Indian Food for Dummies!
Hi, I’m Wade Funk — born and raised in Texas, not India. But over the years I’ve developed a real curiosity and respect for Indian food and culture. If you’ve ever tried to order Indian food, it’s QUITE overwhelming due to all the new words/names/etc, so I put this guide together as a way to learn, share, and celebrate the amazing diversity of Indian cuisine — from North to South, East to West, and also to help simplify the ordering/learning process! The dishes below are organized by region (and generally, popularity), so it’s easier to see how geography and culture shape different flavors. (And if you’re wondering why Chicken Tikka Masala isn’t here — that’s because, tasty as it is, it was actually created in Britain, not India!) At the bottom, you’ll also find a glossary of 50+ common Indian food terms, so you can quickly translate menu items or recipes. I know I’m still learning, so if you’re part of the local Desi/Indian community and have tips, corrections, or recipes you’d like to share, I’d love your feedback. This page is meant as a friendly starting point for anyone (like me) who wants to better understand and appreciate Indian food and the culture behind it.
North India
South India
West India
East & Central India
Regional Quick Guide (Text)
North India — rich gravies, breads, dairy: Butter Chicken, Rogan Josh, Chole Bhature, Palak Paneer, Paneer Tikka
South India — rice, lentils, coconut, sours: Masala Dosa, Idli & Sambar, Medu Vada, Upma, Fish Curry, Hyderabadi Biryani
West India — street food heroes & snacks: Kadhi Pakoda, Vada Pav, Chicken Korma, Malai Kofta
East & Central India — mild heat, mustard oil, sweets: Poha, Samosa
Glossary (50+ Terms)
Leave A Comment