If you’re anything like me, food isn’t just part of a trip – it is the trip, which is why this India food guide is a must-read before you go. It’s not just about filling your stomach; it’s about diving headfirst into a new culture and discovering a place through its flavours.
And India? India takes it to a whole other level. From punchy, spicy curries in the north to fresh, tangy street food in the south, eating here is more than a meal – it’s an experience.
I’ve had my fair share of food adventures in India, and honestly, the cuisine is just as vibrant and diverse as the country itself.
Whether you’re crunching into spicy street snacks or treating yourself to luxurious royal dishes, there’s something to delight every kind of foodie.
So if you’re planning a trip (and trust me, you really should), don’t even think about skipping the food scene. And for a bit of travel inspo, check out my guide to the 17 must-see places in India – because no incredible meal is complete without an equally incredible destination to match.
Ready to explore the ultimate India food guide? From street food to royal dishes, here are 21 must-try meals for your next trip.
1. Biryani (Hyderabad)
What it is: A hearty, spiced rice dish layered with tender meat like chicken, mutton, or goat. Fragrant rice meets saffron, cardamom, and cinnamon.
Why try it: Hyderabadi Biryani is legendary. The slow-cooked layers of spice and meat create unforgettable flavours.
Where to eat: Hyderabad is the place to be. Paradise Biryani, Bawarchi, and Shadab all serve top-notch biryani.
2. Butter Chicken (Delhi)
What it is: Marinated chicken in a creamy tomato gravy with butter, cream, and spices.
Why try it: Smooth, tangy, and mildly spiced, it’s comfort food at its best. Ideal if you’re new to Indian cuisine.
Where to eat: Moti Mahal in Delhi is said to be where Butter Chicken was born.
3. Chole Bhature (North India)
What it is: Spiced chickpeas (chole) paired with deep-fried bread (bhature). Often served with pickles, onions, and yogurt.
Why try it: Filling, spicy, and satisfying. Perfect for a hearty breakfast or lunch.
Where to eat: Delhi and Amritsar are famous for this combo. Street stalls are a great choice.
4. Masala Dosa (South India)
What it is: A thin, crispy pancake made from rice and lentils, stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes. Served with coconut chutney and sambar.
Why try it: Crispy, savoury, and comforting. South Indian breakfasts don’t get better than this.
Where to eat: Chennai, Bengaluru, and other cities in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka serve the best. For a full day of foodie and sightseeing adventures in Bengaluru, check out my complete itinerary in Bangalore.
5. Pani Puri (Pan-India)
What it is: Crisp dough shells filled with spicy, tangy water, potatoes, and chickpeas.
Why try it: Each bite is a burst of crunchy, tangy, sweet, and spicy flavours. Street food at its finest.
Where to eat: Mumbai and Delhi offer some of the best Pani Puri stalls.
6. Rogan Josh (Kashmir)
What it is: Slow-cooked lamb in a rich, red gravy, flavoured with cardamom, cinnamon, and Kashmiri red chili.
Why try it: Aromatic and indulgent, perfect with naan or rice.
Where to eat: Head to Srinagar for authentic Rogan Josh.
7. Samosa (Pan-India)
What it is: Triangular pastry filled with spiced potatoes, peas, or meat. Served with tamarind or mint chutney.
Why try it: Crunchy, savoury, and totally satisfying. Ideal for a snack on the go.
Where to eat: Delhi and Mumbai have some of the best samosas.
8. Fish Curry (West Bengal)
What it is: Mustard oil and turmeric-based curry with freshwater fish like hilsa or rohu.
Why try it: Aromatic and flavourful, with a distinctive mustard oil kick.
Where to eat: Kolkata is the hub for authentic Bengali Fish Curry.
9. Dhokla (Gujarat)
What it is: Steamed cake made from rice and chickpea flour, seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and chilies.
Why try it: Light, spongy, and tangy. A unique and healthy snack.
Where to eat: Ahmedabad and Surat serve some of the freshest Dhokla with chutney.
10. Vada Pav (Mumbai)
What it is: Deep-fried potato patty in a bun with chutneys and fried green chilies.
Why try it: Mumbai’s take on a burger. Crispy, spicy, and utterly addictive.
Where to eat: Street vendors around Dadar and Andheri serve the best. For more tips and must-do experiences in Mumbai, check out my Mumbai travel guide.
Halfway through our India food guide, and we’re just getting started on these 21 must-try dishes.
11. Tandoori Chicken (North India)
What it is: Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, cooked in a clay oven for a smoky finish.
Why try it: Smoky, spicy, and tender. A must-try for grilled meat lovers.
Where to eat: Delhi, Amritsar, and Rajasthan are all famous for Tandoori Chicken.
12. Malai Kofta (North India)
What it is: Paneer and vegetable balls in a rich, creamy gravy.
Why try it: Indulgent, creamy, and perfect for special occasions.
Where to eat: Bukhara in Delhi is a great choice.
13. Aloo Paratha (North India)
What it is: Stuffed flatbread with spiced mashed potatoes. Served with yogurt, pickles, and butter.
Why try it: Crispy outside, soft inside. Perfect for breakfast or lunch.
Where to eat: Punjab and Delhi are famous for their Aloo Parathas, served at dhabas.
14. Galouti Kebab (Lucknow)
What it is: Melt-in-your-mouth minced meat kebabs with saffron, cardamom, and spices.
Why try it: Soft, aromatic, and rich in Mughal history.
Where to eat: Lucknow is the birthplace. You can’t miss it there.
15. Kadhi Pakora (North India)
What it is: Gram flour dumplings in tangy yogurt curry, spiced with mustard seeds and turmeric.
Why try it: Comfort food at its finest. Crispy pakoras soak up tangy curry beautifully.
Where to eat: Punjab, Delhi, and Rajasthan are popular regions for this dish.
16. Gulab Jamun (Pan-India)
What it is: Fried dough balls soaked in sugary syrup with rose water, saffron, and cardamom.
Why try it: Sweet, syrupy, and melt-in-the-mouth. A celebration dessert.
Where to eat: Traditional sweet shops across India are best.
17. Pesarattu (Andhra Pradesh)
What it is: Green gram pancake served with ginger chutney and ghee.
Why try it: Light, filling, and protein-packed. Perfect for breakfast or a snack.
Where to eat: Vijayawada and Hyderabad are top spots.
18. Lassi (Punjab)
What it is: Yogurt-based drink, sweet or salty, often flavoured with fruit or cardamom.
Why try it: Refreshing and cooling after spicy meals. Sweet lassi is perfect to end a meal.
Where to eat: Amritsar and Punjab have the most famous lassis.
19. Seekh Kebab (North India)
What it is: Minced meat spiced, skewered, and grilled to perfection.
Why try it: Juicy, smoky, and full of flavour.
Where to eat: Delhi and Lucknow serve some of the best.
20. Pav Bhaji (Mumbai)
What it is: Mashed vegetable curry served with buttered buns. One of the best street foods in India.
Why try it: Spicy, buttery and utterly delicious. Great for a casual meal.
Where to eat: Street stalls in Mumbai, particularly in Bandra and Chowpatty. If you’re heading to Mumbai as a newbies, check out my guide for first-time visitors.
21. Paneer Tikka (North India)
What it is: Cubes of paneer marinated in spices and grilled in a tandoor.
Why try it: Smoky, spicy, and satisfying. Perfect for vegetarians who love grilled dishes.
Where to eat: Delhi, Jaipur, and Amritsar serve the most flavourful Paneer Tikka.
Tips for Using This India Food Guide
Plan your meals around regions to try authentic dishes.
Street food is safe if busy and freshly made.
Don’t miss desserts – they’re as iconic as the curries.
And that’s a wrap on my ultimate India food guide. These are the 21 dishes you absolutely have to try to really taste India. From wandering Mumbai’s bustling streets, tucking into crispy South Indian breakfasts, to devouring street food in Delhi, these flavours are the perfect excuse to explore every corner of the country.
If you’re looking for places to stay in India, click here.
If you’re hungry for more adventures, check out 17 life-changing places to visit in India—they’re guaranteed to give your trip a whole new perspective. And if you’re planning a bigger journey, head over to my India page for tips, itineraries and everything you need to plan your ultimate Indian adventure.
