Priyal Dholakia – Enigmatic Horizon Staff (Assistant Editor)
A trip to India is a traveler’s delight. India remains a top travel destination for millions around the globe. It boasts a storied past, fascinating culture, stunning architecture, and breathtaking natural wonders. But apart from these strong suits, there is another magnet that draws people to explore the land. It is Indian cuisine. Yes, tourists across the world flock to India, enticed by its rich culinary scene and food culture.
A trip to India cannot be complete without experiencing its delicious cuisine. You may already know that it is home to the world’s largest vegetarian population. India, in a true sense, is a vegetarian’s paradise. It offers some of the best and most appetising vegetarian delicacies one can ask for. Exploring food varieties in India is nothing less than a culinary adventure. One can enjoy a variety of different flavours packed into a single serving.
Here are the top five vegetarian dishes that you must try if you visit India. We have chosen the dishes keeping in mind a more general palate so that they appeal to the vast majority of people. So, let us get started on embarking upon a flavoursome joy ride.
Aloo Paratha
Aloo paratha is a North Indian specialty, but it is popular all over the country. It is a type of flatbread made with wheat flour and stuffed with spiced mashed potatoes. People cook it with the help of ghee (clarified butter) or oil and serve it along with curd or pickles. Aloo paratha is a common breakfast item, but you can also eat it as a snack or for lunch.
Dosa
Dosa is a traditional South Indian dish. It resembles a thin and crispy pancake, made from a batter of fermented rice and lentils. The typical accompaniment to dosa is sambhar (an Indian dal) along with coconut chutney (a dip). Dosas are available in a variety of fillings and flavors, the most common being masala dosa.
Khichdi
Khichdi is referred to as the comfort food of India. It consists of a mixture of pressure cooked rice and lentils, sometimes with vegetables. It is easy to make and contains high nutritional value. This makes it a preferred meal during dinner time in most parts of the country. It is a simple and satiating meal served in almost every Indian household. You can relish it along with curd or pickles or as a one-pot dish as well.
Dal Makhani
Dal Makhani is a type of dal made with a combination of lentils, pulses, and beans. It has a creamy texture due to the presence of white butter. You can have it along with either roti, paratha, naan (types of wheat breads), or rice. Apart from being delicious, it is nutritious as well. It has a high protein and fibre content, making it a preferred dish during low-carb diets.
Pulao
Pulao is a rice preparation with different kinds of boiled vegetables. People love it for the burst of flavour it provides. It is a one-pot meal that you can enjoy with curd. Pulao is often eaten as the main course on many occasions, like weddings or festivals.
Be sure to try out these scrumptious meals on your trip to India. You will find a huge assortment of these dishes on the menu cards. Whether you wish to savour something sweet, spicy, or subdued, the options here are endless. You will find something to suit your taste in every dish. So go ahead and treat yourself to some yummy meals. Bon Appetit!
