7 Unknown Indian Dishes That Are Surprisingly Delicious

India, a land of diverse cultures and traditions, boasts an incredibly vast culinary landscape. While dishes like butter chicken, biryani, dosa, and samosa are well-known worldwide, there exist numerous lesser-known regional delicacies that remain hidden gems. These dishes are not only unique but also hold rich histories and flavors that make them worth discovering. Here are seven lesser-known Indian dishes that are surprisingly delicious:
Kashmiri cuisine is famous for its aromatic spices and rich gravies, but Chaman Qaliya, a delightful paneer-based dish, remains relatively unknown outside the region. Unlike the usual paneer preparations found in North India, Chaman Qaliya is cooked in a fragrant yellow gravy made of turmeric, fennel seeds, and milk, giving it a delicate yet deeply flavorful taste. The subtle sweetness from milk and the infusion of whole spices make this dish a must-try for paneer lovers.
A popular sweet snack from Bihar and Jharkhand, Thekua is a traditional deep-fried biscuit made from whole wheat flour, jaggery, and ghee. This crispy and mildly sweet treat is often prepared during the Chhath Puja festival. Thekua has a rustic charm, with its crunchy texture and caramel-like sweetness derived from jaggery. It is usually flavored with fennel seeds and coconut, enhancing its rich taste and aroma. Despite being simple, Thekua is a delightful snack that pairs perfectly with tea.
Chakki Ki Sabzi is a unique and hearty dish from Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh. It is made using wheat flour dough that is steamed, cut into pieces, and then cooked in a spicy yogurt-based curry. The texture of the chakki pieces is chewy yet soft, resembling seitan or mock meat, making it an excellent vegetarian substitute. The spicy and tangy gravy, infused with traditional Rajasthani spices, makes this dish both comforting and delicious.
Sidu is a traditional stuffed bread from Himachal Pradesh, typically enjoyed in the colder regions of the state. Made from whole wheat dough that is allowed to ferment and then steamed, Sidu has a dense, slightly chewy texture. It is often stuffed with a savory filling made from walnuts, poppy seeds, and green chilies. This dish is best enjoyed with ghee, dal, or mutton curry, making it a nutritious and fulfilling meal that locals swear by.
Kalari is a rare and delicious cheese native to Jammu and Kashmir. Often referred to as “Dogra cheese,” Kalari is a semi-hard, stretchy cheese made from cow or buffalo milk. Kalari Kulcha is a popular street food where the cheese is pan-fried until crispy on the outside and gooey on the inside, then stuffed into a soft kulcha (Indian bread) with chutneys and spices. The combination of the chewy cheese and crisp kulcha creates a delightful fusion of textures and flavors.
Patoleo is a sweet, steamed rice cake wrapped in turmeric leaves, popular among the Goan Catholic and Konkani communities. The dish is prepared using a rice batter filled with a sweet mixture of coconut, jaggery, and cardamom before being steamed to perfection. The turmeric leaves impart a unique aroma and flavor to the rice cake, making it unlike any other Indian dessert. Often made during festivals like Ganesh Chaturthi, Patoleo is a must-try for those who love natural, aromatic desserts.
Bhey is a delectable dish made from lotus stem, popular in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The lotus stem is thinly sliced, boiled, and then stir-fried with spices like turmeric, coriander, and gram flour, creating a crunchy yet soft texture. The unique taste of lotus stem combined with the earthy flavors of Indian spices makes Bhey a surprisingly addictive dish. It is often served as a side dish with chapati or rice.
While Indian cuisine is widely celebrated, many of its incredible regional dishes remain unexplored. These lesser-known delicacies, each rich in history and unique flavors, offer an exciting culinary adventure for food lovers. Whether it’s the creamy Chaman Qaliya from Kashmir, the crunchy Thekua from Bihar, or the aromatic Patoleo from Goa, every dish has a story to tell and a taste to cherish. So, the next time you crave something different, step beyond the usual curries and dosas to discover these hidden gems of Indian cuisine!