Underrated Indian Dishes
When we think of Indian food, classics like butter chicken, biryani, dosa, or paneer tikka often steal the spotlight on Underrated Indian Dishes. But India’s culinary heritage is so much deeper. Hidden in local kitchens and small towns are dishes that rarely make it to the mainstream, yet they are packed with flavor, tradition, and history.
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In this blog, we’ll explore 20 underrated Indian dishes that deserve your attention. If you’re a foodie looking to go beyond the usual, this list will surprise your taste buds.
1. Litti Chokha (Bihar)
A rustic dish made of wheat balls stuffed with sattu (roasted gram flour) and served with mashed potato, brinjal, and tomato chokha. Nutritious, smoky, and soulful.
2. Patra (Gujarat)
Colocasia leaves layered with spiced gram flour, rolled, steamed, and tempered. A perfect snack that’s tangy, spicy, and crispy.
3. Bhutte Ka Kees (Madhya Pradesh)
A street favorite in Indore, this dish is made from grated corn sautéed with spices and milk. Creamy, healthy, and absolutely unique.
4. Chhena Poda (Odisha)
Known as the “cheesecake of Odisha,” this baked dessert is made from fresh chhena (cottage cheese), sugar, and cardamom.
5. Khar (Assam)
A traditional Assamese dish made with raw papaya, pulses, and alkaline water filtered through banana ash. A true taste of heritage.
6. Thepla (Gujarat)
Soft flatbreads made with whole wheat flour, fenugreek leaves, and spices. Ideal for travel, light meals, or breakfast.
7. Kaladi Kulcha (Jammu & Kashmir)
A rare cheese-based street snack from Udhampur, where local cheese (kaladi) is roasted and stuffed into kulchas.
8. Bebinca (Goa)
A traditional Goan layered pudding made with coconut milk, sugar, ghee, and eggs. Rich, festive, and deeply satisfying.
9. Undhiyu (Gujarat)
A winter delicacy cooked with a mix of seasonal vegetables, fenugreek dumplings, and spices—slow-cooked in earthen pots.
10. Farcha (Parsi Cuisine)
A Parsi-style fried chicken, marinated in spices, dipped in egg batter, and fried till crispy golden.
11. Chhattisgarhi Chana Samosa (Chhattisgarh)
Unique samosas stuffed with spicy black gram filling, different from the usual potato ones.
12. Kangshoi (Manipur)
A light and healthy vegetable stew cooked with herbs and served with rice. Simple yet comforting.
13. Banjari Gosht (Rajasthan)
A rustic mutton curry made with minimal spices, cooked slowly to bring out natural flavors.
14. Puttu and Kadala Curry (Kerala)
Steamed rice flour cylinders with coconut layers, served with black chickpea curry. Nutritious and wholesome.
15. Handvo (Gujarat)
A savory cake made of rice, lentils, and vegetables, baked or pan-fried for a crunchy crust.
16. Chak Hao Kheer (Manipur)
A royal dessert made with black rice, milk, and sugar. Fragrant and rich in antioxidants.
17. Dal Baati Churma (Rajasthan)
Hard wheat balls baked and served with ghee-soaked dal and sweet churma. A meal full of tradition.
18. Pathrode (Karnataka)
Colocasia leaves smeared with spiced rice batter, steamed, and shallow-fried.
19. Sanna (Goa)
A spongy Goan bread made with fermented rice batter and toddy or yeast. Often paired with curries.
20. Neyyappam (Kerala)
Sweet pancakes made of rice, jaggery, coconut, and ghee, often prepared during festivals.
Why Try Underrated Indian Dishes?
India’s food culture is as diverse as its people. These underrated Indian dishes not only offer unique flavors but also connect you with the stories, traditions, and local identities of different regions. Next time you crave Indian food, step away from the usual and try something new—you’ll discover a hidden gem of flavor.
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