16 March 2018 India is a country of a thousand colors, but also of a thousand flavors. In each region you visit, you'll discover typical dishes that differ, always deliciously aromatic. Your palate will be constantly awakened and stimulated, much to the delight of your hosts.

Free from beef and pork for religious reasons, Indian dishes will nonetheless introduce you to all manner of spices and flavors. A cultural and culinary change of scenery and immersion in traditional India, Indian cuisine will remain for you, as for all travelers, a wonderful memory of your journey.

If you're already familiar with the basics of eating in India, discover now the typical dishes you can find during your visit, depending on the regions and cities.

In the North

Chole Bhature

Originating from Punjab, Chole Bhature consists of spiced chickpeas (chole) accompanied by fried bread (bhatura) recognizable by its puffy shape. This is a dish traditionally enjoyed at breakfast, but which can also serve as lunch. Widespread throughout Northern India, this must-try is worth adding to your list of dishes to taste. All the more so because the spices are not too hot.

Butter Chicken and Naan

Generally served with rice, and always accompanied by Naan, butter chicken is, as its name suggests, chicken marinated in a creamy butter and curry sauce. Very popular in Delhi, it can quickly become your favorite dinner when paired with Garlic Naan.

Thukpa

A typical dish of India yet originating from Tibet, Thukpa is a vegetable noodle soup. It's widespread in several countries such as Tibet, Nepal, Bhutan, and northern India. Also called the "Himalayan noodle soup," it's enjoyed at breakfast but can also be appreciated at lunch. It's served with meat, usually chicken.

Rajma Chawal

Rajma Chawal is a curry from Punjab, in which red beans are marinated. It's a dish eaten with plain basmati rice, mainly at lunch but also at dinner. It can be more or less spicy depending on the amount of chili you add or request.

In Rajasthan

Rajasthani Thali

A complete meal in itself, the Rajasthani Thali, served on a gigantic platter, includes everything you need to be satisfied, from appetizer to dessert passing through the main course. It's the typical dish of Rajasthan, offering an array of colors and flavors that even the most voracious eaters will find challenging.

In the South

Masala Dosa and Sambhar

Traditionally enjoyed at breakfast, Dosa is a sort of crepe from Southern India, made from flour and urad beans. It's called a Masala Dosa when made with a blend of spices. To accompany the dosa, Sambhar is prepared—a mixture of curry, vegetables, and lentils. A great way to start your day full of energy.

Hyderabadi Biryani

This savory dish is a type of Biryani, spiced rice prepared with meat, fish, or vegetables (for vegetarians). It originates from Hyderabad, from which it takes its name, the capital of Telangana State. It's traditionally prepared with goat meat, which can be replaced with chicken or lamb. It's enjoyed at lunch as well as dinner.

Idli / Vada

Idlis are savory rice cakes eaten during breakfast or afternoon tea throughout Southern India. In the form of a "block" of rice, they're accompanied by a sauce—either sambhar or coconut chutney.

Vadas are also savory cakes enjoyed at breakfast as well as afternoon tea, but made from lentils and chilies. Depending on taste and to vary flavors, they're dipped in sambhar or chutney sauce.

In Goa

Goan Fish Curry

Goan Fish Curry is a typical dish of Goa consisting of fish marinated in lemon and cooked in a masala sauce. Appreciated at lunch as well as dinner, it can also be cooled with coconut milk after cooking. A must-try if you pass through the city!

In Mumbai

Pav Bhaji

This highly spiced dish is widely appreciated in Mumbai and throughout Maharashtra State in general. Vegetables are mixed together and cooked in a curry, then served with a soft, fluffy bread (pav). It's a "snack" you can easily enjoy in the afternoon.

This list is obviously not exhaustive. You'll discover numerous traditional Indian dishes throughout your stay, whether in Rajasthan or elsewhere in India, while marveling at the unique landscapes you'll encounter.

Gastronomy Charlène Nomadays SEO writer from the very beginning at Nomadays, now content manager and head of the communications team, Charlène has accompanied the adventure since its inception with passion and loyalty. After living seven years in Asia—from China to Thailand, passing through Mongolia and South Korea—she has made travel a way of being in the world. A lover of words, nature, and human connection, she strives to convey in her writing a sensitive, engaged, and responsible vision of tourism. For her, each article is a bridge between curiosity, respect, and wonder.