this curry is loved for its warming spices and deep flavours.