Indian food - 25 classic dishes you must try

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: April 2026 | Indian cuisine is known for its intense flavours, colourful dishes and great regional variety. From spicy curries and freshly baked bread to street food and sweet desserts, you'll find it all here. In this guide, we take a look at what to eat in India - and list 25 classic Indian dishes you can't miss.

What do you eat in India? – a quick overview

India is a large country and the variety when it comes to dishes and tastes is of course great. Here are some typical examples of what people eat in India:

• Small dishes: Samosas and pakoras
• Curry dishes: Butter chicken and tikka masala
• Vegetarian: Dal and chana masala
• Bread: Naan and roti
• Sweet: Gulab jamun and kheer

We like Indian food and have eaten at countless Indian restaurants – both at home in Sweden and around Asia. Now we have delved into the different Indian dishes that you can encounter and try.

Typical Indian food – 25 classic dishes

Here we list Indian dishes that are interesting to try, including small dishes, street food, sweets and drinks.

1. Butter chicken

One of India's most famous dishes, with chicken in a creamy tomato and butter sauce. The flavor is relatively mild, making it perfect for those who want to start exploring Indian food.

2. Chicken tikka masala

Grilled chicken in a flavorful tomato sauce with spices like garam masala. A true classic that has become popular far beyond India's borders.

3. Biryani

A spicy rice dish with meat, chicken or vegetables, Biryani is known for its aromatic spices and comes in many regional variations.

4. Rogan josh

A hearty lamb stew from Kashmir with deep flavors and a beautiful red color. A dish that truly shows how complex Indian food can be.

5. Palak paneer

A vegetarian favorite with spinach and paneer (Indian cream cheese), the dish is both creamy and nutritious.

6. Valley

A staple dish in Indian cuisine made with lentils, this dish is eaten daily in many homes and comes in countless variations.

7. Vindaloo

A hot and spicy curry of Portuguese origin. Often made with pork or chicken and known for its strong flavor.

8. Korma

A mild and creamy curry with nuts, yogurt and sometimes coconut. Perfect for those who prefer less heat.

9. Chana masala

Chickpeas in a spicy tomato sauce. A tasty vegetarian dish that is often served with rice or bread.

10. Aloo gobi

A dry dish with potatoes and cauliflower, spiced with turmeric, among other things. Simple but full of flavor.

11. Baingan bharta

A mixture made from grilled eggplant, tomato and spices. Has a smoky flavor that makes it very special.

12. Naan

A soft, airy bread baked in a tandoor oven. Often served with curries and used to soak up the sauce.

13. Roti

A thinner and simpler bread than naan. Eaten daily in many parts of India and is an essential part of the meal.

14. Paratha

A fried bread that is often a little thicker and sometimes filled with, for example, potatoes or spices. Very filling and delicious.

15. Papadum

A thin and crispy bread that is often served as an appetizer, usually with chutneys and sauces.

16. Samosas

Deep-fried dough balls filled with potatoes, peas or meat. A popular snack found all over India.

17. Pani puri

Small crispy balls filled with spicy water, potatoes and chickpeas. A unique and tasty street food experience.

18. Pakoras

Deep-fried vegetables in chickpea flour. Often served with chutney and perfect as a snack.

19. Chaat

A collection of street food dishes that combine sweet, sour and spicy. Very popular throughout the country.

20. Vada pav

A kind of Indian burger from Mumbai with a deep-fried potato bun in bread. Simple, cheap and much loved.

21. Gulab jamun

Small deep-fried dough balls served in syrup. Very sweet and a classic dessert for holidays.

22. Kheer

A creamy rice pudding flavored with cardamom and sometimes saffron. One of the most traditional desserts.

23. Jalebi

Deep-fried spirals of dough dipped in sugar syrup. Crispy, sweet and often served warm.

24. Mango lassi

A refreshing yogurt drink with mango. Perfect as a contrast to strong food.

25. Chai

A spicy tea with milk that is drunk daily throughout India. An important part of everyday life and culture.

Indian restaurant food in Sweden

When ordering Indian food at a restaurant in Sweden, the dishes can sometimes be called a little differently – or adapted for the European market. You can find these dishes on Indian menus in Sweden:

Tandoori chicken: Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices and cooked in a tandoor oven. Gives a smoky flavor and is often served as a main course.

Chicken curry: A broad term for various curry dishes. In Swedish restaurants it is often used as a simpler name for spicy sauce dishes.

Sizes: Dishes served on a hot iron plate so that it sizzles at the table. Popular at Indian restaurants in Sweden, but less common in India.

Drinks in India

In India, people like to drink tea (chai), lassi (yogurt-based drink), fresh juice and water. We have also tried Indian whiskey in the form of Amrut and were pleasantly surprised. A very good whiskey!

Food in different regions of India

Indian cuisine varies greatly depending on the region.

• North India: Tasty curries and breads like naan
• South India: Rice, coconut and stronger flavors
• West India: Street food and many vegetarian dishes
• East India: Fish, rice and sweet desserts

More about food in other countries

Here you can find more stories about food in different countries:

• Filipino food - 15 Filipino specialities
• Sri Lankan food -15 dishes in Sri Lanka
• Malaysian food - 15 Malaysian dishes
• Mexican food – 25 Mexican dishes
• Lebanese food - 25 Lebanese dishes