1. Biryani THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025
THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025Biryani is one of India’s most beloved dishes, a fragrant rice-based dish typically cooked with meat (such as chicken, mutton, or beef) or sometimes with vegetables. Originating from the Mughal era, biryani is a combination of basmati rice, spices like saffron, cumin, cardamom, and cloves, along with marinated meat or vegetables. There are various regional variations of biryani—Hyderabadi biryani, Lucknowi biryani, Kolkata biryani—each showcasing unique methods of preparation and flavors.THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025
2. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani) THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025
Butter chicken is a creamy, flavorful dish that originates from Delhi, but has become a global favorite. It’s made with tender chicken cooked in a rich tomato-based gravy that is spiced with garam masala, ginger, garlic, and a generous amount of butter and cream, which gives the dish its characteristic smoothness and richness. Paired with naan or rice, butter chicken is often a go-to comfort food for those new to Indian cuisine.THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025
3. Masala Dosa
A masala dosa is a crispy, thin pancake made from fermented rice and lentil batter, filled with a spiced mashed potato mixture. This dish hails from South India but has spread across the world due to its popularity. Served with coconut chutney and sambar (a spiced lentil soup), masala dosa is a satisfying and savory dish often enjoyed for breakfast or brunch. Its combination of crispy texture, tangy chutney, and spicy potato filling makes it a beloved dish in India.THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025
4. Rogan Josh THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025
This aromatic and spicy lamb dish is a staple of Kashmiri cuisine. The tender lamb is slow-cooked in a gravy made with yogurt, garlic, ginger, and a host of warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. The rich red color of rogan josh comes from the use of dried Kashmiri chilies, which add a mild heat and a deep flavor. It is traditionally served with steamed rice or naan and is a perfect example of the nuanced flavors of Kashmiri food.THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025
5. Chole Bhature
Chole Bhature is a hearty and satisfying North Indian dish made up of spicy chickpeas (chole) served with deep-fried bread (bhature). The chickpeas are cooked in a spicy, tangy gravy made with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of Indian spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala. The bhature is light and fluffy on the inside and crisp on the outside, making it the perfect companion to the spiced chickpeas. This dish is often enjoyed with a side of pickles and yogurt.THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025
6. Pani Puri (Gol Gappa)
Pani puri is one of India’s most popular street foods, and it’s enjoyed across the country with slight regional variations. Small, crispy puris (hollow fried dough balls) are filled with spicy tamarind water (pani), tangy chutneys, and a mixture of potato, chickpeas, or sprouted beans. The burst of flavors—sweet, sour, spicy—makes it an explosion of taste in your mouth. Pani puri is a must-try for anyone seeking the authentic flavors of Indian street food.THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025
7. Samosa
Samosas are a beloved snack throughout India and are often served as appetizers or street food. These deep-fried pastries are filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes meat, then folded into a triangular shape. Crispy on the outside and flavorful on the inside, samosas are often accompanied by mint chutney or tamarind sauce. They are enjoyed at any time of the day, whether as a light snack or with tea.THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025
8. Tandoori Chicken
Tandoori chicken is a dish where marinated chicken is cooked in a traditional tandoor (clay oven), imparting a smoky flavor and a vibrant red color. The marinade consists of yogurt, spices like turmeric, cumin, garam masala, and chili powder, which tenderize the meat and give it its rich flavor. The charred, smoky exterior paired with the tender, juicy chicken inside makes it a favorite of many.THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025
9. Dhokla
A traditional Gujarati dish, dhokla is a steamed savory cake made from rice and chickpea flour. It is spongy and light, with a slightly tangy flavor. Dhokla is often enjoyed as a snack or breakfast food, typically served with green chutney or tamarind sauce. Its light texture and savory taste make it an excellent choice for those looking for something different yet delightful.THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025
10. Gulab Jamun
No list of Indian food is complete without a mention of desserts, and gulab jamun is perhaps the most iconic Indian sweet. These soft, round dumplings are made from milk solids, fried until golden brown, and soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup flavored with rose water or cardamom. The melt-in-your-mouth sweetness and syrupy richness make gulab jamun a beloved treat for any occasion.THE BEST FOOD OF INDIA 2025
