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Top 10 Famous Food Items in India You Must Try
India is a paradise for food lovers. Its rich cultural diversity and deep-rooted culinary traditions have made Indian cuisine one of the most loved in the world. From spicy street food to royal delicacies, every region of India offers something unique and irresistible. If you're planning a culinary adventure, here’s a list of the Top 10 Famous Food Items in India You Must Try on your next trip.
1. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) – Delhi/Punjab
A signature dish of North India, Butter Chicken is creamy, mildly spicy, and deeply flavorful. Tender chicken pieces are marinated in yogurt and spices, roasted in a tandoor, and then simmered in a tomato-butter-cream gravy. Often paired with naan or basmati rice, it's a must-have when exploring Delhi or Punjab.
Best Place to Try: Old Delhi eateries or dhabas on Punjab highways.
Golden Triangle India Tour
2. Pani Puri (Golgappa) – Mumbai/Kolkata/Delhi
Every Indian has an emotional connection with Pani Puri—the ultimate street food. Crispy hollow puris filled with spicy, tangy, flavored water, mashed potatoes, and chickpeas make for a refreshing and addictive snack.
Must Visit and Try: Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai or street corners in Kolkata.
Keyword for Interlinking: Street Food Walk in India
3. Rogan Josh – Kashmir
A regal dish from the Kashmir valley, Rogan Josh is a slow-cooked lamb curry flavored with Kashmiri chilies, yogurt, and aromatic spices. This saffron-laced delicacy is a part of the traditional Kashmiri Wazwan and reflects the Persian influence on Indian cuisine.
Best Place to Try: Srinagar's heritage restaurants or during a traditional Wazwan feast.
4. Dosa with Coconut Chutney – South India
Dosa is a South Indian Cuisine Dish, and a thin & crispy rice crepe. Served with sambar (lentil soup) and various chutneys, especially the coconut one, it’s a delicious and healthy breakfast or snack option.
Popular Varieties: Masala Dosa, Rava Dosa, Paper Dosa.
Recommended Place: You Can Enjoy South Indian dishes, such as Dosa Tamil Nadu's roadside stalls.
5. Biryani – Hyderabad/Kolkata/Lucknow
Arguably the most famous Indian rice dish, Biryani is a perfect blend of fragrant rice, spices, and tender meat or vegetables. Different regions offer different variations, each with a unique preparation method and flavor profile.
- Hyderabadi Biryani: Rich and spicy.
- Lucknowi (Awadhi) Biryani: Subtle and aromatic.
- Kolkata Biryani: Mild with Kolkata Traditional Sweetness, Accompanied by a Boiled Egg.
- Best Place to Try: Paradise in Hyderabad, Tunday Kababi in Lucknow.
6. Chole Bhature – Delhi/Punjab
A heavy yet heavenly breakfast or brunch option, Chole Bhature is a combination of spicy chickpea curry (chole) and deep-fried puffed bread (bhature). Served with pickles and onion rings, this dish is bold, flavorful, and deeply satisfying.
Best Place to Try: Chandni Chowk (Delhi) or Amritsar’s dhabas.
7. Dhokla – Gujarat
Soft, spongy, and slightly tangy, Dhokla is a steamed savory cake made from fermented rice and chickpea flour. It’s light on the stomach and perfect for breakfast or evening tea.
Best Place to Try: Ahmedabad’s traditional Gujarati thali restaurants.
8. Fish Curry & Rice – Goa/Kerala
If you're a seafood lover, don’t leave India without trying Goan or Kerala-style Fish Curry. These coastal preparations involve tangy tamarind, coconut milk, and local spices that create a punchy, aromatic curry paired perfectly with steamed rice.
Popular Fish Used: Kingfish, Pomfret, Mackerel.
Best Place to Try: Beachside shacks in Goa or backwater resorts in Kerala.
Backwater & Beach Tour of Kerala
9. Pav Bhaji – Mumbai
A street-food favorite from Mumbai, Pav Bhaji is a spicy vegetable mash served with buttery buns (pav), chopped onions, and lemon. It’s fast food with flavor and perfect for lunch, dinner, or even midnight cravings.
Best Place to Try: Juhu Beach stalls or Mumbai’s Chowpatty.
10. Sweets of Bengal – Rasgulla & Sandesh
Without trying the sweets of Bengal, your Indian culinary journey is Incomplete. Rasgulla (spongy cheese balls soaked in sugar syrup) and Sandesh (a delicately sweet milk dessert) are iconic Bengali desserts that melt in the mouth.
Best Place to Try: Kolkata’s traditional sweet shops like KC Das or Balaram Mullick.
