The Best Traditional Food of India to Eat in 2024

There is no one national food in India because India is known for its rich variety of food from different cultures and regions. They have unique dishes, making the traditional dishes of India the best delightful adventure.

From delicious curries of the north to the pleasant flavours of the south, Indian traditional foods offer an unmatched food experience.

Indian food allows us to celebrate heritage and innovation while providing an exciting culinary landscape.

Whether you like Indian bread, appetizers, or desserts, let’s explore the best traditional food of India that you should definitely eat in 2024. You can also search for a cook for home in Delhi to make this delicious food.

From Tandoor to Table: India's Bread Wonders

There are various traditional Indian foods, and its breads are one of them. Any Indian dish is incomplete without bread. They are necessary to make your meal more fulfilling. Whether you want simple or wholesome bread, there is bread for every palate.

1) Roti

Your simple and lightweight roti is also a traditional Indian bread because it has been part of your meal for so long. We used to eat it at home, but it is now also available in various places and functions.

It is made using whole wheat flour, water, and a pinch of salt. Then, it is kneaded into a dough, rolled into thin circles, and cooked on the hot tawa.

You can have it with your favourite curry, dal, or vegetables. You can apply ghee to the roti to make it taste more delightful.

2) Naan

Imagine the flavour burst in your mouth after you scoop it into your curry or dal and eat the naan.

Naan is one of the famous Indian breads. This traditional food of India is available at every function, and Indian restaurants and even modern cafes serve Indian food.

It is a flatbread with a soft and fluffy texture. Because it is oven-baked or tawa-fried, its exterior is often slightly charred. The top is topped with butter and garlic or herbs, making it chewy.

The versatility of naan makes it special. You can have a plain, stuffed, or naan topped with garlic butter. Have your type of naan with flavourful curries, biryanis, and other dishes.

3) Lachha Parantha

Lachha paratha has various flaky layers that separate when you eat it. It requires a bit of effort but offers the most satisfying results. Its flavour is further enhanced when cooked with ghee or oil.

You can enjoy this traditional food of India with any curry, yogurt, or pickles. This wholesome flatbread can also be stuffed with vegetables, potatoes, paneer, and even cheese. It is a popular breakfast or afternoon snack.

Some mouthwatering Indian Street Foods or Typical Indian Breakfast

There are different types of food in India, and street food or we can say typical Indian breakfast is also the favourite part of any Indian. Its unique flavours, textures, and aromas satisfy your taste buds. From crispy samosas to delicious chole bhature, Indian street food is worth eating.

1) Pani Puri

Pani puri is the most popular Indian street food, and you must try it. With every bite, you can feel all the flavours melting in your mouth.

They are crispy and hollowed to fill various ingredients, such as potatoes, chickpeas, etc. Then, the spicy or sweet pani is added to give a tangy flavour. It perfectly balances all these ingredients, creating a truly addictive taste.

2) Chole Bhature

Who doesn’t like chole bhature? It is the most fulfilling and delicious Punjabi dish. This meal includes yummy and flavourful chole made with chickpeas and a deep-fried bhature.

Many often have this street food for breakfast or lunch. It is served with pickles, onions, green chillies, and a squeeze of lime. This traditional food of India is a satisfying and comforting meal.

3) Samosas

Want to have a traditional Indian food items that is crispy and filled with a savoury mixture? These triangular-shaped snacks are a popular street food. They are filled with potatoes, peas, and sometimes green chilies.

Nowadays, many serve it with different fillings, such as chilli paneer, chowmein, cheese and corn, Manchurian, and even minced meat. They are usually deep-fried, but you can have baked samosas if you want a healthier version.

4) Kathi Rolls

No, we are not missing out on the roll from the Indian food list. The best Indian food also includes kathi rolls.

We know that traditional Indian food involves dishes from various cultures and regions. Kathi rolls, for example, originate from Kolkata and are wrapped with delicious fillings.

It is a simple traditional food of India that includes a soft paratha filled with the filling of your choice, such as chicken, egg, paneer, or vegetables, along with a combination of savoury sauces.

Together, they make the perfect and hearty meal, which can be customized according to your taste and preferences. So, you can consider these kathi rolls, as the best Indian street food.

5) Idli and Sambar

Idli and sambar are yet another delicious quintessential South Indian dish and the traditional food of south india that people often have for breakfast. However, you can also have it for lunch and dinner.

The soft, light, and fluffy-textured idlis are served with sambhar and coconut chutney. Just one bite of it, and you will feel the explosion of amazing flavours. This traditional food of India is known for its simplicity and excellent taste.

6) Dosa

Want a dish that is lightweight and crispy? Dosa is the south Indian traditional food option. It is made from fermented rice and lentil batter. A thin layer of batter is placed on the hot tawa, making it crispy.

It is a South Indian dish that comes in different varieties, including plain, masala, onion, rava, and mixed vegetables dosa. They all are equally tasty and have a crispy texture.

7) Matar Kulcha

You must have had different types of kulchas, but have you ever tried matar kulcha? It is a popular traditional food of India that is a perfect combination of textures and flavours.

This North Indian street food includes a soft kulcha with tangy and satisfying pea curry. It can also be served by stuffing the mixture of peas in a kulcha, just like paneer or aloo stuffed kulcha. You can have this hearty meal at any time of the day.

8) Pav Bhaji

Imagine a tasty bhaji served with a pav and a dollop of butter. This meal makes your mouth watery by just thinking about it.

It is a Maharashtrian dish that includes bhaji and is made with vegetables such as potatoes, peas, onion, beans, tomatoes, and capsicum. To make it more satisfying, the dish is served with buttery pav.

People of all ages enjoy this Indian dish. You can also have this traditional food of India with chopped onions, green chillies, and lemon wedges.

A Flavorful Start: Indian Appetizers

Indian food offers a wide range of delectable appetizers. Start with these meals, as these small bites help calm your hunger while leaving space for Indian main courses and desserts. You can search for “veg cook near me” or “non-veg cook near me” to make amazing appetizers.

1) Pakora

India's traditional food includes pakora, one of the popular and delicious Indian appetizers. You can use any kind of pakora, from aloo to spinach pakora.

The vegetables are dipped into a chickpea batter (besan) and fried until golden brown and crispy. These pakoras are served with mint chutney or tamarind chutney to enhance the flavour of pakoras.

After you have its first bite, you will keep asking for more because of its delicious taste.

2) Chaat

Chaat is another traditional food of India or typical Indian breakfast with bold and contrasting flavours. You can have sweet, sour, salty, or spicy chaat, depending on your preferences.

It is served as an appetizer and is loved by many locals and tourists. To make it more delicious and savoury, chaat can include papdi, puffed rice, yogurt, chutneys, and chaat masala.

3) Chicken Tikka

The best appetizer for non-veg lovers is chicken tikka. The chicken is coated with creamy and flavourful curry.

The marinated chicken is then grilled on the tandoor, making it tender and yummy. It is a must-try appetizer to eat in 2024.

4) Momos

Are you a momos lover? Then, this is the perfect appetizer for you! You can enjoy either steamed or fried dumplings, depending on your preference. They come with delicious fillings such as vegetables, paneer, or chicken to make them even more mouthwatering.

They have become popular in India but originated in Tibet. They can also be enjoyed as a snack or street food. They are versatile traditional food of India because they can be filled with your choice of fillings and sauces.

5) Dry Chilli Paneer

You can even have a fusion of Indian traditional cuisine and Chinese food: dry chilli paneer. Depending on your preference, it can have a spicy or sweet taste.

Its texture is crispy because the paneers are deep-fried before tossing them in a sauce.

The sauce is made using soy sauce, vinegar, ketchup, and other flavourings. Then, the fried paneer and vegetables are added to it. You can’t miss this delightful dish because it is the best traditional food of India.

Rich Flavours of Traditional Indian Dishes

Do you want to know the Indian authentic food that are considered the traditional food of India? You can have these Indian dishes because they are packed with flavour, textures, and aromas. Indian dishes names include:

1) Butter Chicken

Butter chicken is a famous Indian dish with a rich and creamy texture. It can be a strong contender for the national dish of India. The chicken pieces are marinated and cooked in a velvety tomato-based sauce with aromatic spices, cream, and butter.

The combination of these elements creates a unique taste. It is best served hot with naan or rice and is the best choice for special occasions.

Recommended Read: 15 Best Non-Veg Dishes To Be Made With Non-Veg Spices

2) Malai Kofta

Malai Kofta is a rich Indian food items that is rich and creamy. The kofta is so soft that it just melts in your mouth. They are deep-fried and added to the creamy, tomato-based, flavourful gravy.

The koftas are made of various vegetables, such as potatoes, paneer, and other vegetables. The gravy and kofta together make the perfect combination of textures, making this dish delicious and pleasant.

3) Rogan Josh

Rogan Josh is a treat for non-veg and meat lovers. Its gravy is a deep red colour mixed with tender meat and spices, making it taste amazing.

This traditional food of India is filled with rich and aromatic flavour with a smooth texture. You can have it with naan, paratha, and rice. The meat is first marinated with various spices and yogurt to enrich the curry.

It is made with ghee to enhance the flavour and taste of this excellent dish. It is the famous Kashmiri cuisine.

4) Dal Tadka

Dal Tadka is a simple Indian lentil dish that is equally flavourful. Give it a try to have a simple and lightweight meal.

The yellow or red dal is used to make this fulfilling dish. Cumin seeds, garlic, and red chilli are added to create a tadka in a hot oil. This tadka is then added to the dal to add taste and aroma to the lentil broth.

It is served with rice, roti, or naan. You can enjoy this Indian dish garnished with fresh coriander and a squeeze of lemon.

5) Aloo Gobhi

Aloo gobhi is another simple and flavourful traditional food of India made with potatoes and cauliflower. It is commonly made in many households.

However, they are available in various restaurants because of their rich and fantastic taste. Many enjoy this dish because it is very satisfying. It is usually served with roti and rice.

6) Biryani

What can be better than having biryani this year? It is a savoury and flavourful rice dish. It is made using various aromatics and spices along with rice, marinated meat, or vegetables.

You can have veg biryani or non-veg biryani, based on your preference. It can be made perfect and delicious if the layering of ingredients and cooking process is done correctly. It is also one of the best Indian dishes.

Recommended Reads: How to Cook Veg Biryani? A Step-by-Step Guide

7) Chana Masala

Chana Masala is a popular North Indian traditional food that features chickpeas simmered in a delicious tomato-based gravy. This gravy is the foundation of the chana masala.

You can enjoy this hearty traditional food of India with naan, paratha, roti, or rice. It is made differently in different places because it is a versatile dish and can be customized with various spices and ingredients, such as cream or kasoori methi.

Now, go and try these Indian dishes or ask your cook or full-time maid to make it for you because they have the skills to prepare flavourful meals.

India's Dessert Diversity

After having your meal, your mind often says, “Kuch meetha ho jaye”. That is why here are some Indian desserts that you can eat to feel satisfied.

1) Gulab Jamun

Your meal is missing without having Indian desserts. There are many Indian desserts you can try, but the best one is gulab jamun.

It consists of soft and spongy balls soaked in a sweet syrup. This syrup is made with rose water and cardamom, enhancing the taste of the dessert. This traditional food of India is often served for festivals and celebrations.

2) Ras Malai

Ras malai is another exquisite Indian dessert that is a treat for all sweet lovers. The soft cheese patties are soaked in a rich, creamy, and flavoured milk-based sauce.

It has a taste of cardamom and saffron. It perfectly balances the sweet and creamy flavour and texture.

3) Gajar Ka Halwa

Gajar ka halwa is a popular Indian dessert with grated carrots, milk, sugar, and ghee. It is a rich and creamy dessert and many often have it in winter or during festivals.

This traditional food of India has a great texture and flavour. Cashews and other dry fruits are also added to enhance the taste of halwa.

Thirst Quenchers: Indian Style

Here are various Indian beverages to keep you cool and refreshed.

1) Masala Chai

The traditional food of India includes masala chai, one of the best Indian drinks. It is not just a beverage for Indians. It holds a place in their heart and is a comforting ritual.

It is made using water, milk, black tea, and sugar. Cardamom, ginger, and sauf are added to the chai to make it more flavourful. Now, go and have this comforting cup of tea right away.

2) Jal Jeera

Want to have a refreshing drink, especially during the summer? Jal Jeera is the best option and are included in the list of traditional food of India. It is a refreshing drink and aids digestion, as many believe.

It has a tangy taste and is perfect for quenching your thirst. You can also make it because its recipe is easy and can be made quickly.

3) Lassi

After one sip of the delicious lassi, you feel refreshed and feel it directly touching your heart.

The yogurt, water, and various flavourings are used to make it. It comes in multiple types: sweet, salty, mango, and strawberry lassi.

4) Aam Panna

The best drink for a hot summer is aam panna. This Indian drink is made from raw mangoes and has a delicious taste. The salt, mint leaves, and sugar are added to make it more flavourful.

Final Thoughts

The traditional food of India comes in various forms, depicting the taste and culture of many different regions and states. From North Indian to Kashmiri cuisine, you can eat any traditional Indian food you want.

These dishes can be made at your home, or you can have them in Indian restaurants and cafes. If you wish, you can find a cook for home to prepare all these meals from Indian breads to drinks.

Contact NinjaCare as it is the best maid agency in Delhi or the cook for home in Noida and Delhi today for the best services. All of the dishes are tasty and flavourful. You can have them according to your preferences or whether you prefer non-vegetarian or vegetarian food.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1 What makes Indian cuisine unique

Ans. The diverse use of spices, cooking techniques, and regional variations make Indian cuisine unique and flavourful.

Q2 Are Indian traditional foods healthy?

Ans. When fresh ingredients and spices are used to make traditional foods, they make many foods healthy.

Q3 Can traditional Indian food be adapted for vegetarians?

Ans. Traditional Indian food can be adapted for vegetarians because it offers a variety of vegetarian dishes.

Q4 How can I experience authentic Indian cuisine?

Ans. You can experience authentic Indian cuisine by visiting traditional Indian restaurants, cooking traditional food at home, or attending food festivals that represent all the flavours and varieties of traditional food in India.