Top Most Famous & Delicious Food Dishes of 29 States of India: A Culinary Tour Awaits!

Embark on a delicious journey through India, a land where every state tantalizes your taste buds with unique flavors and specialties. From fiery curries to melt-in-your-mouth sweets, get ready to experience the vibrant tapestry of Indian cuisine like never before!

Here is a list of the most famous & delicious food dishes of 29 states of India that you must try

North India States:

1. Punjab

Famous Food Dish: Makki di Roti & Sarson da SaagSavor the earthy goodness of corn flatbreads dipped in creamy mustard greens, a comforting and wholesome combination. 

Fun fact: This dish is traditionally enjoyed with a dollop of white butter, adding a touch of richness.

2. Haryana

Famous Food Dish: Bajra Khichdi
Savor the simplicity and wholesomeness of this millet and lentil porridge, a nutritious and popular dish in Haryana. 

Fun fact: Bajra Khichdi is often enjoyed with a dollop of ghee and chopped onions.

3. Himachal Pradesh

Famous Food Dish: Kangra Dham

Indulge in this multi-course feast featuring local delicacies like Siddu (steamed bread), chutney, khatta (sour gravy), and Madra (yogurt-based dish). 

Fun fact: The Dham is traditionally served on large leaves, fostering a sense of community.

4. Uttarakhand

Famous Food Dish: Kafuli

Warm your soul with this hearty soup made with spinach, fenugreek leaves, and tempered with ghee.

Fun fact: Kafuli is often enjoyed with Kumaoni bread, making it a perfect winter comfort food.

5. Jammu & Kashmir (Now divided into 2 Union Territories )

Famous Food Dish: Rogan Josh

Immerse yourself in the luxurious flavors of this aromatic lamb dish cooked in yogurt, saffron, and a blend of spices, a crown jewel of Kashmiri cuisine. 

Fun fact: The name “Rogan Josh” translates to “red color of meat,” referring to the vibrant hue achieved through the use of Kashmiri chilies.

East India States:

6. Assam

Famous Food Dish: Masor Tenga

Experience the tangy magic of this fish curry cooked with elephant apple and tomatoes, offering a refreshing contrast to the region’s rich curries.

Fun fact: This dish is often paired with steamed rice and a dollop of mustard paste.

7. Sikkim

Famous Food Dish: Momos

Indulge in these savory dumplings filled with meat or vegetables, steamed or fried to perfection, a popular street food and snack. 

Fun fact: Momos originated in Tibet and have become an integral part of Sikkimese cuisine.

There are some more interesting reasons why you should plan a trip to Sikkim.

8. Arunachal Pradesh

Famous Food Dish: Akhuni

Warm your soul with this porridge made with fermented bamboo shoots and meat, offering a unique and flavorful experience. 

Fun fact: Akhuni is a traditional dish of the Nishi tribe, often enjoyed during special occasions.

9. Nagaland

Famous Food Dish: Pork with Bamboo Shoot

Embark on a culinary adventure with this flavorful dish featuring tender pork cooked with bamboo shoots, chilies, and spices, a staple in Naga cuisine. 

Fun fact: This dish is traditionally cooked in hollow bamboo sections, infusing it with a smoky flavor.

10. Mizoram

Famous Food Dish:  Misa Mach Poora

Embark on a culinary adventure with this flavorful fish curry featuring fermented bamboo shoots, mustard paste, and chilies, a true Mizoram specialty. 

Fun fact: This dish is traditionally cooked in earthenware pots, infusing it with a unique smoky flavor.

11. West Bengal

Famous Food Dish: Kosha Mangsho

Dive into the rich, aromatic world of this slow-cooked mutton dish flavored with fragrant spices like cloves, cinnamon, and bay leaves. 

Fun fact: The word “Kosha” refers to the unique browning technique used for the meat, infusing it with deep flavor.

12. Odisha

Famous Food Dish: Chenna Poda

Treat yourself to this delectable sweet made with cottage cheese, sugar, and nuts, baked to a golden perfection.

Fun fact: Chenna Poda is traditionally offered to Lord Jagannath during the Rath Yatra festival.

13. Tripura

Famous Food Dish: Macher Kalia

Dive into the rich and flavorful world of this fish curry cooked with mustard paste, tomatoes, and spices, a true Bengali classic. 

Fun fact: The word “Kalia” refers to the black color of the gravy, achieved through the use of burnt chilies.

14. Meghalaya

Famous Food Dish: Jadoh

Savor the simplicity and comfort of this rice dish cooked with pork, turmeric, and spices, a staple in Meghalayan cuisine.

Fun fact: Jadoh is traditionally cooked in large quantities and shared with family and friends during festivals and celebrations.

15. Manipur

Famous Food Dish: Kangshoi

Experience the unique flavors of this fermented soybean and fish stew, a staple in Manipuri cuisine with a distinct tangy and savory taste. 

Fun fact: Kangshoi is traditionally served with steamed rice and chutney.

Central India States:

16. Madhya Pradesh

Famous Food Dish: Bhutte ka Kees

Relish this creamy corn delicacy flavored with chilies, coriander, and spices, a true explosion of textures and tastes. 

Fun fact: Bhutte ka Kees is a popular street food, traditionally enjoyed during the monsoon season.

17. Bihar

Famous Food Dish: Litti Chokha

Savor the smoky flavors of this iconic dish featuring wheat balls stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes and baked in an earthen oven, served with a fiery tomato and brinjal chutney. 

Fun fact: Litti Chokha is traditionally enjoyed with a dollop of ghee, adding a touch of richness and making it a perfect combination of flavors and textures.

18. Uttar Pradesh

Famous Food Dish: Kebabs

Explore the diverse world of kebabs, succulent grilled meat skewers marinated in fragrant spices, a legacy of the Mughal era.

Fun fact: From Galouti kebabs to Seekh kebabs, each region in Uttar Pradesh boasts unique variations of this iconic dish.

19. Rajasthan

Famous Food Dish: Dal Baati Churma

Embark on a flavorful journey with this combination of spicy lentil soup (dal), wheat balls (baati), and a sweet and savory crumble (churma), a true Rajasthani experience.

Fun fact: Dal Baati Churma is traditionally enjoyed with a dollop of ghee, adding a touch of richness.

20. Chhattisgarh

Famous Food Dish: Chila

Don’t let the name fool you! This savory pancake made with rice and lentils is a staple in Chhattisgarh, often served with chutney and yogurt. 

Fun fact: Chila is a versatile dish, enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or as a snack.

21. Jharkhand

Famous Food Dish: Litti Chokha

Embark on a fiery adventure with these charcoal-roasted wheat balls stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes and served with a fiery tomato and brinjal chutney.

Fun fact: Litti Chokha is a popular street food often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations.

West India States

22. Gujarat

Famous Food Dish: Dhokla

Savor the fluffy goodness of these steamed lentil cakes, a light and healthy snack bursting with flavor. 

Fun fact: Dhokla comes in various sweet and savory variations, catering to every palate.

23. Maharashtra

Famous Food Dish: Misal Pav

Get ready for a flavor explosion with this spicy sprouted lentil curry served with pav (bread) and topped with chopped onions, farsan (savory mix), and chutney. 

Fun fact: Misal Pav is a popular breakfast dish, but can be enjoyed throughout the day.

24. Goa

Famous Food Dish: Fish Curry

Immerse yourself in the coastal flavors of Goa with this vibrant curry featuring fresh fish simmered in coconut milk and spices. Fun fact: The type of fish and spices used vary depending on the region within Goa.

South India States:

25. Andhra Pradesh

Famous Food Dish: Hyderabadi Biryani

Immerse yourself in the aromatic layers of this rich rice dish flavored with saffron, meat, and fragrant spices, a true culinary masterpiece. 

Fun fact: Hyderabadi Biryani is cooked in a sealed pot, allowing the flavors to intensify and meld together.

26. Kerala

Famous Food Dish: Appam

Delight in these delicate, lacy crepes made with fermented rice batter, traditionally enjoyed with stews and curries. 

Fun fact: Appam is often cooked in a special appachatti pan, giving it its unique shape and texture.

27. Tamil Nadu

Famous Food Dish: Pongal

Savor the simplicity and comfort of this rice dish cooked with lentils, ghee, and spices, a staple in Tamil Nadu households. 

Fun fact: Pongal is offered to the Sun God during the Pongal festival, marking the beginning of the harvest season.

28. Karnataka

Famous Food Dish: Bisi Bele Bath

Experience the vibrant flavors of this lentil and rice dish packed with vegetables and spices, a popular street food and quick meal option. 

Fun fact: The name “Bisi Bele Bath” translates to “hot lentil rice,” perfectly capturing its essence.

29. Telangana

Famous Food Dish: Samarala Chalava

Savor the tangy and spicy flavors of this lentil stew flavored with tamarind and spices, often served with rice or roti. 

Fun fact: Samarala Chalava is traditionally enjoyed during festivals and celebrations.

Conclusion

You now have a comprehensive list of the most famous food dishes from all 29 states of India! Remember, this is just a starting point, and there are countless other delicious treasures waiting to be discovered in each region. So, pack your bags, open your taste buds, and embark on an unforgettable culinary journey through the incredible diversity of Indian cuisine!