Indian Food Habits

India is known as a cultural and foodie country and this is nothing that we did not know about. We Indians are proud foodies and equally, love to have someone gladly dive into our enormous world of varied cuisines. There are 29 states in India, and each of them has more than just one famous dish when it comes to food. There is a wide range of cuisine in the nation which pampers the taste buds and impresses everyone. No matter in which state you are, you will surely love the regional cuisine. Indian food is generally known for its spiciness and every single spice used in Indian dishes carries some or the other nutritional as well as medical properties which not only makes it unique in taste but also very healthy.

So, whether you are spending a few days up north in Kashmir or vacationing down south to Kerala, you will witness striking dissimilarities in the kind of foods people savor. This is what makes India one of the much-loved countries by gourmet foodies the world over. So if you are a food lover but still haven’t tasted these delicious dishes then it’s time to pack your bags and go on a food journey and try out all the famed delicacies every state has to offer. To give you a better insight into the food scene of the nation, below is a listing of a few Indian states and their special dishes. This page is your guide to some of the best cuisine in India.

1. Bihar- For Litti Chokha
   Now, who could ever want to miss out and resist on litti chokha? People don’t know enough about the typical cuisine of Bihar even though it is excessively rich in taste and austere in the way it is prepared. The most admired delicacy of the state is litti and chokha, which consists of roasted wheat balls stuffed with a special filling and mashed potatoes with distinct flavors.
   
   This is a traditional recipe that is eaten for breakfast, lunch, dinner and as snacks also in Bihar. Also worth trying are the sattu parathas, jhal murhi, khaja and tilkut.



2. Rajasthan- For Dal Bati Churma
   This state isn't only distinguished in light of its immense deserts, wonderful palaces, and dynamic history—it is likewise celebrated for its luscious cuisine. The state presents an assortment of delicacies when it comes to food. A standout amongst the most tempting dishes is the daal-baati.

   Daal Bati Churma is the famous dish of Rajasthan, super-rich in ghee and no Rajasthani Thali is complete without it. Apart from this, Gatte ki Sabzi, Pyazz Kachori, Papad ki Sabzi, Ghevar, Gond ke Laddu, Kesar Murg and Laapsi are quite popular and mouth-watering dishes of Rajasthan.



3. West Bengal- For Daab Chingri
   Bengal is just the right state for the people who have a sweet tooth along with their undying love for fish. Yes, we know that may sound like a weird blend of two delicacies but in India, you will discover the famous Bengali desserts and Bengali eateries serving the conventional cuisine in pretty much every city you visit. One of the famed dishes among the bongs is the daab chingri.
   
   It is a traditional Bengali preparation of mild and soupy mustard prawn curry, filled inside a green coconut. The divine aroma of the tender coconut water and kernel gets infused in the prawns, giving them a fabulous flavor. Daab chingri tastes best with a plate of steaming boiled rice. Other famous Bengali delicacies include the sandesh, doi maach, rasgulla and mishti doi.



4. Jammu and Kashmir- For Rogan Josh
   In the coldest region of the country, you can only put your faith mutton to keep you warm. Rogan Josh is a delicious non-vegetarian item in the menu of Jammu & Kashmir which is a simple yet the most royal item. It’s a delicacy in the beautiful mountainous region of Kashmir and is recommended to anyone who visits the place.

   This is an aromatic lamb curry hailing from Kashmir, although it has roots tracing back to Persian cuisine. Composing of an array of spices, tomatoes, ginger and garlic, Rogan Josh is a mouthwatering dish adored all over the country. Although the recipe can vary from place to place, the underlying essence remains the same. The dum aloo, yakhni, haak saag, gustabaand tabak maaz are some of the well-liked dishes served in this region.



5. Tamil Nadu- For Idli And Dosa
   The taste of India could never be complete without a mention of the dosa and idli. This state is the origin of the most famous South Indian cuisine that is eaten and cherished all around the world. No South Indian meal is complete without rice in some form or other -- either boiled rice or idlis (steamed cakes made from rice batter), or dosas or uttapams (pancakes made from a batter of rice and lentil flour). Perhaps the south Indian food that's most enjoyed by travelers is the masala dosa. There are a variety of dosas available around the region—but the most popular is the masala dosa, in which a fermented crepe made of rice batter is filled with potatoes and served with sambhar and coconut chutney. Also, you must not miss out on trying the idlis, appam, rasam, chettinad chicken and pongal when in this state.



6. Maharashtra- For Vada Pav
   We Indians are just crazy about street food and for this craving of ours, Mumbai holds the status of being the best street food in India. Mumbai is the birthplace of Vada Pavs which are not only cheap and tasty but also fills up our hungry stomachs. Streets in Maharashtra are incomplete without the presence of vada pav sellers, such is its sway over the local gastronomy. Maharashtrian cuisine covers a range of dishes that go from being too mild to very zesty.
   
   The most cherished is the vada pav, which is a potato fritter stuffed between bread buns, served with piquant chutney and green chilies. What began as a simple and cost-effective snack has gone on to garner widespread popularity in India. Other prominent dishes from this region include pav-bhaji, shrikhand, thalipeeth, puran poli and modak.



7. Punjab- For Makke Ki Roti And Sarson Ka Saag
   This northern state is especially popular for its amazing local cuisine that is relished throughout the country. We are talking about none other than the makke ki roti and sarson da saag. This is a famous traditional Punjabi delicacy. It may not look particularly enticing, but the flavor is rich and satisfying. The nutritive value of Makki ki Roti aur Sarson ka Saag has a hand in all the prominence the dish enjoys.
   
   ‘Makki Roti’ is a cornmeal Indian bread that tastes fabulous with ‘Sarson saag’ – mustard green and a glass of Lassi. Also, the popular chhola-bhatura, rajma-chawal, amritsari machhli (fish) and lassi (sweetened buttermilk) find their roots in this region.



8. Andhra Pradesh- For Hyderabadi Biryani
   Biriyani entered the foray of Indian gastronomy with the stepping of Mughals in the country, and it hasn’t left with their departure which certainly is a great thing as we would not have known the concept of everyone’s favorite biryani in the first place. This is the state that has given the world one of its most savored dishes: biryani. Andhra Pradesh deserves a visit from you, especially for the authentic Hyderabadi biryani.

   Among the numerous biriyani styles, Hyderabadi biriyani stands out due to its method of cooking and ingredients – rice, meat (lamb or chicken), yogurt, onions and a significant amount of spices to give it a full-on punchy flavor. It has layered rice which is cooked with any type of meat, chicken or a combination of vegetables. Other popular food options in the state to take in are mirchi salan, ghongura pickle, and korikoora.



9. Goa- For Bibinca
   The Goan ethos is one of living the good life. Food plays a big part. Goan cuisine is rich with the flavor of produce found in abundance locally, like kokum, coconut, and spices. Any celebratory Goan meal or for that matter, a reference to Goan cuisine is incomplete without lingering awhile over Goa’s best-known dessert, Bibinca.
   
   Bibinca is essentially a layered dessert that tastes of the tropics. There’s a hint of coconut and a suggestion of ground nutmeg in the wholesome sweet layers, not to forget some caramelization and finally, rich clarified butter that harnesses all other flavors. The texture is firm enough to retain the layers and soft enough to melt in the mouth.



10. Gujrat- For Dhokla
    Gujarat is heaven in India for vegetarians. Traditional Gujarati food is adored for its distinctive flavor that maintains an interesting balance between spices and sweetness. Famous foods consist of Undhiyu, Handvo, Khandvi, Khaman Dhokla, Thepla, Muthiya, Fafda, Khicho. Just as the people of Gujarat; their dishes are also very traditional. The flavors are basically a beautiful amalgamation of sweet, sour, and spicy tastes.
    
    Try the dhokla, which is a well-known snack or breakfast item that is both healthy and delicious. Other popular delicacies include the thepla (flat-bread made of fresh fenugreek leaves and flour), khandvi, dhansak, and Gujarati kadhi.

India’s diversity is not only evident in its multi-religious, multi-lingual people but also the vast variety of cuisines that Indians relish. No matter where you stay there is always that one particular food item that will remind you of your hometown- one delicacy that defines ‘home’ for you. As you travel from one part of the country to another, you will find changes in language, culture, dress, and lifestyle. The cuisine also keeps changing. If Mach-bhat (fish and rice) is famous in West Bengal, then Sarson da saag makki di roti is popular in Punjab.

So, next time you are on a trip to any of the states, you know which dish to look out for instead of the KFCs, Dominos, and American burger chains. Have you tried all the delicacies mentioned on the list? Share your experiences with us. Download Trainman App, to check train seat availability, PNR Status or running status of any train and much more.