A visit to India is only half the adventure if you don’t get to experience traditional Indian cuisine. The country’s rich culinary heritage is as diverse as its culture, offering a wide range of dishes and flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Many of these dishes have, in fact, been passed down through generations, and they carry with them centuries of tradition alongside their bold aromas and unforgettable tastes that will leave you wanting more.
To help you enjoy the best traditional culinary experience in India, we have curated a list of five must-try cuisines you don’t want to miss out on in this article. Let’s dive right in!
Hyderabadi Biryani
As the name implies, Hyderabadi Biryani is a style of biryani that originates from the vibrant city of Hyderabad, India. If you’re familiar with biryani, you know it’s a delightful rice-based meal that layers fragrant basmati rice with marinated meat, typically chicken, lamb, or beef. The Hyderabadi Biryani can also be prepared with any of these meats, but it’s primarily made with mutton alongside its unique blend of spices, including cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, and saffron.
One of the standout features of this dish is the “Dum” cooking style. The pot is sealed with dough, which traps the steam inside, ensuring that everything cooks evenly and retains moisture. Adding saffron also gives the biryani a beautiful golden hue and a unique flavor that sets it apart from other types of biryani.
You can find the dish in most hotel restaurants and city cafes across India. If you are a gambling enthusiast, India’s upscale casinos in Goa, Sikkim, and Daman also include it in their dining options. Speaking of casinos, you can read more here about exciting real-money casino titles in India.
Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken is another popular Indian dish you should try when visiting India. As the name implies, this delicious dish is made with chicken marinated in a delicious mix of yogurt and spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, and garam masala. The marinade mix helps tenderize the chicken and infuses it with rich, mouth-watering flavors.
But what really makes the difference is the traditional cooking method used to prepare this dish. The marinated chicken is cooked in a tandoor, a clay oven that reaches incredibly high temperatures. This traditional cooking method has a delightful smoky flavor and a beautifully charred exterior. When you take a bite, you’re met with succulent, juicy chicken and crispy skin that truly bursts with flavor.
Tandoori Chicken pairs wonderfully with naan bread, fragrant basmati rice, or a fresh salad. It’s typically garnished with lemon wedges and fresh cilantro, adding a refreshing touch to its smoky and spicy profile.
Nihari
Nihari is another popular meat-based Indian dish made with beef, lamb, mutton, or goat meat. Its unique aspect is its slow cooking process, which allows the flavors to develop deeply and the meat to become incredibly tender. In fact, it is usually cooked overnight and often served for breakfast or brunch.
The dish is made by simmering the meat with a rich blend of spices, including ginger, garlic, cumin, coriander, and a special Nihari spice mix, typically including ingredients like cardamom and cinnamon. This slow cooking allows the spices to infuse the meat thoroughly, creating a warm, comforting, and aromatic dish.
Nihari is typically served with naan or paratha, and it’s a tradition to garnish it with freshly chopped cilantro, green chillies, and a squeeze of lemon for that extra pop of freshness. The gravy is usually thick and luscious, perfect for dipping or pouring over bread.
Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a dish you’ll absolutely love, especially if you’re a vegetarian. This popular cuisine takes its name from its two main ingredients: potatoes (aloo) and cauliflower (gobi). It is typically made by sautéing cauliflower and potatoes with onions, ginger, and garlic, then simmering them in a mix of spices such as turmeric, cumin, coriander, and garam masala.
The peculiar thing about Aloo Gobi is that it’s almost ideal for every occasion. It is perfect for family dinners, festivals, potluck gatherings, vegetarian or vegan events, cultural events, casual get-togethers, or as a meal prep. The cuisine can be served as a main course on its own or paired with other dishes for a more elaborate meal. It goes wonderfully with roti, naan, or basmati rice.
Chana Masala
Chana Masala is another tasty Indian vegetarian dish you would absolutely love to try. It is made primarily from chickpeas (chana) and a rich and aromatic spice blend. Its ingredients typically include onions, tomatoes, garlic, ginger, and a combination of spices, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and sometimes a hint of chili for that perfect kick. The chickpeas are simmered in this delicious sauce until they soak up all the vibrant flavors.
Chickpeas are full of protein, fibre, vitamins, and minerals, so Chana Masala is a pretty nutritious food choice. It can be enjoyed as a filling for wraps or as a topping for salads. It also goes well with basmati rice, naan, or roti.
Conclusion
From the spicy flavors of Hyderabadi Biryani to the aromatic spice of Chana Masala, each traditional dish covered in this article is a testament to the country’s incredible culinary diversity. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or just beginning to explore Indian cuisine, these must-try dishes promise to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Don’t miss out on them when you visit.