13 Indian Dishes To Try At Least Once
Indian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavors that can instantly transport your taste buds. With its masterful use of spices, herbs, and time-honored techniques, every dish brings a unique mix of comfort and excitement.
If you’re curious to dive deeper into this rich culinary tradition or simply want to add new favorites to your table, these thirteen must-try dishes are a delicious place to start.
1. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)
Tender chicken pieces swim in a velvety tomato-based sauce enriched with butter and cream. The magic happens when the chicken marinates in yogurt and spices before being cooked in a tandoor or oven.
The dish originated in Delhi in the 1950s when a chef combined leftover tandoori chicken with a buttery gravy. Serve with naan bread or rice to soak up every last drop of that heavenly sauce.
2. Fluffy Basmati Rice (Chawal)
Long, fragrant grains of perfectly cooked rice form the backbone of countless Indian meals. The trick to perfect basmati lies in rinsing the rice thoroughly and soaking it before cooking to remove excess starch.
Some cooks add whole spices like cardamom, cloves, or cinnamon sticks to the cooking water. The result? Rice with distinct, separate grains that carry a subtle aroma and complement any curry beautifully.
3. Spicy Chickpea Curry (Chana Masala)
Humble chickpeas transform into a protein-packed flavor bomb in this North Indian classic. The tangy sauce gets its character from tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and a blend of spices, including the tart amchur (dried mango powder).
I remember my neighbor Priya making this on cold winter days, filling the hallway with aromas that would draw everyone to her door.
The dish tastes even better the next day when the chickpeas have absorbed all the spicy goodness.
4. Crispy Lentil Crepes (Dosa)
These thin, crispy crepes from South India will change your breakfast game forever. Made from a fermented batter of rice and black lentils, dosas require patience but reward you with incredible flavor and texture.
The fermentation process creates a slight tanginess that pairs wonderfully with spicy chutneys and sambar (lentil soup).
Masala dosa, filled with spiced potatoes, offers a complete meal that’s crispy outside and soft inside.
5. Aromatic Biryani (Vegetable or Chicken)
Biryani is the crown jewel of Indian rice dishes, layering fragrant basmati with spices, meat or vegetables, and sometimes dried fruits. Each region has its own version, from the robust Hyderabadi to the more delicate Lucknowi style.
The traditional dum cooking method seals the pot with dough to trap all the aromas. My aunt’s biryani-making sessions were day-long affairs that ended with the most incredible meal, worth every minute of anticipation.
6. Warming Lentil Soup (Dal)
Dal is the heartbeat of Indian home cooking, a comforting lentil soup that varies from family to family. Yellow, red, black, or mixed lentils simmer with turmeric, ginger, and sometimes tomatoes until soft and creamy.
The finishing touch is a tadka, where spices like cumin and mustard seeds sizzle in hot oil before being poured over the dal.
This humble dish delivers surprising depth of flavor and nourishment in every spoonful.
7. Stuffed Flatbread (Aloo Paratha)
Aloo paratha turns the humble potato into breakfast gold. Spiced mashed potatoes get tucked inside whole wheat dough, then rolled flat and cooked on a hot griddle with ghee until golden and crisp.
Breaking into a fresh paratha releases a cloud of fragrant steam. Growing up, my friend’s grandmother would make these by the dozen for Sunday breakfast, served with cool yogurt and tangy pickle.
One bite transports me back to her tiny kitchen filled with chatter and laughter.
8. Creamy Spinach and Cheese (Palak Paneer)
Palak paneer showcases how Indians transform vegetables into extraordinary dishes. Fresh spinach is pureed into a velvety sauce, spiced with garam masala, and studded with cubes of mild paneer cheese that soak up all the flavor.
The vibrant green color makes this dish as beautiful as it is delicious. Many people mistake the creaminess for heavy cream, but traditional recipes often use cashews or yogurt instead, making this surprisingly nutritious comfort food.
9. Savory Potato Fritters (Aloo Tikki)
Street food doesn’t get better than aloo tikki, crispy potato patties spiced with cumin, coriander, and chili. The contrast between the crunchy exterior and soft, spicy interior makes these irresistible.
Vendors across India serve them topped with tangy tamarind chutney, cool yogurt, and crunchy sev (chickpea noodles).
I once ate six in one sitting at a Delhi street stall, unable to stop despite the curious stares from locals amused by my enthusiasm.
10. Tangy Yogurt Rice (Curd Rice)
Curd rice offers cooling relief from spicy meals, especially in South India’s hot climate. Soft-cooked rice mixed with yogurt creates a creamy base that’s then tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and green chilies fried in oil.
Some versions include grated carrots, cucumber, or pomegranate seeds for freshness and crunch. This humble dish soothes the stomach after a fiery meal and is often served as the final course in South Indian thalis.
11. Rich Lamb Curry (Rogan Josh)
Rogan Josh from Kashmir features tender lamb slow-cooked in a sauce reddened by Kashmiri chilies and enriched with yogurt. The dish balances warming spices like cinnamon and cardamom with the brightness of ginger and garlic.
Despite its fiery appearance, authentic Rogan Josh isn’t overly hot but rather deeply flavorful. The meat becomes so tender it practically melts off your fork.
Traditionally served at celebrations, this curry deserves a spot at any special meal.
12. Sweet Rice Pudding (Kheer)
Kheer brings sweetness to any celebration, with rice slowly simmered in milk until it creates a creamy pudding. The gentle addition of cardamom, saffron, and rose water transforms simple ingredients into something magical.
Garnished with pistachios, almonds, or raisins, kheer connects to special moments across India. My colleague once brought homemade kheer to the office for her birthday, explaining that her mother had made it for every important occasion in her life.
13. Crispy Lentil Wafers (Papadum)
Papadums are the perfect accompaniment to any Indian meal, providing a satisfying crunch between bites of curry. These thin, crisp wafers made from lentil flour can be roasted, fried, or even microwaved until they puff up dramatically.
Some varieties include cumin, black pepper, or garlic for extra flavor. Watch them carefully while cooking as they transform from flat discs to bubbly rounds in seconds.
The light, airy texture and subtle spicing cleanse the palate between different dishes.