From the bustling lanes of Chandni Chowk to fine-dining tables in London, New York, Sydney, and more, Indian cuisine has travelled far and wide and has become a global phenomenon. Winning hearts and taste buds around the world, the way certain dishes have crossed borders to become cultural icons in their own right. These aren’t just meals, they are the ambassadors of India’s rich culinary heritage, carrying centuries of tradition, regional diversity, and innovation in every bite. Whether it’s a royal delicacy born in Mughal kitchens or a humble street snack, each of these dishes has history and pride. Here’s a look at some of the most celebrated Indian dishes that have not only put us on the world map but continue to make us proud every single time they’re served.
Most famous Indian dishes around the world
Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken, or Murgh Makhani, is India’s most iconic culinary creation around the world. The creamy, mildly spiced curry of tandoori chicken in a rich tomato-butter sauce was created in the 1950s at Delhi’s Moti Mahal. It quickly became a global favourite for its perfect balance of flavour and approachability, and today it has become the gateway to Indian cuisine.
Today, it’s a star on menus from London to Sydney, inspiring countless fusion versions. Globally celebrated, it ranked #29 on TasteAtlas’s 100 Best Dishes in the World (rating 4.52), features regularly in BBC Good Food and CNN Travel lists, is among the Top 10 Takeaway Dishes in the UK, and earned a spot on Lonely Planet’s Ultimate Eatlist.
Chicken Tikka Masala
Chicken Tikka Masala, with its tender marinated chicken in a velvety spiced tomato-cream sauce, is one of the most recognised Indian-inspired dishes worldwide. Its universal appeal is because of its rich, mildly spiced flavour that bridges traditional Indian cooking with global palates.
In 2001, British Foreign Secretary Robin Cook declared chicken tikka masala a ‘true British national dish’. It has been featured repeatedly in BBC Good Food’s most-loved recipes, topped The Guardian’s list of the UK’s most popular restaurant dishes, and consistently ranks high on TasteAtlas’s best chicken dishes globally.
Biryani
Biryani, the iconic fragrant rice dish layered with spiced meat and herbs and spices, is one of India’s most iconic culinary exports, loved for its rich flavours and royal heritage. From Hyderabadi to Kolkata styles, it’s enjoyed worldwide for its perfect blend of basmati rice, tender meat, and aromatic spices. Hyderabadi Biryani has featured in CNN Travel’s “World’s 50 Best Dishes” and ranks in TasteAtlas’ Top 50 Rice Dishes, while global media like the New York Times and BBC hail it as a South Asian classic. Biryani is a true ambassador of Indian cuisine.
Masala dosa
Masala dosa, the crisp, golden South Indian crepe filled with spiced potato masala, has won hearts across the globe for its unique texture, wholesome flavours, and for being vegan-friendly. Originating from Karnataka, it’s now a staple in Indian restaurants worldwide, celebrated for being both comforting and healthy. It was listed in CNN’s World’s 50 Best Foods and praised by The Guardian as one of the ‘Top 10 Things to Eat in the World.’ From street stalls in India to brunch menus in New York and London, masala dosa stands as a delicious cultural icon of India’s culinary heritage.
Red ant chutney
Red Ant Chutney, or Kai Chutney, is a fiery tribal delicacy from Odisha’s Mayurbhanj region. It is made with red weaver ants and their eggs, blended with garlic, ginger, and chilies for a tangy, nutty punch. Celebrated for its high protein, vitamin B12, calcium, and mineral content, it’s considered a superfood with benefits for brain and nerve health. Even though it’s a centuries-old culinary tradition for tribal communities, it gained global fame when Gordon Ramsay tasted it in 2018, calling it “hot but absolutely delicious” and featured it on his menu. Its biggest milestone came on January 2, 2024, when it was awarded the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag, placing it on the world food map as one of India’s most unique and daring flavors.
Tandoori chicken
Tandoori Chicken, originating from Punjab, is a globally celebrated dish today and is known for its smoky, charred flavor from marination in yogurt and spices and then cooked in a traditional clay tandoor. Popularised worldwide through Indian restaurants in the UK, US, Middle East, and beyond, it’s been praised by globally renowned chefs like Madhur Jaffrey and also featured in UNESCO’s list of iconic dishes. It has earned spots on CNN Travel’s ‘World’s 50 Best Foods’, been showcased on shows by Gordon Ramsay and Anthony Bourdain, and remains a star on Michelin-starred Indian restaurant menus around the world.
Gohona Bori
Gohona Bori is an intricate sun-dried lentil art from Bengal and is widely loved and renowned for its delicate jewellery-like designs made from spiced urad dal paste. What was once a traditional household craft, has gained global attention for its unique blend of culinary skill and artistry, earning a place in UNESCO’s ‘Intangible Cultural Heritage’ discussions and featuring in international food exhibitions in the UK, Japan, and the US. Celebrated by chefs and food historians, it has been showcased in Smithsonian Institution’s culinary heritage projects and praised in global publications like BBC Travel and The New York Times.
Gulab jamun
Gulab Jamun, India’s iconic milk-solid dessert soaked in fragrant sugar syrup, is beloved worldwide for its melt-in-the-mouth texture and rich, aromatic sweetness. Originating from the Mughal era, it has become a festive and celebratory staple across South Asia and in Indian communities globally. It has featured on CNN Travel’s “50 Most Delicious Desserts in the World”, been celebrated at global food festivals from Dubai to New York, and won accolades in international culinary competitions for its perfect balance of flavor and indulgence. Its presence on menus from Michelin-starred Indian restaurants to street food fairs has made it a true global ambassador of Indian sweets.
Butter Garlic Naan
Butter Garlic Naan, the soft, tandoor-baked Indian flatbread enriched with butter and garlic, is loved in India and worldwide for its fluffy texture, smoky aroma, and the heavenly flavour. Often paired with curries, it has become a global favourite, featuring on menus from London to Los Angeles. It has been named the best bread in the world by the popular food and travel guide TasteAtlas in its latest list of the ‘Top 100 Breads in the World’, celebrated at international food festivals, and praised by Michelin-starred chefs for its perfect balance of chewiness and flavour.
Misal pav
Misal Pav, Maharashtra’s sprouted lentil curry topped with farsan and served with pav, was recently named in the ‘50 Best Breakfasts in the World’ list by Taste Atlas. Its global fame is for its bold flavours, layered textures, and street-food charm. It was also crowned the World’s Tastiest Vegetarian Dish by FoodieHub Global Awards in London (2015) and has since been featured in BBC Travel and Lonely Planet as a must-try Indian delicacy.
