Best Indian Foods: Top Dishes, Snacks and Sweets You Should Try

Want to know which Indian foods to try first? Indian cuisine is huge and exciting, but you don’t need to get lost. Here’s a straight list of favorites, why people love them, and a few tips to enjoy them without overwhelm.

Start with the classics: butter chicken, dal (lentils), biryani, and paneer dishes. Butter chicken is creamy and mildly spiced — a safe pick if you’re new to Indian food. Dal is simple, protein-rich, and comfort food in many homes. Biryani is fragrant rice layered with meat or vegetables, perfect when you want bold flavors. Paneer dishes like palak paneer (spinach + cheese) or paneer tikka are great for vegetarians.

Street snacks and quick bites

India’s snacks are why people fall in love with the cuisine. Try samosas (crispy pastry filled with spiced potato), pakoras (seasonal vegetables dipped in chickpea batter and fried), and chaat — a tangy, crunchy mix found at roadside stalls. Pani puri or golgappa is a must: small hollow shells filled with spicy water and tangy chutneys. For sweet lovers, jalebi and gulab jamun are widely loved and easy to like.

If you like rice and curry combos, don’t miss thali — a plate with several small dishes that gives a balanced taste of sweet, salty, sour, and spicy. Thalis are available in many regions with local specialties included, which makes them a great tasting tour in one meal.

Regional picks to try

Every region has its stars. In the north, try rich gravies like rogan josh and tandoori breads such as naan. South India shines with dosas (thin rice crepes), idli (steamed rice cakes), and coconut-based chutneys. West India offers Gujarati thalis and Mumbai street food like vada pav. East India is famous for fish curries and sweets like rasgulla. Pick a region and try three dishes from there — you’ll see how different the same spices can taste.

Worried about spice? Ask for "mild" or "less spicy" when you order. Many dishes are flavorful, not just hot. Also, try vegetarian options — India has excellent meat-free classics that are full of taste and texture.

Want to cook at home? Start with dal, butter chicken, or a simple vegetable curry. Use whole spices like cumin and coriander, but don’t overdo them. A little garam masala added at the end lifts the whole dish.

Ready to try? Pick one main dish, one snack, and one sweet. Taste slowly, ask questions at the restaurant, and enjoy the layers of flavor. Indian food rewards curiosity — and it’s easy to find dishes you’ll love.