Must-Have North Indian Food On Your Next Visit

The heritage of North India is not only limited to its cultural, social and linguistic diversity but it is also very significant in its food and food history. There’s nothing better than an exquisite travel experience combined with the world-renown delicacies of the Northern part of the Indian subcontinent. From the great Himalayan mountains of Himachal and Kashmir to the happening cities of Punjab and the capital Delhi, you will find unparalleled food.

So today, we’re going to make your mouth drool by talking about some of the most popular (and secret!) North Indian dishes that you must try on your next vacation to North India.

1. Chaats (Dahi Bhalla, Papdi chaat, Aloo tikki, Raj Kachori…)

This famous food from the streets of India has its place in the heart of any North Indian resident. With a savoury, sour and sweet blast of flavours in your mouth, chaat gives you ingredients such as boiled chickpeas and potatoes, various spices, tamarind chutney with tangy water mixed with yoghurt and is often garnished with sev and pomegranate.

There is no hard and fast rule when preparing chaat. Each chaat wale bhaiya (Chaat seller) adds their own personal touch. This savoury dish is open to experimenting. Since the North Indians are (in) famously known for their tolerance for hot spices and flavours, this snack sits perfectly between evening tea and dinner.

Other than the tangy flavours catered in every other food stall in the streets of North India, a plethora of hot and spicy food is hugely popular as well. Food like Kachori, Samosa, Aloo Puri, Bedmi Puri, etc. are a few of the must-have dishes for the people that have an extra spicy palate.

While planning your visit to the famous Old Delhi (one of the most popular tourist destinations in North India) don’t forget to add Padam Chat Corner in your itinerary! Padam Chat Corner, situated in the heart of Chandni Chowk, is one such spot that is catering Chaats to the custom-made demands of its customers from over 100 years in the Kinari Bazar.

2. Delhi’s famous chole bhature

Talking about the main course meal, no one can deny the supremacy that Delhi’s famous Chhole Bhature holds over any other vegetarian dish in North India. Though treated as a delicacy for special occasions, outings, and vacations, many households have made this dish part of their weekend celebration (accompanied by a good long nap that follows zzz…)

Apart from being served on the streets, some of the most famous counters and restaurants in Delhi are single-handedly famous for their various versions of the same dish. Some of these places include – Sitaram Chhole in Pahadgan, Chache di Hatti in Kamlanagar, Baba Nagpal’s chhole Bhature in Moolchand.

The dish is also culturally enjoyed by many as a breakfast choice. Add the flavours of various kinds of pickles and chutneys and the dish becomes a heavenly dish for all the foodies! In short, the North Indian travel experience is incomplete without adding to the list everyone’s favourite Chhole Bhature.

Also, don’t forget to check out the list of foods that you must avoid while travelling.

3. Kashmiri Rogan Josh

Dear meat lovers, no, we’ve not forgotten you all! We’re going to tell you about a secret delicacy straight from the wintery mountains of Kashmir. Rogan Josh is an aroma filled mutton curry dish. It is prepared by adding all kinds of native Kashmiri herbs and spices filled with unearthly flavours and aromas that nourish the soul before they nourish your body.

Traditionally made from lamb and goat meat, the Rogan Josh is filled with clarified butter and has a signature red colour due to the addition of paprika, a ground red pepper.

The main spices added to the dish include cinnamon, cloves and cardamom.
You won’t believe it, but the best part about this dish is that it is low in carbs, just around 6-7 g of carbs per serving! Yes, that’s right! So you can enjoy it without any worries of adding extra pounds to your weight.

So don’t forget to add this to your ‘MUST TRY!” list of foods on your next trip to North India!

4. Northern Indian Thali

The food thalis of North India are world-famous in terms of their taste and the overall assimilation of various flavours mixed in one place. From main course meals to sweet dishes, these thalis serve to satiate and relish up to one to two persons at a time! The culinary dishes made in North Indian households, such as Gobhi Aloo, Paneer Makhni, Dum Aloo, Dal Makhni, Rajma, Dal Fry, etc., are enjoyed with the staple Naan breads and Paranthas. The North Indian Thali can be found in any tourist spot in North India.

While speaking of North Indian Thalis, don’t forget to treat your tastebuds with Punjab’s famous Thali- Makki Ki Roti and Sarson Ka Saag. Also, while exploring the tourist places in India, Himachal Pradesh, Himachal’s lip-smacking festive thali called Dham should be a must-try dish. All these famous vegetarian dishes can be enjoyed by people worldwide to taste a glimpse of the cultural flavours of the North Indian States.

5. Butter Chicken

Another great addition to the non-vegetarian hall of fame dishes is Butter Chicken. If you’ve ever been to North India before, you must have come across this dish’s name at least once.

This north Indian cuisine is by far one of the most popular dishes among the residents of North India and foodies across the globe. As the name suggests, butter chicken has the best of what everyone likes: a thick spicy curry, minced roasted chicken and the dish is cooked in a layer of smooth butter/ buttermilk. The iconic orange colour and the smooth texture of the dish make it easily distinguishable from all the other curry items on the dinner table.

This curry dish tastes best with another traditional bread called butter naan. The combination becomes deadly with added green chutney, and some vinegar onion served fresh for lunch or dinner. Moreover, you can also know about goods and bads of north India tourists places in detail here!

Conclusion

We’re sure that reading about all these tasty cuisines must have made you hungry already. The land of North India is filled with some of the best dishes you can imagine. It would’ve been impossible for us to end the list of the food items that can easily make it through.

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FAQs

What sweet dishes should I try from North India?

North Indian desserts such as Ras Malai, Gulab Jamun, Balushahi, Shahi Tudka, and Jalebi are some of the most popular sweet dishes you should try when in North India!

How should I plan my itinerary while travelling to North India?

To explore the best places in North India, you have to plan a trip with Cleartrip and enjoy great deals on your bookings! Book your visit with Cleartrip and get ready for an interesting exploration with planned itineraries.

What is the average cost of a full course North Indian Meal?

An average North Indian Thali will cater to your hungry taste buds at just around Rs.160, serving up to one to two people.

Where can I find the best Chhole Kulche in North India?

Undoubtedly, Lotan ke Chole Kulche in Chawri Bazaar is one of the oldest food joints in Delhi, serving people a blast of sweet and savoury flavours in their Chhole Kulches for over 100 years!

Where can I find good butter chicken in North India?

While you may find great food joints and restaurants in Delhi for some delicious butter chicken, Baba Chicken in Ludhiana Punjab will be our go-to destination for a juicy butter chicken plate in North India.

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