22 Best Indian Delicacies You Must Try in 2024

Indian cuisine boasts a rich palette of colours, tastes, and textures. Indian food is a lively celebration of culture, and its authentic flavours have become a natural part of our taste preferences over the years.

These dishes are different from the typical Indian delicacies that we are used to eating at restaurants. These will really give you a closer taste of a region’s culinary flavour. It is time to step out of your comfort zone and try new Indian dishes. 

Here are  Indian delicacies you must try in 2024.

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1. Vada Pav

Having achieved a cult status among its fans, Vada Pav is now an inseparable part of Indian cuisine. This poor man’s burger is pure indulgence. It is light on the pocket and satiates the soul with every bite. The crunchy outer skin and spicy potato filling create a symphony of taste with tangy, sweet, and spicy chutneys, giving Vada Pav its distinct taste and character. This is hands down one of the best street food of India.

2. Litti Chokha

This little-known Indian food from Bihar has long been a part of Indian cuisine.  Chokha is one of those Indian dishes that deserves more acclaim. The Litti is a whole-wheat ball stuffed with roasted chickpea and barley flour. Chokha is a spicy and soul comforting medley of potatoes and eggplant. You’ll rarely find this dish in any Indian restaurant or any resort in India.

3. Poha Jalebi

This made-for-each-other union of sweet and savoury goodness is a legendary breakfast in Madhya Pradesh. The fluffy spiciness of poha beautifully complements the crunchy sweetness of the jalebi. It is a marriage made in heaven that will give you the energy to begin your day on a high. You will find this combo in all Club Mahindra restaurants across India. Go ahead, check out the unexplored side of Indian cuisine.

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4. Bikaneri Kachori

If you’re booked into any of the Club Mahindra resorts in Rajasthan, you must try the Bikaneri Kachori. While the Club Mahindra restaurants serve a delectable range of Indian cuisine, some foods taste the best in an outdoor setting. You will find several versions of Bikaneri Kachori in local markets, each one as delicious as the next. The piping hot kachori, served with sweet and spicy chutneys, is a treat for the senses.

5. Akki Roti

Resembling a dosa, Karnataka’s Akki Roti is a crispy, fluffy delight. But do not confuse this South Indian food with a dosa. It is a breakfast staple in Club Mahindra resorts of Karnataka. You will also find the Akki Roti in roadside stalls where it is a popular snack. This simple mixture of rice flour, salt, and water is a satisfying snack that is best enjoyed with chutney and hot tea.

6. Paddu

South Indian food is perhaps the most well-known family of Indian cuisine but it’s still mostly unexplored. Paddu is a good example of this. Made from a batter of rice and black lentils, it looks strangely familiar at first glance. Fondly known as the twin of the dosa, it is steamed like an idli. Enjoy it with soothing coconut chutney and hot filter coffee.

7. Ghugni Chaat

Hailing from West Bengal, Ghugni Chaat packs a punch of flavours and textures. Such is the beauty of Indian food that even though it looks like chole chaat, it has a distinctive taste of its own. It is cooked yellow dal that’s tossed in lemon juice and spices. Topped with chutney, grated carrots, and onions, it is a satisfying snack to enjoy on the go.

8. Chole Bhaturey

This global representative of Indian cuisine is easily available in restaurants and resorts in India. But legends say that you will find the best Chole Bhaturey on the streets of New Delhi and Punjab. The deep-fried Bhatura is a rich indulgence that doubles the gratification when paired with a scoop of spicy Chole. It is served with a side of raita, onions, and mint chutney.

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9. Tunde Kabab

Stuck with a funny-sounding name, Tunde Kabab will take you on a journey of culinary pleasure. It will surprise you with its subtle flavour profile and keep you coming back for more. A regal representative of the Shahi Awadh Culture, it is Lucknow’s favourite street food. The succulent kababs break apart easily and melt in the mouth. You can wrap them in a roti and turn them into a filling for a roll. Enjoy the exquisite experience of Tunde Kabab, a true delight in the diverse food of India!

10. Mirchi Bajji

Deep-fried food has long been a part of Indian cuisine. Mirchi Bajji hails from a deep-fried family and rules the street food scene in Hyderabad. Its appeal is its simplicity and, of course, its taste. Though you will find it all over, the Mirchi Bajji of Hyderabad is said to be in a class of its own. Test this claim the next time you are in Hyderabad.

11. Aloo Tikki

Aloo Tikki is mostly seen amongst Indian delicacies at various events and outings, such as weddings, house parties, market strolls, or mall visits. Its exact origin is unknown, but it's a popular street food found throughout the country. The dish consists of mashed potatoes mixed with spices, fried to perfection for a hot and crispy texture. It is often served with Tamarind chutney or a combination of tamarind and mint, offering a burst of flavour. Some vendors enhance the dish by garnishing it with radish and onions, adding even more taste to this delicious treat.

12. Puchkas

Known as Gol Gappas or Pani Puri, this tangy and minty street food is the perfect mood lifter in Indian cuisine. Especially adored by Indian women, puchkas are most delicious when enjoyed from a roadside stall. The heavenly taste comes from a filling of mashed potatoes and boiled chickpeas soaked in coriander water and tamarind paste. The spicier, the better! Don't wait—grab some from your nearest street vendor.

13. Dabeli

Dabeli, a popular snack originating from Kutch, is a spicy delight enjoyed by around 20 lakh people daily in the region. It's made by mixing special dabeli masala with boiled potatoes, sandwiched between a bun known as 'ladi pav.' This flavorful dish is complemented by various chutneys like garlic, tamarind, date, and chilli. Roasted peanuts and pomegranate garnish enhance its taste, and when served with namkeen, the aromatic spices make Dabeli irresistible, drawing you to nearby stalls for a delicious street food experience.

14. Momos

Despite being a Tibetan dish, momos have become an adored part of North Indian food. With added masalas and various stuffings, there's a wide variety of momos available. Whether you visit Dolma Aunty's Momos in South Delhi or Momos Point in North Delhi, you'll find numerous types of this dish. From mutton and paneer to wheat, tandoori, fried, and gravy momos, there's a type for everyone. Once you try these hot and stuffed dumplings, you can't get enough of them!

15. Kathi Rolls

Kathi Rolls are the tastiest street food of India, featuring a delicious filling of veggies and kebabs. The crispy outer layer, made with maida, adds a soft texture to every bite. The popularity of these rolls is evident on the streets of Kolkata, especially when you try one for yourself. Park Street is renowned for serving the most flavourful Kathi rolls that you shouldn't miss.

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16. Pav Bhaji

It's a yummy mix of thick veggie curry served with buttery pavs. This hot and spicy treat is one of those Indian delicacies loved all over the country and found everywhere, from street stalls to fancy hotels. However, the best way to enjoy it is at street stalls, where the buttery goodness really shines. Just imagine a flavourful bite with a hint of lemon and onions—it's a dreamy combo that people can't get enough of. So, whether you're on the street or in a high-end place, Pav Bhaji is the go-to dish for a delicious burst of simple and satisfying flavours.

17. Bhelpuri

Bhelpuri, also a Mumbai favourite, has made its way all over India as a go-to street food. It's a must-try in busy markets, with many vendors selling it throughout the day. A great thing about Bhelpuri is the light and low-calorie food of India, perfect for those watching what they eat. Made with puffed rice, mixed with tangy spices, chutneys, onions, and tomatoes, it's a delicious snack with a burst of flavours. Bhelpuri's popularity is no surprise – it's a simple, satisfying treat that won't weigh you down. Give it a try for a delicious and guilt-free street food experience.

18. Bhalla Papdi

Bhalla Papdi is a hit at family gatherings, street corners, and sometimes home kitchens. It features Vada soaked in a yummy mix of curd and spices. Topped with cashews, green chutney, and sweet tamarind chutney, Dahi Balla stands out on evening walks. It's an excellent choice to beat the heat during Delhi's hot summers. With its sweet and tangy taste, Bhalla Papdi is a simple yet delightful treat, capturing the essence of India's love for good food.

19. Missal Pav

Mumbai's delightful street food, Misal Pav, is one of the most beloved dishes of Indian cuisine. It features two to three buns paired with a curry made from beans and a blend of spices. The curry is enhanced with Poha or Chidva, coriander leaves, namkeen, and chopped onions, elevating its taste. Almost every street food vendor in Mumbai offers Misal Pav, making it a perfect snack for roadside conversations.

20. Kanji Vada

Kanji Vadas are a tasty Indian food from Rajasthan and Gujarat. Kanji is like flavoured water that turns a bit sour after fermenting for a day. It's made with spices like mustard, asafoetida, black salt, red chilli powder, and turmeric, plus some mustard oil. All these ingredients make Kanji delicious, tangy, and good for detox. People also think it helps with digestion and makes you more hungry. The vadas (dumplings) are made from soaked Moong Dal and Urad Dal, with added flavours of ginger, chillies, asafoetida, and other spices. Usually served in a glass, the vadas are soft and melt in your mouth. They're dunked in chilled Kanji and topped with crispy Boondi, making a yummy and healthy street food treat!

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21. Jhal Muri

This flavourful snack comprises a medley of crunchy elements like puffed rice, sev, peanuts, fried lentils, fried peas, chanachur, puri, along with finely chopped onions, tomatoes, green chillies, coriander leaves, coconut shavings, and boiled potatoes. Jhal Muri is a highly popular street food of India that goes by various names in different cities. Originating from Bengal, the name 'Jhal Muri' translates to 'spicy puffed rice.' The mixture is enhanced with an assortment of spices including salt, black salt, chaat masala, red chilli powder, cumin powder, dry mango powder, and a generous squeeze of lemon juice. Jhal Muri allows for creative experimentation with different ingredients for the crunch and various spice blends, making it a delicious and customizable street food delight!

22. Dal Vada

Dal vadas, or lentil fritters, are crispy and tasty snacks enjoyed as street food in many places down south from Gujarat. People love them, especially in rainy and winter seasons when they're freshly fried, steaming hot, and extra crispy. These fritters are made with chana dal or a mix of split moong dals, onions, chillies, and basic Indian spices. Served with Pudiney Ki Chutney or coriander dip and onion slices, they give your taste buds a perfect combination of hot, spicy, and delicious flavours. With just a few ingredients for the fritters and a yummy chutney, it's an ideal street snack that's simply wonderful!

The above list of Indian delicacies is an eclectic mix of familiar and unknown foods. Make 2024 the year for discovering new tastes and experiences.

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