Food is the thriving force in our life which can change our mood in a click. Whenever, we travel to different places… one of the top things on our list is to try the traditional food of that place. That’s why, food and travel are closely associated to each other as both help to resurface and discover modish things of newfangled places. When it comes to declaring the NATIONAL DISH of a country, it becomes quite difficult for a country like INDIA to choose, for it is too diverse and variegated in the food culture. The topic of “NATIONAL DISH” hit the internet way back in 2017 because of media reports which surfaced online claiming that Khichdi had been declared as the national dish of India. Although all such claims were found to be false. The main reason why the government can’t declare any dish as the national dish of the entire nation is owing to the different food specialities present in each place.
India along its length and breadth is very much diversified. Each region is different from the rest and has its own uniqueness which makes it portentous. As such, there is no dish which is declared as the national dish of India. But there are some major competitors for the title, let’s take a look at them one by one.
1. Bhajiya
Bhajiyas are the famous Indian evening snacks. They add a taste to the season, especially the rainy season with its crispy spicy flavour which is enough to make mouths water. They are super famous in the streets of our country. One of the best things about bhajiyas is …that …they are cooked from all sorts of different veggies …right from onion to spinach. Bhajiyas define the culture of each state very well showcasing the speciality of the region through its unique taste and different savour of chutneys. One must try this unique Indian food on the street stalls to enjoy the best version of it.
2. Khichdi
Khichdi is a food loved by large number of peeps. It is one of the most affordable foods and is eaten mostly during the period of fasting. It is considered as one of the most healthy food stuffed with nutrients and at the same time, it is a light food which is good for people facing digestive problems. It is commonly used as a ‘Prasad’ offered to goddess Durga during the Navratri season. Each region has a special touch and taste to it, that’s why many consider it to be the most suitable food to be declared as the national dish of India as this dish indicates national unity of the whole country through food.
3. Jalebi
Jalebi is a spiral-shaped crispy Indian dessert very famous among the people of North India. This sweet dish is made of refined wheat flour, sugar, clarified butter and milk. Along with this, saffron can also be added to the sugar syrup to give a little reddish tone to it and this recipe is famously called “KEASRI JALEBIS”. Instead of sugar, jaggery is also used to bring out the natural sweetness in the recipe. The hot jalebis are mostly enjoyed with rabri or milk. This is one of the most preferred sweet dishes in various functions and parties.
Golgappa / Panipuri
Golgappa is a famous street food in India. Its name is enough to bring a smile on anyone’s face. This truly amazing snack is the heart and soul of all food lovers with its outstanding taste and spicy tamarind-flavoured tango. It is known by different names at various locations. It consists of round puri stuffed with mashed potato and the golgappa/panipuri is filled with flavoured spicy water before serving. The different versions of flavoured water mixed with stuff like tamarind, cucumber and mint governs the taste of the classy and sassy golgappas.
5. Biriyani
Biriyani is a spicy mixed rice dish famous due to all the mixed flavours of the aromatic ingredients used. The dish consists of boiled rice, saffron, ghee, mixed vegetables and Indian spices. The recipe is finally served with raita, wedged lemon and salad. This recipe had its origin in Iran and came to India with the arrival of the Mughals. With time, it developed and transformed into a fully Indian dish with the influence of traditional Indian spices.
