Indian food is taking the world by storm. In the TasteAtlas 2024 World Food Awards, Indian cuisine ranked among the Top 15 global cuisines, with classics like Butter Chicken and Hyderabadi Biryani listed among the 100 best dishes in the world. Even popular desserts like Mysore Pak and Phirni made it to global dessert rankings. These awards have placed India’s traditional recipes on the international culinary map. For travellers from England or Europe, tasting these dishes in their homeland is a must-do cultural experience.
India is not just a land of temples and palaces. It is also a land of flavors, spices, and stories that travel through every bite. From creamy curries in Delhi to aromatic rice in Hyderabad, each region has its own world-famous dish waiting to surprise you.
Why Indian Food Is Loved Across the World
Indian food is now one of the most recognized cuisines globally. In the UK alone, there are over 12,000 Indian restaurants, and dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala are sometimes called “Britain’s national dish.” But the real experience begins when you taste these recipes where they were born, made with local spices, fresh ingredients, and time-honored techniques.
Top Indian Dishes That Won International Awards
1. Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani): The Global Favorite
Butter Chicken was ranked among the Top 30 dishes in the world by TasteAtlas in 2024. It originated in Delhi at Moti Mahal restaurant, where it was accidentally created by mixing leftover tandoori chicken with a buttery tomato gravy. Its smooth, mild flavor makes it a perfect choice for travelers new to Indian food.
Where to try: Moti Mahal or Gulati Restaurant, Delhi.
2. Hyderabadi Biryani: India’s Pride
Hyderabadi Biryani earned a spot in the World’s 50 Best Traditional Dishes. This royal recipe, made with fragrant basmati rice, marinated meat, saffron, and slow cooking, is known for its rich aroma and delicate layering. Each bite tells a story of Mughal kitchens and Nizam-era royalty.
Where to try: Paradise or Bawarchi in Hyderabad.
3. Chicken 65: A Spicy Southern Hit
This crispy, deep-fried chicken dish from Tamil Nadu also made it to international rankings. It is famous for its tangy and spicy flavor, which comes from chili, curry leaves, and lemon. Many restaurants now prepare milder versions for foreign travellers who prefer less spice.
Where to try: Buhari Hotel in Chennai, where it was first created.
4. Rogan Josh: Kashmir’s Royal Curry
Rogan Josh, a deep-red lamb curry rich in Kashmiri chili and yogurt, represents India’s northern highlands. It has been featured in UNESCO’s list of Heritage Foods of India. The dish is hearty, aromatic, and perfect for travellers who enjoy bold flavors.
Where to try: Ahdoos Restaurant in Srinagar.
5. Masala Dosa: South India’s Crispy Delight
Masala Dosa was listed among the Top 50 Street Foods in the World by TasteAtlas. It is a thin, crispy rice pancake filled with spiced potatoes and served with coconut chutney and sambar. It is light, healthy, and loved by travellers seeking vegetarian options.
Where to try: Vidyarthi Bhavan in Bengaluru or any local dosa stall in Mysuru.
Award-Winning Indian Sweets to End Your Meal
After a spicy and flavorful meal, Indian desserts offer the perfect balance of sweetness and comfort. Several traditional sweets have recently received global attention.
1. Mysore Pak: The Royal Dessert
Mysore Pak ranked 14th in the World’s Best Street-Food Sweets list. Made from ghee, chickpea flour, and sugar, it melts instantly in the mouth. This golden dessert was once served only in royal kitchens but is now loved across the world.
Where to try: Guru Sweets, Mysuru.
2. Phirni and Kheer: India’s Creamy Puddings
Both Phirni and Kheer were included in the Top 10 Rice Puddings in the World. They are made by simmering rice in milk with cardamom, saffron, and nuts. Served chilled in clay bowls, these are the perfect treats after a long day of exploring.
Where to try: Any North Indian restaurant or sweet shop.
3. Rosogolla: The Soft Syrupy Delight
The famous Rosogolla from Bengal has received a Geographical Indication (GI) tag, confirming its cultural heritage. These soft, spongy balls made from cottage cheese and soaked in sugar syrup are a symbol of joy in Indian celebrations.
Where to try: K.C. Das or Balaram Mullick in Kolkata.
Food Travel Tips for UK and European Visitors
- Choose well-reviewed local restaurants or food tours for authentic yet safe experiences.
- Ask for “less spicy” or “medium spicy” versions if you’re new to Indian food.
- Always drink bottled water and avoid raw street food.
- Try eating with your hands at least once; it’s part of the experience.
- If you love sweets, visit a local mithai shop in the evening when everything is fresh.
Exploring Indian food is like travelling through centuries of culture. Every dish has a story, a history, and a reason it became famous. For travellers from England and Europe, tasting these award-winning Indian dishes and sweets is more than a food experience. It’s a way to understand India’s heart, through its flavors.
From creamy Butter Chicken in Delhi to spicy Chicken 65 in Chennai and soft Mysore Pak in Karnataka, every region offers something unforgettable. So when you visit India, let your journey be guided by taste. You might find that the best part of your trip isn’t a monument or a market, it’s what’s on your plate.