A little-known fact about Indian food is that it is not the same across the country.
Different regions have access to varying ingredients, and this drastically alters the types of flavours which are created.
Although some may argue that those originating from Southern India are most luxurious - and healthy - there is much to be said for the courses coming from Northern India.
Despite common misperceptions, many North Indian dishes feature heavily on popular Indian takeaway orders… and for good reason.
When you try them, you’ll know why.
19 Famous North Indian Dishes to Taste
To start familiarizing yourself with some of tastiest cuisine India has to offer (there’s some tough competition), take a look at the best North Indian dishes listed below.
Palak Paneer
At first glance, you may not think that this is a course which looks particularly appetising; however, once you delve a little deeper, you will no doubt conclude that palak paneer is nothing short of delightful.
The main ingredient used in this dish is a dried cheese – rather solid, its flavour is incredibly strong and complemented well by purified spinach which serves as a sauce.
Here’s another North Indian dish that heavily features creamy cottage cheese, alongside butter, tomatoes, onion, spices, and cashew nuts. Blended into a smooth gravy-like sauce, Paneer Makhani is surprisingly sweet and the perfect complement to garlic naan bread (if that’s a staple you typically enjoy when you have curry).
Aloo Chaat
Were you to walk around the vendors of Northern India, you would be hard-pressed to find one which does not serve Aloo Chaat in some form. The reason for this is because it has been arguably the most popular North Indian dish for several years. Whilst relatively simple in its composition, what cannot be disputed is the incredible array of aromas and flavours which it exhibits. Potatoes make up the majority of the dish, and a mixture of chutneys leaves a delightful taste on your tongue.
Kadai Paneer
Now, this North Indian dish isn’t one for the faint-hearted. Don’t be mistaken by its seemingly harmless ingredients of pepper, cream and tomato, as this is a curry that packs a kick. Kadai Paneer is incredibly flavourful in every bite and you might just find you need to order a traditional Indian drink[KA1] (designed to counteract spice) to help your gut cool off.
Dum Biryani
A delicious main course, Dum Biryani will quickly become popular amongst your household should you give it a chance. Easily identifiable thanks to the abundance of rice that is used, you may be under the impression that because there is no traditional sauce, the dish is quite dry. This could not be further from the truth. Garam Masala, a classic Indian spice, is used in the rub to make it slightly comparable to Tandoori Chicken.
Kadhi Pakoras
Do you dip fries into gravy or nachos into guacamole? If so, this might be the dish for you; as it features crispy onion fritters dunked into spiced yoghurt sauce… and it’s delicious. The crunch as you bite through the pakoras combined with the smooth, delightful, texture of the curry sauce is a combination that needs to be known by everyone.
Malai Kofta
Or, as an alternative, you might choose Malai Kofta - which has a similar sauce but is instead served with deep-fried balls of paneer and potato, resulting in a slightly fluffier bite as opposed to a crunch all the way through. Still just as enjoyable, though, and, what’s more? Malai Kofta has been listed as a brilliant meal for anyone looking to lose weight.
Dal Makhani
This is an option less traditional than the majority of the others on this list of North Indian dishes and has only been around for a hundred years or so. Originating from New Delhi, Dal Makhani is made from a variety of pulses, butter, and cream. It's a good source of protein for vegetarians and has quickly become one of the most popular lentil recipes across the country.
Aloo Parathas
Indians don’t just eat at dinner time. This popular North Indian dish is one you can serve yourself for breakfast. Similar to savoury crepes, Aloo Parathas is made from a unique blend of wheat flour, potatoes, and spices. Then, topped with a heap of butter, this dish is moved from “fairly simple” into a luxurious treat that is cheap and convenient to make.
Rajma Masala
How do you feel about kidney beans? Positive? Negative? Do you flick them out when they are served in chilli, or do you deliberately put them in when you are cooking one? Rajma Masala is a thick, sweet curry often served with brown rice and, if you’re a fan of kidney beans, then you’ll likely enjoy this North Indian dish. Its recipe is designed to highlight its core ingredient.
Bhindo Do Pyaza
Black lentils may not be something that you have come across before sampling the Bhindo Do Pyaza. However, once you have taken a mouthful of this, it will be a regular occurrence on your shopping list. Countless Indian dishes have onions as an ingredient, yet this course takes this to a completely different level - with almost double the usual amount; creating a flavourful experience you might just remember forever.
Baigan Bharta
Are you a fan of spice? Baigan Bharta is an eggplant mash that looks innocent on the surface… but is anything but. With a high degree of heat that lingers long after you’ve finished, some consider finishing a bowl of this meal a challenge. Baigan Bharta is a celebration of North India, with mouth-watering flavours that seep through the fire and make every bite totally worth the pain.
Bhindi Masala
Have you ever tried Okra before? Possibly not, considering it’s known colloquially as “lady finger” and doesn’t exactly paint a pretty picture. However, it’s a prominent ingredient in many North Indian dishes, as it’s grown locally in West Bengal. It has a sweet, crisp flavour with earthy tones and is best enjoyed stir-fried in hot oil, and served with onion, tomatoes, and fresh spices as a Bhindi Masala.
Andey Ki Curry
If you order Indian food often, you’ll be used to the slightly bizarre perk of boiled eggs being served with a range of different curries. If you’re a fan of that flavour palette, then Andey Ki Curry might be worth trying. With egg as one of its main ingredients, you’ll love this hot, spicy, and potent North Indian traditional food.
Aloo Gobi
This list of North Indian dishes wouldn’t be complete without another completely vegetarian option and, of course, Aloo Gobi is the first one that likely comes to mind. Made from a mix of potato and cauliflower, this hearty dish is bound to fill you up. After all, there’s a reason it’s become so popular in the UK. With sweet, almost nutty undertones and enough tingle to satisfy your tastebuds, no order is complete without this dish.
Chole Masala
Chickpeas. They are a staple of many dishes across so many cultures, and, North India is no exception. Chole Masala is somehow spicy but sweet, tangy but smooth, and, altogether, a wonderful experience. However, it’s not easy to cook. The chickpeas need a lot of care and attention to make the consistency just right.
Dal Baati
Roughly translating into “lentils” and “bread” (or, more specifically, hard wheat rolls), Dal Baati is an interesting and enjoyable North Indian dish. It combines sweet, savoury, and mildly spicy into one complex flavour palette.
Rogan Josh
This list wouldn’t be complete without a mention of Rogan Josh, a fiercely spicy lamb curry which is slow-cooked to melt in your mouth. Rich with flavour, the clarified butter makes for a smooth and silky sauce where the aromatic spices provide a complex base flavour. The Kashmiri chillies are an essential feature, as this is a signature recipe of that region.
Jalebi
Whilst the majority of famous North Indian dishes are main courses, there’s one delicious and sweet dessert that certainly can’t be forgotten about… jalebi. Coated in syrup, this pretzel-like treat is mostly enjoyed during festivities and celebrations, but, is delightful all year round.
North Indian Dishes - FAQs
There are so many choices, right? When you’re trying to decide what to try first, it can all be a bit overwhelming. Perhaps these FAQs can help you choose.
Is North or South Indian food better?
It depends on what your preferences are. North Indian food tends to be less spicy as it uses a wide variety of fats like ghee. South Indian food, on the other hand, is a lot hotter, but, admittedly, much healthier.
What is the most famous food from North India?
In the UK, Butter Chicken is probably one of the most well-known North Indian dishes, and for good reason. Its smooth and creamy tomato-based sauce makes it not too spicy, and it has become a favourite of many.
Is Biryani from North or South India?
North India. If you look into it’s history, Biriyani dates back to the late 16th century, where it was enjoyed by royalty in Old Delhi.
Order North Indian Dishes from ChefOnline
If you have been searching high and low for the best Indian takeaways and have been left empty-handed, you will undoubtedly be delighted to hear that there’s an easy solution.
Our expansive list of restaurants serves some of the best North Indian dishes in existence. To place an order, visit our website today, or, for more options, take a look at our complete guide to Indian cuisine.
Which North Indian dish are you going to try? Let us know in the comments below.
