India Cuisine
Asia • Southern Asia
89 iconic dishes
Signature India Dishes
🍽️Main Dishes(28)
Aloo Gobi
A classic North Indian dry curry featuring tender cauliflower florets and golden potato cubes simmered in a fragrant blend of turmeric, cumin, and other aromatic spices. This vegetarian staple is known for its vibrant color and comforting flavors.
Baingan Bharta (Smoky Mashed Eggplant)
A rustic and flavorful Punjabi dish featuring smoky mashed eggplant, fire-roasted to perfection and blended with aromatic spices, onions, tomatoes, and chilies. The charring process imparts a signature smoky depth.
Bhindi Masala (Spiced Okra)
A popular and flavorful Indian dish featuring okra stir-fried with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of aromatic spices. This 'dry' preparation ensures the okra is tender yet not slimy, making it a delightful everyday vegetable accompaniment.
Butter Chicken
India's beloved creamy tomato curry with tender tandoori chicken in a rich, mildly spiced sauce. This recipe focuses on achieving authentic flavor and texture at home.
Chana Masala
A popular North Indian vegetarian dish featuring tender chickpeas simmered in a rich, tangy, and aromatic tomato-onion masala. This comforting curry is a staple and perfect served with flatbreads or rice.
Chemmeen Curry (Kerala Prawn Curry)
A classic coastal Kerala delicacy featuring succulent prawns simmered in a rich, spiced coconut gravy, enhanced with the delightful tang of raw mango. This dish is a vibrant representation of South Indian coastal cuisine.
Chicken Chettinad
A fiery and aromatic Chicken Chettinad, a signature dish from the Chettinad region of Tamil Nadu, known for its bold flavors and intense spice blend, particularly black pepper.
Dal Makhani
A rich and creamy Punjabi classic, this Dal Makhani is slow-cooked to perfection with whole black lentils, kidney beans, butter, and aromatic spices. It's a deeply flavorful and indulgent dish, traditionally simmered for hours to achieve its signature velvety texture.
Dal Tadka
A comforting and aromatic Indian lentil dish, featuring tender toor dal simmered and finished with a flavorful tempering (tadka) of ghee, spices, and aromatics. A staple in Indian homes.
Hyderabadi Dum Biryani (Kachchi Style)
A regal Hyderabadi specialty, this 'Kachchi' (raw) biryani features marinated raw meat layered with fragrant Basmati rice and slow-cooked using the 'dum' (steam) method. The result is incredibly tender meat infused with aromatic spices and perfectly cooked rice.
Kadai Paneer
A popular North Indian dish featuring paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and bell peppers stir-fried in a rich, spicy tomato-based gravy, traditionally cooked in a kadai (Indian wok). This recipe offers a restaurant-style flavor with a delightful blend of spices.
Keema (Spiced Ground Lamb Curry)
A comforting and flavorful Indian curry made with spiced minced lamb (or goat) and peas, simmered in a thick, aromatic gravy. This dish is known for its rich taste and satisfying texture.
Kerala Fish Curry
A fragrant and flavorful Kerala-style fish curry featuring tender pieces of fish simmered in a tangy, red coconut milk broth infused with the unique sourness of kokum. This signature dish from the coast of Kerala is a delightful seafood experience.
Malai Kofta
Luxurious and decadent, Malai Kofta features soft, melt-in-your-mouth paneer and potato dumplings (koftas) simmered in a rich, creamy, and aromatic tomato-based gravy. A classic Mughlai dish perfect for special occasions.
Matar Paneer
A classic Punjabi dish featuring tender green peas and cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) simmered in a rich, spiced tomato-cream gravy. This restaurant-style curry is aromatic and satisfying.
Meen Varuval (South Indian Fish Fry)
A classic South Indian coastal specialty, this Meen Varuval features fish steaks marinated in a vibrant blend of spices and aromatics, then shallow-fried to a delightful crispness while remaining moist and tender inside.
Methi Chicken (Fenugreek Chicken Curry)
Aromatic and flavorful Indian curry featuring tender chicken pieces simmered in a rich gravy infused with fresh fenugreek leaves (methi) and a touch of cream. The subtle bitterness of fenugreek is beautifully balanced by the creamy texture and spices, creating a unique and satisfying dish.
Murgh Makhani (Butter Chicken)
A beloved North Indian dish featuring tender, marinated chicken simmered in a rich, creamy, and buttery tomato-based sauce. Often considered Delhi's signature contribution to global cuisine.
Mutton Korma
A rich and aromatic Mughlai lamb curry, where tender pieces of mutton are slow-braised in a luxurious sauce of yogurt, cream, and a smooth paste of nuts and spices.
Palak Paneer
A classic North Indian dish featuring a vibrant, creamy spinach curry (palak) generously studded with soft cubes of fresh paneer cheese. It's a comforting and flavorful vegetarian staple.
Raita
A cooling and refreshing Indian yogurt-based side dish, often featuring grated cucumber or crispy boondi, seasoned with aromatic spices. It perfectly complements rich and spicy main courses.
Rajma (Spiced Kidney Bean Curry)
A classic Punjabi comfort food, this Rajma features tender red kidney beans simmered in a rich, aromatic tomato-based gravy. Perfectly paired with fluffy basmati rice, it's a hearty and flavorful vegetarian dish.
Rogan Josh
A classic Kashmiri lamb curry featuring incredibly tender lamb simmered in a rich, aromatic sauce. The vibrant red hue comes from Kashmiri chilies, which provide color and a mild warmth, while yogurt adds a subtle tang and creaminess. This slow-cooked dish is a true celebration of aromatic spices.
Saag Aloo
A classic Indian vegetarian side dish featuring tender cubes of potato simmered in a vibrant, spiced spinach sauce. Simple to prepare and full of flavor.
Sarson Ka Saag
A classic Punjabi winter delicacy, Sarson Ka Saag is a hearty and flavorful curry made from slow-cooked mustard greens and spinach, infused with aromatic spices. Traditionally served with Makki ki Roti (cornmeal flatbread).
Shahi Paneer
A regal and decadent Indian curry featuring soft paneer cubes simmered in a luxuriously rich and creamy cashew-tomato sauce, infused with aromatic spices. A true taste of Mughlai royalty.
Simple Egg Curry
A comforting and protein-rich Indian egg curry where boiled eggs are simmered in a fragrant, spiced onion-tomato gravy. This is a quick and economical dish perfect for a weeknight meal.
Tandoori Chicken
Tender chicken leg quarters marinated in a vibrant blend of yogurt and aromatic spices, then roasted to perfection until beautifully charred and incredibly juicy, boasting the signature smoky flavor and fiery red hue of authentic tandoori cooking.
🥟Appetizer Dishes(18)
Aloo Tikki
Spiced potato patties - crispy pan-fried potato cakes, a popular Indian street food and a versatile base for chaat.
Besan Laddoo
Delicious and aromatic chickpea flour (besan) balls, sweetened and bound with ghee, often adorned with nuts. A quintessential Indian sweet for celebrations and festivals.
Bhel Puri
A quintessential Mumbai street food, Bhel Puri is a delightful and quick snack mix featuring crispy puffed rice, crunchy sev (thin gram flour noodles), and a vibrant medley of tangy tamarind chutney, spicy green chutney, and aromatic chaat masala. It's a textural and flavor explosion, best enjoyed immediately.
Chicken 65
A popular and fiery Indian appetizer from Chennai, featuring bite-sized pieces of marinated chicken that are deep-fried until crispy and then tossed with fragrant curry leaves and spices. It's known for its vibrant red color and spicy kick.
Chilli Chicken
A popular Indo-Chinese dish featuring crispy fried chicken tossed in a spicy, savory chili-soy sauce. This recipe delivers restaurant-style flavor with a delightful balance of textures.
Dahi Vada
Soft, fluffy lentil fritters (vadas) soaked in cool, sweetened yogurt and topped with tangy tamarind and spicy green chutneys. A refreshing and popular Indian snack or appetizer.
Dhokla
Fluffy, steamed savory cakes made from fermented gram flour (besan), a popular and healthy snack from Gujarat, India. They are characterized by their light, spongy texture and are often tempered with a sweet and spicy mixture.
Gobi Manchurian
A popular Indo-Chinese fusion dish featuring crispy fried cauliflower florets tossed in a savory, sweet, and spicy sauce. Perfect as an appetizer or a flavorful side dish.
Kachori
Kachori is a popular Indian snack, especially from Rajasthan, consisting of a deep-fried, flaky pastry shell filled with a spiced mixture of lentils (dal) or peas. The key to its deliciousness lies in the crispy exterior and the flavorful, aromatic filling.
Khandvi
Khandvi is a popular savory snack from Gujarat, India, made from gram flour (besan) and yogurt. Thin, diamond-shaped sheets are cooked, then rolled into bite-sized cylinders and tempered with spices. It requires a delicate touch and practice to achieve the signature paper-thin texture.
Medu Vada
Crispy lentil donuts - savory fried urad dal fritters with a crispy outside and soft inside. These are a popular South Indian snack, often served for breakfast or as an appetizer.
Pakora
Crispy and savory vegetable fritters made with a gram flour (besan) batter, perfect as a tea-time snack, especially during the monsoon season.
Paneer Tikka
A classic Indian vegetarian appetizer featuring cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) and colorful vegetables marinated in a rich, spiced yogurt mixture and then grilled or baked until tender with beautifully charred edges. It's a delightful balance of smoky, tangy, and savory flavors.
Pani Puri
Crispy, hollow puris filled with a savory potato and chickpea mixture, then dunked into a tangy, spiced mint-coriander water. A beloved Indian street food snack, often called Golgappa.
Papad (Papadum)
Crispy, thin lentil crackers that are a popular accompaniment to Indian meals or enjoyed as a standalone snack. They can be prepared by frying, roasting over an open flame, or microwaving.
Pav Bhaji
A popular Mumbai street food featuring a spiced, mashed vegetable curry (bhaji) served with butter-toasted bread rolls (pav). This dish is a flavorful and satisfying vegetarian delight.
Samosa
India's beloved triangular pastries with a savory spiced potato and pea filling, deep-fried to a perfect crispy golden brown.
Vada Pav
A beloved Mumbai street food, Vada Pav features a spicy, deep-fried potato fritter (vada) sandwiched inside a soft bread bun (pav), typically served with an assortment of flavorful chutneys.
🍲Soup Dishes(3)
Nihari
A rich and deeply flavorful slow-cooked meat stew, traditionally made with lamb shanks simmered overnight in a complex blend of spices. This dish, originating from Old Delhi, is a celebrated breakfast and a true culinary indulgence.
Rasam
A light and flavorful South Indian spiced tomato and tamarind broth, often served as a digestive aid or a comforting soup, especially during colds. Its characteristic warmth comes from black pepper.
Sambar
A flavorful and hearty South Indian lentil and vegetable stew, spiced with tamarind and aromatic spices. A staple accompaniment to many South Indian dishes.
🥔Side Dishes(12)
Appam (Lacy Rice Hoppers)
Appam are delicate, bowl-shaped fermented rice pancakes, a specialty of Kerala, India. They are characterized by their crispy, lacy edges and a soft, spongy center. Traditionally served with curries or stews.
Curd Rice (Thayir Sadam)
A cooling and comforting South Indian dish of rice mixed with yogurt and finished with a fragrant tempering. Perfect for a light meal or as a palate cleanser.
Hyderabadi Biryani
A regal and aromatic Indian rice dish featuring tender, spiced meat (traditionally lamb or goat) layered with fragrant basmati rice, infused with saffron, and topped with crispy fried onions. The dish is sealed and slow-cooked using the 'dum' method, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Indian Fried Rice
A quick and flavorful Indo-Chinese fried rice, featuring fluffy rice stir-fried with crisp vegetables, scrambled eggs, and a savory soy-vinegar sauce. Perfect as a standalone meal or a delicious accompaniment to Manchurian dishes.
Kheer (Indian Rice Pudding)
A classic Indian rice pudding, Kheer, is a comforting and aromatic dessert. Basmati rice is slow-cooked in whole milk until tender, then infused with the fragrant notes of cardamom and saffron. Sweetened to perfection and often enriched with nuts and raisins, it's a beloved festival treat across the subcontinent.
Lamb Biryani
A regal and aromatic Mughal rice dish featuring tender lamb marinated in yogurt and spices, layered with fragrant basmati rice, saffron-infused milk, crispy fried onions, fresh mint, and ghee. The biryani is sealed and slow-cooked using the traditional 'dum' method for a truly immersive flavor experience.
Lemon Rice (Chitranna)
A vibrant and tangy South Indian specialty from Karnataka, this Lemon Rice (Chitranna) is made by flavoring fluffy rice with a fragrant tempering of spices, herbs, and the zesty brightness of lemon. It's a perfect dish for lunchboxes or a light meal.
Lucknowi Biryani
An exquisite Awadhi-style biryani where tender, marinated lamb is cooked separately and then layered with fragrant Basmati rice. This 'pakki' biryani is known for its refined, delicate flavors and aromatic spices, offering a less spicy alternative to other regional variations.
Tamarind Rice (Puliyogare)
A classic South Indian temple specialty, this tangy and slightly sweet tamarind rice is flavored with a unique spice blend and tempered with peanuts and curry leaves. It's a flavorful and satisfying dish, often served as prasadam (a religious offering).
Vegetable Biryani
A fragrant and flavorful layered rice dish featuring tender mixed vegetables simmered in aromatic spices, layered with partially cooked basmati rice, and finished with saffron-infused milk and ghee. A true vegetarian feast.
Vegetable Pulao
A fragrant and flavorful one-pot rice dish featuring basmati rice, mixed vegetables, and aromatic whole spices. Perfect for a simple yet satisfying everyday meal.
Ven Pongal (Savory Rice and Lentil Porridge)
A comforting and savory South Indian breakfast dish made from rice and moong dal, enriched with ghee and fragrant spices like black pepper and cumin. It has a soft, porridge-like consistency and is often served with sambar and coconut chutney.
🍰Dessert Dishes(7)
Gajar Ka Halwa (Indian Carrot Fudge)
A rich and decadent Indian dessert made from grated carrots slow-cooked in milk and ghee with sugar, cardamom, and nuts. Traditionally enjoyed during winter celebrations, this 'carrot fudge' is a comforting and flavorful treat.
Gulab Jamun
Soft, melt-in-your-mouth khoya (milk solids) dumplings, deep-fried to a golden brown and then soaked in a fragrant rose and cardamom-infused sugar syrup. A beloved Indian dessert perfect for celebrations.
Jalebi
Crispy, sweet spirals of fried batter soaked in fragrant saffron and cardamom syrup. A festive and popular Indian sweet, often enjoyed during celebrations.
Kaju Katli (Cashew Fudge)
A classic Indian sweet, Kaju Katli is a rich, melt-in-your-mouth fudge made from ground cashews and sugar syrup, often shaped into diamonds and adorned with edible silver leaf. It's a quintessential treat for celebrations, especially Diwali.
Rasgulla
Spongy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese balls (chenna) cooked in a light, fragrant sugar syrup. A classic Bengali sweet delicacy.
Rasmalai
Luxurious Bengali sweet comprising flattened chenna (fresh cheese) discs gently poached and then soaked in a rich, saffron-infused, cardamom-scented milk cream (rabri).
Sweet Lassi
A classic Punjabi refreshment, this sweet lassi is a thick, creamy, and frothy yogurt-based drink, delicately flavored with sugar and cardamom. Perfect for cooling down on a warm day or complementing spicy meals.
🍞Bread Dishes(6)
Amritsari Kulcha
A popular Indian street food from Amritsar, this is a soft, leavened flatbread stuffed with a flavorful spiced potato and paneer filling, then cooked until golden and served hot with butter and chole (chickpea curry).
Bhatura
Bhatura is a classic North Indian leavened fried bread, known for its large, puffy, golden-brown appearance. It's a popular street food, especially in Delhi, and is traditionally served with chole (spiced chickpea curry). The dough requires a significant resting period for fermentation, which contributes to its light and airy texture.
Chapati
Chapati is a quintessential Indian unleavened whole wheat flatbread, cooked on a griddle (tawa) until it puffs up, signifying it's perfectly cooked. It's a daily staple across the Indian subcontinent.
Naan
Authentic Indian leavened flatbread, known for its soft, pillowy texture and slightly charred surface. Traditionally baked in a tandoor oven, it's the perfect accompaniment for scooping up rich curries and dals.
Puri
Puri is a deep-fried Indian bread made from whole wheat flour. When cooked, it puffs up into a golden, airy orb, offering a delightful texture and a slightly crisp exterior. It's a festive and indulgent accompaniment to many Indian meals.
Roti (Chapati)
Soft, unleavened whole wheat flatbread, a staple in Indian cuisine. This recipe focuses on creating perfectly cooked rotis that puff up beautifully on a griddle (tawa) or directly over a flame.
🥨Snack Dishes(3)
Anda Bhurji (Indian Scrambled Eggs)
Anda Bhurji is a popular Indian street food dish featuring fluffy scrambled eggs cooked with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chilies, and a blend of aromatic spices. It's a quick, flavorful, and satisfying breakfast or light meal.
Chole Bhature
A beloved North Indian breakfast and street food classic, featuring tender, spiced chickpeas (chole) served alongside fluffy, deep-fried leavened bread (bhature).
Hakka Noodles
Authentic Indian-style Hakka Noodles, a popular street food featuring perfectly cooked noodles stir-fried with vibrant vegetables and a savory soy-based sauce. Quick, flavorful, and satisfying.
🍵Beverage Dishes(2)
Mango Lassi
A rich and creamy Indian yogurt-based smoothie, bursting with the sweet, tropical flavor of mango. This refreshing drink is a perfect summer treat, enjoyed worldwide.
Masala Chai
Masala Chai is a fragrant and invigorating spiced milk tea, a staple beverage in India. It's made by simmering black tea with a blend of aromatic spices, milk, and sugar, creating a comforting and flavorful drink.
🧂Condiment Dishes(2)
Aam Ka Achar (Spiced Raw Mango Pickle)
A classic Indian condiment, this raw mango pickle is made by preserving tart, unripe mangoes in a fragrant blend of spices and oil. It's a staple served with most Indian meals, adding a tangy and spicy punch.
Coconut Chutney
A fresh and flavorful South Indian condiment made from ground coconut, chilies, and spices, finished with a fragrant tempering. It's an essential accompaniment to dishes like dosa, idli, vada, and uttapam.
🍳Breakfast Dishes(8)
Aloo Paratha
A popular North Indian breakfast dish featuring whole wheat flatbread stuffed with a flavorful spiced mashed potato filling. Deliciously comforting and satisfying.
Dosa
A crispy, fermented crepe made from rice and lentils, a quintessential South Indian breakfast dish. It's characterized by its delicate crispness on the outside and a soft, slightly chewy interior.
Hyderabadi Haleem
A rich and hearty slow-cooked meat and wheat porridge, traditionally pounded until incredibly smooth. A quintessential dish for Iftar during Ramadan.
Idli
Fluffy, savory steamed cakes made from fermented rice and lentil batter. A quintessential South Indian breakfast, often served with sambar and coconut chutney.
Masala Dosa
A beloved South Indian delicacy featuring a crispy, paper-thin fermented rice and lentil crepe, generously filled with a fragrant spiced potato mixture, and traditionally served with coconut chutney and sambar.
Poori Aloo
Puffy, deep-fried unleavened bread served with a simple, spiced potato curry. A beloved Sunday breakfast tradition in many Indian households.
Upma
A comforting and quick savory porridge made from roasted semolina (rava), tempered spices, and optional vegetables. A classic South Indian breakfast or light meal.
Uttapam
A thick, savory rice and lentil pancake, similar to a dosa but with a softer, fluffier texture. Vegetables and other toppings are pressed into the batter while it cooks, creating a flavorful and satisfying dish often likened to an Indian-style pizza.