Food of 29 States of India

–by Abhrajita Mondal

–Reading Time – 20 min Approx

There are a few people, who live to eat, rather than eat to live. Which category are you in? If you happen to be an Indian, there is more reason for you to love the wide array of platters. India has numerous different dishes to offer you, and it is as widespread as the various states. Every 100 km you will find a different cuisine. There are twenty-nine today, and each state can rustle up some sumptuous delights just for you. You will find some humble meals, to suit every taste bud and pocket. Today, we bring to you twenty-nine unique, special & different dishes from various states. Brace yourself for the most delectable dishes. Today, you will get to know about the tastiest Food of 29 States of India.

An account of Food of 29 States of India – one by one

Maharashtra

Misal Pav is a Maharashtrian delight. It originated in Kolhapur.  It consists of sprouted moth beans, that are cooked in a gravy of coriander leaves, onions, tomatoes, and farsan. Maharashtrians eat it with toasted pav, slightly buttered. The state is popular for all things spicy, and this is one of the tastiest dishes from the Marathi kitchens. If you are looking for the tastiest of Food of 29 States of India, then you have to include this dish.

Tamil Nadu

Pongal is one of the top dishes from Tamil Nadu. There are two varieties, Chakkara Pongal and Venn Pongal, that you can gorge on. It is mostly prepared during the Pongal festival, and it is sweet in taste. This popular Tamil dish means ‘bubbling up.’ Other varieties, like the spicy one is called Melagu Pongal and the fourth one, are called Puli Pongal.

Karnataka

Have to have Dosa? The Mysore Masala Dosa is even more delectable. It traces its origin to the Udupi cuisine. It is simple and wholesome food, that has won hearts. It is comforting and one of the top recipes from the cuisines of Karnataka. Have it with sambar and coconut chutney.

Telangana

The unique cooking style of Hyderabadi Biryani makes it so famous. The recipe has the chef cooking the rice and meats together. Moreover, most Biryanis in Hyderabad are made in copper pots. The Kacchi Biryani method makes it all the more famous. If you love scents, you will love the Hyderabadi Biryani all the more. The lip-smacking Natu Kodi Pulusu is one of the other top foods from the state. You can try these dishes at traditional Telugu restaurants and eateries. This is nothing, but Desi chicken curry. Hyderabad is one of the top states to offer a delectable range of dishes.

Andhra Pradesh

Ulava Charu is amongst the most popular dishes from Andhra Pradesh. It is an amalgamation of a rasam and a soup. It is one dish, that traditional festivals are incomplete without. You can have it with rice and a serving of cream.

Odisha

You will be amazed to know, that Odisha gave the first Rasgulla to the world. It has also received its GI tag. The Pahala Rasgulla is said to have been served to Lord Jagannath since ages. It is a culinary treasure. However, there is a small fight between Kolkata and Odisha over the sweet dish. Researchers of culinary traditions of Bengal, have stated that, in the 18^th century, there were many Odia cooks in Bengal homes. These Odia cooks might have brought the dish here.

Kerala

Idiyappam is one of the most favourite dishes in Kerala. The dish is made from thin vermicelli along with rice flour, salt, and water. The strands are folded together to give texture to the Idiyappam. These are traditionally served alongside a curry. It is a great accompaniment for vegetable kurma, chicken stew, egg, or chicken curry.

Goa

Goa is very famous for its fish curries, chicken dishes, and pork dish. It is none other than Pork Vindaloo. ‘Vin’ means vinegar, and ‘alho’ means garlic. Vindaloo was previously spelled as ‘Vindalho’. The dish consists of pork cooked, with potatoes, onions, chillies, and garlic. Meat and vinegar are the primary items. The more you leave the marination, the tastier the dish.

Chattisgarh

A range of staple foods are grown in Chattisgarh. So, you will find that Rice, Bajra, and Jowar is used with open hands. The top food that comes to mind is ‘Muthia’. It is a dumpling that is prepared with rice batter and some spices. The dumplings are steamed, and that helps it in retaining its characteristic flavor. It is famous amongst the rural people.

Jharkhand

Apart from its waterfalls, and holy places, the place is famous for its mouth-watering delicacies. Chilka Roti is quite popular in the Jharkhand households. It is prepared with rice flour and besan. You can eat it with Yam curry or dal. It is a simple dish that can be prepared with minimal effort. It is eaten regularly for breakfast in Jharkhand.

Nagaland

Smoked Pork in Akhuni is a popular Naga delicacy. The pork is cooked along with potatoes, tomatoes, and green chillies. Then these ingredients once cooked are mashed to form a semi-thick curry. You can have it with plain white rice. It is a delicacy in Nagaland. There is an ingredient that is quite special. It is ‘Mongmong jang’. It is commonly known as Mejenga seeds. It is a variety of Sichuan peppercorn.

Mizoram

It is a fritter dish, made from rice flour and bananas. The dish has a crisp exterior and soft interiors. It is a tea-time snack, that is quite popular in Mizo homes. It is also consumed as a delicious dessert.

Tripura

Mui Borok is the most popular food from Tripura. A large Bengali community is based in Tripura, giving it the non-vegetarian twist. The most commonly used ingredient is dried and fermented fish. It is called Berma. If you want to eat healthy, it has got to be this dish. It is cooked without oil.

Arunachal Pradesh

A state in the Northeastern part of India food tourism is quite popular here. Chicken fried dry, is one of the top foods of the region. The dish is popular by the name Lukter. It is a combination of chili flakes, and cooked, dry meat. Bhut Jolokia, which is one of the spiciest chilies, is used. Locals gorge on this dish, with rice as the main dish.

Assam

If you happen to visit Assam, you will find that the food has influences from the food of the hills and the plains. Fresh produce and fermented ingredients are used widely in Assamese cuisine. Masor Tenga will satiate your palate if you love fish. It is made from fish and slices of raw mangosteen. Some of the inhabitants do make it with Kaffir lime as well. It is a summertime dish that is light on the stomach.

Bihar

Whenever you think of the cuisines from Bihar, one food recipe tops the list. It is none other than Litti Chokha. It is also the national dish of Bihar. If you want to eat healthy, this is the best one for you. Litti is a smokey and flavorful ball of wheat, which is filled with sattu roasted over coal. Roasted potatoes, tomatoes, and eggplants garnished with coriander leaves, are the perfect accompaniment, and together is termed as Chokha.

Gujarat

If you are thinking about what to eat in Gujarat, stop here. The top dish that you need to try out is the humble Dhokla. It is a delicious vegetarian snack, that is prepared from chickpea flour, and rice flour. Gujaratis love to gorge on this delicious snack. You can have it as a tea- time snack or a meal. It is very fulfilling.

Jammu and Kashmir

One dish comes to mind, whenever you will think of the snow-clad mountains. It is Mutton Rogan Josh. Just like its picturesque beauty, the dishes are heavenly. This signature Kashmiri meat curry is made with browned onions, spices, and yogurt. The Mughals had originally brought the dish to Kashmir.

West Bengal

The cuisine of Bengal is very rich and deeply influenced by the rule of the Nawabs. The flavors are subtle and fiery at the same time. You will also find certain European influences in the form of chops and cutlets. Bengalis cannot live without fish and steaming white rice. ‘Sorse bata Ilish Mach’ is one of the top foods today. The fish is marinated in turmeric and poppy seed paste, with a dash of five spices. You have to taste it to believe, what we are saying.

Madhya Pradesh

The state is famous for a few amazing dishes. The first one that comes to mind is Dal Bafla. It is very similar to Dal Baati. These are baked wheat balls, which are dipped in spicy chutney or dal. It is quite famous in social gatherings. It originated in the famous region of Malwa, in Madhya Pradesh.

Manipur

The beautiful state lies in the Northeast corner of India. The Meiteis, are an ethnic majority of the state. The Manipuri dishes are a result of their influences. One of the first dishes that sync with the tribals is Eromba. It is a dish, that is prepared from fermented and boiled vegetables, mashed together with chillies. ‘Ngari’ is the fermented fish dish, that most Manipuris resonate with.

Meghalaya

Meghalaya is home to an interesting array of dishes. The main dishes revolve around rice, vegetables, and curries. The cuisine is mainly divided into Garo, Khasi, and Jaintia. ‘Jadoh’ is the most popular dish. Made with rice, chopped vegetables, and pork, this is one dish you should not miss while in Meghalaya. Pork seems to be an all-time favorite there.

Punjab

Punjab is the land of rivers and agriculture. The globe knows Punjab by these identifiers. Some of the top dishes from the region are Sarson ka saag, Tandoori chicken, and Makki di roti. Sarson ka Saag and Makki di Roti are truly magical. It is a wholesome meal, that you can have with lots of ghee and jaggery. This is a great meal for winter.

Rajasthan

It is one of the most cultural destinations in India. The rich and lavish lifestyle of the past rulers have given rise to rich and aromatic dishes.  The lack of vegetables and water has given rise to dishes that combine many dry ingredients. The Rajasthanis use lentils, buttermilk, and red chillies in heaps. You can simply gorge on chickpea flour dumplings dunked in buttermilk gravy. It is none other than ‘Gatte ki Subzi’. You can enjoy this dish with rice or rotis.

Sikkim

It is an amalgamation of Nepalese, Tibetan, and Sikkimese flavors. Momo is something, that we all love. These dumplings are eaten with spicy, chilly chutney and hot chicken soup. The momos are dumplings that have a flour outer cover, and a tasty filling inside. Earlier, only meats formed the inner filling. Today, it is much more than that. You will find paneer being used as well.

Uttaranchal

The cuisine is tasty and delectable. The Kumaon and Garhwal regions offer palates of flavorsome dishes that are balanced as well. Mostly cooked over a slow fire, you will find the food to have a great aroma. One dish that can make you go weak in the knees is Phaanu. It is a Garhwali dish that is made from lentils. It is a very popular dish in the state and loved by all.

Uttar Pradesh

The cuisine is as diverse as it regional and geography. You will find ‘Nawabi’ influence on the food. There are some delectable street food delicacies that are famous worldwide. The Kakori kebabs are incredibly famous in Lucknow. It is a recipe that has been passed down from one generation to another. It is made with the finest pieces of lamb and aromatic spices.

Haryana

It is another state apart from Punjab, that has earthy emanating from its kitchens. Kachri ki Chutney is quite famous in Haryana. The wild variety of cucumber is used to make this awesome dish. You can even refrigerate it and use it for a month.

Himachal Pradesh

There is a huge impact of taste from neighboring Punjab and Tibetan cuisines. The locals love tangy flavors. Chana Madra is a delectable dish that is made from chickpeas and vegetables. The dish is seasoned with spices and cooked in oil. It comes from Chamba. This yoghurt-based curry is cooling as well. Prepared by slow cooking methods, it does not lose its nutritional value.

There are so many dishes worth exploring, that you will find it hard to resist.

‘There is no love, sincere than the love for food, they say.’

–by Abhrajita Mondal