India, a vibrant tapestry of diverse cultures, traditions, and landscapes, is a country that beckons travelers with its myriad of flavors and aromas. From street food stalls to dining halls, India’s culinary landscape is a treasure trove waiting to be explored.

Join us on a journey as we unveil regional delights, reflecting local ingredients, historical influences, and cultural nuances. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast, vegetarian lover, or have a sweet tooth, India has something to tantalize every taste bud.

In this blog post, we’ll delve into the top 10 cuisines that one must try when visiting India.

Litthi Chokha

Indulge your taste buds in the charm of Bihar with Litthi Chokha. Hailing from this northern state of India, Litthi Chokha is a traditional dish with the essence of simplicity and robust flavors.

Litthi is a wheat-based, round bread baked until crisp, providing the perfect vessel for the flavorful Chokha. This delightful accompaniment is a medley of roasted and mashed vegetables, typically including eggplant, tomatoes, and potatoes, seasoned with aromatic spices. The result is a smoky, earthy symphony of flavors that offers a true taste of Bihar’s culinary heritage.

Vada Pav

Embark on a flavor-packed adventure with Vada Pav, a Maharashtrian street food sensation. This snack consists of a spiced potato fritter, known as the “Vada,” nestled within a soft bun, or “Pav,” and adorned with an array of chutneys.

The Vada Pav’s allure lies in its perfect balance of textures and bold flavors—crispy on the outside, pillowy within, and complemented by the tanginess of tamarind and the heat of green chilies. Often hailed as Mumbai’s answer to the burger, this street-side delight is not just a snack but a cultural phenomenon.

Dhokla

Embark on a culinary journey to Gujarat, where the spongy and steamed delight of Dhokla takes center stage. This iconic dish, a staple in Gujarati households, is a testament to the state’s rich culinary heritage.

Dhokla is made from fermented rice and chickpea flour, resulting in a light and fluffy texture that’s as pleasing to the palate as it is to the eyes. Typically served with a generous drizzle of mustard seeds, curry leaves, and coriander, Dhokla offers a perfect balance of tanginess and mild sweetness. Beyond its delicious taste, Dhokla also boasts a high nutritional value, making it a guilt-free indulgence.

Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature embodies the robust and hearty flavors that define Punjabi cuisine. The star of the plate, Chole, features chickpeas simmered to perfection in a medley of aromatic spices, creating a rich and flavorful curry. Paired harmoniously with Bhature, deep-fried, fluffy bread that puffs up to golden perfection, the combination is a symphony of textures and tastes.

Served with a side of tangy pickles and cooling yogurt, Chole Bhature is a culinary indulgence that captures the essence of Punjab’s warmth and hospitality.

Hyderabadi Biryani  

Hailing from the royal kitchens of the Nizams, this aromatic dish features basmati rice, succulent meat (often chicken or mutton), and a symphony of spices. Layered and slow-cooked to perfection, Hyderabadi Biryani is a celebration of flavors that captivates the senses.

Served with raita and salan, a tangy side dish, this biryani is a culinary masterpiece that reflects Hyderabad’s culinary heritage.

Masor Tenga

Masor Tenga, a traditional fish curry is an Assamese delicacy featuring freshwater fish simmered in a tangy tamarind broth, infused with the aromatic flavors of Assamese spices. The result is a harmonious blend of sour and savory notes that reflects the region’s culinary diversity.

Served with steamed rice, Masor Tenga is not just a meal; it’s a cultural celebration on a plate, offering a flavorful introduction to the culinary wonders of Assam.

Aloo Paratha  

Delight in the hearty and wholesome flavors of the classic Aloo Paratha.

This iconic North Indian dish features unleavened flatbread stuffed with a spiced potato filling, cooked to golden perfection on a griddle. Served with a dollop of butter, yogurt, or pickles, Aloo Paratha is a comforting and fulfilling dish that embodies the warmth of Punjabi hospitality.

Butter Chicken 

Experience the indulgent flavors of India with Butter Chicken. This North Indian delicacy features succulent pieces of chicken marinated in a rich, creamy tomato-based sauce, enriched with butter and a medley of aromatic spices. The result is a luscious and flavorful dish that has become a global favorite.

Served with naan or steamed rice, Butter Chicken is a testament to Delhi’s culinary prowess, offering a taste of the capital city’s vibrant and diverse food culture.

Pani Puri 

Also known as Golgappa or Puchka in various regions, this iconic street snack is a sensory adventure.Pani Puri consists of crispy, hollow puris filled with a tantalizing mixture of mashed potatoes, chickpeas, spices, and tamarind chutney.

The true magic, however, lies in the “pani” or flavored water that bathes each puri just before it reaches your eager hands.

Gulab Jamun

Gulab Jamun, an Indian dessert, transcends sweetness, embodying a symphony of textures and flavors. These golden-brown spheres, crafted from khoya and deep-fried to perfection, strike a delightful balance between a crispy exterior and a melt-in-the-mouth interior.

Immersed in fragrant sugar syrup, each bite becomes infused with a heavenly essence.

Experience the best of Indian cuisines with customized itineraries for your trip with Acqua Travel. Plan today!