Things2do Guide to 8 Popular Dishes that Indians Love!

If you know what I mean, Indians are true foodies. Whether it’s a cup of chai or a lavish feast, they want everything to be just right. We Indians have a strong affinity for flavours, spices, and traditional cuisines, and our Things2Do guide is dedicated to them! 

Indians enjoy eating anything and everything prepared traditionally, but there are a few foods that they absolutely adore! Crazy means that if somebody even mentions it, they will begin to crave it. That is the nicest part of Indian culinary pleasures; it entices one to the maximum. 

Let us discover these foods and appreciate the buzz surrounding them through words!

1Butter Chicken 

Well, well, well, we know that many of us would agree on this that Butter Chicken is THE favourite dish of almost every Indian. It’s like the magical moment when you reach home and feel the tantalising aromas of this creamy and delectable curry, you don’t even take a minute to recognise that it’s butter chicken. Not just at home, but when you go out to any Mughlai restaurant, the fact that even other restaurants have started spreading their menu to suit every taste bud, so the very first thing that comes to your mind when craving a good chicken curry is THE butter chicken! 

The rich and creamy flavour of Butter Chicken is one of the things that Indians adore. The tender chicken pieces are marinated in a fragrant blend of spices and yoghurt before being cooked in a tomato-based sauce sweetened with butter and cream. This combination creates a harmonic balance of spices and a sumptuous texture that is extremely pleasing to the taste buds. There is no way anyone not getting tempted about it, and that’s a perfect reason to say that butter chicken is one of the dishes that we Indians are crazy about. 

2Burji Pav

For every cure there is Burji Pav, may it be the night cravings, an easy-to-go recipe, or a solid street food mood in India, Burji Pav is here for the resume. Don’t know how many of you can relate to but before the lockdown, when anyone craves food at night the one and only dish that any Indian could think of is burji pav. Even now when you get out at night for a stroll, you will find most of the people at the burji pav stall, and if by any chance the aromas meet your senses then there is no way you can control yourself. 

Bhurji Pav is a version of the renowned Indian street snack “Pav Bhaji,” which originated in Maharashtra, not just that but Bhurji Pav is one of the many varieties and adaptations of the meal that evolved, Bhurji Pav consists of scrambled eggs or paneer served with Pav and has evolved from Pav Bhaji to offer customers who chose a non-vegetarian or egg-based option. 

What makes Burji Pav a favourite amongst Indians is that it is easily available, affordable, tasty and a comfort street food.

3Paneer Makhani 

Paneer Makhani is legit considered to be a premium dish in most Indian households. We all know that earlier this dish was prepared at home only for some special occasions or for the times when special guests were visiting home. Now that might have changed, as the culinary scene in India has evolved so much that people tend to enjoy food as per their tastebuds and not as per the occasion.   

The Mughals, who ruled over a large portion of India from the 16th to the 19th century, introduced cooking techniques and dishes that influenced Indian cuisine, Paneer Makhani is one of them. Type of Indian cottage cheese has been an integral part of Indian culinary traditions for centuries and Makhani, which means “buttery” in Hindi, refers to the rich and creamy tomato-based gravy used in the dish.

Today, Paneer Makhani with its creamy and mild taste remains a beloved and iconic dish in Indian cuisine, enjoyed by people not only in India but also across the globe. 

4Pav Bhaji

No matter what’s the mood, Pav Bhaji never disappoints! One of the best Indian dishes is winning hearts for ages. Pav Bhaji made its flavorful debut in the late 19th century, specifically in the bustling city of Mumbai (once Bombay), India. Originally conceived as a quick and filling meal option for textile mill workers, this delightful street food soon captured the hearts.

Over time, Pav Bhaji has evolved into a beloved culinary icon, gracing street corners, restaurants, and homes across the country. In a nutshell, Pav Bhaji isn’t just food; it’s an emotion. A symphony of flavours, a dance of textures, and a whole lot of love – that’s what makes Indians swoon over this iconic street food masterpiece.

5Dal Fry

Just like there’s a snack for every craving, there’s a superhero in the food world known as Dal Fry, ready to save any meal from boredom! It’s like the ultimate food sidekick that swoops into the rescue.

Dal Fry has got that cosy factor that’s like a warm hug for our taste buds. It’s become our go-to choice, almost like a foodie tradition. Show us, someone who won’t give a thumbs-up to the idea of adding a bit of Dal Fry magic to round off a meal perfectly, you won’t find them.

Dal Fry is the meal’s happy ending we all secretly or not-so-secretly crave.

6Biryani

Biryani is more than just food. It’s an emotion that hits you right in the heart, and the stomach! We’ve all been there, that ongoing debate about whether veg or non-veg biryani reigns supreme. But let’s be honest, whether it’s loaded with succulent meat or a symphony of veggies, biryani is like a flavour explosion that knows no bounds.

Some are all about that meaty goodness, the classic way biryani first got introduced into our lives. And then there are our vegetarian pals who couldn’t resist the siren call of biryani’s magic. So what did they do? They made paneer biryani and other veggie-packed versions.

It doesn’t matter which version of biryani you prefer, at the end of the day, biryani is a delicious masterpiece that brings everyone to the table!

7Tava Pulav

Tava Pulav has been a staple of Mumbai’s street food culture for decades, and it has evolved into a beloved and iconic dish on the city’s culinary scene. It’s a delicious rice meal cooked with a variety of veggies and spices on a flat griddle known as a “Tava.” Tava Pulav’s blend of rice and vegetables makes it a comforting and gratifying dinner, and we all know how much we Indians adore our comfort foods.

Tava Pulav’s popularity as a simple and delicious option for those on the go has been aided by the thriving street food scene, with its rapid and delectable options. Overall, the combination of flavours, textures, cultural influences, and convenience has resulted in a great attachment to Tava Pulav among Indians, making it a beloved and sought-after dish in the country’s culinary repertoire.

8Puri Bhaji

Puri Bhaji is a food for everyone in India, both those who were born here and those who have moved here. Puri Bhaji is like a warm hug after a long day. It is a popular Indian dish that includes deep-fried bread (puri) with spicy potatoes (bhaji).

Because of the wonderful blend of textures and spices, the dish’s popularity has grown over time, making it a full and tasty meal. It has most likely been relished by generations of people and has become a vital part of Indian culinary culture. Puri Bhaji evokes childhood memories of family gatherings, festivities, and meals shared with loved ones for many Indians. This sense of nostalgia may contribute to its popularity.

Every Indian’s food story is unique, but one thing that binds us all is the delights that our Indian culinary traditions have to offer, from mouth-watering pav bhaji to the rescue meal bhurji pav, the Indian culinary world will keep whirling and delighting us! Meanwhile, enjoy our Things2do guide and go taste your fave food among them! You can also follow @things2doinmumbai on Instagram to stay up to speed on what’s going on around you! 

by Vaidehi Pakhale

Writer at Things2do