Palak paneer
If you struggle to incorporate more greens into your diet, palak paneer offers a delicious solution. Palak, meaning spinach, is combined with paneer, a semi-firm, fresh-pressed cheese, creating a flavorful dish. Unlike other cheeses, paneer maintains its shape when cooked, adding a unique texture to the spinach. In addition to spinach and cheese, cream, onion, ginger, garlic, and garam masala are added for flavor and richness. The spice blend used can differ depending on the cook, resulting in a unique palak paneer experience every time.
Price: $10.99
Biryani
Biryani is a flavorful rice dish that offers a sensory experience like no other. According to BBC, this dish has roots in Iran, where "biriyani" means fried rice in Persian. While it evolved into a separate cuisine in Iran, Indian biryani has diversified into various rice-based dishes specific to different regions. Hyderabad is particularly famous for its version of biryani, known for its tender meat and aromatic spices like cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and saffron.
Price: $12.99
Tandori Chicken
The vibrant red color of tandoori chicken makes it easily distinguishable and unforgettable once you savor its delectable taste. The combination of yogurt and spices in the marinade, along with the unique cooking technique, contributes to its distinct flavor profile. Typically cooked on the bone in a clay tandoor oven, this method infuses the meat with smoky aromas. The result is a crispy exterior and juicy, tender interior, thanks to the flavorful marinade. While the specific blend of tandoori masala may vary, key ingredients often include cayenne, garlic, ginger, onion, garam masala, and red chili powder.
Price: $9.99
Masala Dosa
Consider it as a variation of a pancake from southern India, resembling a thin crêpe and commonly accompanied by savory fillings. Dosa batter, unlike regular flour pancakes, is prepared using fermented lentils and rice, resulting in a crispy outer layer and a tender inner texture. According to one tale behind its name (dosha meaning to sin), a Brahmin chef was conducting experiments with fermented rice and unexpectedly created a completely distinct dish instead of the alcohol he was covertly attempting to produce. Once you savor a bite of this adaptable snack, you'll gladly forgo the rice wine.
Price: $11.99
Thali
Thali can be likened to a personalized feast presented on a platter. In Hindi, the term specifically refers to the steel plate that holds the meal of the same name. A variety of 10 to 15 dishes are served in small bowls, creating a delightful mix and match experience. From curry, dal, pickle, chutney, fried snacks, bread, rice, to yogurt, the plate offers a diverse range of flavors. Additionally, thali includes numerous other preparations like meat, vegetables, fish, and seafood, not forgetting the delectable desserts. The plate encompasses spicy, sour, sweet, salty, and bitter tastes, making it a complete sensory experience. It is common to find a palate cleanser included in the thali, further enhancing the balance of flavors in accordance with Ayurvedic principles of nourishment. Alongside the harmonious combinations, thali emphasizes the use of fresh, seasonal, and locally sourced ingredients. This vibrant meal is traditionally served during celebratory occasions such as weddings. To truly immerse yourself in the authentic flavors of regional Indian cuisine, indulging in a thali is a must.
Price: $20.99