Winter is the time of hibernation, agreed? For all those cold-sensitive people like me, here is a chance to stay indoors. And also take a virtual trip across the country, with your taste buds of course! These yummy and mouth-watering Indian cuisines will warm you up on cold winter days. Here’s a little visual treat that we are sure will arouse your hunger pangs. In no particular order, let’s get cracka-lacking.
Here’s the Best of Indian Cuisines:
Hyderabadi:
A Non-Vegetarian’s paradise, the Hyderabadi cuisine is a tribute to its rich history. The scintillating aromas and flavours are sure to make you feel like royalty. The heat from inside of every morsel of the USP biryani will transport you to summer.
Must Try: Hyderabi Dum Biriyani (Chicken & Mutton), Hyderabadi Haleem, Kalyani Biryani, Double-ka-meetha, Qubani-ka-meetha, Sheer Korma, Faluda, etc.
Andhra:
This cuisine will definitely get your taste buds activated. It mostly comprises tangy, hot and sour tastes. The flavours are synonymous to their New Year (Ugadi) day prasadam “Ugadi Pacchadi.” Indulge in the spice and variety for some winter comfort.
Must try: Gutti Vankay Kura, Gongura Pacchadi, Gongura Mutton, Ulava Charu, Kanda Bacchali Kura, Dosavakaya, Bellam Magaya Pacchadi, Putharekulu, Ariselu, Poornam Burelu, Vadiyalu etc.
Tamil:
This rich cuisine uses a lot of spices with lentils and rice being their USP. Involving both traditional non-vegetarian and vegetarian dishes, it is definitely versatile. Indulge in a spiritual prayer inside your tummy as you devour this delicious cuisine.
Must try: Rice Pongal, Sweet pongal, Utappam, Idly, Dosa, Idiyappam, Sambhar, Nethili varuval (Popular in Chettinad), Meen kozhambu, Urlai Roast, Chettinad Chicken, Poriyal, Medu vada etc.
Kerala:
The smell of the beach, coconut oil and jasmine will engulf you wherever you go in Kerala. You can find a glimpse of these elements in their food as well. Malayalee cuisine is an apt depiction of the word “Culture Curry.” The seafood will have the sea calling out to your summery soul.
Must try: Aviyal, Appam, Puttu, Kerala Style Beef Fry/Roast, Malabar Parrota, banana chips, Jackfruit Fry, Spicy Chicken Fry, Kerala Prawn Curry, Mussel Stir Fry, Fish Molee, Meen Murringakka Curry, Karimeen Pollichathu etc.
Karnataka:
Karnataka cuisine does not its due credit but is one among the more traditional variants. So much so that its unique dishes have penetrated as staples in its neighboring states. Enjoy hot and piping gravy-filled goodness of this yummy cuisine. The Mangalorean cuisine deserve a special mention here.
Must try: Bissi bela bath, Vangi bath, Puliogre, Akki Roti, Udipi Sambhar, Neer Dosa, Mangalore Fish Fry, Mysore Masala Dosa, Kundapura Koli Saaru, Mysore Pak, Coorg Pork Curry, Mysore Pak, Puliyogare, Kosambari etc.
Bengali:
The sweetness of the Bengali cuisine is only known to those who can feel it. Seafood and sweets are major components of this rich diet. A visual of these wonderful dishes is enough to stir the digestive juices in your tummy. Devour the gooey sweets or the juicy fish and meat this winter.
Must try: Bappa Aloo, Macher Jhol, Chingri Malai Curry, Bengali Lamb curry, Sorsebata Ilish Mach, Patishapta, Sandesh, Chor Chori, Kati Roll, Rossogolla, Roshmalai, Chom Chom, etc.
Punjabi:
Say Punjab and you can’t help but drool over the thought of some makke di roti, sarson da saag and lassi. Most of the north Indian dishes that we oh so fondly consume across India are from Punjab. From mouth-watering parathas to butter chicken to chole kulche, get lost from choosing.
Must try: Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Sarson ka sagh, Makkai di roti, Lassi, Butter Chicken,
Chole Bhature, Dal Makhani, Dal fry, Machchli Amritsari.
Rajasthani:
What screams warmth more than Rajasthan and its unique and earthy cuisine? The food is as royal as royal gets. There is no dearth of variety and every time you finish a Rajasthani dish, both your tummy and heart will get full. The Mawari veg food is as delectable as its meaty counterparts.
Must try: Banjari Ghosth, Lauki ke kofte, Laal maas, Macchhilli Jaisamandi, Ghewar, Mirchi wada, Dal baati churma, Pyaz kachori, Gatte ki sabzi, Papad ki sabzi etc.
Gujarati:
Gujarati food is equal portions spicy and sweet. This is a trend across their preparations. Definitely, this does not stop a salivating tongue from enjoying every bit of it. Gujarat’s vast coastline is also the source for some excellent seafood. This cuisine is famous for the snacks and side dishes.
Must try: Thepla, Phaphda, Undhiyo, Khandvi, Khichdi, Bajri no rotlo, Puran Poli, Kadhi, Khaman Dhokla,
Handvo, Farsan, Sukhadi, Dabeli, Bhajiya etc.
Lucknowi:
Lucknowi food consists of dishes from Awadhi cuisine. For Lucknow, its aromatic biryani and juicy kebabs are feathers on its cap. The famous dum style cooking finds its roots here. Have the spicy kebabs with some buttery naan to make the most out of it.
Must try: Lucknowi dum biryani, Kakori Kebabs, Galawat ke Kebabs, Shami Kebabs, Boti Kebabs, Patili-ke-Kebabs, Ghutwa Kebabs and Seekh Kebabs.
Kashmiri:
Almost all the dishes in Kashmir are meat-based and I don’t see anyone complaining. For vegetarians too, there is no dearth of delicious bakery items to choose from. The fragrant and spice-rich Kashmiri pulao always seems to compensate for everything else. Did you also know Kashmir had over 30 varieties of Mutton preparations? Go, bite in!
Must try: Roghan Josh, Dum Aloo, Yakhni, Haak Saag, Gustaba and Tabak maaz, Yoghurt Lamb Curry, Paneer Chaman, Kashmiri Saag, Kashmiri pulao, Khatte Baingan and Kashmiri Style Mutton.
North Eastern:
North Eastern cuisine has strong flavours from its use of herbs, rice and vegetables. One can feel the strong influences from neighboring countries in these varied cuisines. And, there is more variety than you can count! Transport yourself to these untouched and authentic lands with their food.
Must Try: Momos, Thukpa, Rice beer, Khar, pitha, smoked pork, tenga fish, Thekera Tengar Hoite Mass, Awan Babgwi, Misa Mach, Bamboo Shoot Fry, Naga Pok Curry, Naap Nang
India indeed is a land of unity in diversity. The flavours of India compliment each other exactly how all Indians co-exist. We are sure your tummy is growling by the end of this list. You deserve a hearty meal!
