Butter chicken, also known as murgh makhani, is one of the most popular Indian dishes, whether you’re traveling through India or playing along at home. This dish is often on the milder side in the land of spice. In New Delhi, the meal was created as a method to use up leftover chicken. Before adding the cooked chicken, a smooth tomato sauce composed of onions, cream, and butter is prepared.

Every home and neighborhood restaurant will prepare this Indian meal differently, but if you’re feeling adventurous, try adding curry powder for a stronger flavor. This most popular Indian dish is simple to prepare at home and serves as a wonderful introduction to Indian food in general. Obtain this simple recipe to make it at home by Corriander Leaf.

2. Tandoori Chicken

Tandoori chicken is one of the best examples of Indian food’s flavor and zest. Although the yogurt-marinated chicken is delicious and juicy, you’ll need to prepare for it if you want to make it correctly.

Although traditionally prepared in a clay oven, a conventional oven or even a barbecue will do for us everyday cooks. But it’s crucial to marinade the chicken in the refrigerator for at least six hours before we proceed to this step. Yogurt and spices including turmeric, coriander, garlic, and lime juice are used to marinade the chicken. After the meat has finished marinating, preheat the oven and allow the flavors to continue to create magic.

3. Chicken Tikka Masala

It helps to be familiar with a few of the popular terminology on an Indian menu in order to navigate it properly. The Hindi word for spice mixture is masala, and the word for little bits is tikka. You can make one of the best traditional Indian dishes by combining them.

Chicken tikka masala is another excellent option for individuals getting familiar with the most popular Indian dish because it is well-liked by both residents and tourists. Despite being quite delicious, the curry is moderate. Garam masala is initially used to marinade the chicken. Yogurt, coriander, cumin, cloves, and black pepper are all ingredients in this spice mixture. The chicken is then put in a creamy gravy made of paprika, red chile, and tomatoes after being further grilled over charcoal.

4. Korma

Korma is yet another important type of Indian cuisine. It’s a popular option for visitors or people cooking at home because it’s one of the Indian meals with international fame.

The main ingredients in korma are braised meat, usually beef or chicken, which is then slowly simmered in a rich yet mild curry sauce. Cream, coconut milk, or yogurt are the main ingredients in the sauce, along with a number of spices. frequently the delectable garam masala. There is a vegetarian option for the great lunch as well. Here, many veggies and nuts consist of a different protein in place of the beef. At home, prepare the vegetarian dish.

5. Lemon Rice

Due to its simplicity, South Indian lemon rice is a favorite Indian cuisine. Locals may grab and go without skipping a beat during the hectic week.

Lemon rice would be a wonderful addition to your midweek menu because of this. Although raita, kosambari salad, tamarind chutney, and yogurt are popular additions, you can eat the zingy lemon rice on its own. To make the dish more complete, add your own vegetarian touch or cook some chicken or fish. Coriander leaf will guide you further. 

6. Dosa

Dosa, a meal from South India, is one of those well-known Indian foods that vary depending on where in the nation you go. This is not necessarily a bad thing. Every Indian eatery puts its own spin on this delicious meal. A dosa is a thin pancake prepared from fermented rice batter. You might enjoy dosa on its own, but you would be missing out on a lot of flavorful spices. Try it with some sambar or chutney, or maybe some seasoned potatoes.

Set Dosa, Masala Dosa, and Paneer Dosa are examples of common dosa varieties (cheese). They should be paired with other well-known Indian meals like chickpea curry due to their small size and thinness.

7. Naan (Leavened Flatbread)

Speaking of foods that go well with curry, naan is one of the most well-known Indian dishes, or perhaps a snack. Naan, which resembles a pita but is fluffier, is typically baked in a tandoor (clay) oven. Beyond just being delicious right out of the oven, naan is the greatest “tool” for putting the finishing touches on your wonderful curry.

Everywhere you go, naan varieties fluctuate even at us, and you’ll probably add your own variation at home. Other options besides plain naan include adding melted garlic butter or putting rosemary leaves inside.

8. Fish Curry

Now that you are familiar with naans and dosas, it is time to learn about a common Indian curry. Fish is marinated in a sour tamarind sauce for fish curry, which is most frequently found in South India due to geographical considerations. A tasty Indian dinner is then made by combining the fish with curry. Try the fish curry with some basmati rice instead of eating it as it is. Grab some dosa or naan as a side to really savor the flavor. Firm whitefish is ideal for curries if you decide to cook it yourself. Halibut and cod are available options.

9. Papdi Chaat

You won’t have to look far to find papdi chaat vendors if you’re looking for popular street cuisine in North India. Chaat is a catch-all phrase for spicy Indian street food. The base’s crisp dough is known as “papdi.”

Producing the papdi and cutting it into thin circles is the first step in making a north Indian meal. Add boiling potatoes and chickpeas after deep-frying the dough, and then drizzle some tangy sauce on top. You should serve papdi chaat at your next gathering. The little bites are simple to prepare and will make a stunning distinction.

10. Chana Masala (Chickpea Curry)

The usual Hindi name for chickpeas is chana or chole. Essentially, chana masala is a chickpea curry prepared with a sauce with garlic, ginger, and onions. One of the best Indian recipes is made by combining the curry with garam masala and is most frequently prepared in northern India. The explosion of characteristic Indian flavors is potent, and sticking to traditional recipes can result in some seriously spicy food. You will receive bhature, a delicate, flaky Indian bread, with your curry. But if you’re preparing at home, naan is a surefire winner.

11. Vindaloo Curry

Indian and Portuguese cuisines are combined to create vindaloo. The vindaloo curry is an iconic Indian dish that originates from the Portuguese colony town of Goa in the south of India. The mispronunciation of the name of a well-known Portuguese dish, carne de vinha d’alhos, gave the dish its name. The most popular meats used to make vindaloo curry are hog, chicken, or lamb. It is a hot curry that is bursting with flavor. Similar to the original Portuguese dish, the popular Indian dish’s meat first marinades in a mixture of wine, vinegar, and garlic.

12. Aloo Matar

Aloo Matar is one of the best vegetarian dishes in India. It’s a straightforward and delectable vegan dish you can make at home, even though you’ll probably find meat options during your travels through India. Aloo Matar, a dish from the Punjab area in the northernmost tip of India, is essentially potatoes and peas. In some preparations of the recipe, the potatoes and peas are simmered in coconut milk, whereas in others, they are cooked in a spiced tomato sauce. The versatility of this simple recipe allows you to adjust it to your preferences and infuse it with your personal flair. However, if you want to stick to tradition, serve with masala dosa or basmati rice.

13. Biryani

The widely consumed Indian cuisine is a rice-based meal with a long history. The Mughal Empire, which came into being at the start of the 16th century, has ties to biryani! One of the popular Indian foods that is available all around the nation is this traditional supper. Naturally, you’ll want to duplicate it at home as well. Biryani cooking involves several steps. Meat (or veggies) and basmati rice are made separately, then mixed. The meal is then slowly cooked in the oven, producing a dish that could be described as “dry,” in contrast to the conventional Indian cuisine that uses creamy sauces. Also this is among the most popular Indian dishes. Try the best biryani at Corriander Leaf and taste the bliss.

14. Gulab Jamun

The classic Indian dessert is the nation’s most popular after-dinner delicacy. You can taste the most delicious sweet at Corriander Leaf. Milk solids are ground into a powder, combined with milk, and made into dough to make this delicious Indian dish. A number of little balls of dough are formed, then they are deep-fried until golden brown. The Gulab Jamun is then dipped into a sweet syrup and allowed to soak. It’s time to dig in and enjoy the tasty delight once the deep-fried dough is soft and moist.

15. Samosa

Samosas are another item that springs to mind while thinking about Indian food that is available all over the world. The pastry is so famous that you can find them in any neighborhood grocery store’s freezer section. While samosas at a real Indian restaurant are unbeatable, they are also a lot of fun to make at home. A samosa is a pastry dish that can be either baked or fried and is stuffed with peas, onions, and spicy potatoes. The most popular meat additions are ground beef, chicken, and lamb. Consider using chutney or mint as dipping sauces.

16. Dal

Dal, the Hindu word for lentils, is a main ingredient in a lot of Indian cuisine. lentil soups are most frequent. The lentils are traditionally combined with salt, turmeric, and water before your local cook adds a special touch. Tadka Dal, which includes cumin and mustard seeds, is a well-known dal in the Indian subcontinent. By Indian standards, the taste is typically quite moderate. Another is Dal Makhini, which is a dish made with different kinds of lentils and beans cooked with cream for richness and a variety of spices. Dhaba Style Dal is the type of dal served at roadside eateries. The street food version gained such much popularity that Corriander Leaf began using the recipes.

17. Saag Paneer (Palak Paneer)

A meal called Palak Paneer is created with paneer (cheese) and Palak (spinach). Indian cuisine often uses paneer, a cheese made from curdled milk, to replace meat. First, the cheese is diced, and then it is fried. Aag Panner, sometimes referred to as Palak Paneer, is a delicious curry made with saag (spinach) and several well-known Indian spices. Additionally, coconut milk or cream are included with the spinach. It’s also usual to substitute other green vegetables, like chopped broccoli, for the spinach. Saag paneer is frequently ordered with rice for a filling vegetarian lunch or dinner.

18. Madras Curry

Madras curry packs a punch and is perfect for individuals who love their spice because it isn’t as creamy as chicken tikka masala and butter chicken. Because chicken is the most frequent ingredient in this curry, Chicken Madras is a regular dish at Indian eateries. The inclusion of chili peppers gives the dish its vibrant colors and darker texture than other foods. Don’t forget to get your preferred naan or bhature along with a side of white rice.

19. Masala Chai

It belongs on our list even though it isn’t Indian food because eating in India wouldn’t be complete without it. Masala Chai is a spiced black tea that has been around for a very long time. Milk was then added. Different regions have different flavors, but generally speaking, the masala is a combination of cloves, green cardamom, ginger, cinnamon, and black pepper. If you’ve previously enjoyed chai at home, anticipate a more flavorful, herbal, and spicy brew.