If the route to every person’s heart is through their stomach, India has created a gazillion ways to touch our hearts! We DESis love food. Food is festive, food binds us all, food is the star of every show.
In a culture and tradition that is as wide as India, every state has its very own delicious creations. The various traditional foods of Indian States put together present an abundance of flavor, spices, texture, and a heavenly potential to satisfy the food lover in you!
Check out these 28 traditional foods from Indian states and be proud of our gastronomic universe:
1. Unniyappam, Kerala
This traditional dish from the Indian state we call “God’s own country” is made of rice, jaggery, and of course, coconut to make your snack time complete with its comfort.
2. Jadoh, Meghalaya
Jadoh is Meghalaya’s answer to your conventional rice and meat combination. It’s cooked with red rice and various flavors of pork - an amalgamation of beautiful colors. It’s a complete treat to both the eyes and the tongue!
3. Pulihora, Andhra Pradesh
This traditional dish from Andhra Pradesh has set comfort food goals for all Indian states. Made with tempting tamarind, rice and various spices, this delicacy goes straight to the heart. Every occasion is a pulihora occasion.
Source (aahaaram online)
4. Kholam, Arunachal Pradesh
If you think plain old rice was boring, Arunachal Pradesh is here to change your mind with kholam. This traditional dish from the Indian state has a distinctly smoky flavour thanks to the cooking process, in which rice is cooked in the hollow of a bamboo tube and then buried in the dying embers of a fire. Yum!
5. Baigan ki Longe, Uttar Pradesh
Brinjal and boring? Absolutely not. This traditional brinjal dish from Uttar Pradesh with a number of flavours and masalas will prove you wrong.
6. Bajri na Rotlo, Gujarat
Say goodbye to your blues with this very aromatic rotlo, made healthy with bajra. All you need is pickle and curd on the side. Or, let it swim in butter - a little extra with Maa ka Pyaar!
Source (Tarladalal)
7. Masoor Tenga, Assam
An integral part of the Assamese cuisine, any thali is incomplete without this fish curry. It’s a true delight for the spice fanatics out there.
Source (NDTV)
8. Ripe Lemon Chaat with Bhang Chutney, Uttarakhand
Yes, this traditional dish from the Indian state of Uttarakhand, the land of the gods, is as enticing as its name. Made with the zesty lemon, this a must-have with every paratha you can get your hands on.
Source (Calmly Cooking Curry)
9. Puran Poli, Maharashtra
We’ve had enough of hearing about the pavs of Maharasthra. It’s time to recognize the splendor of puran poli, a yummy sweet flatbread made with chana dal and jaggery.
Souce (whiskaffair)
10. Dhuska, Jharkhand
This traditional dish from the Indian State of Jharkhand is made with rice, chana dal, and potato. It’s so delicious that dhuska makers can bet on winning every breakfast competition there is.
Souce (Dhuska)
11. Kadi Pakoda, Haryana
It really doesn’t get better than this. Dip that pakoda into the kadi made of curd, and a whole lot of spices, there isn’t a better partner for your rotis and rice!
12. Goan Fish Curry, Goa
Goa is known for its seafood. Its fiery and spicy fish curry with rice will make your taste buds explode in awe.
Source (Caroline cooking)
13. Bhapa Lish, West Bengal
If the Goan Fish has got you asking for more, head over to West Bengal for their traditional Hilsa Fish dish, Bhapa Lish. It doesn’t get better than this.
Source (Bhapa Chingri)
14. Hyderabadi Biryani, Telangana
If you are in Telangana, and haven’t had their Biryani yet, you are missing out on the best there is! A dosa in the morning and a perfect palate of Biryani in the evening is a feast for the foodie in us!
15. Makki di Roti and Sarson da Saag, Punjab
This classic dish from Punjab pairs the earthy tones of saag with the heartiness of corn roti. Eating this in cold winter months feels like getting a warm hug.
Source (cookpad)
16. Momos,Sikkim
Yes, Sikkim is the homeland of Momos. Let’s just enjoy a few momos and thank Sikkim for its gift to the world!
Source (hunt)
17. Muya Awandru, Tripura
Tripura, known for its wide range of dishes in the non-vegetarian category, will be a heaven on earth for all the meat lovers reading this! One of the best Tripuri dishes is Muya Awandru, made with rice, bamboo shoot and Berma, a fermented fish used extensively in Tripuri cuisine.
18. Paruppu Urundai Kulambu, Tamil Nadu
Bored of sambar but missing its amazing flavour? Try this traditional dish from the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. Pauppu Urundai Kulambi is the perfect blend of tangy and spicy, combining toor dal and spices.
Source (spice India online)
19. Ngari, Manipur
A dish made with dried fish, full of exotic flavors - Ngari is an aromatic treat for the soul.
20. Pork with dry bamboo shoots, Nagaland
Continuing with our northeast feast, try the famous pork with dry bamboo shoots, Naga style.
21. Ker Sangri, Rajasthan
All the vegetarians out there, don’t be disappointed. Ker Sangri is your refuge for the heart. This traditional dish from Rajasthan combines ker berries and sangri beans into a mouth-watering delight.
Source (whiskaffair)
22. Sana Thongpa, Mizoram
This delicious dish from Manipur is a variant of paneer you never would’ve dreamed of unless you’ve tasted it. Sana thongpa combines paneer with green beans simmered with spices in a milk gravy. Totally worth a try.
Source (archanas kitchen)
23. Sattu paratha, Bihar
This famous dish from Bihar is a great way to keep your healthy diet intact while giving your taste buds an abundant treat.
Source (Archanas kitchen)
24. Besan ka Cheela, Chhattisgarh
Mind boggling, right? This traditional food is eaten in all Indian states in the North, but it actually comes from Chattisgarh. This simple pancake made with gram flour and vegetables needs no introduction.
Source (Wikimedia)
25. Siddu, Himachal Pradesh
Siddu, a combination of wheat flour and yeast, is a famous dish of the Himachal, your dessert for the hills.
Source (evergreen recipes)
26. Rasgulla, Odisha
Oh yes, this is where it all started. Odisha, we bow down to you in appreciation!
Source (NDTV)
27. Mawa Bati, Madhya Pradesh
A surprise twist to our beloved Gulab jamun. This sweet is filled with fried mawa, spices, and the richness of dry fruits.
28. Ragi Mudde (Ragi Ball), Karnataka
A hot take on our famous ragi, this simple dish is full of the goodness of ragi and highly nutritious. It’s served with any curry to make a wholesome, delicious meal.
Source (Palates Desire)
Is your stomach rumbling? By the time we finished writing this, ours was too! We wanted something straight from the rural kitchen, so we grabbed our favourite snacks from GODESi's sweet and spicy collection of traditional Indian foods. Get snacking!
