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Pakora -

Pakora is a popular Indian street food snack, made by deep-frying vegetables or meat coated in a spiced gram flour batter.

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Vindaloo -

Originally from Vasai and Goa, vindaloo curry is not for the faint-hearted. Meat or shellfish is slow-cooked in a spicy and tangy sauce and served alongside basmati rice or bread.

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Papadam -

Papadam, or papad, is a dough of black gram bean flour that is either deep-fried or cooked with dry heat until crunchy. Papadam is typically served as an accompaniment to a meal.

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Kathi rolls -

Originally from Kolkata, kathi rolls began as skewer-roasted meat wrapped in paratha bread. Now, kathi rolls refer to any filling wrapped in an Indian flatbread.

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Keema paratha -

Keema paratha is an Indian flatbread stuffed with spiced minced lamb or goat meat. It's cooked on a tawa (a shallow pan) and served with yogurt or chutney.

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Jalebi -

Jalebi is an Indian sweet made by soaking deep-fried, spiral-shaped batter in sugar syrup, resulting in a crispy, sweet, and sticky dessert.

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Goan fish curry -

Goan fish curry features firm white fish cooked in a coconut-based curry with turmeric, tamarind, and chili, creating a tangy and spicy taste.

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Bhel puri -

Bhel puri is a Mumbai street food snack made with puffed rice, puri, potatoes, spices, onions, sev (fried gram flour vermicelli) and various chutneys.

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Kheer -

Kheer is a traditional and decadent North Indian dessert made with basmati rice, sugar, whole milk, and cardamom.

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Korma -

Korma is a South Indian dish made from ground nuts and meat or vegetables braised in a yogurt sauce seasoned with mild spices.

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Dhokla -

Dhokla is a Gujarati savory snack made from fermented gram and rice flour, steaming into a fluffy cake-like texture. It is usually tempered with spices and curry leaves.

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Baingan bharta -

Baingan bharta is a North Indian side dish made from roasted and mashed eggplant cooked with onions, tomatoes, garlic, and spices, creating a smoky, delicious flavor.

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Malai kofta - Malai kofta is a tasty vegetarian-friendly dish of fried potato and paneer balls in a rich and creamy gravy of blended nuts, onions, tomatoes, and spices. Serve with naan bread or rice.

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Pav bhaji -

Pav bhaji, a popular Mumbai street food, is a spiced vegetable mash served with buttered bread rolls and typically garnished with onions and cilantro.

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Gulab jamun -

Gulab jamun is a classic Indian dessert made from a deep-fried dough of milk solids soaked in sugar syrup fragranced with rosewater and cardamom.

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Ras malai -

Ras malai is an East Indian delicacy made with spongy milk curd disks soaked in a creamy, cardamom-infused sweet milk syrup and garnished with pistachios and almonds.

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Dal tadka -

Dal tadka is a classic Indian comfort food made from lentils cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices. The dish is topped with tempered ghee or oil, garlic, cumin, and red chili.

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Idli -

Idli is a South Indian breakfast dish made by steaming a batter of fermented black lentils and rice into round, fluffy cakes. Serve with chutneys and sambar.

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Masala dosa -

Masala dosa originates from South India. The dish is a thick, crispy crepe made from fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with a spiced potato mixture, and served with chutneys.

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Panipuri -

Panipuri, a popular street food, consists of small, hollowed fried dough balls filled with potatoes and spicy, sweet, and tangy water (pani.)

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Vada pav -

Vada pav is a Mumbai staple, featuring a spicy, deep-fried potato patty sandwiched in a soft bread roll, commonly served with chutney and fried green chilies.

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Biryani -

Biryani features layers of rice, meat, or fish, and vegetables cooked in aromatic spices. It's often topped with fried onions and boiled eggs.

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Aloo gobi -

Aloo gobi is a tasty meat-free dish, featuring potatoes and cauliflower cooked with onions, tomatoes, and fragrant spices.

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Palak paneer -

Palak paneer is a simple yet tasty dish comprising paneer (Indian cheese) mixed with a creamy spice-infused spinach sauce.

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Samosa -

A samosa is a fried pastry stuffed with spiced potatoes, onions, peas, meat, or fish. It is best enjoyed as an appetizer to a meal or as a snack.

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Rogan josh -

Originating from Kashmir, rogan josh features lamb or goat slow-cooked in a rich, spicy yogurt-based sauce.

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Saag paneer -

Saag paneer is a well-loved Indian side dish, featuring paneer cheese cooked in sautéed spinach and spices. It's served with roti, naan, or rice.

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Paneer tikka -

Paneer tikka is a dish made from chunks of paneer cheese marinated in spices and grilled in a tandoor (a large, vase-shaped clay oven).

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Tandoori chicken -

Tandoori chicken is made from chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and then roasted in a tandoor. It's typically served with rice, salad, or raita (a yogurt-based condiment).

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Butter chicken -

Butter chicken, or murgh makhani, is made with chicken, spices, tomatoes, and cream. Serve it with naan or rice for a delicious, hearty meal.

Sources: (BBC Good Food) (Cozymeal) (Delish)

See also: Your favorite curries—in order of heat!

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