A Culinary Journey: Exploring the Food of 28 states of India

The food traditions in India are as diverse as the multitude of languages, landscapes, and cultural practices. Let’s explore the famous foods of the 28 states in the country. 

India is a land of boundless diversity; nowhere is it more evident than its culinary landscape. For instance, each of the 28 states in the country boasts a distinctive culinary identity shaped by a diverse range of flavours, techniques, and ingredients that reflect the region's unique heritage. 

But what are the most popular dishes across Indian states? Let’s look at the top food choices of 28 states in India.

Remember, some or most of these states are great not just for one food but multiple food items. That is why it’s best to travel and explore the cities and their local cuisines to get the complete culinary experience. 

With that being said, let’s get down to the food of 28 states of India with pictures. 

• Andhra Pradesh- Pootharekulu

 A traditional dessert, Pootharekulu is prepared from rice flour batter, powdered sugar, ghee, and dry fruits.  

• Arunachal Pradesh- Thukpa

 Thukpa is a hearty noodle soup, often infused with vegetables and meat, reflecting the rich flavours of Arunachali cuisine.  

• Assam- Papaya Khar

 A unique and tangy curry made from raw papaya, pulses, and khar (alkaline) water.  

• Bihar- Litti Chokha

 A delectable combination of roasted wheat flour Litti (balls) paired with a spicy mix of Chokha (mashed vegetables). 

• Chattisgarh- Chila.

 Chila is a savoury pancake made from rice batter, a popular breakfast choice in Chattisgarh.  

• Goa- Fish Curry

 A delicious curry rich in spices and coconut, showcasing the coastal influence of Goan cuisine.  

• Gujarat- Khaman Dhokla

 A light and flavourful snack, Khaman Dhokla is a spongy and soft steamed cake made from fermented gram flour. 

• Haryana- Bajra Khichdi

 Next on this list of famous food from Indian states is Bajra Khichdi from Haryana. It is a wholesome and nutritious meal item made from pearl millet and lentils.  

• Himachal Pradesh- Dham

 Dham is a festive food platter featuring a variety of lentil-based dishes, curries, and rice, traditionally served during celebrations.  

• Jharkhand- Dhuska

 A popular street food in Jharkhand, Dhuska is a crispy and golden deep-fried pancake made from powdered rice and chana dal. 

• Karnataka- Bisi Bele Bhaat

 A spicy and flavourful one-pot rice dish cooked with vegetables, lentils, and a unique blend of spices. 

• Kerala- Appam

 Appam is a fermented rice pancake with a soft centre and crispy edges. If you're travelling to Kerala, explore the serene retreat of Club Mahindra Ashtamudi Resort in Kollam for a relaxing and rejuvenating stay. 

• Madhya Pradesh- Bhutte Ki Kees

Grated corn and milk are cooked in local spices to prepare Bhutte Ki Kees, a delicious and healthy delicacy. 

• Maharashtra- Misal Pav

The fiery and flavourful street food from Maharashtra consists of sprouted lentils cooked in a spicy gravy, garnished with chopped onions, crunchy sev, and fresh coriander, served with soft pavs. 

• Manipur- Kangshoi

Kangshoi is a stew made from seasonal vegetables, fermented fish, and locally sourced greens. 

• Meghalaya- Jadoh

A wholesome dish where tender meat (generally chicken or pork) is cooked with red rice and an aromatic blend of traditional spices. 

• Mizoram- Misa Mach Poora

A grilled shrimp or prawn curry prepared with a mixture of local spices, wrapped in banana leaves, and slow-cooked to perfection. 

• Nagaland- Pork with Bamboo Shoot

This traditional Naga cuisine combines succulent pork with locally sourced bamboo shoots to deliver a distinctive culinary experience.  

• Odisha- Chenna Poda

It is a traditional dessert made by baking a mixture of paneer, sugar, and semolina until it achieves a delightful golden-brown crust.  

• Punjab- Makke di Roti and Sarson da Saag

A quintessential Punjabi delight, Makke di Roti (cornflour flatbread) and Sarson da Saag (mustard greens curry) are cherished winter delicacies. 

• Rajasthan- Dal Baati Churma

The 28 states' famous food name list is incomplete without Dal Baati Churma from Rajasthan. It features baked wheat flour dumplings (Baati) paired with delicious lentils (dal) and a sweet crumbly mixture (Churma).

• Sikkim- Momo

Momo is a delicate steamed dumpling stuffed with a delectable mixture of vegetables and meat. 

• Tamil Nadu- Pongal

Pongal is a savoury porridge made from rice and lentils, seasoned with cumin, black pepper, and ghee. 

• Telangana- Biryani

The all-state famous food list deserves a special spot for Telangana Biryani. The fragrant rice dish is characterized by aromatic basmati rice, tender meat, and a blend of spices. 

• Tripura- Chakhwi

The local favourite in Tripura, Chakhwi curry, is renowned for its unique blend of pork, bamboo shoots, and local spices. 

• Uttar Pradesh- Tunday Kebab

A gastronomic masterpiece, Tunday Kebab features succulent minced meat richly seasoned with local spices. 

• Uttarakhand- Kafuli

A nutritious curry made with spinach and fenugreek leaves, cooked in buttermilk, and seasoned with local spices. 

• West Bengal- Kosha Mangsho

Kosha Mangsho from West Bengal is a slow-cooked mutton curry simmered to perfection with aromatic spices. 

Flavours of India

These are 28 Indian traditional foods from all the states across the country. If you’re planning to visit any of these places, don’t forget to try these culinary treats for a memorable and authentic experience.