Jamie Rogers / Shutterstock7 Exotic Foods You Have to Try in India CheapOair Staff February 10, 2016 Asia, Food & Drink, India, Interests, International Travel, Travel Guide Headed to India? You’re in for a (literal) treat! As an extremely diverse country with over 1 billion people, India boasts a cuisine that’s as varied as it is delicious. Put your taste buds to the test and try these seven regional favorites as you travel through the country. Goan Vindaloo Paul_Brighton / Shutterstock Hails from: Goa in Southwest India When to eat it: For lunch or dinner Goa cuisine is heavily influenced from its days as part of the Portuguese colonies. In fact, the name “vindaloo” comes from the Portuguese words meaning vinegar and garlic. This should give you some idea of what to expect with this dish, a spicy curry usually made with pork. Dhokla espies / Shutterstock Hails from: Gujarat in Central India When to eat it: For breakfast or as a snack Made from rice and chickpea batter, Dhokla makes for a perfect light meal. To get its unique texture, the batter is fermented for up to five hours and then steamed for about 15 minutes. It’s then cut into squares and often garnished with mustard seeds and coriander leaves. Macher Paturi Tigergallery / Shutterstock Hails from: West Bengal in Eastern India When to eat it: For dinner This baked fish creation, usually made with rahu, carp, or hilsa fish, is considered a royal dish in Bengal. It’s made by marinating the fish in mustard paste and then steaming it in banana leaves. Those who enjoy a bit of spice with their fish will appreciate Macher Paturi. Gajar Halwa espies / Shutterstock Hails from: Punjab in Northern India When to eat it: For dessert Who knew carrots could be so delicious? This rich dessert is traditionally made from grated red Delhi carrots mixed with sugar, khoya (dried milk), and nuts. Gajar halwa is especially popular during Indian festivals and served piping hot in the winter. Pakora Jamie Rogers / Shutterstock Hails from: Uttar Pradesh in Northern India When to eat it: As a snack This tasty appetizer is made from deep frying one or two ingredients, which may include onion, eggplant, potato, chili pepper, or cauliflower. The most popular preparation is pyaaz pakora—onion deep fried in gram flour. Visitors used to eating fried snacks in bars will feel comfortable chowing down on this simple dish. Kashmiri Gushtaba Fanfo / Shutterstock Hails from: Kashmir in Northern India When to eat it: For lunch or dinner Gushtaba is a Kashmiri meatball delicacy made from mutton minced with spices. To achieve its unique flavor, the mutton is cooked in a yogurt gravy. The result is a velvety textured specialty that is often served as part of the Wazwan, a multi-course Kashmiri meal. Bhelpuri highviews / Shutterstock Hails from: Mumbai on the eastern Indian Coast When to eat it: As a snack Those visiting the beaches of Mumbai will find plenty of nearby cafes serving this chaat (Indian snack). It’s made primarily from puffed rice that’s mixed with Sev, potatoes, onions, chutney, and other vegetables. A tangy and spicy tamarind sauce is added to give it a distinctive flavor. FAQs: Q: What is the most popular exotic dish in India? A: One of the most popular exotic dishes in India is Biryani. This flavorful rice dish is made with fragrant basmati rice, tender meat or vegetables, and a blend of aromatic spices. Biryani is known for its rich flavors and complex layers of taste, making it a favorite among both locals and visitors. Q: Which region of India is known for its exotic cuisine? A: India is a diverse country, and each region has its own unique cuisine. However, if we had to pick one region known for its exotic cuisine, it would be the state of Rajasthan. Rajasthan is famous for its royal delicacies and rich flavors. From the fiery Laal Maas (red meat curry) to the delectable Ghevar (sweet dessert), Rajasthani cuisine offers a culinary experience like no other. Q: Are there vegetarian options available in Indian exotic food? A: Absolutely! Indian cuisine is well-known for its vegetarian options. In fact, many exotic Indian dishes are entirely vegetarian. From the creamy Paneer Tikka to the flavorful Chole Bhature, there are plenty of vegetarian delights to choose from. Vegetarianism has a long history in India, and the country offers a wide range of vegetarian dishes that are both delicious and satisfying. Q: How can I experience exotic Indian food if I’m not in India? A: While nothing beats the experience of enjoying exotic Indian food in its place of origin, you can still savor the flavors of India wherever you are. Many Indian restaurants around the world serve authentic Indian dishes, allowing you to indulge in the exotic flavors and spices. Additionally, you can try your hand at cooking Indian recipes at home. There are numerous cookbooks, online tutorials, and recipe websites that provide step-by-step instructions for preparing exotic Indian dishes. Q: What are some lesser-known exotic dishes in India? Ans. India is a treasure trove of lesser-known exotic dishes that are worth exploring. One such dish is Pani Puri, a popular street snack that consists of crispy hollow puris filled with spicy mint water, tamarind chutney, and a mix of savory ingredients. Another lesser-known dish is Dhokla, a steamed savory cake made from fermented rice and chickpea flour. These are just a few examples, and there are many more hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Q: Is Indian food really spicy? A: While Indian food is often associated with spice, not all Indian dishes are extremely spicy. The level of spiciness can vary depending on the dish and the region it originates from. Indian cuisine offers a wide range of flavors, from mild and aromatic to fiery and hot. If you prefer milder flavors, you can always request the spice level to be adjusted when dining at Indian restaurants. Which of these Indian specialties are you most looking forward to on your trip? Chow down in the comments!
