5 Iconic Indian Dishes and The Stories Behind Them

India is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and diverse cuisine. The country's culinary traditions are steeped in history and are a reflection of the country's unique cultural and regional diversity. Indian cuisine is a combination of many flavours, aromas, and spices that have been perfected over centuries. From the North to the South, East to the West, India has a wide range of iconic dishes that have captured the hearts of people all over the world.

In this blog, we will explore five iconic Indian dishes and the stories behind them. These dishes are not only delicious but also reflect the rich cultural history and diversity of India. So, come along on this culinary journey and discover the stories behind these beloved Indian dishes.

Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is one of the most popular Indian dishes worldwide. It is a creamy tomato-based dish that originated in the 1950s in the famous restaurant, Moti Mahal, in Delhi. The founder of the restaurant, Kundan Lal Gujral, accidentally discovered this dish by marinating chicken in a yogurt and spice mixture and then cooking it in a tandoor oven. Later, the cooked chicken was added to a creamy tomato-based sauce, and thus, Butter Chicken was born.

Today, Butter Chicken is a staple in Indian restaurants across the world. It is typically served with naan or rice and is loved by people of all ages. The cost of a plate of Butter Chicken varies depending on the restaurant, but it can cost anywhere between INR 200 to INR 500.

Paneer Butter Masala

Paneer Butter Masala is a vegetarian dish made with soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It is a popular dish in North India and is believed to have originated in the state of Punjab.

The dish was created in the 1960s when a chef accidentally added too much butter and cream to a tomato-based gravy. To balance the richness of the gravy, he added paneer cubes to the dish, and thus, Paneer Butter Masala was born.

Today, Paneer Butter Masala is a favorite among vegetarians and is served in Indian restaurants worldwide. The cost of a plate of Paneer Butter Masala varies depending on the restaurant, but it can cost anywhere between INR 150 to INR 400.

Biryani

Biryani is a rice-based dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is a popular dish in South Asia, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. Biryani is made with long-grain rice, meat (chicken, mutton, or beef), spices, and herbs.