Food is more than a way to sustain life. It is the way of feeling elated and raising your endorphin and dopamine levels. This is especially true for the Indians. They crave spicy, tangy, and flavourful meals. Regardless of how many cuisines you try, you end up falling back into the lap of Indian food. The richness of gravy and the aroma of whole spices can give you incomparable satisfaction. Every state you visit is imbibed with the rich history of food and flavours. You cannot forget the kebabs of Lucknow, chole bhature of Delhi, biryani of Hyderabad, and bombli fry of Mumbai. If this resonates with you and your heart is searching for the best Indian cuisine, you are in the perfect place.
India has a rich history of food, no doubt, and we are more than excited to share the details with you.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Indian Food History
Did you know?
Green peas, chickpeas, red lentils, and other pulses were brought to the Indus Valley Civilization from Western Asia in 4000 B.C. The archaeological spots were also filled with wheat and barley.
As the Indus Valley declined, the Vedic period emerged with the rule of Indo-Aryans. Dairy products like butter, milk, and curd took the reign.
This indicates the food history is 8,000 years old. Since then, various cultures and communities have introduced different products. It has led to the diversity that you witness today. As the communities settled in various parts of the country, they brought out their specialties. The location’s religion, culture, and tradition majorly influence its flavours. Their common ground remains the blending of spices for a unique aroma and a richness in texture.
Now you know why Indian food has gained such momentum across the world. Let’s get into the Indian cuisine types the country has to offer.
Different Types of Indian Cuisine
There are plenty of Indian restaurants everywhere, so what’s different about each? The kind of cuisine they offer. That’s right. Indian food is just like languages: There are too many to experiment with. Some people love going to a North Indian restaurant, while others like binging on South Indian dishes. There are several types of cuisines you can try within the Indian food culture scene.
List of Indian Cuisine
- Andhra
- Kerala
- North Indian
- Goan
- Kashmiri
- Punjabi
- Rajasthani
- Tamil
- Mughlai
- South Indian
- Indian Chinese
Cuisines are for the world to explore, but the street food of India is what pounds our hearts. They have something special we cannot resist. Why is that the case?
Indian Street Food: Why It Has Taken the Country by Storm?
Anywhere you go, you can find plenty of food stalls for snacking. Most stalls are set up amid busy markets and streets, giving vendors an opportunity to sell the delicacies. Their cooking methods and spicy flavours make even foreigners’ heartbeats sing. The street food culture of India is famous for its:
Variety: You will not regret visiting an Indian food stall, as there are always plenty of options. Specialties like vada pav, aloo tikki, pani puri, and samosa are perfect for snacking in the evening.
Taste: Street food is famous for its fresh ingredients and traditional recipes. Its delectable flavour is seldom found in fine dining restaurants.
Easy Accessibility: Street food is widely available across the cities, owing to the low-cost setup and high margins. As you enter the main area of any city, you will find plenty of food stall options.
15 Places to Visit in India for Best Indian Dishes
We have selected the top 15 places in India to experience authentic food culture. Dig in for the tastiest bites—your favourite Indian cuisine awaits!
- Delhi
Delhi is not just India’s capital but a renowned food hub. This is where the flavours blend perfectly, and the culinary experience rises. If you talk about the street food of delhi, it is exceptional. The most famous Indian food dishes like chole bhature, mathi chole, bhala papdi, aloo chaat, and gol gappe are to die for. Some of the attractive spots are Rajinder da Dhaba, Paranthe Wali Gali, Kallu Nihari, and Ganesh Restaurant.
- Lucknow
Lucknow and tunday kebab have a deep connection and this is exactly what you get to explore. This famous Indian food dish has an interesting story. It originated from Galouti Kebab, prepared by Haji Murad Ali, a one-armed chef. His disability made him famous by the name “Tunday.” What he prepared was added to the list of best Indian recipes. The Awadhi cuisine of Lucknow is famous across the world and makes everyone fall in love with it.
- Hyderabad
If we are talking about Indian food traditions, how can we forget the famous Hyderabadi Biryani from Hyderabad? This cuisine is an amazing blend of Arabic, Mughlai, and Turkish flavours, enhanced with Marathawada and Telugu flavours. This layered cuisine offers dishes like Kachhe Ghost ki Biryani, Paaya, Haleem, and Hyderabadi Marag. After you have tried these dishes, you will definitely come back for more.
- Rajasthan
Rajasthani flavours are a delicacy of their own. Their love for flavours and colours helps create the most mouthful dishes. Some of the favourite Indian food items in Rajasthan are Rajasthani Kadhi, Daal Bhati Churma, and Gatte ki Sabzi. Desserts like Gujia, Ghevar, and Balushahi give us plenty of reason to fall in love with the Marwari flavours. If you want to leave nothing behind, dive in for the famous Rajasthani Thali!
- Mumbai
Mumbai is one of the top places on the list of cultural food of India. The city is known for its street food, including vada pav, kanda bhajia, pani puri, sev puri, and dabeli. You can experiment with flavours through street vendors or try fine-dining restaurants. They serve the most delicious seafood, sushi, and mutton ghost.
- Kolkata
“Rosogulla,” yes, we have heard this word so many times. Bengalis are proud of their sweet dishes, and rightly so. As you enter Kolkata City, you find plenty of delicacies to enjoy. Apart from the traditional desserts like rasgulla and jalebi, the place has popular savoury items like Arsalan biryani, Mughlai parantha, and cutlets. These Indian dishes list attract people from across the world. Some of the best sweet shops are Nalin Chandra Das, Mouchak, Gupta Brothers, and Chittaranjan Misthan Bhandar. Do try these outlets before you end your trip to India!
- Patna
Patna serves typical homemade Indian food. Its Litti Chokha is a delicacy appreciated by natives and travellers alike. But this is not where the fun ends. This city offers street food options like aalu kachaalu, bhooja, dahi choora, jhala moori, kachori, and samosa. The Chinese stalls at Maurya Lok and the biryani of Biryani Mahal are not to be missed. Bihar’s Indian food menu also includes tempting desserts like kalakand and pedal.
- Mysore
Indian food and culture are hard to resist, and the proof lies in Mysore Pak. The scrumptious Indian mithai is prepared in ghee and contains a generous serving of sugar, besan, and cardamom. Its dense cookie-like texture leaves everyone asking for more. Other popular dishes in Mysore include fried chicken, dosas, gobi manchurian, and pineapple masala. A popular spot, Vrindavan Gardens, serves delicious egg-fried rice.
- Chennai
If you are craving dosa on the Indian food menu, Chennai is the perfect city for you. The South Indian delicacies will leave you spellbound. Try the regional Tamil meals at Mint Street or indulge in some kothu parotta and murukkus. You will not be disappointed as the spices and tadkas are perfect. Head to any famous street, and you will find plenty of food options for yourself.
- Srinagar
Srinagar is one of the beloved parts of the list of Indian food. This traveller city serves authentic Kashmiri food like rogan josh, yakhni, and goshtaba. If you are searching for a fine dining experience in Srinagar, head to Mughal Darbar. You can also try shaak bhat (palak chawal) at the houseboat which is an experience of its own. Another delicacy of the Mini Switzerland is Halwa Puri at Hazratbal. How can we forget the world-famous Kahwa? A cup of chai infused with saffron, spices, and nuts.
- Amritsar
Amritsar is the holiest city in India and is extremely popular for Indian recipes. You cannot miss out on the famous kulchas, makki ki roti with saag, and tapri ki chai. Regardless of where you are staying in the city, these Punjabi delights will be a whiff away from you. One of the famous places to enjoy lunch is Kesar da Dhaba. The meals are cooked in desi ghee there and are hard to resist. Another spot is Bhrawan da Dhaba (Brothers’ Hotel) for authentic Punjabi meals.
- Goa
Goan food in Indian culture is widely seen in the Baga Town. After your quality time at the beach, head to the shack and enjoy authentic seafood curry dishes. It is the perfect combination of Konkani and Portuguese cuisines. One of the famous spots is Britto where you will find lip-smacking butter garlic prawns and baked crabs. Another popular place is Baba Au Rhum at Anjuna Beach. It is an outdoor spot for beer and pizza, the perfect meal for party people!
Suggested read: Purple Martini Goa: Exquisite Sundowner Experience at Anjuna Beach
- Nagaland
Indian cuisine list is endless and one of its popular inclusions is Naga. The people source meat and fermented food items, giving a rich and earthy flavour to every dish. There are a variety of options to explore including smoked meat, axone, anishi, chicken chutney, koat pitha, and bamboo shoots. You will find all this in restaurants and local cafés.
- Sikkim
North East is famous for momos, and Sikkim is no exception. This best Indian food is found on the hills and is a delicacy here. You will find minced meat or vegetables in the dumplings in a bowl of clear soup and hot sauce on the side. Other famous dishes in Sikkim are Chhurpi soup, Dhindo, Thupka, Gundruk, and Phagshapa. The most popular spots to enjoy these food items are Valhalla, Lhasa Newar, and Thakali.
- Pondicherry
Pondicherry has a French colonial touch with fresh and salivating food options. Some of the amazing food options here are Auroville Cafeteria and La Maison Rose. They give a vibe of Europe and France and offer some of the best food items in India. You can try barbeque, seafood, and pizzas!
Final Thoughts
The Indian menu is vast, and the flavours are bombastic! Regardless of which city you travel to, the dishes will leave you craving more. The North, East, South, and West regions all have something unique to offer. It solely depends on the kind of food you are searching for. If you are a foodie like us, you will find solace in this food exploration.
Happy travel across India, folks!!
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