North India’s food scene is vast, scrumptious and full of hidden gems that rarely get the attention they deserve. Butter Chicken and paneer Tikka are all delectable, but there is a whole world of flavours beyond them.
Lasooni Tangdi is a mouthwatering garlic-infused chicken drumstick dish, grilled to smoky perfection. Filled with spiced mashed potatoes and cooked in a tandoor, Aloo Kulcha is a deliciously stuffed bread variety.
So, get ready to explore North Indian food like never before.
Unique North Indian Dishes to Taste
Safed Paneer
You may not have heard about Safed Paneer, but one bite is enough to make you fall in love with its luxurious taste. If you are used to the bright, spice-packed North Indian curries, this dish will surprise you with its nutty white sauce and creamy consistency.
The term ‘Safed’ means ‘white,’ a fitting name for this gravy, which is prepared with a luscious blend of cashew nuts, almonds, yoghurt and slow-cooked khoya (reduced milk).
Infused with green chillies, white pepper and cardamom, this dish delivers a mild yet rich flavour that lingers pleasantly on the palate. The gravy seeps into the paneer cubes, making it unbelievably smooth and tasty. This dish is worth every bite!
Hariyali Murgh Kebab
Overflowing with flavour, the mildly spicy and incredibly succulent Hariyali Murgh Kebab, also known as Green Chicken Kebab, is a tempting treat.
This Murgh Kebab redefines traditional kebabs by coating chicken in a bright, aromatic mixture of yoghurt, mint, coriander and spinach for a refreshing taste.
Thanks to this marinade, the kebabs take on a beautiful green shade while enriching them with a bold, herby twist. A change of pace from the familiar red and yellow tones of tandoori cuisine, indeed!
The kebabs, kissed by the flames of a grill or the intense heat of a tandoor, come out tender, smokey and loaded with wholesome goodness.
Garnished with lemon wedges and mint chutney, Hariyali Murgh Kebabs are a must-have for those who desire lighter yet zesty grilled dishes. They are ideal for summer dining or as yummy appetisers.
Bharwa Baingan
Not everyone gives the eggplant a fair chance, but Bharwa Baingan might be the dish that turns things around. This dish is proof that even the most basic ingredients, like eggplant, can shine when prepared the right way.
Small eggplants are cut open and generously stuffed with a rich mixture of aromatic spices and fresh herbs, creating a delicacy that bursts with robust, earthy flavours in every mouthful.
As the stuffed vegetables get simmered in mustard oil, they absorb its warm, smoky undertones. Bharwa Baingan goes wonderfully with roti or rice, making it a fantastic choice for vegetarians eager to try regional flavours.
The wonderful dish is a great example of how creative and lip-smacking Indian cuisine can be.
Lasooni Tangdi
For those who can’t get enough of garlic and love a good smoky char, Lasooni Tangdi is a dream come true. Chicken drumsticks are soaked in a tasty marinade of yoghurt, garlic and a mix of spices.
The intense heat of the tandoor locks in the flavours of the seasoned chicken while adding a light smoky char. The name ‘Lasooni’ literally translates to ‘garlicky’ and trust us, it embraces its name wholeheartedly.
Served alongside mint chutney and onion rings, this dish is an amazing starter for a North Indian spread. If you are in the mood for something different from tandoori chicken, Lasooni Tangdi is an appetising alternative.
Korma
Korma has a long and royal history in North India, tracing its roots back to the Mughal kitchens. Korma gets its name from the Urdu word ‘Qorma,’ meaning ‘to braise.’
In essence, it is a dish where meat is slow-cooked in fats to bring out its depth of flavour. Truly traditional preparation involves tenderly cooking meat or vegetables in a spiced yoghurt gravy, enhanced with nuts, ghee (clarified butter) and a blend of fragrant spices.
The magic of Korma is in its thick, creamy base and the complex, signature flavours that come from cooking it low and slow. Try it with chicken, mutton or paneer and you will notice how each ingredient gives the dish its own personality.
Enjoying the curry with Roomali Roti or Jeera Rice is a delicious way to dive into North India’s culinary heritage.
Aloo Kulcha
Naan and paratha may get all the praise when it comes to Indian bread, but Aloo Kulcha is just as delectable and warrants a place in the spotlight.
In Hindi, ‘Aloo’ refers to potatoes and ‘Kulcha’ is a soft, leavened flatbread made using all-purpose flour. A must-try from Amritsar, this golden, tandoor-cooked bread is filled with spiced mashed potatoes and brushed generously with butter.
Thicker than most regular breads, Kulcha is fluffy on the inside, with a subtle crisp on the outside that makes it hard for you to resist. Savour it as the traditional Punjabi meal with Chole (spiced chickpea curry) and some pickles on the side.
Nalli Nihari
Despite being exceptionally rich in flavour, Nalli Nihari often gets overshadowed by its more famous counterparts. Its name traces back to the Arabic word ‘Nahar’ meaning ‘morning,’ emphasizing its history as a breakfast staple.
Nothing beats the melt-in-your-mouth experience of Nalli Nihari for those who appreciate slow-cooked perfection. The centuries-old recipe boasts lamb shanks and bone marrows braised to succulence in a palatable sauce.
The meat is so tender it separates from the bone on its own and the gravy is an explosion of complex, lip-smacking taste. Fans of Rogan Josh will find Nalli Nihari to be an even more velvety, indulgent curry.
Murgh Kurchan
Murgh Kurchan is a culinary masterpiece in the Indian culinary landscape, with different textures and intense, satisfying flavours. Tender strips of chicken are stir-fried with capsicum and onions, then drenched in a thick, spice-laden tomato gravy.
Sadly, you do not see this often in Indian kitchens anymore because making it is quite a task. Murgh Kurchan is not just about cooking – it is about layering flavours by sautéing them repeatedly on an iron tawa for that perfect finish.
With a bolder spice profile and a more textured bite, this dish stands out as an exciting upgrade from Butter Chicken or Tikka Masala. A bite of this with Butter Naan or Roomali Roti is pure North Indian comfort food at its best.
The Madras Diaries: Your Destination For Authentic Indian Food
Every dish at The Madras Diaries is a celebration of true North Indian flavours, created with care and only the best ingredients. Your dining experience should be just as extraordinary as the food and we make sure our service reflects that.
Come find us in Amsterdam and Utrecht, where we present the most delicious Indian dishes in the Netherlands. Reserve your table today!
