The Top Ten Best Rated Indian Food in 2024 as per TasteAtlas

Indian cuisine is celebrated worldwide for its rich flavors, diverse ingredients, and vibrant spices. 

TasteAtlas, a renowned food rating platform, has recently released its list of the top ten best-rated Indian dishes, showcasing the essence of this culinary heritage. 

Let's delve deeper into each delightful creation:

1. Mango Lassi : 

Topping the list is the refreshing mango lassi, a blend of yogurt, ripe mangoes, sugar, and sometimes a dash of cardamom. 

Originating from Punjab, this smooth and creamy drink is not just a beverage but a summer essential in India. 

The yogurt lends a tangy base that complements the sweet mango perfectly, creating a balanced and refreshing taste. 

Served chilled, mango lassi is enjoyed as a cooling drink to beat the heat, often paired with spicy Indian dishes to contrast and soothe the palate.

2. Chai Masala : 

As a daily ritual and cultural staple, chai masala secures the second spot with its comforting aroma and rich flavor profile. 

The preparation of chai masala involves brewing black tea leaves with a blend of spices such as cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and sometimes peppercorns or star anise. 

The spices are simmered with a mix of milk and water, creating a robust infusion that warms both body and soul. 

Each sip of chai masala offers a delightful complexity of spice notes, with variations in recipe across regions and households adding personal touches to this beloved beverage.

3. Butter Garlic Naan : 

Earning the third rank is butter garlic naan, a staple bread in North Indian cuisine that has gained popularity worldwide. 

This soft and chewy flatbread is traditionally baked in a tandoor, where its dough, enriched with yogurt and leavened with yeast, develops a slight char and smoky flavor. 

Before baking, the naan is brushed with butter and sprinkled with minced garlic and sometimes fresh cilantro, enhancing its aroma and taste. 

The result is a versatile bread that pairs perfectly with rich curries or is savored on its own as a flavorful snack.

4. Amritsari Kulcha : 

Coming in fourth is the Amritsari kulcha, a specialty from the culinary hub of Amritsar in Punjab. 

Unlike regular naan, kulcha is typically thicker and stuffed with a savory filling, often comprising spiced mashed potatoes, onions, green chilies, and aromatic herbs like coriander. 

The dough is kneaded with yogurt for softness and baked in a tandoor, resulting in a crispy exterior that gives way to a fluffy and flavorful interior. 

Amritsari kulcha is commonly served with chole (spicy chickpea curry) and pickles, offering a satisfying meal that highlights the robust flavors of North Indian cuisine.

5.  Butter Chicken : 

Securing the fifth position is butter chicken, a dish that epitomizes the rich and creamy flavors of Punjabi cuisine. 

The preparation begins with marinating chicken pieces in a mixture of yogurt, spices like cumin, coriander, and garam masala, and a touch of lemon juice for tenderness. 

The marinated chicken is then cooked in a velvety tomato-based sauce enriched with butter, cream, and fenugreek leaves, known as kasuri methi, which adds a distinct aroma. 

The result is a harmonious blend of spicy, tangy, and buttery flavors that coat each tender piece of chicken, making it a favorite choice for both locals and international diners.

6. Hyderabadi Biryani : 

At number six is Hyderabadi biryani, a culinary gem from the royal kitchens of Hyderabad known for its aromatic spices and luxurious presentation. 

Basmati rice is layered with marinated meat (often chicken or mutton), caramelized onions, saffron-infused milk, and a blend of spices such as cloves, cardamom, and cinnamon. 

The dish is slow-cooked in a sealed pot, allowing the flavors to meld together and the meat to absorb the essence of the spices. 

Hyderabadi biryani is typically served with raita (yogurt-based condiment) and mirchi ka salan (spicy chili curry), offering a complete meal that delights the senses with its fragrant aroma and rich taste.

7. Shahi Paneer : 

Taking the seventh spot is shahi paneer, a dish fit for royalty with its creamy texture and indulgent flavors. 

Paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cubes are simmered in a luxurious gravy made from cashews, almonds, cream, yogurt, and a blend of aromatic spices like cardamom, cloves, and saffron. 

The dish derives its name 'shahi', meaning royal, from its rich and velvety consistency that reflects the opulence of Mughlai cuisine. 

Shahi paneer is often served as a centerpiece in festive meals or special occasions, paired with naan or rice to complement its creamy and mildly-spiced profile.

8. Chole Bhature : 

In eighth place is chole bhature, a popular street food dish that combines spicy chickpeas (chole) with deep-fried bread (bhature) for a hearty and flavorful meal. 

The chickpeas are cooked with onions, tomatoes, and a blend of spices such as coriander, cumin, and garam masala, resulting in a robust and tangy curry. 

The bhature, made from fermented dough that includes yogurt and sometimes semolina for texture, is deep-fried until golden and puffed, offering a crispy contrast to the savory chole. 

Chole bhature is often served with pickles, onions, and a side of yogurt, making it a popular choice for breakfast or as a satisfying street food snack.

9. Tandoori Chicken : 

Ranking ninth is tandoori chicken, a quintessential dish where chicken pieces are marinated in a mixture of yogurt and spices before being skewered and cooked in a tandoor (clay oven). 

The marinade, which includes ingredients like turmeric, cumin, paprika, and garam masala, infuses the chicken with a vibrant color and robust flavor profile. 

The intense heat of the tandoor chars the exterior while keeping the meat tender and juicy inside, resulting in a smoky aroma and distinctive taste. 

Tandoori chicken is often served with mint chutney, onion rings, and lemon wedges, highlighting its bold flavors and traditional cooking method.

10. Korma : 

Rounding off the list at number ten is korma, a rich and creamy curry that exemplifies the delicate balance of flavors in Mughlai cuisine. 

Whether prepared with meat (such as chicken, lamb, or beef) or vegetables, korma features a base of yogurt, cream, and ground nuts like almonds or cashews. 

A blend of aromatic spices such as cardamom, cloves, and nutmeg adds complexity to the dish, while the slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and create a silky-smooth texture. 

Korma is often garnished with fried nuts and fresh herbs, serving as a luxurious and comforting dish that is enjoyed with naan or rice.

Each of these dishes not only showcases India's culinary diversity but also reflects the country's rich cultural heritage and regional flavors. 

Whether you're savoring the sweet tang of mango lassi, enjoying the complex spices of Hyderabadi biryani, or indulging in the creamy richness of shahi paneer, these top-rated Indian foods promise a gastronomic journey that captivates the senses and delights the palate. 

TasteAtlas's rankings underscore their popularity and enduring appeal in global cuisine, making them must-try dishes for any food enthusiast seeking an authentic taste of India.