Turn Up the Spice
While Indian cuisine is all the rage, the extent of South Asian dining is far broader than you might have thought. With multiple countries across the globe sharing and enhancing the same spices, there's no end to this list. Despite that, here are 20 of the top contenders guaranteed to set your taste buds aflame.
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1. Biryani
Biryani is much adored by India, Iran, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and so many other countries. While each region has its customary twists, they all share an emphasis on meat and spices. For anyone looking for an introduction to South Asian food, biryani is bound to hook you.
2. Masala Dosa
A twist on crepes, this dish originating from South India takes crisp thin bread and stuffs it with toppings of your choice. For a traditional masala dosa, expect a side of potato curry or chutney to drive the flavors home.
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3. Nihari
This is a very complicated dish to make—but worth every second. To skip several hours of stewing meats, order a nihari from your local Pakistani store to see what all the fuss is about. With origins from the Mughal empire, this dish breaks down meats and marrow to create a rich peppery finish.
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4. Aloo Paratha
Made by stuffing spiced mashed potatoes inside a flaky and buttery flatbread—this dish can be found in your local frozen food aisle. Throw it in the oven for five minutes whenever you're itching for a super convenient and delicious snack.
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5. Chicken Karahi
Traditionally made with chicken, this dish is beloved throughout South Asia for its unique flavor profile and filling portions. Made in a hot skillet by mixing morsels of chicken, turmeric, chilies, and ginger—chicken karahi is perfect on a bed of rice or with a side of naan.
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6. Saag
For the vegetarians out there, saag packs all the protein without any of the meat. Made from stewing spinach and mustard greens in various spices, this dish is both hearty and good for your heart. What really gives it a kick is that slightly bitter, but surprisingly addictive aftertaste.
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7. Halwa Puri
For many South Asians, this is a traditional weekend breakfast—and you haven't lived until you've tried it once. The halwa refers to a sweet and crumbly semolina pudding which is served alongside deep-fried flatbreads. These breads, known as puris, inflate in the oil, offering a phenomenal texture.
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8. Dal
Another vegetarian classic with many variations—dal brings together differing lentils and spices to create a smooth and spicy curry. Some prefer to leave whole lentils in the dish, while others pulse into a puree. Either way, dal is a delectable creamy soup.
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9. Haleem
This is a hard dish to find—mostly because of the labor and love that goes into making it. Haleem is a slow-cooked chicken stew with an incredibly deep and umami flavor.
Completely unique, it can be topped with crispy onions, fresh ginger, or green chilies for an extra kick.
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10. Korma
Korma is a meat-based curry known for its thick sauce and deep velvety flavors. A little sweet, a little spicy—the creamy tanginess of the dish is bound to keep you coming back for more.
11. Sheermal
You might look at South Asian flatbreads and think them all the same, but you'd be sorely missing out. One notable flatbread is Sheermal, which is considered a treat at breakfast. The flavor profile is uniquely sweet, boasting a milk-and-honey flavor that goes perfectly with eggs, kebabs, and curries. Eating it by itself is also a treat.
12. Pulao
If you want to try South Asian rice, but biryani is too overwhelming—then pulao is the dish for you. This rice dish is cooked alongside chicken broth and aromatic herbs to give it a warm and comforting feel.
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13. Pani Puri
At first sight, this dish may seem a bit intimidating, but you're in for an explosion of flavors. The variations are vast but expect a hollowed-out semolina and wheat flour shell. The inside can be filled from anything ranging from spiced sour water to sweet yogurt and pomegranate seeds. The secret to eating this dish is doing it in one bite.
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14. Pakoras
A classic and crispy appetizer, there is absolutely no better snack than a plate of pakoras. Made from chickpea flour, the pakora batter relies on turmeric, red chili powder, and fenugreek to give it out-of-this-world flavors. After that, a fry in hot vegetable oil ensures a crisp and crackling fritter.
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15. Paya
A showstopper at most festivals and gatherings, Paya is a winter staple. Made from slow-cooked meats alongside ginger and garlic, this extremely tender soup will warm your soul.
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16. Chicken Tikka Masala
Impressively, chicken tikka masala is a national dish in England, where it has received much love for its velvety blend of tomato puree, yogurt, and chili pepper. While it has the creaminess of butter chicken, it provides a twist through its tangy and vibrant flavor.
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17. Chapli Kebab
Kebabs are a versatile food, often taking different forms depending on where you buy them from. A chapli kebab is a unique minced-meat patty that may look like it belongs on a burger. While it does make a great sandwich, be ready for an explosion of herbs and spices.
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18. Keema
Another easy way to use minced meat is to make keema, which relies on a mixture of garlic, onions, and tomato puree for its tender texture. Have it with some flatbread or pile it over rice for an extra hearty meal.
19. Shami Kebab
This unique kebab stands out due to its preparation. Instead of shaping and cooking meat, you begin by folding chickpea paste, eggs, vegetables, and some form of minced meat. After freezing and cooking up the patties, you'll find yourself biting into pillowy and creamy morsels.
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20. Mithai
If dessert was a question, mithai would be the answer. The most well-known mithai is Gulab jamun, but there are hundreds of variations to try. Pop into your local South Asian sweets store and ask for a mixed selection. You're bound to find a few new favorites.
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