Traditional foods of India has gained popularity across the world because of its rich flavors, bold spices, and comforting textures. From crispy and sweet snacks to creamy and rich curry, the combination of ingredients like cumin, coriander, turmeric, chili, and garam masala creates unforgettable experiences.
No wonder Indian cuisine is growing rapidly around the world, including in Bali, and discovering Indian food has become one of the best things to do in Ubud. If you’re looking for the most popular spice-rich cuisine, here are the top 15 traditional foods of India that you should try.
1. Butter Chicken
One of the top 50 Indian dishes enjoyed by millions worldwide is butter chicken. It’s a creamy and flavorful curry made with marinated chicken cooked in a tomato and butter-based sauce.
The dish is seasoned with garam masala, cardamom, ginger, garlic, and a touch of cream, and served with rice or naan. Many restaurants around the world, including Indian restaurant Ubud, offer this as Indian comfort food that suits everyone’s palate.
2. Masala Dosa
India has an abundant vegetarian menu, and masala dosa is one of the most popular traditional vegetarian foods of India. It’s a crispy fermented rice and lentil pancake filled with a spiced potato mix.
What makes this food special is how it’s served with coconut chutney and tangy sambar made with tamarind and lentils. Its unique flavor and texture have made it one of the most popular masala-infused meals in the world.
3. Dal Makhani
Dal makhani is a creamy lentil curry made with whole black lentils and red kidney beans. It’s slowly simmered with butter, cream, garlic, ginger, and traditional spices.
This Indian traditional food is hearty and rich, often enjoyed with naan or jeera rice. It is one of the popular dishes from South Asia that showcases warmth and comfort in every bite.
4. Tandoori
Many people think tandoori is one dish, but actually, it’s a cooking method in Indian cuisine using a clay oven. Chicken or paneer is marinated in red chili, turmeric, garam masala, and yogurt.
After at least one hour of marination, it’s grilled in the tandoor, giving a juicy and smoky flavor. Tandoori dishes represent the deep flavor found in traditional foods of India and are loved across the world.
5. Biryani
Biryani is a legendary dish that is loved worldwide. It’s a fragrant rice dish cooked with marinated meat or vegetables, saffron, and fried onions, perfect for special occasions and celebrations.
The dish gets its aromatic richness from spices like cloves, cinnamon, bay leaves, and cardamom, and is often referred to as India’s national food. Biryani is one of the most popular dishes from South Asia and is enjoyed worldwide.
Many of vegetarian restaurants in Bali offer their own versions of biryani, catering to those seeking a plant-based alternative.
6. Pani Puri
This fun-to-eat traditional Indian food has gone viral online for its exciting flavors. Pani puri is a crispy hollow ball filled with spicy mint water, mashed potatoes, and tamarind chutney.
It offers a burst of sweet, sour, and spicy flavors in one bite. No wonder it’s one of the most famous traditional dishes and a must-try for fans of authentic Indian food.
7. Samosa
Samosa is the most popular pastry in South Asia and a well-known snack across the world. It is filled with spiced potatoes and peas, deep-fried until crispy, and served with chutney.
Its flavor comes from cumin, coriander, and chili powder. This snack is often served as a starter, making it one of the most popular Indian dishes that goes abroad.
8. Naan
Naan is a fluffy flatbread made with flour, yogurt, and yeast, cooked in a tandoor oven. It’s usually brushed with butter or garlic before serving.
This traditional Indian food pairs well with many curries, such as butter chicken and tikka masala. It is a globally recognized staple among South Asia food names and is widely adopted in many countries with Indian communities, such as Malaysia.
9. Paratha
Paratha is another type of flatbread from the Hindustan region. It is pan-fried and made from wheat flour, either plain or stuffed with ingredients like potatoes, paneer, or cauliflower.
Commonly eaten for breakfast, paratha is a beloved dish, especially among vegetarians. It represents the cozy and filling side of Indian traditional food.
10. Pakora
Pakora is a favorite vegetarian snack in traditional Indian food culture. These crispy fritters are made by dipping vegetables like onions or potatoes in a chickpea flour batter.
Spices such as turmeric, ajwain, and chili powder bring depth to the flavor. Pakoras are a popular choice during monsoon season and at festive gatherings, making them one of the popular dishes from The Land of Spices.
11. Tikka Masala
Tikka masala is one of the world’s favorite curry-based cuisines. It consists of marinated chicken pieces cooked in a creamy, tomato-based sauce with spices like fenugreek, coriander, and cinnamon.
The richness and bold taste of tikka masala make it a global hit. It continues to top the charts as one of the most popular Indian foods in the world.
12. Rogan Josh
Rogan Josh is a rich and flavorful lamb curry from Kashmir. It’s made with yogurt, garlic, ginger, and warm spices like fennel and cloves.
This royal-style curry is part of the traditional dishes of South Asia that highlight the richness of Indian cuisine. It may not be as widely known as butter chicken, but it’s a must-try.
13. Gulab Jamun
Gulab jamun is a soft and sweet dessert made from khoya (milk solids). The dough balls are deep-fried and soaked in rose-flavored sugar syrup, making it taste sweet, creamy, and aromatic.
Often served at weddings and family celebrations, this dessert is a top pick among popular traditional subcontinental fare.
14. Malabar Fish Curry
Malabar fish curry is a regional specialty from Kerala in South India. It features fish simmered in a coconut milk base with curry leaves, turmeric, and tamarind.
This dish is one of the best traditional Indian food options for seafood lovers. It’s full of flavor and best enjoyed with steamed rice or appam.
15. Baingan Bharta
Baingan bharta is a smoky mashed eggplant dish cooked with onions, tomatoes, and spices like cumin, turmeric, and garam masala. The eggplant is first roasted to give it a unique depth of flavor.
It’s a vegetarian dish that’s both healthy and delicious. Though underrated, baingan bharta is among the best traditional foods of Indian vegetarian cuisine.
Final Thought: Where to Explore Culinary Stories in Bali?
Bali offers a variety of global flavors, including Indian food. If you’re looking for the best restaurants in the Bali area, don’t forget to visit The Wonderspace for more insight and inspiration into food culture and travel.
