15 Must-Try Indian Food for Curious Foodies

Indian food is an explosion of flavors, spices, and textures that make it a must-try for any food lover, for American foodies looking to expand their palates, Indian food and snacks offer something for everyone, from crispy to spicy and sweet. Whether you’re a fan of crunchy treats or prefer something soft and spiced, Indian snacks are filled with unique combinations that will satisfy your taste buds.

The best part is that many of these snacks can easily be found in Indian restaurants or made at home. Here are 15 delicious Indian dishes you should try.

Samosa

Samosas are crispy, golden triangles filled with a mixture of potatoes, peas, and spices. These deep-fried pockets of flavor are often served with tamarind or mint chutney for dipping. The crunchy outside and soft, spiced filling make them a favorite among snack lovers.

You can also find variations filled with meat like chicken or lamb. Samosas are a perfect starter for those new to Indian cuisine. They are best enjoyed hot and fresh with a cup of tea.

Pakoras

Pakoras are bite-sized pieces of vegetables or chicken that are coated in chickpea flour and deep-fried. These crispy snacks are perfect for rainy days and are often served with a tangy chutney. The batter is seasoned with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, adding depth of flavor.

Popular vegetables used in pakoras include spinach, onions, and potatoes. They are light yet flavorful, making them a popular street food snack. Pakoras are often enjoyed with chai (Indian tea).

Pani Puri

Pani Puri, also known as Golgappa, is a fun and flavorful snack. Small, crispy puris are filled with tangy tamarind water, spicy potato mixture, and chickpeas. The combination of crunchy, spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors makes this snack exciting. You eat it in one bite, and it bursts with flavor in your mouth. Pani Puri is a popular street food in India and is loved by people of all ages. It’s an experience as much as a snack!

Dhokla

Dhokla is a savory steamed cake made from fermented rice and chickpea batter. It’s a soft and spongy snack that is mildly spiced and often topped with mustard seeds, coriander, and grated coconut. Served with a side of green chutney, Dhokla is light and healthy. It’s a popular breakfast item in Gujarat, but can also be enjoyed as a snack. The tangy and slightly sweet flavor makes it a great option for those who prefer less spicy food. It’s perfect for health-conscious foodies!

Vada Pav

Vada Pav is often called the “Indian burger.” It’s a spicy potato fritter sandwiched between a soft bun, usually served with garlic chutney and fried green chilies. The Vada Pav is a simple yet incredibly flavorful snack that’s a staple in Mumbai. The contrast between the crunchy vada (fritter) and the soft pav (bun) is what makes it special. It’s spicy, filling, and perfect for when you’re on the go. Vada Pav is a street food favorite that foodies must try.

Aloo Tikki

Aloo Tikki is a crispy potato patty that is spiced with Indian herbs and shallow-fried to perfection. It’s often served with yogurt, tamarind chutney, and green chutney, creating a sweet, tangy, and spicy mix. Aloo Tikki is similar to hash browns but with an Indian twist. It’s a popular snack at chaat stalls and is usually eaten as a part of Indian street food. You can also find it served with chickpea curry for a more filling meal. It’s crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside.

Chole Bhature

Chole Bhature is a combination of spicy chickpea curry (chole) and fluffy, deep-fried bread (bhature). It’s a hearty snack that can also be eaten as a meal. The chickpeas are cooked with tomatoes, onions, and a blend of aromatic spices, making them rich and flavorful. The bhature is soft and slightly chewy, perfect for dipping in the chole. This dish is popular in northern India and is a favorite for breakfast or lunch. For foodies who love spicy, filling dishes, this is a must-try.

Bhel Puri

Bhel Puri is a tangy and crunchy snack made from puffed rice, vegetables, and tamarind sauce. It’s light, flavorful, and has a mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavors. The puffed rice adds a nice crunch, while the tamarind sauce adds tangy sweetness.

This snack is often topped with fresh coriander and sev, which are small, crispy noodles made from chickpea flour. Bhel Puri is popular in Mumbai and can be found in chaat stalls across India. It’s a perfect snack for a quick bite.

Pav Bhaji

Pav Bhaji is a spicy mashed vegetable dish served with soft, buttered bread rolls. The bhaji (vegetable mix) is cooked with tomatoes, peas, potatoes, and a special blend of spices, giving it a rich flavor. The bread rolls, called pav, are toasted with butter and served alongside the bhaji for dipping. Pav Bhaji is a popular street food dish that’s filling and flavorful. It’s perfect for foodies who enjoy hearty, comforting meals. Add a squeeze of lemon and some chopped onions for extra zing.

Masala Papad

Masala Papad is a simple yet tasty snack made by topping crispy papad (thin lentil cracker) with diced onions, tomatoes, chilies, and spices. The crunchy papad and fresh toppings create a delightful contrast in every bite. It’s often served as a starter in Indian restaurants. This snack is light but packed with flavor, making it a great appetizer. You can make it as spicy as you like by adjusting the amount of green chilies. Masala Papad is a great introduction to Indian spices and textures.

Sev Puri

Sev Puri is another popular chaat item made with crispy puris topped with potatoes, onions, chutneys, and sev. The combination of crunchy puris, soft potatoes, and tangy chutneys creates a burst of flavors and textures.

Sev, which are thin, fried noodles made from chickpea flour, add a delightful crunch on top. It’s a colorful and flavorful snack that’s light but satisfying. Sev Puri is a favorite in street food markets, and it’s easy to see why. Each bite is a mix of sweet, spicy, and tangy.

Kachori

Kachori is a deep-fried, stuffed pastry filled with spiced lentils, peas, or potatoes. It has a flaky, crispy exterior and a flavorful, savory filling. Kachoris are often served with tamarind or mint chutney, adding a tangy kick to the snack.

This snack is popular in northern India and is often enjoyed with tea. It’s a perfect blend of crunch and flavor, making it a must-try for those who enjoy savory pastries. Kachoris can also be found in sweet versions, filled with dried fruits and nuts.

Dabeli

Dabeli is a spicy snack from the western state of Gujarat, made with mashed potatoes, and special Dabeli masala, and topped with pomegranate seeds, peanuts, and sev. The filling is placed inside a bun and served hot. The unique mix of sweet, spicy, and crunchy elements makes this snack a burst of flavors.

Dabeli is usually served with tamarind and garlic chutneys, which enhance the taste. It’s a street food favorite that offers a different flavor profile than other snacks. The pomegranate adds a refreshing sweetness to each bite.

Onion Bhaji

Onion Bhajis are similar to onion rings but with an Indian twist. Sliced onions are dipped in a spiced chickpea flour batter and deep-fried until golden and crispy. These crunchy snacks are perfect as a side dish or appetizer and are often served with chutney. The spices in the batter give the bhajis a unique flavor that makes them stand out. Onion Bhajis are great for parties or as a snack with tea. They’re easy to make at home and are sure to impress.

Puttu

Puttu is a South Indian snack made from steamed rice flour and coconut. It’s usually served with bananas, sugar, or curry, depending on whether you prefer a sweet or savory version. Puttu is light, fluffy, and has a mild flavor, making it a great option for those who prefer less spicy snacks. It’s a traditional breakfast item in Kerala but can also be enjoyed as a snack. Puttu is steamed in a cylindrical mold, which gives it its unique shape. It’s a healthy and delicious option to try.

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