When we think of Indian cuisine, we usually think of aromatic dishes peppered with herbs and spices, and that thought is usually right. Indian cuisine is definitely popular for its use of spices in food as well as their strong taste and strong aroma. The cuisine in different parts of India is influenced by the local culture prevailing there. The vegetation found in a particular geographical region also influences the type of cuisine. The several mouth-watering cuisines with varied tastes and different flavors delight the gourmet world over no end.
If you’re someone who enjoys trying food across cultures, Indian cuisine is one that you’ll definitely enjoy.
So without further ado, listed are the absolute must-try traditional cuisines of India for you to try for yourself.
South Indian cuisine
South Indian cuisine is a collective cuisine of 5 states namely Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Telangana. It is a cuisine which completes with rice preparation in some or the other form. Though made in every kitchen of an Indian household, south Indian cuisine is a true delight. Some well-known and loved foods include Idlis, Dosas, Vadas, Appam, Uttapams. Masala Dosa and idli served with sambhar and coconut chutney tickles your taste buds like nothing can!
Rajasthani Food
The Rajasthani cuisine has a speciality that the food could last for several days having an influence from war-like lifestyle and climatic conditions. Dal bati churma and red garlic chutney is the traditional food of this state and is quite appetizing and simply irresistible. Spicy panchkuti dal with sweet churma and deeply fried crisp wheat balls served with ker sangri, gatte ki sabji, kabuli pulao and buttermilk leaves your soul craving for more. You can try the best Rajasthani food in Jaipur, the capital of Rajasthan.
Punjabi Cuisine
The one thing that is admirable about Punjabi cuisine is that it has a variety of dishes for non-veg lovers while its vegetarian fare is equally delightful. Chole kulche, Dal makhni, stuffed paratha, rajma chawal and specially makki di roti and sarson da saag wins every heart with its delicious taste. These cuisines served with a glass of lassi are a bit of heaven. Its culinary delicacies have fans all over the globe. Pujabi food is rich, full of life with lots of makkhan topped over it.
Hyderabadi Cuisine
The Hyderabad cuisine is a mix of Arabic, Persian and even Turkish tastes along with local influence. The most famous Hyderabadi dish eaten all across the Indian subcontinent is Hyderabadi biryani. Cooked on dum style, the biryani is flavorful smoked basmati rice with chicken, vegetables, herbs and spices! This delicacy is usually made during lavish dinner parties or when someone is in the mood to relish something rich and flavorful.
Gujarati Cuisine
Gujrati dishes are everyone’s favorite as these dishes can be eaten for lunch, dinner, breakfast or as a snack. It is an exquisite blend of flavors where sweet notes dominate most dishes. Some of the most famous names you might have heard are Dhokla, Thepla, Khandvi, Patra, Handvo, Khakhra and Undhiyu. Each of them are unique in their taste as well as preparations. A Gujarati in any part of the world will always carry some of these savoury items with them in their journey to taste its last bits.
Maharashtrian cuisine
Maharashtra is home to some of the anasing food items like Kanda Poha, Misal Pav, Vada Pav, Ragda pattice, Pav Bhaji, puran poli. Vada pav is the signature dish of Mumbai available in every nook and corner. People love it not only because of its taste but also for its availability and low prices. Another very popular delicacy is pav bhaji famous as ‘Bombay Pav Bhaji’ which itself screams Mumbai. It is a wholesome food to fill your tummy and it is every kids favorite too.
Kashmiri Cuisine
Kashmiri, the most loved tourist destination of North India has a equally loved cuisine that is an inseparable part of its culture. Popularly known as wazwan cuisine, most of the preparations are usually served with rice. Roghan josh, Dum Aloo and Kashmiri pulao are native to kashmir and Its royal taste has a huge fan following. Non-vegetarians go gaga over Rogan Josh, a red lamb-based curry prepared with chillies. These dishes when laden with Kashmiri spices have a distinct flavour.
Indian chaat
The Indian food palette is incomplete without chaat. Chaat which literally means ‘lick’ or taste is true to its name, the chaat food items are finger-licking good. Pani puri, bhel puri, dahi vada, aloo tikkis, papdi chaat, sev puri, samosa chaat, pakoras with dust of masalas and combinations of tamarind and mint chutney makes everyone go crazy. These have a tricky medley of tart, spicy, salty, tangy, and sour with a hint of sweetness. Do die if you have not tasted them yet!
To summarize the best cuisines in India is somewhat difficult because Indian cuisine is vast and it has so much to offer. However, the above cuisines certainly rule the heart being the most beloved food from throughout the country.
