Most Popular Indian Dishes

Traditional Indian food is built from the same flavor foundations. However, dishes vary widely between North Indian and South Indian cuisine. If you’re familiar with Indian restaurants in the U.S., you’ll likely know these popular (and tasty!) Indian dishes:

• Aloo gobi. Crisp golden potatoes and cauliflower.
• Butter chicken. Learn how to make the perfect Indian butter chicken with this recipe.
• Chana masala. Chickpea stew.
• Palak paneer. Spinach curry with fresh cheese.
• Chicken tikka masala. Chicken in a creamy masala sauce.
• Doughy, butter-brushed naan. The popular Indian baked flatbread.
• Crisp papadum. A very thin, North Indian flatbread with a satisfying shatter that’s fully dried before getting a quick dunk in hot oil until blistered and golden.
• Fish curry. Try this easy and quick South Indian fish curry recipe at home. (This curry from Goa is traditionally served with idli steamed rice cakes or dosa lentil and rice crepes.)
• Lamb vindaloo. A quick and easy, spicy curry featuring meat marinated in a tangy vinegar sauce.
• Dal makhani. A stew made with whole black or yellow lentils.
• Pakora. A fried snack typically featuring cauliflower or potato coated in a light batter.
• Kofta. Indian meatballs usually made with minced lamb or pork, onions, and spices.
• Korma. A thick, savory curry consisting of meat or vegetables braised with yogurt, cream, and spices.
• Biryani. A meat-and-rice mixed dish that’s a popular staple food in Kashmiri cuisine.
• Kebab. Popular in Punjabi cuisine.