The 7 Most Common Indian Foods That Will Spice Up Your Life – Plus a Buyer’s Guide!

The 7 Most Common Indian Foods That Will Spice Up Your Life – Plus a Buyer’s Guide!

Indian cuisine is like a firework show for your palate — bursting with colors, aromas, and flavors that dance on your tongue. If you’ve ever wondered what makes the most common Indian foods so irresistible, you’re in for a treat. Whether you're a seasoned chef or a curious newbie, this guide will walk you through the top seven dishes you must try (and cook!) along with practical spice-buying tips to elevate your culinary game.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Why Indian Food is Globally Adored

From street vendors in Mumbai to high-end restaurants in London, Indian food has traveled far and wide — and it's no surprise why. With its intricate layering of spices, regional diversity, and deep-rooted traditions, it’s a cuisine that tells stories in every bite. But when we talk about the most common Indian foods, we’re focusing on those dishes that have crossed borders and become household names across continents.

These are the recipes you’ll find on dinner tables during Diwali, at weddings, and even frozen in supermarket aisles. Let’s dive into the delicious world of Indian comfort food.

1. Butter Chicken – The Ultimate Comfort Dish

Born in Delhi from the ashes of tandoori leftovers, butter chicken (or murgh makhani) is creamy, dreamy, and utterly comforting. Its tomato-based sauce infused with garam masala, butter, and cream is the reason why many call it “liquid gold.”

Why It’s So Popular:

  • Creamy texture balances bold spices
  • Pairs perfectly with naan or rice
  • Can be adjusted to any spice level

This dish was created by Kundan Lal Gujral in the 1950s and quickly became an iconic staple not just in India but around the world. Today, it’s one of the most requested Indian dishes in the UK and USA.

2. Biryani – Royal Flavors in Every Bite

If there’s one dish that can command a table all by itself, it’s biryani. This fragrant, spiced rice dish layered with marinated meat (or veggies), saffron milk, and fried onions is nothing short of majestic.

Types of Biryani Across India:

Region Style Key Ingredients
Hyderabad Kacchi Raw marinated meat layered with rice
Lucknow Awadhi Dum-style slow cooking with saffron
Kolkata Nawabi Boiled eggs and potatoes added
Tamil Nadu Thalassery Small-grain rice and spices like star anise

3. Palak Paneer – A Healthy Twist on Protein

Made with fresh spinach and homemade cottage cheese (paneer), palak paneer is a vegetarian classic that blends earthy greens with soft, milky cubes of paneer. It’s packed with iron and protein, making it a favorite among health-conscious eaters.

Tips for Perfect Palak Paneer:

  • Blanch the spinach first to retain vibrant color
  • Add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth
  • Use fresh paneer for the best texture

4. Chole (Chana Masala) – Legume Perfection

This Punjabi chickpea curry is a powerhouse of flavor and fiber. Loaded with tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and aromatic spices like amchur (dry mango powder), chole is usually eaten with bhature — a puffy, fried bread that’s as indulgent as it sounds.

Fun Fact: Chole is often the star of North Indian breakfast spreads and wedding menus alike.

Chole served with bhatura on a plate

5. Dosa – Crispy, Fermented Delight

A South Indian staple, dosa is a thin, crispy crepe made from a fermented batter of rice and urad dal. Light yet satisfying, it pairs beautifully with coconut chutney and spicy sambar.

Popular Dosa Variants:

  • Masala Dosa – Stuffed with spiced potatoes
  • Set Dosa – Thicker and softer
  • Rava Dosa – Made with semolina for extra crispiness

6. Samosas – Crunchy Snacks with Spicy Insides

Who doesn’t love a good samosa? These golden-fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, and sometimes minced meat are the ultimate guilty pleasure.

Samosa Pairing Ideas:

  • With mint chutney for a cooling contrast
  • Dipped in tamarind date sauce for tanginess
  • Served alongside chai for a perfect evening snack

7. Tandoori Chicken – Smoky Goodness

This fiery red dish gets its name from the cylindrical clay oven called a tandoor, where it’s cooked at high temperatures. Marinated in yogurt and spices like Kashmiri chili, cumin, and garlic, tandoori chicken is smoky, tender, and full of flavor.

Tips for Authentic Tandoori Chicken:

  • Use bone-in chicken for juicier results
  • Let it marinate overnight
  • If you don’t have a tandoor, use a broiler or grill pan

Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Spices & Ingredients

Whether you’re making butter chicken or dosa, having the right ingredients matters. Here’s your guide to choosing quality spices and pantry essentials.

Top Spices to Stock Up On

Spice Best Use Brand Recommendation Where to Buy
Garam Masala Final seasoning in curries Zambari Organic Garam Masala Amazon / Specialty Stores
Turmeric Color & anti-inflammatory benefits MDH Turmeric Powder Supermarkets / Online
Kashmiri Chili Red color without too much heat Everest Kashmiri Mirch Asian grocery stores
Cumin Seeds Base for tempering (tadka) FreshDirect Whole Cumin Local grocers / Whole Foods
Fenugreek Used in pickles & some curries O Organics Fenugreek Leaves Organic markets

Must-Have Pantry Staples

  • Urad Dal & Rice (for dosa batter)
  • Paneer (soft or firm depending on recipe)
  • Amchur (Dry Mango Powder)
  • Saffron (for biryani or kheer)
  • Curry Leaves & Mustard Seeds (South Indian base)

Tools You’ll Love

Tool Use Case Recommended Brand
Cast Iron Skillet For searing or grilling tandoori items Le Creuset
High-Speed Blender Grinding spices or making purees Vitamix 5200
Clay Pot To mimic tandoor effects Himalaya Cookware

Conclusion: Embrace the Flavorful Journey

The most common Indian foods are more than just meals — they're experiences, memories, and connections. Whether you're savoring a steaming bowl of butter chicken or cracking into a golden samosa, each bite tells a story steeped in tradition and flavor.

So next time you’re craving something bold, aromatic, and deeply comforting, reach for one of these iconic dishes. And remember — the secret ingredient is always passion. Happy cooking!

Family gathered around a table enjoying Indian food
Sophie Dubois

Sophie Dubois

A French-trained chef who specializes in the art of spice blending for European cuisines. Sophie challenges the misconception that European cooking lacks spice complexity through her exploration of historical spice traditions from medieval to modern times. Her research into ancient European herbals and cookbooks has uncovered forgotten spice combinations that she's reintroduced to contemporary cooking. Sophie excels at teaching the technical aspects of spice extraction - how to properly infuse oils, create aromatic stocks, and build layered flavor profiles. Her background in perfumery gives her a unique perspective on creating balanced spice blends that appeal to all senses. Sophie regularly leads sensory training workshops helping people develop their palate for distinguishing subtle spice notes and understanding how different preparation methods affect flavor development.