10 Traditional Indian Recipes You Must Try Once

If there’s one thing India never runs short of, it’s flavor. No matter where you go - from the snow-clad valleys in the North to the spice-laden coasts of the South - there’s a dish waiting to win your heart and stomach. Indian cuisine is an edible map of cultures, festivals, history, and traditions.

So, if you're ready to go on a delicious culinary ride, here are 10 traditional Indian recipes you absolutely must try - arranged from North to South, the way you'd travel down the country with your taste buds as your guide.

1. Rogan Josh – From the Kashmiri Highlands

Let’s start right at the top with a dish that perfectly reflects Kashmir’s richness and elegance. Rogan Josh is a bold yet delicately spiced mutton curry with Persian roots, known for its deep red color and rich aroma.

Made with Kashmiri dry red chilies, yogurt, and an array of whole spices, this slow-cooked dish is hearty and flavorful without overwhelming your palate.

Best served with: Steamed rice or naan, especially on a winter night.

2. Chole Bhature – Delhi & Punjab’s Morning Glory

Head a bit south, and you hit Delhi and Punjab—regions where breakfast is no light affair. A true comfort food, Chole Bhature combines richly spiced chickpeas with puffed, golden bread that’s delightfully crisp yet tender within.

It’s not just food - it’s practically a lifestyle up North. Served with pickled onions and a chilled glass of lassi, it’s what comfort food dreams are made of.

Pro tip: The spicier the chole, the better the bhature tastes.

3. Sarson da Saag & Makki di Roti – Punjabi Winter Staple

This dish feels like a warm hug during the North Indian winters. Sarson da Saag, made from mustard greens, is slow-cooked until perfectly tender and then topped with a dollop of white butter. It’s served with Makki di Roti, a cornmeal flatbread that’s rustic and earthy.

Bonus tip: A side of jaggery and a glass of buttermilk turns this into a complete desi delight.

4. Dal Baati Churma: A Royal Culinary Treasure from Rajasthan

Traveling westward into the Thar desert, Rajasthan offers up this iconic trio. Baati are round wheat dumplings baked to a golden crisp. They’re dunked into a spiced lentil curry (dal) and followed with a sweet, grainy mixture called churma, made from crushed baati, ghee, and jaggery.

It’s the ultimate comfort food and fills you up like a royal feast.

Best enjoyed: With your hands and lots of ghee.

5. Litti Chokha – Bihar’s Smoky Staple

Next stop, Bihar. Earthy and delicious, Litti Chokha delivers authentic flavors straight from the heart of the region. Littis are whole wheat dough balls stuffed with roasted gram flour and spices, roasted traditionally over cow dung cakes (yes, really!) for a smoky flavor. Chokha, the mashed mix of brinjal, tomatoes, and potatoes, brings the whole dish together.

Why it’s a must-try: Few things rival the rustic authenticity of litti dunked in ghee.

6. Dhokla – Gujarat’s Spongy Snack Hero

As you enter Western India, you’re greeted by Dhokla, Gujarat’s favorite snack. This steamed, golden-yellow square made from fermented gram flour is soft, slightly tangy, and topped with a crackling tempering of mustard seeds and green chilies.

Whether you’re hungry or just peckish, Dhokla fits the bill.

Perfect pair: Mint chutney and masala tea.

7. Misal Pav – Maharashtra’s Street King

Move a bit south and west, and you’ll hit Misal Pav, Maharashtra’s most beloved street food. A flavorful sprouted lentil curry with a spicy kick, garnished with crispy farsan, fresh onions, and lemon juice, and served with soft pav toasted in butter.

Warning: This dish packs serious heat. Not for the faint of heart, but absolutely worth the spice and sweat.

Pro tip: Try it in a local eatery in Pune or Kolhapur for the real deal.

8. Goan Fish Curry – A Coastal Symphony

Sun, surf, and fish curry - that’s Goa for you. This dish is an unforgettable mix of coconut milk, tangy tamarind or kokum, fresh curry leaves, and flaky fish (like kingfish or mackerel).

It’s light, comforting, and pairs perfectly with steamed rice.

Why it's special: Every bite transports you to a beach shack with waves crashing in the background.

9. Hyderabadi Biryani – The Nawabi Feast

In the Deccan region lies Hyderabad, the land of pearls and biryani dreams. Hyderabadi Biryani is a masterclass in layering - marinated meat, basmati rice, saffron, fried onions, and spices cooked together in a sealed pot (the famous dum method).

It’s aromatic, rich, and nothing short of royal.

Must try with: Mirchi ka salan and raita for the full experience.

10. Masala Dosa – South India’s Breakfast Glory

Finally, we reach the southern end of the country - and what better way to wrap this up than with a Masala Dosa? This golden, crispy fermented crepe stuffed with a mildly spiced potato filling is South India’s gift to the world.

Served with coconut chutney and hot sambar, it’s crunchy, flavorful, and strangely addictive.

Insider tip: The thinner and crispier, the better. Go for a paper dosa if you want it XXL.

A Culinary Journey Like No Other

These 10 dishes barely scratch the surface of India’s diverse food map, but they’re a delicious starting point. Each one reflects not just a region’s palate but its people, history, climate, and tradition.