Indian cuisine is a vibrant tapestry of flavours, with each region offering a unique gastronomical experience. While dishes like biryani and paneer tikka masala have gained international acclaim, there are many regional Indian dishes that are very underrated and deserve the spotlight. So, we at unstumbled thought of bringing you the best of regional dishes. These dishes are hidden gems of the Indian culinary landscape.
Underrated Regional Indian Dishes
Basale Gassi
Basale Gassi is a traditional curry made using Basale soppu, which is known as Malabar Spinach. This delicious dish hails from coastal Karnataka (Udupi and Mangalore) and tastes the best with steamed rice. The freshness of Malabar spinach is balanced with a rich blend of spices, creaminess of coconut, and tanginess of tamarind, making it the perfect curry for lunch time.
Popati
This dish hails from the coastal region of Raigad in Maharashtra and is known for its rich texture, unique cooking method, and distinct taste. Popti is a unique chicken dish that also includes eggs and val papdi, which is a type of long green bean. It is a winter dish where all the ingredients are layered in a clay pot and sealed with banana leaves. Then this pot is placed upside down in a pit and covered with cow dung cakes with a bonfire lit on the top.
Murghanu Shaak
Murghanu Shaak is a traditional Gujarati chicken dish hailing from Somnath in Gujarat. Yes, you read that right, this dish goes against the common perception that Gujarati cuisine is strictly vegetarian. In this dish, chicken is marinated and then cooked in a sweet-savoury curry. The dish has a unique flavour profile that balances sweetness and tanginess, reflecting the typical Gujarati flavours in a dish.
Chakki Ni Sabzi
Chakki ni Sabzi is a traditional dish hailing from Rajasthan’s arid regions, from Mewar and Jodhpur. In this dish, wheat flour dough is steamed into cakes, and those cakes are cooked in a flavorful curry. This curry is made out of tomatoes, spices like cumin and carom seeds, and onions. It is served with roti or rice and is known as the region’s hearty staple dish in many Rajasthani households.
Chainsoo
A traditional dish from the Garhwali region, Chainsoo is a protein-rich, thick-textured, earthy-flavored dal. This dal is made from roasted black gram dal, which is ground into a fine paste. It is then cooked with special local spices. It is a staple dish known for its health benefits, and is garnished with ghee and served with rice or roti.
Kacha Lonkar Jhol
Kacha Lonkar Jhol is a traditional Bengali fish curry made using green chillies as its key ingredient, giving it a unique, sharp taste. It is a dish that highlights the pungent taste of green chillies with catfish prepared in a thin, flavorful curry. The dish also has a vegetarian version made by replacing fish with gourd. This sharp, flavorful curry is served with rice in Bengal.
Summing up
India is blessed with the most amazing culinary landscape in the world, and the dishes we have listed are not even the tip of the iceberg. There are many more underrated dishes from various smaller regions of the country that will surely make you fall in love with your country even more. So, wait no more and try these simply delicious, underrated regional Indian dishes and enjoy!
