The Atlas · Nº 05 ·India

Most Popular Indian Food

Indian food is a subcontinent of regional kitchens: a tandoor turning out blistered naan and smoky tikka, curries simmered with a dozen spices, a south Indian dosa crisped on a griddle. It is the world's great vegetarian cuisine, deepest in the north, and everything comes with bread or rice to carry it.

416 dishes ranked·32 in the global top 1,000 ·9,796 diner ratings·Best rank Nº 12

Plate I — The Origins

Fig. 1 Where 416 ranked indian dishes were born. Dish origin

Drag to pan · Double-click or +/− to zoom · Select a marker for its entry

The Signature Dishes

The twelve highest-ranked Indian dishes, by global position.

Butter Garlic Naan, flatbread from India
Plate IIFlatbread · India

1 Nº 12 worldwide

Butter Garlic Naan

Flatbread

The most-ordered naan of all, a leavened flatbread slapped onto the wall of a tandoor, pulled blistered and chewy, then brushed with butter and scattered with minced garlic while still hot. Made for tearing and dragging through butter chicken or dal.

★ 4.6|92% positive |182 ratings

Butter chicken (Murgh makhani), chicken dish from India
Plate IIIChicken Dish · India

2 Nº 101 worldwide

Butter chicken (Murgh makhani)

Chicken Dish · Chicken Makhani

India's most famous export, tandoor-cooked chicken simmered in a silky gravy of tomato, butter, and cream, mild and a little sweet. It was invented in 1950s Delhi as a way to use up leftover tandoori chicken, and it is the dish half the world orders first.

★ 4.4|85% positive |421 ratings

Naan, flatbread from India

3NaanNº 216

Flatbread · Also Nan

The classic leavened flatbread, its teardrop shape formed as the dough sags against the hot tandoor wall while it bakes. Chewy, blistered, and soft, it has been eaten in the subcontinent for centuries, and its name comes straight from the Persian for bread.

★ 4.3|425 ratings

Tandoori, technique from India

4TandooriNº 230

Technique

Not a single dish but north India's defining technique: yogurt-marinated meats, paneer, and breads cooked at fierce heat inside a tandoor, the charcoal-fired clay oven. The smoke and char are the point, and the red-orange tint comes from the spiced marinade.

★ 4.3|140 ratings

Shahi paneer, stew from India

5Shahi paneerNº 233

Stew · Also Paneer makhani

A rich Mughlai curry of paneer cheese in a smooth, mildly spiced gravy of tomato, cream, onion, and ground almonds. Shahi means royal, a nod to its palace-kitchen pedigree, and it is the vegetarian centerpiece of many a wedding and festive table.

★ 4.3|87 ratings

Tikka, chicken dish from India

6TikkaNº 244

Chicken Dish

Boneless chunks of chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, skewered, and cooked in the tandoor until charred at the edges and juicy within. The story ties it to a Mughal emperor who wanted his tandoori chicken off the bone, and it later became the base of tikka masala.

★ 4.3|181 ratings

Tandoori chicken (Tandoori murgh), chicken dish from India

7Tandoori chicken (Tandoori murgh)Nº 335

Chicken Dish

Chicken marinated in yogurt and a red-tinted blend of chili and spice, then roasted in the tandoor until the skin chars and the meat smokes. Perfected at a Delhi restaurant in the 1940s, it impressed prime minister Nehru enough to reach state banquets.

★ 4.2|296 ratings

Chicken 65, fried chicken dish from India

8Chicken 65Nº 347

Fried Chicken Dish · Also चिकन 65

Deep-fried chicken from Chennai, bite-sized and stained fiery red with chili, ginger, and curry leaf. Nobody agrees on the name: the likeliest story credits a 1965 dish at a Chennai hotel, though rival tales involve 65 chilies or a long marinade.

★ 4.2|65 ratings

Chole bhature, street food from India

9Chole bhatureNº 400

Street Food

A north Indian feast of two halves, chole, a spicy chickpea curry, served with bhature, a large balloon of deep-fried leavened bread. Put together in Delhi in the mid-20th century, it is a favorite big breakfast, eaten with pickles, raw onion, and a glass of lassi.

★ 4.2|50 ratings

Batata vada, street food from India

10Batata vadaNº 408

Street Food

A spiced potato ball dipped in chickpea batter and deep-fried, invented in Maharashtra. Mumbai made it immortal by pressing it into a soft pav bun with chutney to create vada pav, the fried potato sandwich that is the city's definitive street food.

★ 4.2|20 ratings

Masala dosa, pancake from India

11Masala dosaNº 475

Pancake

A crisp, golden crepe of fermented rice-and-lentil batter, spread thin on a hot griddle and folded over a spiced potato filling flecked with mustard seed and turmeric. Born in the south, it is now breakfast, snack, or dinner all over India, served with sambar and chutney.

★ 4.2|134 ratings

Amritsari kulcha, flatbread from India

12Amritsari kulchaNº 476

Flatbread

Amritsar's own bread, a flaky flatbread stuffed with spiced potato, onion, and cottage cheese, baked crisp against the tandoor wall and finished with a slick of ghee. Torn into a bowl of chole, it is what half the shops in the Punjabi city serve for breakfast.

★ 4.2|27 ratings

The Departments

Every Indian dish in our ranking, grouped the way you'd order them.

The Complete Ledger

All 416 Indian dishes in the world ranking. Every entry, leaf by leaf.

416 entries
  1. 12 Butter Garlic Naan Flatbread India ★ 4.6
  2. 101 Butter chicken (Murgh makhani) Chicken Dish Delhi ★ 4.4
  3. 216 Naan Flatbread India ★ 4.3
  4. 230 Tandoori Technique India ★ 4.3
  5. 233 Shahi paneer Stew Punjab ★ 4.3
  6. 244 Tikka Chicken Dish Punjab ★ 4.3
  7. 335 Tandoori chicken (Tandoori murgh) Chicken Dish Punjab ★ 4.2
  8. 347 Chicken 65 Fried Chicken Dish Chennai ★ 4.2
  9. 400 Chole bhature Street Food Delhi ★ 4.2
  10. 408 Batata vada Street Food Maharashtra ★ 4.2
  11. 475 Masala dosa Pancake Southern India ★ 4.2
  12. 476 Amritsari kulcha Flatbread Amritsar ★ 4.2
  13. 494 Vada pav Sandwich Mumbai ★ 4.2
  14. 543 Samosa Snack India ★ 4.1
  15. 555 Curry Stew India ★ 4.1
  16. 615 Misal pav Vegetable Dish Maharashtra ★ 4.1
  17. 633 Aamras Dessert Maharashtra ★ 4.1
  18. 662 Pav bhaji Stew Mumbai ★ 4.1
  19. 665 Vindaloo Pork Dish Goa ★ 4.1
  20. 705 Hyderabadi biryani Rice Dish Hyderabad ★ 4.1
  21. 779 Saag paneer Stew Punjab ★ 4.1
  22. 804 Paratha Flatbread India ★ 4.1
  23. 807 Chaat Street Food Uttar Pradesh ★ 4.1
  24. 819 Aloo tikki Snack Northern India ★ 4.1
  25. 823 Kulfi falooda Frozen Dessert Northern India ★ 4.1
  26. 830 Paneer tikka Cheese Dish Northern India ★ 4.1
  27. 853 Churma Side Dish Rajasthan ★ 4.0
  28. 861 Kashmiri naan Flatbread Jammu and Kashmir ★ 4.0
  29. 909 Rajma chawal Bean Dish Jammu and Kashmir ★ 4.0
  30. 962 Sabudana vada Snack Maharashtra ★ 4.0
  31. 974 Kulfi Ice Cream India ★ 4.0
  32. 981 Ras malai Cheese Dessert West Bengal ★ 4.0
  33. 1,039 Achappam Cookie Kerala ★ 4.0
  34. 1,114 Malai kofta Vegetable Dish Northern India ★ 4.0
  35. 1,116 Parotta Flatbread India ★ 4.0
  36. 1,138 Thali Assorted Small Dishes or Ritual India ★ 4.0
  37. 1,148 Rumali roti Flatbread Hyderabad ★ 4.0
  38. 1,150 Dal tadka Stew Northern India ★ 4.0
  39. 1,202 Mysore pak Dessert Mysore ★ 4.0
  40. 1,267 Aloo paratha Breakfast Punjab ★ 4.0
  41. 1,275 Shrikhand Dessert Maharashtra ★ 4.0
  42. 1,292 Xacuti Stew Goa ★ 4.0
  43. 1,299 Ishtu Breakfast Kerala ★ 4.0
  44. 1,300 Chilli paneer Cheese Dish Northern India ★ 4.0
  45. 1,312 Paruppu sadam Rice Dish Tamil Nadu ★ 4.0
  46. 1,314 Malpua Pancake India ★ 4.0
  47. 1,347 Kaju katli Dessert India ★ 3.9
  48. 1,364 Keema Stew India ★ 3.9
  49. 1,367 Korma Stew India ★ 3.9
  50. 1,374 Raita Side Dish India ★ 3.9
  51. 1,395 Sakkarai pongal Rice Dish Tamil Nadu ★ 3.9
  52. 1,540 Panipuri Snack India ★ 3.9
  53. 1,553 Medu vada Snack Maddur ★ 3.9
  54. 1,585 Murukku Snack Tamil Nadu ★ 3.9
  55. 1,643 Undhiyu Vegetable Dish Gujarat ★ 3.9
  56. 1,655 Thalipeeth Flatbread Maharashtra ★ 3.9
  57. 1,658 Jeera aloo Potato Dish Western India ★ 3.9
  58. 1,667 Bengali Chicken Curry Stew West Bengal ★ 3.9
  59. 1,687 Baked Cheese (Chhena poda) Cheese Dessert Odisha ★ 3.9
  60. 1,740 Paneer naan Flatbread India ★ 3.9
  61. 1,743 Coriander Chutney Dip India ★ 3.9
  62. 1,772 Rasgulla Dessert West Bengal ★ 3.9
  63. 1,784 Paneer kulcha Flatbread Amritsar ★ 3.9
  64. 1,836 Dahi vada Vegetarian Dish Northern India ★ 3.9
  65. 1,843 Sandesh Dessert West Bengal ★ 3.9
  66. 1,858 Aluchya Wadya Vegetable Dish Maharashtra ★ 3.9
  67. 1,919 Patra Vegetable Dish Gujarat ★ 3.9
  68. 2,020 Papri chaat Snack India ★ 3.9
  69. 2,026 Roti Flatbread India ★ 3.9
  70. 2,073 Mishti doi Dessert West Bengal ★ 3.8
  71. 2,088 Dosa Pancake Tamil Nadu ★ 3.8
  72. 2,105 Palak paneer Vegetable Dish Punjab ★ 3.8
  73. 2,129 Rogan josh Stew Jammu and Kashmir ★ 3.8
  74. 2,156 Pinni Dessert Northern India ★ 3.8
  75. 2,179 Onion Kulcha Flatbread Northern India ★ 3.8
  76. 2,180 Savory Potatoes and Bell Peppers (Aloo simla mirch) Vegetable Dish Delhi ★ 3.8
  77. 2,181 Handi paneer Cheese Dish India ★ 3.8
  78. 2,187 Anda paratha Flatbread India ★ 3.8
  79. 2,193 Chingri Malai Curry Shrimp/Prawn Dish West Bengal ★ 3.8
  80. 2,236 U Usal Vegan Dish Maharashtra ★ 3.8
  81. 2,269 Aam dal Vegetable Dish West Bengal ★ 3.8
  82. 2,285 Karanji Sweet Pastry Maharashtra ★ 3.8
  83. 2,287 Hari mirch ke pakodey Snack Andhra Pradesh ★ 3.8
  84. 2,317 Khaman Snack Gujarat ★ 3.8
  85. 2,329 Rabri Dessert India ★ 3.8
  86. 2,333 Pakhala Rice Dish Odisha ★ 3.8
  87. 2,368 Masala vada Snack Tamil Nadu ★ 3.8
  88. 2,383 Kallappam Pancake Kerala ★ 3.8
  89. 2,392 Green Chutney Dip India ★ 3.8
  90. 2,437 Misal Stew Maharashtra ★ 3.8
  91. 2,442 Madras Curry Stew Chennai ★ 3.8
  92. 2,457 Appam Pancake Kerala ★ 3.8
  93. 2,468 Panjiri Dessert Punjab ★ 3.8
  94. 2,470 Basundi Dessert Maharashtra ★ 3.8
  95. 2,476 Dahi puri Snack Maharashtra ★ 3.8
  96. 2,503 Punjabi kadhi Stew Punjab ★ 3.8
  97. 2,536 Dal Stew India ★ 3.8
  98. 2,540 Paper Dosa Pancake Tamil Nadu ★ 3.8
  99. 2,602 Mughlai paratha Flatbread West Bengal ★ 3.8
  100. 2,603 Tangdi kabab Chicken Dish Northern India ★ 3.8
  101. 2,604 Handvo Snack Gujarat ★ 3.8
  102. 2,605 Tandoori pomfret Saltwater Fish Dish Maharashtra ★ 3.8
  103. 2,610 Nawabi naan Flatbread India ★ 3.8
  104. 2,611 Mooli paratha Flatbread Punjab ★ 3.8
  105. 2,615 Kakori kebab Mutton Dish Kakori ★ 3.8
  106. 2,616 Kalmi kebab Chicken Dish Punjab ★ 3.8
  107. 2,620 Bendekaayi gojju Stew Karnataka ★ 3.8
  108. 2,621 Tomato gojju Stew Karnataka ★ 3.8
  109. 2,623 Chicken Rezala (Murgh rezala) Stew West Bengal ★ 3.8
  110. 2,632 Katori chaat Street Food India ★ 3.8
  111. 2,722 Varuval Chicken Dish Chettinad ★ 3.8
  112. 2,733 Cafreal Chicken Dish Goa ★ 3.8
  113. 2,744 Karimeen pollichathu Saltwater Fish Dish Kerala ★ 3.8
  114. 2,755 Potatoes in Poppy Seed Sauce (Aloo posto) Potato Dish West Bengal ★ 3.8
  115. 2,822 Gobi paratha Flatbread Punjab ★ 3.8
  116. 2,841 Laddu Dessert India ★ 3.8
  117. 2,901 Phirni Pudding Punjab ★ 3.8
  118. 2,917 Galouti kebab Ground Meat Dish Lucknow ★ 3.8
  119. 2,926 Laccha paratha Flatbread Northern India ★ 3.8
  120. 2,947 Jalfrezi Technique Eastern India ★ 3.8
  121. 3,031 Boti kebab Meat Dish Lucknow ★ 3.8
  122. 3,090 Aloo chop Snack West Bengal ★ 3.8
  123. 3,092 B Bullet Naan Flatbread India ★ 3.8
  124. 3,101 Bhindi do pyaza Stew Northern India ★ 3.8
  125. 3,102 Bharli vangi Vegan Dish Maharashtra ★ 3.8
  126. 3,103 Prawn Koliwada Shrimp/Prawn Dish Koliwada ★ 3.8
  127. 3,105 Eggplant Chutney Dip India ★ 3.8
  128. 3,106 Red Chutney Dip India ★ 3.8
  129. 3,116 Thalachor kari Stew Kerala ★ 3.8
  130. 3,119 Gujarati kadhi Stew Gujarat ★ 3.8
  131. 3,213 Doodhpak Dessert Gujarat ★ 3.8
  132. 3,231 Chiroti Deep-fried Dessert Southern India ★ 3.8
  133. 3,247 U Urulai kizhangu podimas Potato Dish Kerala ★ 3.8
  134. 3,265 Aloo shimla mirch Potato Dish Northern India ★ 3.8
  135. 3,362 Fried Potatoes with Cumin (Zeeray walay aloo) Potato Dish India ★ 3.8
  136. 3,375 Mohanthal Dessert Gujarat ★ 3.8
  137. 3,404 Paneer makhani Cheese Dish Punjab ★ 3.8
  138. 3,431 Aloo naan Flatbread India ★ 3.8
  139. 3,450 Pantua Deep-fried Dessert West Bengal ★ 3.8
  140. 3,451 Dopiaza Stew Telangana ★ 3.8
  141. 3,573 Litti chokha Snack Bihar ★ 3.7
  142. 3,613 Aloo methi Vegetable Dish Northern India ★ 3.7
  143. 3,615 Bombay biryani Rice Dish Mumbai ★ 3.7
  144. 3,621 Bihari kebab Beef Dish Bihar ★ 3.7
  145. 3,635 Rajma Bean Dish Northern India ★ 3.7
  146. 3,651 Sutarfeni Dessert Gujarat ★ 3.7
  147. 3,671 M Malabar chicken biryani Rice Dish Kerala ★ 3.7
  148. 3,674 Cranberry Chutney Dip India ★ 3.7
  149. 3,677 Cucumber Chutney Dip India ★ 3.7
  150. 3,679 Ajwain paratha Flatbread India ★ 3.7
  151. 3,684 P Panchmel dal Stew Rajasthan ★ 3.7
  152. 3,698 Gola kebab Mutton Dish India ★ 3.7
  153. 3,706 Erachi mappas Stew Kerala ★ 3.7
  154. 3,707 Attinkaral kari Stew Kerala ★ 3.7
  155. 3,709 Urulakizhangu mappas Stew Kerala ★ 3.7
  156. 3,782 Crab Omelet (Nandu Omelet) Egg Dish India ★ 3.7
  157. 3,842 Chakna Stew Hyderabad ★ 3.7
  158. 3,891 Fried Lamb Ribs (Tabak maaz) Lamb Dish Jammu and Kashmir ★ 3.7
  159. 3,954 Sukhdi Dessert Gujarat ★ 3.7
  160. 4,035 Uttapam Street Food Tamil Nadu ★ 3.7
  161. 4,050 Bhatura Bread Punjab ★ 3.7
  162. 4,054 Muthia Dumplings Gujarat ★ 3.7
  163. 4,057 Pulagam Rice Dish Andhra Pradesh ★ 3.7
  164. 4,096 Rajbhog Dessert West Bengal ★ 3.7
  165. 4,119 Murgh kari Stew Northern India ★ 3.7
  166. 4,121 Chettinad kozhi Stew Chettinad ★ 3.7
  167. 4,122 Kozhi Curry Stew Kerala ★ 3.7
  168. 4,125 Vegetable kadai Vegetable Dish Punjab ★ 3.7
  169. 4,169 Apple Chutney Side Dish India ★ 3.7
  170. 4,188 Dal puri Flatbread Northern India ★ 3.7
  171. 4,317 Gobi manchurian Appetizer Kolkata ★ 3.7
  172. 4,330 Kathi Roll Wrap Kolkata ★ 3.7
  173. 4,397 Keema naan Flatbread India ★ 3.7
  174. 4,440 Egg bhurji Egg Dish India ★ 3.7
  175. 4,518 Dabeli Snack Gujarat ★ 3.7
  176. 4,528 Barfi Dessert India ★ 3.7
  177. 4,538 Pasanda Stew India ★ 3.7
  178. 4,548 Goan Fish Curry (Ambot tik) Stew Goa ★ 3.7
  179. 4,580 Arisa pitha Snack Odisha ★ 3.7
  180. 4,621 Muradabadi biryani Rice Dish Lucknow ★ 3.7
  181. 4,709 Ragda pattice Street Food Mumbai ★ 3.7
  182. 4,714 Mirchi ka salan Stew Hyderabad ★ 3.7
  183. 4,735 Sadhya Feast Kerala ★ 3.7
  184. 4,745 Nadan meen curry Stew Kerala ★ 3.7
  185. 4,759 Kalakand Cheese Dessert India ★ 3.7
  186. 4,762 Pesara dosa Flatbread Andhra Pradesh ★ 3.7
  187. 4,768 Puran poli Flatbread India ★ 3.7
  188. 4,774 Ginger Chutney Side Dish Southern India ★ 3.7
  189. 4,806 Agra petha Dessert Agra ★ 3.7
  190. 4,809 Khakhra Flatbread Gujarat ★ 3.7
  191. 4,844 Masala papad Snack Punjab ★ 3.7
  192. 4,846 Indian Masala Omelet Egg Dish Southern India ★ 3.7
  193. 4,863 Coconut Chutney Side Dish Kerala ★ 3.7
  194. 4,901 Pudina paratha Flatbread Northern India ★ 3.7
  195. 4,910 Beetroot Chutney Dip India ★ 3.7
  196. 4,942 Cheera thoran Side Dish Kerala ★ 3.7
  197. 5,032 Mango Chutney Side Dish India ★ 3.7
  198. 5,058 Boondi Snack Rajasthan ★ 3.7
  199. 5,107 Pakora Snack India ★ 3.6
  200. 5,132 Modak Dumplings Maharashtra ★ 3.6
  201. 5,192 Akki rotti Breakfast Karnataka ★ 3.6
  202. 5,198 Murgh musallam Chicken Dish Uttar Pradesh ★ 3.6
  203. 5,200 Puli inji Dip Kerala ★ 3.6
  204. 5,202 Erissery Stew Kerala ★ 3.6
  205. 5,203 Pitla Stew Maharashtra ★ 3.6
  206. 5,205 Baingan mirchi ka salan Stew Hyderabad ★ 3.6
  207. 5,310 Putu mayam Noodle Dish Tamil Nadu ★ 3.6
  208. 5,371 D Dhingri mutter Vegan Dish India ★ 3.6
  209. 5,379 A Almond Chutney Dip India ★ 3.6
  210. 5,380 Papaya Chutney Dip India ★ 3.6
  211. 5,381 Gooseberry Chutney Dip India ★ 3.6
  212. 5,422 B Beetroot with Tomatoes (Chukandar tamatar) Vegan Dish India ★ 3.6
  213. 5,424 M Murgh Angara Chicken Dish India ★ 3.6
  214. 5,460 S Spicy Pickled Prawns (Achari jhinga) Appetizer Northern India ★ 3.6
  215. 5,482 Indian Mashed Potatoes (Aloo ka bharta) Potato Dish India ★ 3.6
  216. 5,543 Ulundu kozhukattai Snack India ★ 3.6
  217. 5,549 Palak kofta curry Stew India ★ 3.6
  218. 5,569 Pitha Pancake Odisha ★ 3.6
  219. 5,608 Kheer Pudding Odisha ★ 3.6
  220. 5,633 Boondi raita Side Dish Northern India ★ 3.6
  221. 5,636 Malvani Chicken Stew Maharashtra ★ 3.6
  222. 5,652 Murgh malai Chicken Dish India ★ 3.6
  223. 5,690 Anchovy 65 Fish Dish Tamil Nadu ★ 3.6
  224. 5,696 Undrallu Rice Dish Andhra Pradesh ★ 3.6
  225. 5,708 Papadum Snack India ★ 3.6
  226. 5,733 Pulihora Rice Dish Andhra Pradesh ★ 3.6
  227. 5,760 Kadai paneer Stew India ★ 3.6
  228. 5,762 Bonda Potato Dish Southern India ★ 3.6
  229. 5,844 Amba Dip Mumbai ★ 3.6
  230. 5,895 Aloo palak Side Dish Northern India ★ 3.6
  231. 5,903 Puri Bread India ★ 3.6
  232. 5,904 Mattar paneer Vegetable Dish Punjab ★ 3.6
  233. 5,909 Shami kebab Ground Meat Dish Lucknow ★ 3.6
  234. 5,950 Garlic Chutney Dip India ★ 3.6
  235. 5,964 Dhokla Snack Gujarat ★ 3.6
  236. 6,026 Dalcha Stew Telangana ★ 3.6
  237. 6,057 Gobi matar Stir-fry Northern India ★ 3.6
  238. 6,065 Matka kulfi Frozen Dessert India ★ 3.6
  239. 6,129 Onion Samosa Snack India ★ 3.6
  240. 6,173 Dum aloo Potato Dish Jammu and Kashmir ★ 3.6
  241. 6,211 Pappu charu Vegetable Soup Andhra Pradesh ★ 3.6
  242. 6,268 Bebinca Cake Goa ★ 3.5
  243. 6,274 Onion Chutney Dip India ★ 3.5
  244. 6,295 Gajar matar Vegetable Dish Punjab ★ 3.5
  245. 6,297 Chur chur naan Flatbread Amritsar ★ 3.5
  246. 6,301 Pineapple gojju Stew Karnataka ★ 3.5
  247. 6,303 C Chintakaya chaap Stew Andhra Pradesh ★ 3.5
  248. 6,319 M Mushroom do pyaza Side Dish Northern India ★ 3.5
  249. 6,411 Spinach and Yogurt Curry (Cheera moru) Vegetarian Dish Kerala ★ 3.5
  250. 6,424 M Mixed Vegetable Curry (Rasa kayi) Vegetarian Dish Karnataka ★ 3.5
  251. 6,447 Chilli Chutney Dip India ★ 3.5
  252. 6,468 Sabzi Vegetable Dish India ★ 3.5
  253. 6,469 Kerala Egg Roast Egg Dish Kerala ★ 3.5
  254. 6,489 Ghevar Dessert Rajasthan
  255. 6,499 Bikaneri bhujia Snack Bikaner ★ 3.5
  256. 6,500 Rava dosa Breakfast India ★ 3.5
  257. 6,561 Sabudana khichadi Snack Gujarat
  258. 6,566 Bhelpuri Street Food Mumbai ★ 3.5
  259. 6,572 Chana masala Vegetable Dish Gujarat ★ 3.5
  260. 6,579 Malabar Fish Curry Fish Dish Kerala ★ 3.5
  261. 6,581 Makki di roti Flatbread Punjab ★ 3.5
  262. 6,582 Peanut Chutney Side Dish Southern India ★ 3.5
  263. 6,599 Matar pulao Rice Dish Punjab ★ 3.5
  264. 6,609 Peda Dessert Mathura ★ 3.5
  265. 6,771 Missi roti Flatbread Punjab ★ 3.5
  266. 6,773 Amritsari Fish Freshwater Fish Dish Amritsar ★ 3.5
  267. 6,788 Aloo gobi Potato Dish Northern India ★ 3.5
  268. 6,797 Chikki Snack Gujarat ★ 3.5
  269. 6,805 Neer dosa Pancake Karnataka ★ 3.5
  270. 6,837 Khandvi Snack Gujarat ★ 3.5
  271. 6,862 Mughlai biryani Rice Dish Delhi ★ 3.5
  272. 6,879 Bhakri Flatbread Maharashtra ★ 3.5
  273. 6,885 Palak dal Vegan Dish Northern India ★ 3.5
  274. 6,910 Upperi Snack Kerala ★ 3.5
  275. 6,920 Aloo baingan Vegetable Dish Punjab ★ 3.5
  276. 6,942 Dal makhani Stew Punjab ★ 3.5
  277. 6,974 Pindi chole Stew Punjab ★ 3.5
  278. 6,980 Pulinkari Stew Kerala ★ 3.5
  279. 6,982 Gosht dum biryani Rice Dish India ★ 3.5
  280. 6,995 Nethili varuval Appetizer Kerala ★ 3.5
  281. 7,061 Kozhukkatta Dumplings Southern India ★ 3.5
  282. 7,077 Coconut Rice (Thengai sadam) Rice Dish Southern India ★ 3.5
  283. 7,087 Baati Bread Rajasthan ★ 3.5
  284. 7,106 Kachori Snack India ★ 3.4
  285. 7,116 Tomato Chutney Side Dish Southern India ★ 3.4
  286. 7,192 Aloo matar Side Dish Punjab ★ 3.4
  287. 7,193 Kulcha Flatbread Punjab ★ 3.4
  288. 7,234 Kosambari Salad Udupi ★ 3.4
  289. 7,369 Shankarpali Snack Gujarat
  290. 7,374 Arbi masala Side Dish Uttar Pradesh
  291. 7,380 Gujiya Sweet Pastry Northern India ★ 3.4
  292. 7,386 R Rava idli Snack Bangalore ★ 3.4
  293. 7,405 Laal maas Stew Rajasthan ★ 3.4
  294. 7,411 Bhara kabab Appetizer Lucknow ★ 3.4
  295. 7,418 Rista Stew Jammu and Kashmir ★ 3.4
  296. 7,430 Ghee Rice (Ghee bhaat) Rice Dish West Bengal ★ 3.4
  297. 7,460 Chapati Flatbread India ★ 3.4
  298. 7,470 Sambar Stew Tamil Nadu ★ 3.4
  299. 7,494 Gajar ka halwa Pudding Northern India ★ 3.4
  300. 7,526 Gulab jamun Deep-fried Dessert India ★ 3.4
  301. 7,535 Rasam Vegetable Soup Southern India ★ 3.4
  302. 7,630 Pongal Rice Dish Tamil Nadu ★ 3.3
  303. 7,647 Gatta curry Stew Rajasthan
  304. 7,658 Phulka Flatbread India ★ 3.3
  305. 7,680 Mint Chutney Side Dish India ★ 3.3
  306. 7,692 Idli Breakfast Southern India ★ 3.3
  307. 7,695 W Warqi paratha Flatbread Lucknow
  308. 7,696 Sarson da saag Vegetable Dish Punjab ★ 3.3
  309. 7,704 Hyderabadi haleem Porridge Hyderabad ★ 3.3
  310. 7,709 Mutton Rara Stew Himachal Pradesh
  311. 7,711 Goshtaba Stew Jammu and Kashmir
  312. 7,713 Matar Mushroom Vegan Dish Northern India
  313. 7,721 Sanna Side Dish Goa ★ 3.3
  314. 7,723 Chandrakanthalu Deep-fried Dessert Andhra Pradesh ★ 3.3
  315. 7,758 Masor tenga Stew Assam
  316. 7,797 Curd Rice Rice Dish Karnataka ★ 3.3
  317. 7,815 Tamarind Chutney Dip India ★ 3.3
  318. 7,839 P Paneer Amritsari Cheese Dish Punjab
  319. 7,879 Nihari Stew Delhi ★ 3.3
  320. 7,939 Yakhni pulao Rice Dish Jammu and Kashmir
  321. 7,945 Chutney Relish India ★ 3.3
  322. 8,014 Bombil Fry Saltwater Fish Dish Mumbai
  323. 8,028 Avial Vegetable Dish Kerala ★ 3.2
  324. 8,029 Jeera Rice Rice Dish Northern India ★ 3.2
  325. 8,080 Bisi bele bath Rice Dish Karnataka ★ 3.2
  326. 8,142 Sev Snack Madhya Pradesh ★ 3.2
  327. 8,146 Kadhi Stew Rajasthan ★ 3.2
  328. 8,147 Khaja Sweet Pastry Odisha ★ 3.2
  329. 8,151 Paneer Kathi Roll Street Food Kolkata ★ 3.2
  330. 8,153 Chicken Kathi Roll Street Food Kolkata ★ 3.2
  331. 8,191 T Til pitha Snack Assam
  332. 8,195 Namak para Snack India
  333. 8,286 Okra in Yogurt Curry (Bhindi kadhi) Vegetarian Dish Rajasthan
  334. 8,319 P Pachi palusu Vegetable Soup Telangana
  335. 8,379 Ganthiya Snack Gujarat ★ 3.1
  336. 8,403 Gajak Snack Northern India ★ 3.0
  337. 8,457 Bombay Sandwich Sandwich Mumbai ★ 3.0
  338. 8,496 P Pudina paneer tikka Appetizer Northern India
  339. 8,497 Achari paneer tikka Appetizer Punjab
  340. 8,498 Falooda Dessert India ★ 3.0
  341. 8,498 Dahi ke kabab Vegetarian Dish India
  342. 8,499 Rotla Flatbread Gujarat
  343. 8,514 Khichdi Rice Dish India ★ 2.9
  344. 8,526 Mutton seekh roll Wrap India ★ 2.9
  345. 8,526 R Red Sorrel Leaves Chutney Dip Andhra Pradesh
  346. 8,557 G Green Banana Curry (Aratikaya kura) Stew Tamil Nadu
  347. 8,559 Lotus Root Curry (Nadru yakhni) Stew Jammu and Kashmir
  348. 8,560 C Chitt Stew Punjab
  349. 8,561 Baingan bharta Side Dish Punjab ★ 2.9
  350. 8,564 Mango kadhi Stew Gujarat
  351. 8,568 Amrood ki sabzi Stew Rajasthan
  352. 8,571 Aloo rasedar Stew Northern India
  353. 8,592 P Phalon ki chaat Fruit Salad Delhi
  354. 8,616 T Thalassery biryani Rice Dish Thalassery
  355. 8,643 Ros Omelet Egg Dish Goa
  356. 8,690 Karuveppilai sadam Rice Dish Southern India
  357. 8,721 Railway Mutton Stew West Bengal
  358. 8,745 Upma Porridge Tamil Nadu ★ 2.5
  359. 8,788 Nimish Dessert Lucknow
  360. 8,931 F Fenugreek Seeds with Raisins (Methi kishmish) Vegetable Dish Rajasthan
  361. 8,938 Battered and Deep-Fried Lamb Ribs (Kabargah) Lamb Dish Jammu and Kashmir
  362. 8,941 Ice halwa Dessert Mumbai
  363. 8,942 Magaj Dessert Gujarat
  364. 8,967 Stuffed Bitter Melon (Bharwan karela) Side Dish Northern India
  365. 9,058 J Jhajariya Dessert Rajasthan
  366. 9,067 Matthi Snack Punjab
  367. 9,068 Kansar Dessert Gujarat
  368. 9,085 B Buttered Rice (Makhani chawal) Rice Dish Punjab
  369. 9,110 Pathia Stew Gujarat
  370. 9,144 Sev mamra Snack India
  371. 9,174 S Sunga Pork Pork Dish Assam
  372. 9,274 C Chickpea Flour Dumplings in Yogurt Sauce (Pitod ka saag) Vegetarian Dish Rajasthan
  373. 9,402 Shukto Appetizer West Bengal
  374. 9,473 M Malabar biryani Rice Dish Kerala
  375. 9,475 Tandoori bharwan tamatar Vegetarian Dish Punjab
  376. 9,484 Sour Potatoes (Khatte aloo) Potato Dish Northern India
  377. 9,485 Potatoes in Yogurt Sauce (Dahi ke aloo) Potato Dish Northern India
  378. 9,486 Santula Vegetable Dish Odisha
  379. 9,492 M Murgh shorba Chicken Soup Northern India
  380. 9,508 J Jhinga nisha Seafood India
  381. 9,513 Carrot Chutney Dip India
  382. 9,514 Red Ant Chutney (Chapda Chutney) Spread Chhattisgarh
  383. 9,515 Avocado Chutney Dip India
  384. 9,516 Orange Chutney Dip India
  385. 9,517 Bell Pepper Chutney Dip India
  386. 9,518 Guava Chutney (Amrood ki chutney) Dip Himachal Pradesh
  387. 9,519 Roghni naan Flatbread India
  388. 9,532 Shikampuri kebab Ground Meat Dish Hyderabad
  389. 9,545 Sali boti Stew India
  390. 9,550 Meat Curry with Potato Sticks (Salli boti) Stew Western India
  391. 9,553 Dhaba curry Stew India
  392. 9,554 Aab gosht Stew Jammu and Kashmir
  393. 9,579 S Shredded Chicken with Bell Peppers (Chooza chaat) Chicken Dish Delhi
  394. 9,749 Naan qalia Stew Aurangabad
  395. 9,767 Vegetables in Spinach and Garlic Sauce (Subz miloni) Vegetable Dish Lucknow
  396. 9,768 Methi na gota Snack Gujarat
  397. 9,769 Lukhmi Snack Hyderabad
  398. 9,770 R Rava bonda Snack Karnataka
  399. 9,807 Khageena Egg Dish Andhra Pradesh
  400. 9,894 M Mawa cake Dessert India
  401. 10,029 Amiri khaman Snack Gujarat
  402. 10,055 M Mushroom kurkure Appetizer India
  403. 10,093 S Spicy Fried Lamb (Podi mamsam) Lamb Dish Telangana
  404. 10,097 Champaran meat Stew West Champaran
  405. 10,118 P Phaldari kofta Vegetable Dish India
  406. 10,122 K Karachi biscuits Cookie Hyderabad
  407. 10,218 Aloo chokha Potato Dish Bihar
  408. 10,246 G Guncha wa keema Appetizer Hyderabad
  409. 10,249 L Lotus Root Kebab (Nadru ke kebab) Vegan Dish Jammu and Kashmir
  410. 10,420 Chavde Deep-fried Dessert Maharashtra
  411. 10,482 P Palakayalu Snack Tamil Nadu
  412. 10,493 A Aatish e aloo Appetizer India
  413. 10,629 Tandoori Broccoli Vegetarian Dish India
  414. 10,630 Chorafali Snack Gujarat
  415. 10,674 Qubani ka meetha Dessert Hyderabad
  416. 10,749 D Dal dum pukht Stew India
Leaf 1 of 12

Gazetteer

A Regional Tour of Indian Food

Where India's ranked dishes were born, and what to order there.

Questions, Answered

Indian food, frequently asked. Answered from the data.

What is the most popular Indian food?
Butter Garlic Naan is the best-ranked Indian dish on our map at #12 of 10,833 worldwide, naan at its most indulgent. By ratings the classics lead: plain Naan, Butter chicken (Murgh makhani), and Tandoori chicken, the dishes on every Indian restaurant menu. All 40 Indian breads →
What food is India known for?
Curries, tandoor breads, and vegetarian cooking. Stews and curries are the biggest category, led by Shahi paneer and the mashed-vegetable Pav bhaji. India is the most vegetarian cuisine on our map, and its flatbreads run deep, from Naan to the stuffed Amritsari kulcha, all matched with chutneys. All 73 Indian curries & stews →
What is India's national dish?
India has never declared one, and with cuisines this different state to state it is hard to picture a single winner. Khichdi, biryani, and butter chicken are the usual nominees. In our data, Butter chicken (Murgh makhani), the tomato-and-cream Delhi curry, is the most-rated Indian main.
What is the most famous Indian street food?
Samosa is the one the world knows, but our Indian street food ranking is topped by Chole bhature, puffy fried bread with spiced chickpea curry. Batata vada, Mumbai's batter-fried potato fritter that becomes vada pav in a bun, sits just behind, with Samosa third. All 53 Indian street foods & snacks →
What is the most famous Indian dessert?
Aamras, ripe mango pulp blended silky and spooned up on its own, tops our list of Indian sweets. Kulfi is the exported icon, a dense, slow-frozen milk ice cream, and it appears twice near the top, plain and as Kulfi falooda with vermicelli and rose syrup. All 50 Indian desserts & sweets →
What Indian dishes do locals love that tourists miss?
Maharashtra's bread-and-curry street plates. Misal pav tops a fiery sprouted-bean curry with crunchy farsan and onion, mopped up with soft pav rolls. Pav bhaji mashes spiced vegetables into a buttery curry, and Saag paneer stews cheese in a garlicky purée of mustard greens and spinach.