Samosas are a must-have for anyone trying Indian food for the first time. (Photo by kabir cheema on Unsplash)
If you’ve ever found yourself craving a flavor explosion that could set off fireworks in your mouth, then welcome to the tantalizing world of Indian food. It’s the culinary equivalent of a Bollywood dance number—vibrant, spicy, and guaranteed to leave you asking for more. So, loosen your belt, grab a mango lassi, and prepare to embark on a gastronomic journey through the best Indian food that promises to tickle your taste buds and possibly ignite a small fire in your soul.
All that said, if you’re looking to try a taste of the many wonderful cuisines from India and don’t know where to start, we’re here to help. We visited 12 expert websites to find the best Indian food, looking for the dishes most frequently mentioned in their reviews. If you have your own suggestions, please feel free to leave them in the comments section below the post.
StudyFinds is a research-driven platform that analyzes and synthesizes expert recommendations from trusted sources. Rather than writing reviews ourselves, we meticulously compile consensus findings from leading industry experts and established publications to save consumers valuable research time. Each article represents hours of analysis across multiple authoritative sources to identify the most consistently recommended choices.
Table of contents
1. Dosa
A dosa is a thin, crispy pancake originating from South India, made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal (black gram). Chef’s Pencil says, “The humble Dosa is an ode to the unending love between the people of this country and rice. Dosa is the ever-popular South Indian breakfast of crispy crepes made with fermented rice and lentil batter. It is usually poured into a thin crispy crepe and served with spiced mashed potatoes, lentil stew called sambar, and coconut chutney.”
It’s similar in appearance to a crepe but has a distinct tangy flavor due to the fermentation process. Dosas are typically served with a variety of accompaniments, such as sambar (a spicy lentil soup) and chutneys (coconut, tomato, or mint, for example). “Dosa is undoubtedly one of the kings of Indian breakfasts. While most historians believe dosa came from the Udupi cuisine of Karnataka, there is still debate that it originates from Tamil Nadu. What is indisputable, however, is that dosa is now beloved and enjoyed throughout the entire country,” writes Nomad Paradise.
One popular variety is the masala dosa, which is filled with a spiced potato mixture, making it a hearty and satisfying dish. Dosas can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and are beloved for their versatility and delicious taste.
“Typically it is served with an array of Chutneys and Sambar. It is also prepared in a plethora of variations like Masala Dosa, Set Dosa, Uthappam, Paper Dosa, Rava Dosa, 70 mm dosa, Pesarattu, paneer dosa, chicken 65 dosa, cheese dosa and Pizza Dosa,” notes Wonderful Wanderings.
Lacadamie adds, “Indians will love to use this dish for a light and quick breakfast. When eating, you will feel the crispiness of the dosa and the fatness of the potato filling. The peppery notes from the spices mixed accentuate everything.”
2. Butter Chicken
Indian butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is a rich and creamy dish originating from the Punjab region of India. It features tender pieces of chicken that are typically marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices, then grilled or cooked until they achieve a delightful char.
The cooked chicken is then simmered in a luscious tomato-based sauce enriched with butter, cream, and a blend of aromatic spices such as garam masala, cumin, and coriander. “This dish is quite similar to the famous chicken tikka masala since they are all curries and require tomato sauce as the soup base,” writes Lacadamie. “In this real Indian treat for dinners, the chicken meat will be tastefully tender and soaked with the tomatoes’ sourness and mild sweetness.”
The result is a mildly spiced, velvety dish with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor profile, making it incredibly popular both in India and globally. Butter chicken is often served with naan (Indian flatbread), rice, or roti, allowing you to soak up every last drop of the delicious sauce.
It’s a go-to comfort food that balances the heat of spices with the smoothness of cream and butter. The Travel adds, “Butter chicken was accidentally invented in the Moti Mahal restaurant in New Delhi when leftover chicken pieces were mixed with sauce. This dish is enjoyed with naan, roti, or even with rice.”
“Butter chicken is mouth-watering, tender chicken, cooked in a spiced tomato sauce. It’s traditionally cooked in a tandoor (a cylindrical clay or metal oven), but may be grilled, roasted or pan-fried in less authentic preparations,” says Blueosa.
Asia Highlights adds,” Comfort food like no other, nothing beats the satisfaction of lapping up the delightfully thick gravy with a crisp garlic naan while sipping on a cold beer.”
“Butter chicken is our go-to curry. We never tire of it!” writes Sand in my suitcase. Butter chicken is an especially good pick if this is your first time eating Indian food. This website ranked butter chicken as number 2 overall.
3. Samosa
An Indian samosa is a popular savory pastry that’s typically triangular in shape and stuffed with a variety of fillings. The most common filling consists of spiced potatoes, peas, onions, and sometimes lentils or minced meat.
The outer shell is made from a dough of all-purpose flour and water, which is rolled out, filled, and then deep-fried to a golden, crispy perfection. “Samosas contain a small amount of spicy potato or meat filling that is then wrapped in dough and deep-fried until crispy and flaky,” writes Sukhi’s.
Samosas are often enjoyed as a snack or appetizer and are commonly accompanied by chutneys, such as mint-cilantro chutney, tamarind chutney, or even a simple ketchup. Eat This, Not That ranks Samosas in their top two spot. “Any meal where you’re able to secure a dish of fried, stuffed dough pockets is bound to be a good one. The shape and preparation varies based on their location of origin, and while some types have meat, others are suitable for vegetarians.”
They’re a staple in Indian cuisine and have become popular around the world for their delicious flavor and satisfying crunch. Samosas are a hit at parties, street food stalls, and Indian restaurants, offering a delightful combination of textures and spices in every bite.
“What food is India known for that can act as an easy takeaway snack? Samosas! A samosa is a traditionally fried conical snack made out of dough stuffed with a savory filling, sealed and then deep-fried to a crisp golden color. The usual stuffing is made out of potato, lentils, peas, or minced meat and onions or even noodles. They are usually accompanied with mint and tamarind chutneys,” says Wonderful Wanderings.
4. Chana Masala (or Chole Bhature)
Indian chana masala is a flavorful and hearty dish made primarily from chickpeas (chana) cooked in a rich, spiced tomato-based sauce. Originating from North India, it’s a staple in many Indian households and is known for its bold and tangy flavors. “Sometimes called chole bhature, this much-loved street food and home-cooked dish is one of the most popular in the country. This dish can be eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or as an evening snack and is commonly sold in North India, especially Delhi,” says Asia Highlights.
The dish begins with cooking onions, garlic, and ginger until they are soft and fragrant. Then, a variety of spices are added, such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, garam masala, and sometimes amchur (dried mango powder) or chaat masala for a tangy kick. Tomatoes are then introduced, creating a luscious sauce that coats the chickpeas. The chickpeas are simmered in this sauce until they absorb all the spices and become tender.
“Crunchy bhature dipped in a wonderfully spiced chole, garnished with diced onions, cilantro, and a dash of lemon explodes with flavor and will always leave you wanting more,” writes Nomad Paradise.
Chana masala is typically served with rice, naan, or roti and is often garnished with fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lemon juice. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a main course or a side dish, beloved for its complex flavors and satisfying texture.
“This dish is best enjoyed on an empty stomach,” says Chef’s Pencil. “You can find this lip-smacking dish at all food joints, be it local joints or restaurants, given its popularity with Delhiites. It is generally accompanied by a thick, cold glass of Lassi.”
“This will be the first curry on this list, and I want it to be a dish that looks both light and healthy,” says Lacadamie. “In India, this dish is often served during holidays or special occasions, and you should definitely try to eat with bare hands when it comes to this food.”
5. Vada Pav
Indian vada pav is a popular street food from Mumbai, often referred to as the Indian burger. It consists of a spicy potato fritter (vada) sandwiched between a soft bread roll (pav). “The finger food delicacy is generally accompanied by a couple of chutneys and a green chilli, to appeal to the spice loving palettes of Indians up and down the country,” writes Jacada Travel.
The vada is made by mashing boiled potatoes and mixing them with various spices such as mustard seeds, turmeric, and green chilies. This mixture is then shaped into patties, dipped in a gram flour (besan) batter, and deep-fried until golden and crispy. The pav is typically lightly toasted with butter on a hot griddle. Lacadamie adds, “That is a delicacy you should definitely try once in a lifetime”
Vada pav is usually served with a variety of chutneys, such as a tangy tamarind chutney, spicy garlic chutney, and green chutney made from cilantro and mint. It can also be accompanied by fried green chili peppers for an extra kick.
This iconic street food is cherished for its combination of flavors and textures, making it a beloved snack or light meal for people on the go. Culture Trip writes, “Vada pav is a vegetarian fusion of potato patty, chilli and other spices sandwiched in a bread roll known as a pav. What began as a simple and cost-effective snack has gone on to achieve widespread popularity in India”.
“If you are not a Mumbaikar, this is something that should not be skipped, whether it’s for breakfast, lunch, or teatime,” says Chef’s Pencil.
Sources used to find these top picks
- Chef’s Pencil
- Nomads Paradise
- wonderful wanderings
- Lacadamie
- The Travel
- Blueosa
- Sand in my suitcase
- Asia Highlights
- Sukhi’s.
- Eat This, Not That
- Jacada Travel
- Culture Trip
Note: This article was not paid for nor sponsored. StudyFinds is not connected to nor partnered with any of the brands mentioned and receives no compensation for its recommendations. This article may contain affiliate links in which we receive a commission if you make a purchase.
