The Ultimate Guide to Indian Cuisine: 8 Iconic Dishes You Must Try

Indian cuisine is a vast universe of flavors, colors, and aromas. If you want to explore it, here's a simple guide to some of its most iconic dishes so you know exactly what you're discovering.

Tikka Masala

The term "tikka" refers to small pieces of food, and "masala" to a spice blend. So, when you find small pieces of chicken cooked in a sauce with a specific spice mix, you're looking at chicken tikka masala. If they use paneer cheese instead of chicken, it's paneer tikka masala. The world-famous sauce has a tomato base, and its richness comes from cream or thick yogurt.

Biryani

A very popular rice dish with roots in the Mughal Empire. It's prepared with several layers of rice, spiced meat, paneer or vegetables, and enriched with ghee (clarified butter) or yogurt. Then, it's simmered to achieve a perfect texture. It's topped with caramelized onions and saffron for a rich flavor. You have many options to try:

• Chicken Biryani
• Hyderabadi Dum Biryani (notable for being spicy and usually made with chicken)
• Goat Biryani
• Lamb Biryani (lamb)
• Shrimp Biryani

Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

Originating in northern India in the 1950s, this luxurious dish consists of marinated chicken that is first cooked in a tandoor (clay oven) and then served in a rich tomato and butter sauce. Vegetarian versions with paneer are also available. A good butter chicken is distinguished by its tender texture and the perfect balance of mild spices, cream, and the acidity of the tomatoes. It's ideal if you're looking for a rich flavor that isn't too spicy.

Sambar

This is a tamarind-based broth prepared with lentils and vegetables. It originated in Tamil Nadu but is very popular throughout South India. It is traditionally served with steamed rice or various Indian flatbreads.

Rogan Josh

A staple of Kashmiri cuisine, this dish consists of braised lamb pieces cooked in a sauce made from browned onions, yogurt, garlic, ginger, and aromatic spices. It is known for its vibrant red color, achieved through the generous use of dried Kashmiri chilies.

Tandoori Chicken

One of the most famous dishes. The chicken is marinated in yogurt and seasoned with tandoori masala, nutmeg, and cumin before being placed on skewers. It is traditionally cooked at very high temperatures in a cylindrical clay oven called a tandoor, which gives the meat a smoky and juicy flavor.

Naan

The most recognized Indian bread worldwide. This unleavened flatbread is soft and bubbly. It's baked or fried and is a common side dish. Traditionally, it's cooked in a tandoor. You can find it served plain, or with butter, garlic, and/or chilies.

• It goes perfectly with: Dishes with sauce such as butter chicken, paneer tikka masala or chickpea curry, as it is ideal for soaking up the sauce.
• Spice level: Mild, unless it contains chili peppers.
• Dietary: It is vegetarian. Vegan versions are possible if made without yogurt, milk, or ghee.

Samosas

Arguably India's most famous street food, these are triangles that are either deep-fried or baked with a savory filling, such as spiced potatoes, onions, and peas. Their origins date back to the 10th century, and versions with different shapes and fillings exist throughout Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The perfect balance between a flaky pastry and a spiced filling makes them incredibly satisfying.

• Accompany them with: Mint or tamarind chutney.
• Spice level: Mild to medium, depending on the filling and whether chilies are added.

A Fun Fact about Tikka Masala

It's interesting to know that chicken tikka masala, one of the most popular dishes, didn't originate in India. It's believed to have been popularized by Indian cooks living in Britain, who were inspired by butter chicken. The dish you usually recognize features boneless, marinated, and roasted chicken in a bright orange, creamy curry made with tomatoes, coconut milk, and a blend of spices.