5 Best Food You Must Try While In India

 

India is a wonderful subcontinent known for many things. Not only are thousands of cultures present in India, but there are over 900 dialects and languages that have emerged from the population of this nation. one of the most widely renowned things India is known for, however, is its food. Although the cuisines differ from town to town and region to region, there are many dishes that have gained more popularity than others. With that being said, here are ten of the best Indian foods you need to try, and can probably purchase at a local Indian restaurant near you.

1. Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh is a North Indian dish with Muslim influences and first originated in Persia or Kashmir. Rogan Josh is a meat curry dish that features a lump of red meat such as lamb or goat which is colored and flavored by alkanet flowers or roots and Kashmiri chillis. Rogan Josh is prepared by both Muslims and Hindus with significant differences in the way it is prepared. Rogan Josh is best served with naan or any other Indian bread. It should also be mentioned that Rogan Josh is a staple in British restaurants.

2. Vada Pav

The Vada refers to a deep-fried potato fritter that is placed between two pieces of bread, the pav. Due to this dish's resemblance to a sandwich or a burger, it is commonly known as the Bombay burger because of its origin in the North Indian city of Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay. The Vada Pav is served with one or more chutneys such as green sauces and tamarind sauces. Alongside the Pav is also a green chili.

3. Dhokla

Dhoklas are made with a fermented batter that is derived from split chickpeas and rice and can be eaten for virtually any course. Dhoklas are eaten in India as side dishes, for breakfast, as the main course, and even as a snack at events such as parties and weddings. Dhoklas are best served with green mint sauce and a sweet tamarind sauce and are usually yellow in color. Dhoklas have many variations to them. They can be prepared with a variety of ingredients with different ratios of chickpeas within them.

4. Matar Paneer

Next up is the classic Matar Paneer. In Hindi, Matar translates to peas and Paneer refers to a fresh cheese made in India, which is one of the main ingredients in this dish. Matar Paneer is a North Indian dish that consists of peas and paneer cooked in a mild tomato sauce like the Butter Chicken, except Matar Paneer is seasoned with Garam Masala, a blend of ground spices. Matar Paneer is traditionally served with Indian bread such as naan or aloo paratha but is also eaten by some with rice. Sometimes, other ingredients such as potatoes may be added.

5. Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is another North Indian dish that may have been around back in 3000 BC. Tandoori Chicken derives its name from the vessel it's cooked in known as a Tandoor Oven. It is a cylindrical-shaped oven that is powered by burning wood or charcoal. The Tandoor Oven is made of either clay or metal and offers a distinct taste to meals cooked within it. Tandoori Chicken consists of chicken that is marinated for a few days in a mixture of yogurt and tandoori masala, a blend of traditional Indian spices. Following this, the chicken is then cooked.