Top Dishes to Try In India during Winter
India is one of the most culturally diverse countries in the world. It is home to the largest population of the world with its people coming from all types of religions and cultures from across the world. The influence of these cultures can be seen across the country including places of worship, clothes, traditions, etc.
However, out of these influences, the most interesting influence is seen in the many dishes that emerge from these cultures. India is already well-known for its high-quality spices so imagine how these spices are being used in the country to add flavors to the various dishes being served in the country. These cultures also have dishes that are specifically made for a particular season.
Best Dishes to Try During Winter Season In India
So, let us look at the 10 mouth-watering dishes to try in India during Winter.
Sarson Ka Saag From Punjab
When we start talking about a dish suitable for the Winter season, we look for ingredients that can warm us up in the cold climate. A dish in India that gets that job done is the traditional dish of Punjab named Sarson Ka Saag. This tasty dish is made from a combination of:
- Mustard Greens
- Spinach
- Cloves
- Garlic
- Onions
- Ginger
- Spices
- Ghee
Sarson Ka Saag is often served alongside flatbread that is made from cornflour. All of these ingredients when combined together make for a dish that warms up the body while providing ample nutrition necessary for a long day of travel in many tourist attractions of India.
While the dish is served in every part of the country, the best place to enjoy the dish is the state from which it originates, which is Punjab.
Gushtaba from Kashmir
The state of Kashmir is among the prime winter tourist destinations of India featuring mountain scenery, crystal clear rivers, and lush green forests. To keep the tourists of Kashmir energized and warmed up, the state has its own traditional dish called Gushtaba. This is a non-vegetarian dish made from a combination of:
- Minced meatballs
- Yogurt
- Spices
This curry is often served with either rice or Naan. Naan is a flatbread made from the special Maida flour, also called all-purpose flour, which originates in India and is a part of several dishes other than Gushtaba. The meat in the meatballs has their fat level increased to improve the flavor of the curry. If you wish to dine on a tasty non-vegetarian dish, the Gushtaba from Kashmir is a great option for you.
Undhiyu from Gujarat
Undhiyu is a mixed veg dish that is commonly cooked during special occasions such as festivals, parties, or other special events. Originating from the state of Gujarat, Undhiyu is a dish that can take a lot of time to prepare, but the wait is worth it due to the high nutritional value and the taste of this dish. Undhiyu is made from a combination of several vegetables such as:
- Eggplant
- Green Peas
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Yam
- Pigeon Peas
If you are a vegan tourist, looking for a dish that will keep you energized for your travel across the many tourist attractions of the state of Gujarat during winter, Undhiyu is the dish for you.
Thenthuk from Ladakh
Northern India is a very popular tourist destination during the Winter season of India. Within the Northern region, Ladakh is a region that is very popular among tourists for its snow-filled landscape and the tall hills of the Himalayan ranges. Its close association with Tibet has had an influence on its culture with the dish Thukpa making its way into the region.
In Ladakh, there is a different variant of Thukpa named Thenthuk that is served to the tourists to keep them energized and warmed up during their visit to the region. This soupy dish is made from ingredients such as:
- Onion
- Tomatoes
- Garlic
- Ginger
- Spinach
- Cilantro
- Soy Sauce
If you are a tourist exploring the Ladakh region, it is highly recommended that you give Thenthuk a try.
Methi Pakoda from Rajasthan
During teatime, other than the tea itself, the most important thing to have is a tasty snack to complement the tea. When it comes to a suitable snack to munch on during teatime, pakoda is the preferred snack in India. Pakoda is a snack that is easy to make with the combination of:
- Gram Flour
- Rice Flour
- Spices
Mixing these ingredients with your preferred vegetable can give a variety of pakodas that have the taste of your preference. For the winter season, this includes the use of Fenugreek leaves or Methi which is an excellent ingredient both for its nutritious value and also due to its suitability for the cold season.
Methi Pakoda is a staple snack during the winter that is best enjoyed during teatime with some sauce. The snack is highly adaptable with any type of sauce you like, so feel free to experiment.
Nihari from Lucknow
Many of the best non-vegetarian dishes have originated from the Mughal Empire that once ruled India during the medieval period. One of these non-vegetarian dishes is the Nihari which is a very popular dish during the Winter Season. This dish is made from the following ingredients:
- Meat
- Wheat Flour
- Ghee
- Spices
Nihari is a traditional dish from the state of Uttar Pradesh's capital city Lucknow which is full of other influences of the medieval Mughal Empire.
Beetroot Thoran from Kerala
Beetroot Thoran is a dish that is commonly served as a complimentary dish with rice meals that has excellent nutritional value and rich flavor and is a staple winter dish in that region. This dish is prepared by mixing:
- Grated Beetroot
- Dried Red Chilli
- Turmeric Powder
- Onion
- Coconut Oil
If you are in the Southern part of India, you can dine on this dish in any restaurant with the state of Kerala being your best option.
Gajar Ka Halwa from Delhi
Concluding a dining session usually involves dining on some type of sweet dish. When it comes to a popular sweet dish during the Winter season in India, Gajar ka Halwa is the most popular sweet dish in India. This is a sweet dish that is made from khoya (dried whole milk) and Carrots which have great nutritional value, especially for your eyes.
Til Pitha from Assam
A crunchy sweet dish that originates from the state of Assam, Til Pitha is a staple snack during winter in all of India. Made from sesame seeds and jaggery, it is a flavourful dish that can be feasted at any time during the day.
Gond Ke Laddu from Maharashtra
Laddu is a staple sweet dish in India both for its taste and its religious importance in the Hindu culture as being a common offering to Lord Ganesha. There are many variants of Laddu being sold in sweet shops all across India, however, the most popular Laddu during the winter season is a Laddu made from Gond.
Gond is an edible gum resin that is taken directly from tree barks and mixed with other ingredients including:
- Ghee
- Flour
- Nuts
- Sugar
This sweet will keep you warmed up during the winter while having an amazing taste.
The various cultures and religions housed in India have led to it becoming one of the most culturally diverse and rich countries in the world. While the monuments, lifestyle, clothing, and architecture of these cultures are the main ways to enjoy a given culture within India, the many tasty cuisines that emanate from these cultures are not far behind.
So, if you wish to dine on some of the most tasty winter cuisines that originate from India, start by applying for your Indian tourist e-visa and book all your reservations beforehand. India is a very popular country for a tourist destination and a lack of reservations and delays in visa approval are common occurrences during peak tourism months.
Ensure you have checked your eligibility for Indian e-Visa. Citizens of most countries including Austrian citizens, Bulgarian citizens, Indonesian citizens, Jamaican citizens and Latvian citizens are eligible for Indian e-Visa.