20 Best Comfort Food That You Will Surely Fall In Love With

Amid life's chaos, you find peace in the simplicity of comfort food. The aroma of familiar dishes fills the air, summoning you to slow down and savour each bite. With every mouthful, warmth spreads through you, melting away the daily stresses. It’s like a warm hug.

Whoever it is, with a plateful of comfort food, worries seem distant, and troubles fade away. It's just you, your favourite dish, and a moment of blissful indulgence.

We bring you some of the best comfort food for you to enjoy.

20 Comfort Meals To Relish

1. Rajma Chawal
2. Khichdi
3. Butter Chicken
4. Pav Bhaji
5. Masala Dosa
6. Biryani
7. Chole Bhature
8. Palak Paneer
9. Dal Tadka
10. Chicken Curry
11. Poha
12. Paneer Bhurji

Let’s dive into the heart of these delicious comfort meals.

• Rajma Chawal: 

Hailing from the northern state of Punjab, rajma chawal is a healthy comfort food that warms the heart and satisfies the soul. The creamy kidney bean curry, infused with aromatic spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, is served alongside fluffy steamed rice. Every spoonful of this soulful dish is a nostalgic reminder of home-cooked meals and family gatherings.

• Khichdi: 

Khichdi is often referred to as the ultimate comfort food in India. It is a humble yet nourishing dish made from rice and lentils. Cooked to perfection and seasoned with a hint of turmeric and cumin, khichdi is light and easy to digest. Whether enjoyed with a dollop of ghee or a tangy pickle, khichdi is an easy comfort food. It brings relief and satisfaction with every bite.

• Butter Chicken: 

Butter chicken is one of the best comfort foods originating from the bustling streets of Delhi. It is a decadent and indulgent dish that has captured the hearts of food lovers worldwide. Succulent chicken pieces are marinated in a rich blend of yoghurt and spices, then simmered in a velvety tomato-based gravy enriched with butter and cream. Served with naan or steamed rice, butter chicken is a celebration of flavours and textures that leave a lasting impression on the palate.

• Pav Bhaji: 

A beloved comfort food from the bustling city of Mumbai, pav bhaji is a medley of spicy mashed vegetables served with buttered pav (bread rolls). The vegetables, including potatoes, tomatoes, peas, and capsicum, are cooked with a melange of spices on a flat griddle until they form a thick and flavourful mixture. When served with a generous dollop of butter and a squeeze of lime, pav bhaji is a delightful explosion of flavours that satisfies hunger pangs and cravings alike.

• Masala Dosa: 

A South Indian classic, masala dosa is a crispy rice crepe filled with a savoury potato filling and served with coconut chutney and tangy sambar. The dosa, made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils, is cooked to perfection on a hot griddle until it turns golden brown and crispy. The filling, made from mashed potatoes seasoned with mustard seeds, curry leaves, and turmeric, adds a burst of flavour to every bite. Whether enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, or dinner, masala dosa is a timeless favourite that never fails to delight the taste buds.

• Biryani: 

Biryani is a culinary masterpiece that has been perfected over centuries by the royal kitchens of India. It is not just a fragrant and flavourful rice dish; it was a part of the list of comfort meals of the nawabs. It is prepared with long-grain basmati rice, tender meat (usually chicken, lamb, or goat), and aromatic spices. It is a feast for the senses. Each grain of rice is infused with the essence of saffron, rose water, and kewra, creating a symphony of flavours that transports you to a land of opulence and luxury with every mouthful. Cooking comfort food might not be easy, but it is worth the effort.

• Chole Bhature: 

Chole bhature is a famous street food from the state of Punjab. It is a hearty and satisfying dish enjoyed by people of all ages. The spicy chickpea curry is simmered in a rich and flavourful gravy made from onions, tomatoes, and mixed aromatic spices. The bhature, or deep-fried bread, is soft and fluffy on the inside and crispy on the outside, making it the perfect accompaniment to the spicy curry. Chole bhature is a culinary delight when served with sliced onions, green chillies, and a wedge of lemon. It is sure to leave you craving more.

• Palak Paneer: 

Palak paneer is a creamy comfort food made from spinach (palak) and Indian cottage cheese (paneer). The spinach is blanched and pureed to create a vibrant green sauce, simmered with paneer cubes and a mix of aromatic spices. The result is a rich and flavourful curry packed with nutrients and bursting with flavour. It is served with hot rotis or steamed rice and is a wholesome and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion.

• Dal Tadka: 

A staple in Indian households, dal tadka is a simple yet soul-satisfying dish made from lentils tempered with spices and aromatics. The lentils, usually yellow or red, are cooked until soft and creamy, then seasoned with a tadka, or tempering, of ghee, mustard seeds, cumin seeds, and dried red chillies. The resulting dish is a hearty, nutritious stew enjoyed with rice or roti. Whether served as a comforting meal on a rainy day or as a side dish at a festive feast, dal tadka is a timeless classic that never fails to please.

• Chicken Curry: 

You don’t need a season or a reason to relish this comfort food. Chicken curry is a comforting and flavourful dish enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. The chicken pieces are marinated in a blend of yoghurt and spices, then simmered in a rich and aromatic gravy made from onions, tomatoes, and a medley of spices. The result is a tender and succulent dish bursting with flavour and perfect for mopping up with a piece of naan or roti. Whether enjoyed with rice or bread, chicken curry is a hearty and satisfying meal that will warm the soul.

• Poha: 

Poha seems a simple dish to make this list, but it has the right mix of flavours to put a smile on your face. This light and fluffy dish is an easy comfort food to prepare. The rice flakes are tempered with mustard seeds, curry leaves, green chillies, and turmeric and then garnished with chopped onions, cilantro, and grated coconut. The result is a fragrant and flavourful dish that is perfect for breakfast or as a light snack. Whether enjoyed on its own or with a side of hot chai, poha is a comforting and satisfying dish that will brighten your day.

• Paneer Bhurji: 

Paneer bhurji is a healthy comfort food (unless you cook it in a lot of butter). It is a protein-rich scramble from crumbled paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked with onions, tomatoes, and aromatic spices. The paneer is sautéed until golden brown and mixed with the flavourful masala, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish. It is served with hot rotis or fluffy parathas and is a wholesome meal perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Its creamy texture and bold flavours make it a favourite comfort food among vegetarians and meat lovers.

Desserts To Complement These Dishes

From the syrupy sweetness of gulab jamun to the crunchy delight of jalebi, Indian desserts tantalize taste buds and offer a satisfying end to any feast. Whether it's the creamy richness of kheer or the refreshing tang of shrikhand, Indian desserts bring joy and sweetness to every bite.

They brilliantly complement the list of the best comfort foods listed above. After enjoying a spicy meal like biryani or curry, the sweetness of desserts like gulab jamun or rasagulla provides a satisfying conclusion. This balance satisfies the palate and enhances the overall dining experience.

There you have it. Your list of the best comfort meals and a glimpse at the desserts to complement them. Enjoy them binging on your favourite series or sharing stories with your loved ones. Either way, we hope you relish them and have a great time!