If street food and sweets represent the openness and familiarity of daily life, then main dishes are the “heart” of Indian cuisine - sophisticated, multi-layered in flavor, and deeply rooted in regional identity. From simple family meals to royal banquets, Indian main dishes are always tied to the art of spice blending and unique cooking techniques, creating flavors that are unmistakable.
When setting foot in India, it would be a big miss if you don’t try the following signature main dishes - where culinary essence, culture, and thousands of years of history converge.
Thali
Thali is not just a meal, but a cultural experience. A large platter filled with small bowls of curry, soup, basmati rice, chapati… allows you to taste the full range of flavors in just one sitting. Especially, thali varies by region - South Indian thali is distinctly different from North Indian thali, making diners feel like they’re traveling across the country through a single meal.
Indian Thali, Source: Tripadvisor
Butter Chicken
Originating from Delhi, tandoori chicken cooked in a creamy tomato-butter sauce has become a global icon. Rich but not heavy, mildly spiced, best enjoyed with naan or basmati rice - butter chicken is truly the “ambassador” of Indian cuisine to the world.
Indian Butter Chicken, Source: Internet
Hyderabadi Biryani
If you could choose only one rice dish in India, it must be Hyderabadi biryani. Golden grains infused with saffron aroma, combined with chicken or lamb marinated in yogurt and spices. The “dum” slow-cooking method ensures every grain of rice absorbs the flavors, and once the pot is opened, the fragrance is simply irresistible.
Indian Hyderabadi Biryani, Source: Internet
Tandoori Chicken
Chicken marinated in yogurt and spices, roasted in a clay tandoor oven at high temperatures, creates a smoky charred crust while keeping the inside juicy. This dish perfectly represents India’s distinctive grilling artistry.
Indian Tandoori Chicken, Source: Internet
Rogan Josh
In the North, Rogan Josh is a must-try. Lamb slow-cooked in yogurt and spices, with a deep red hue from Kashmiri chilies, offers a medium heat and unforgettable richness.
Indian Rogan Josh, Source: Internet
Conclusion
Indian main dishes are not just about “filling the stomach” - they are about feeling, remembering, and experiencing. Every thali platter, every biryani pot, or every piece of roasted chicken reflects the culture, history, and creativity of the Indian people. If you wish to fully experience these flavors yourself, start by preparing your journey carefully. And the very first step is the entry procedure: apply for an Indian e-visa quickly and safely at India-immi.org. We accompany you so you can freely enjoy every dish and every wonderful experience in India.
