The 20 Best Indian Dishes To Order If You’re New To Indian Cuisine
Embarking on a culinary exploration of Indian cuisine can be both exciting and delightful. With a plethora of dishes boasting rich flavors and diverse textures, selecting the right dish can enhance your dining experience. Here, we’ve curated a list of 20 must-try Indian dishes that serve as a perfect introduction to this vibrant cuisine. Whether you’re a fan of spicy flavors, creamy curries, or aromatic rice dishes, there’s something here to tantalize your taste buds.
1. Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken is a classic favorite, known for its rich and creamy texture. The dish features succulent chicken pieces cooked in a spiced tomato and butter-based sauce. Its delightful aroma of spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala makes it irresistible.
Typically served with naan or rice, Butter Chicken is a comforting meal that appeals to both spice lovers and those preferring milder flavors. This dish originated in Delhi and has become a global sensation.
When ordering, ask for it to be mild or spicy to suit your palate, making it a versatile choice for all.
2. Palak Paneer
Palak Paneer is a vegetarian delight combining fresh spinach and soft paneer cheese. The dish’s signature green color comes from pureed spinach, which lends a healthy twist.
Cooked with garlic, onions, and aromatic spices, it offers a subtle yet delicious taste. Often garnished with cream, it can be paired with roti or jeera rice.
This dish is perfect for those new to Indian cuisine, providing a balance between creamy textures and earthy flavors. Ideal for vegetarians and those seeking a nutritious meal.
3. Biryani
Biryani is a flavorful rice dish known for its aromatic spices and tender meat or vegetables. Originating from Persia, it has found a special place in Indian cuisine.
The long-grain basmati rice is cooked with layers of marinated meat, fried onions, and a mix of spices like saffron and cardamom. This creates a fragrant and colorful dish.
Biryani is often accompanied by raita or salad, adding a refreshing touch. It’s a dish that delights the senses, offering a satisfying meal with rich flavors.
4. Masala Dosa
Masala Dosa is a popular South Indian dish, loved for its crispy texture and flavorful filling. This thin pancake, made from fermented rice and lentil batter, is filled with a spiced potato mixture.
Served with coconut chutney and sambar, it offers a balance of flavors—spicy, tangy, and slightly sweet. The dosa’s crispiness makes it a delightful breakfast or snack option.
It’s a great introduction to South Indian cuisine, showcasing traditional flavors in a simple yet satisfying dish. Perfect for those who enjoy trying new textures and tastes.
5. Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is a fragrant curry originating from Kashmir, featuring tender lamb or goat cooked in a rich sauce. The dish’s striking red color comes from Kashmiri red chili and saffron.
The meat is slow-cooked with spices like cloves, cinnamon, and cardamom, creating a deeply flavorful and aromatic dish. It’s typically served with naan or steamed basmati rice.
For those new to Indian cuisine, Rogan Josh offers a taste of authentic flavors and traditional cooking methods. It’s perfect for spice enthusiasts and meat lovers alike.
6. Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature is a popular North Indian dish, known for its spicy chickpea curry and fluffy fried bread. The chickpeas are cooked with spices like cumin, coriander, and amchur, creating a tangy and savory flavor.
Paired with Bhature, a deep-fried bread, it makes for a hearty and satisfying meal. The combination offers contrasting textures, soft chickpeas, and crispy bread.
Ideal for those who enjoy bold flavors, Chole Bhature provides an authentic taste of Indian street food. It’s perfect for lunch or a weekend brunch.
7. Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori Chicken is a classic Indian dish, known for its smoky flavor and vibrant color. Chicken pieces are marinated in yogurt and spices like turmeric, cumin, and paprika.
Cooked in a traditional clay oven, the Tandoor, the chicken emerges with charred, crispy edges and juicy inside. It’s often served with naan bread and mint chutney.
Tandoori Chicken provides a flavorful experience for those new to Indian cuisine, offering a balance of spices without being overwhelming. It’s great as an appetizer or main course.
8. Paneer Tikka
Paneer Tikka is a vegetarian favorite, featuring marinated paneer cubes grilled to perfection. The paneer is coated in a mix of yogurt, lemon juice, and spices like paprika and turmeric.
Grilled over an open flame, it gains a smoky flavor that pairs well with mint chutney. This dish is perfect as a starter or a light main course.
Paneer Tikka offers a delicious taste of Indian barbecue, providing a fulfilling experience for vegetarians and cheese lovers. It’s a delightful introduction to Indian flavors.
9. Aloo Gobi
Aloo Gobi is a classic vegetarian dish, featuring potatoes and cauliflower cooked with spices. This dry curry is seasoned with turmeric, cumin, and ginger.
The dish’s simplicity highlights the natural flavors of the vegetables while offering a comforting meal. It’s often garnished with cilantro and served with roti or rice.
Aloo Gobi is an excellent choice for those new to Indian cuisine, providing a mild yet flavorful introduction. Perfect for a wholesome vegetarian meal or a side dish.
10. Samosas
Samosas are popular Indian snacks known for their crispy pastry and flavorful filling. These triangular pastries are filled with a mixture of spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat.
Fried until golden brown, they offer a delightful crunch followed by a burst of flavors. Samosas are typically served with mint and tamarind chutneys, adding a tangy contrast.
Perfect for an appetizer or a tea-time snack, samosas provide an enjoyable way to explore Indian flavors. They’re a favorite at parties and a must-try for newcomers.
11. Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani is a creamy lentil dish originating from Punjab, known for its rich flavors and velvety texture. Made with black lentils and kidney beans, it’s slow-cooked with butter, cream, and spices.
The dish offers a comforting and hearty meal, often enjoyed with naan or rice. Its subtle spices like cumin and coriander enhance its earthy flavors.
Dal Makhani is perfect for newcomers looking for a rich and fulfilling vegetarian option. It’s a classic example of North Indian comfort food, loved by many.
12. Pani Puri
Pani Puri is a popular Indian street food, known for its crispy texture and spicy filling. Hollow puris are filled with a mixture of tamarind water, potatoes, and chickpeas.
Each bite offers a burst of flavors, combining sweet, tangy, and spicy notes. It’s an interactive dish, often assembled at the table, providing a fun dining experience.
Perfect as a snack or appetizer, Pani Puri introduces newcomers to the vibrant world of Indian street food. It’s a must-try for those who enjoy bold and exciting flavors.
13. Lamb Vindaloo
Lamb Vindaloo is a spicy curry that originates from Goa, known for its fiery flavors. Tender lamb pieces are cooked in a vinegar-based sauce with red chilies and spices.
The dish’s boldness is balanced with aromatic ingredients like garlic and ginger, creating a complex taste profile. It’s typically served with steamed rice.
Ideal for spice enthusiasts, Lamb Vindaloo offers a thrilling introduction to Goan cuisine. For those new to Indian food, it’s a chance to explore intense flavors and vibrant spices.
14. Aloo Tikki
Aloo Tikki is a popular North Indian snack, featuring crispy potato patties seasoned with spices. The patties are shallow fried until golden brown, offering a satisfying crunch.
Often served with mint chutney and yogurt, they create a delightful medley of flavors. These tikkis are a favorite street food, known for their simplicity and taste.
Perfect for an appetizer or a light snack, Aloo Tikki provides an enjoyable way to try Indian flavors. It’s a must-have for those exploring Indian cuisine for the first time.
15. Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala is a globally loved dish, known for its creamy and spicy sauce. Grilled chicken pieces are simmered in a tomato-based sauce with cream.
The dish’s balance of smoky and rich flavors makes it a favorite among curry lovers. Often served with naan or rice, it offers a satisfying meal.
For those new to Indian cuisine, Chicken Tikka Masala provides a familiar yet exotic taste. Its blend of spices and creamy texture creates an unforgettable dining experience.
16. Sambar
Sambar is a traditional South Indian dish, known for its tangy and spicy flavors. Made with lentils and a variety of vegetables, it’s flavored with tamarind, mustard seeds, and curry leaves.
Served with rice or idli, Sambar is a staple in South Indian households, offering a nutritious and filling meal. Its blend of spices and vegetables creates a hearty dish.
Sambar is perfect for those new to Indian cuisine, providing a taste of traditional flavors in a wholesome dish. It’s ideal for vegetarians and spice lovers alike.
17. Bhindi Masala
Bhindi Masala is a popular vegetarian dish, featuring okra cooked with spices. The dish is seasoned with cumin, turmeric, and coriander, enhancing the okra’s natural flavors.
Its dry texture makes it a great side dish or main course, often enjoyed with roti or rice. Bhindi Masala offers a mild yet flavorful experience.
For those exploring Indian cuisine, it’s a fantastic introduction to vegetable dishes, showcasing the use of spices to enhance simple ingredients. Perfect for a wholesome meal.
18. Fish Curry
Fish Curry is a coastal favorite, known for its spicy and tangy flavors. Tender fish pieces are cooked in a coconut-based sauce with tamarind and spices.
The dish’s rich aroma and bold flavors make it a must-try for seafood lovers. Typically served with steamed rice, it offers a complete and satisfying meal.
Fish Curry introduces newcomers to the diverse flavors of coastal Indian cuisine. It’s perfect for those who enjoy seafood with a touch of spice and exotic ingredients.
19. Matar Paneer
Matar Paneer is a popular North Indian dish, featuring paneer and green peas cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. The dish’s mild spices create a comforting and flavorful experience.
Often garnished with cilantro, it’s enjoyed with naan or rice, providing a satisfying meal. Matar Paneer is loved for its simplicity and rich taste.
Perfect for vegetarians, it offers a delightful introduction to Indian cottage cheese dishes. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking a mild yet tasty Indian meal.
20. Pav Bhaji
Pav Bhaji is a popular street food from Mumbai, known for its spicy vegetable mash and buttery bread rolls. A mix of vegetables is cooked with spices and mashed to create a flavorful dish.
Served with buttered pav (bread rolls), it offers a unique blend of textures and tastes. The dish is garnished with onions and lemon wedges for added zing.
Pav Bhaji is perfect for those new to Indian cuisine, providing a taste of Mumbai’s vibrant street food culture. It’s a must-try for its bold flavors and satisfying appeal.