India is a hub of the best food. Indian cuisine is loved by people worldwide for its spices and essence. Have you ever wondered what are the 10 must-try foods in India?

India is diverse in soil, climate, culture, ethnic group, occupations, and so on regarding food. The taste differs as you walk through different states. You have something new to taste in every region, religion, and season. It is impossible to be entirely done with Indian food by tasting a few dishes. However, to ensure you have tasted the best Indian food, we have brought you a list of must-try foods in India.

Here’s the list of 10 foods which you should try when you’re in India:

1. CHAAT – Chaat is one of the most famous Indian snacks that you will find on the streets of each state of India. “Chaat” derives from Hindi, which means “licking one’s finger”. The taste of Chaat undoubtedly does justice to the name. It is the favourite snack of every Indian from child to adult. Even elderly people will never say NO to Chaat in India. Traditionally, chaat is a flavoured mixture of fried potatoes, chickpeas, curd, and chutney garnished with fresh coriander leaves. Vendors may add or exclude one or the other ingredient to offer a different taste. Some famous chaats in India are Samosa chaat, Papdi Chaat, Bhelpuri, etc. Seek out a local dhaba and treat your tongue to the famous cheats of India.

2. MASALA CHAI – Next is not a food but a beverage that Indians are crazy about. Masala Chai is the most traditional and classical staple in India. It differs from tea that is offered in other countries. It is made with tea leaves that are picked from farms in Assam and West Bengal. Various masalas, names, ginger, cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves are added to the tater. In the brewing process, the tea is served after adding the hot milk to cups. This aromatic cup of tea sip is enough to escape stress and make you relax. You will get masala chai in India everywhere, from five-star restaurants to stalls at railway stations. Have the masala chai in an earthen cup (Kulhad) to enjoy it at its best.

3. ROGAN JOSH – Rogan Josh will be your favourite cuisine if you are non-vegan. It is a curried meat dish originating from Kashmir. Rogan Josh is a curry made with red meat, usually lamb or mutton, spiced with the red chillies of Kashmir. Rogan Josh is commonly prepared in Muslim households. It is served with Tandoori roti or bread. It is a signature food of Kashmir and also a staple food of the British.

4. VADA PAV – Vada Pav is another street food served in restaurants now. Vada pav is a deep-fried potato fritter between two pieces of bread. It is a traditional food of Maharashtra. Due to its resemblance to burgers, it is also called Bombay Burger. Ask for a Vada Pav in India, and you will get it served with different flavours of chutney, tasty enough to satisfy your buds and stuffed sufficient to calm your hunger.

5. MASALA DOSA – Don’t leave India without having the famous South Indian pancake, Masala Dosa. Making a dosa is a task. It is made by placing batter of rice and flour on a hot tawa. It is then stuffed with vegies and served by making a roll. It is served with green chilly chutney. People also prefer to have it with sambar.

6. MATAR PANEER – Matar Paneer is a classical dish of India. If you have guests at home and you don’t serve Matar paneer in a meal, it means you are not an Indian, or at least not a North Indian. It is a cuisine made of peas and fresh cheese. Paneer is eaten with bread, paratha, or rice. Other Paneer dishes famous in India are Shahi Paneer, Kadai Paneer, Chilli Paneer, etc.

7. MITHAI – Sweets in India are worth not missing. Mithai is an Urdu word for sweets made from milk, sugar, flour, and nuts. These are flavoured with rose water, saffron, cardamom, and kewda. Some famous Indian sweets are Gulab Jamun, Barfi, Jalebi, Kheer, etc. Step into a sweet stall in India and enjoy the sweets if you don’t fear diabetes. Mithai is offered as gifts on occasions like weddings, festivals, the birth of a baby, etc.

8. DHOKLA – Dhokla is a regional dish of Gujarat. Making dhokla is a long process but always worth it. It is made by soaking rice and split chickpeas, spices are then added to it, and then it is shaped into bite-sized morsels. Dhoklas are served with green chutney. Indians have dhokla for breakfast, lunch, and snacks. It is also served at weddings and parties.

9. PANI PURI – Offer Pani Puri to anyone in India, and you will not hear anyone say “No”. Pani Puri, famously known as Gol Gappa, is a hollow fried ball filled with chickpeas, mashed potatoes, and spicy water. Eating pani puri is fun in itself. Open your mouth wide to keep the ball in your mouth and hurry to finish one puri before the vendor offers next. People from every class, every age, and every religion come together to enjoy panipuri on the local streets of India.

10.  BIRYANI – Finally, Biryani is a traditional food of India. Biryani is a mixed rice dish, mainly with meat or chicken. The broth is prepared first for the biryani base and then by adding different spices. People also prefer biryani in India without beef. They add vegans to rice to cook biryani, commonly known as Pulao. Hyderabad is most famous for biryani in India. Some of the famous biryanis of India are Chicken Biryani, Mutton Biryani, Dum Biryani, etc.

The list of Indian food is endless. You will always have something new to explore in food. These are the ten dishes you must not miss in India.