15 Must Try Indian Dishes On Your Motorcycle Tour To India

You say India or you say Curry, it is just the same! Curries, the heart and soul of Indian cuisine, encompass a rich tapestry of flavors, spices, and culinary traditions. Originating from the Indian subcontinent, curries have evolved over centuries, reflecting the diverse cultures and regions of the country, await your exploration as you traverse the diverse landscapes and cultures of this vibrant land on your next motorcycle trip to India.

Indulge in the rich and aromatic butter chicken of Northern India or savor the fragrant coconut-infused fish curries of Southern India, each region boasts its unique versions of curries.

On your culinary adventure through India on a motorcycle treat your taste buds to the sublime flavors of Biryani. Biryani is the Royal dish of nawabs, a culinary gem that originated in the opulent kitchens of the Mughals. This fragrant dish has evolved over centuries where the basmati rice is layered with spices, chicken, mutton, and vegetables. The uniqueness comes from cooking these ingredients in a sealed pot on a low flame so that the rice takes in all the juices from the meat.

Indulge in the aromatic delights of biryani at India’s finest culinary restaurants as you traverse on your Royal Enfields. Savor the rich and indulgent flavors of Hyderabadi biryani at iconic eateries in Jaipur and Udaipur, where every bite is a culinary revelation. In central India, relish the light and aromatic Lucknowi biryani, where each mouthful transports you to the gastronomic bliss of India. Explore eateries in Kochi for Kerala’s Malabar biryani or try the flavorful Mughlai biryani at Karim’s in Delhi.

As you journey through the vibrant streets of India on a motorcycle culinary adventure, no ride would be complete without indulging in the tantalizing flavors of chaat of India. A beloved street food tradition, chaat is a delightful medley of savory, spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors that dance on your palate.

Originating from the bustling lanes of Old Delhi, chaat has become a ubiquitous part of Indian cuisine, enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. From the iconic golgappas and tangy papdi chaat to the hearty aloo tikki and from crispy pyaaz kachori to refreshing dahi bhalla chaat, each chaat dish tells a story of centuries-old culinary craftsmanship and innovation of Indian cuisine.

Travelers to India are often drawn to the lively street markets and roadside stalls, where skilled chaat vendors deftly assemble these delectable snacks with a flourish of spices and chutneys. Whether you are exploring the bustling bazaars of Jaipur, the historic lanes of Agra, or the vibrant markets of Ahmedabad, you are sure to encounter a tantalizing array of chaat options waiting to be savored. So, as you traverse the diverse landscapes and cultures of India on a Motorycle, be sure to treat your taste buds to the irresistible flavors of chaat. With its vibrant colors, bold flavors, and intoxicating aromas, chaat is not just a culinary experience—it is a celebration of India's rich and diverse food heritage.

Puri bhaji is a quintessential Indian breakfast dish that consists of deep-fried bread (puri) served with a spiced potato curry (bhaaji). While the basic components of puri bhaji remain the same, there are numerous regional variations and versions of this dish found across India. Each region puts its own unique spin on puri bhaji, resulting in a diverse array of flavors and textures that reflect the local culinary tastes of India.

In North India, the famous choley- bhature, where puri/bhatura is often accompanied by chole (spiced chickpea curry) or aloo matar (potato and pea curry), adds an extra layer of flavor and richness to the dish. Bedmi Puri is a delectable variation of the traditional puri bhaji found primarily in the northern regions of India, particularly in Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. What sets Bedmi Puri apart is its unique dough, which is made by combining wheat flour  with soaked and ground urad dal (black gram lentils), along with a blend of spices, served hot, accompanied by a spicy and flavorful potato curry or a tangy tamarind chutney.

 In Gujarat and Maharashtra, puri bhaji is served with a sweet and tangy potato curry known as batata nu shaak or aloo sabzi, along with a side of tangy pickle and spicy green chutney. In South India, especially in Tamil Nadu, puri bhaji is known as poori masala or poori saagu. The potato curry is often infused with coconut milk and a blend of aromatic spices, giving it a unique and fragrant flavor.

As you food travel through India on a Motorbike, be sure to sample the various versions of puri bhaji available in different regions. Each variation offers a delightful culinary experience of India.

The Tandoori Platter is a culinary delight that tantalizes the taste buds with its smoky flavors and tender textures. Originating from the northern regions of India, particularly Punjab, this dish has become a beloved favorite of everyone food traveling in India and is enjoyed across the country and beyond.

At the heart of the Tandoori Platter is the traditional clay oven known as the tandoor, where meats, vegetables, and even seafood are marinated in a blend of yogurt and spices, then skewered and grilled to perfection over hot coals.

This platter can be both a veg Tandoori platter or a non-veg tandoori platter. The most famous in a non veg Tandoori Platter is often the iconic Tandoori Chicken, with its vibrant red hue and succulent meat infused with aromatic spices. Accompanying the chicken are an array of tantalizing sea food,  juicy lamb tikkas, or  tender chicken tikka. The veg tandoori platter having flavorful paneer tikka, marinated bell peppers, onions, tomatoes,and mushrooms. Each bite of the Tandoori Platter is a burst of flavor, with the smoky char from the tandoor complementing the rich marinades and tender meats. Served with fresh lemon wedges, mint chutney, and crisp onion slices, the Tandoori Platter is a feast for the senses that is best enjoyed on your motorcycle foodie tour in India.

Whether indulging in the Tandoori Platter at a traditional Indian restaurant or savoring it at a roadside stall, this iconic dish from India is a must-try for anyone looking to experience the rich and vibrant flavors of Indian cuisine.

The concept of Rajasthani Thali is based on the idea of "Atithi Devo Bhava" (Guest is God), where guests are treated with utmost respect and hospitality. The thali is typically served on a large platter or tray, filled with an assortment of dishes that represent the culinary heritage of Rajasthan.

The Rajasthani Thali is characterized by its bold and robust flavors, often featuring a combination of spicy, tangy, and sweet dishes. Some of the signature dishes found in a Rajasthani Thali include Dal Baati Churma, a hearty dish consisting of lentils (dal), baked wheat flour balls (baati), and a sweet crumbled wheat dessert (churma). This culinary delight also includes Gatte ki Sabzi (gram flour dumplings in a spicy curry), Ker Sangri (a tangy and spicy vegetable preparation), and Papad ki Sabzi (a curry made from fried papads).

Accompaniments such as Bajra or Makki Roti (millet or corn bread), Rice, and a variety of pickles and chutneys add to the flavor and variety of the thali. Desserts like Jalebi (sweet fried circular zig zag dipped in hot syrup) and Rabri (sweetened condensed milk) provide a sweet conclusion to the meal.

The Rajasthani Thali is not just a meal, but a dish that celebrates the rich cultural heritage and hospitality of Rajasthan. Whether enjoyed in a traditional Rajasthani home or at a restaurant specializing in regional cuisine, the Rajasthani Thali offers a gastronomic journey that is sure to leave a lasting impression on your motorcycle gastronomical journey to India.

Imagine yourself savouring the various flavours of elaborate spread of dishes served on a banana leaf, that is the beauty of south Indian Thali.

The South Indian Thali typically includes staples such as steamed rice, sambhar (a tangy and spicy lentil-based stew), rasam (a spicy and tangy soup), and a variety of vegetable curries and stir-fries known as "poriyal" or "thoran." Accompaniments like crispy papad, tangy pickle, and cooling yogurt provide a balance of flavors and textures to the meal.

One of the highlights of the South India Motorcycle Tour is the South Indian Thali is the inclusion of traditional snacks like crispy vadas, fluffy idlis, and savory dosas, served with a selection of chutneys and sambar. These iconic dishes showcase the artistry and skill of South Indian cuisine, with their intricate flavors and perfect textures.

To end the meal on a sweet note, the South Indian Thali often includes desserts like payasam (a creamy rice pudding), kesari (a semolina-based sweet dish), or assorted sweets like mysore pak and adhirasam.

Whether enjoyed at a traditional South Indian restaurant, a local eatery, or as part of a festive celebration, the South Indian Thali offers an experience that is both satisfying and soulful. It is a must-try experience on a motorcycle trip to South India for anyone looking to explore the rich and diverse flavors of South Indian cuisine during their tour of India.

Dig into a savory bowl of dal, a nutritious, flavorful and hot stew-like dish that focuses around lentils and vegetables. A rich blend of spices like cumin, ginger, garlic, garam masala and more, including the jalapeno peppers, make this dish a quick staple for lunch or dinner. Dal is usually eaten with rice, or flatbreads like roti or chapatis.

This humble yet versatile dish embodies the essence of Indian cooking with its simplicity, nourishment, and rich flavor profiles.  Dal, or lentils, come in a myriad of varieties, each with its own unique taste, texture, and regional influence. From the creamy indulgence of Dal Makhani to the fragrant mix of spices in Dal Tadka, from the nutty flavor of chana dal to the beloved dish of every Indian’s favorite Rajma, the options are as diverse as the nation itself.

So be sure to savor the variety of dal options during your Food tour to India on the Royal Enfield,  as they leave you craving for more of the rich and aromatic flavors of Indian cuisine.

No culinary road trip in India would be complete without tasting the diverse array of Indian breads that grace the tables of homes and restaurants across the country. In North India, indulge in the iconic naan, a leavened bread cooked in a tandoor oven and brushed with ghee or butter for a delectable finish. Pair it with creamy curries or aromatic kebabs for a truly indulgent dining experience on your motorcycle tour to India. For a hearty and wholesome option, try the roti or chapati, unleavened flatbreads made from whole wheat flour and often enjoyed with lentils, vegetables, or meat dishes.

Venture into the streets of India on your Motorcycle and savor the buttery goodness of tandoori parathas at roadside dhabas, a stuffed bread filled with spiced mashed potatoes, cheese or filling of your choice and cooked in clay oven until golden and crispy. Or delight in the flaky layers of laccha paratha, a multi-layered flatbread that pairs perfectly with rich gravies and creamy curries.

Sample the delights of Gujarati cuisine with thepla, a spiced flatbread made from whole wheat flour and seasoned with fenugreek leaves, served with pickles and yogurt for a satisfying meal on the go. Or indulge in the indulgent flavors of puran poli, a sweet flatbread stuffed with a rich filling of jaggery and lentils, often enjoyed during festivals and celebrations.

Whether enjoyed as a hearty appetizer, a satisfying snack, or a centerpiece of a lavish feast, kebabs are a culinary delight of India. Indulge in the iconic Seekh Kebabs of North India, where finely minced meat is seasoned with spices, shaped onto skewers, and grilled to perfection over hot coals. Savor the melt-in-your-mouth goodness of Galouti Kebabs or the fiery delights of Tangdi Kebabs or explore the coastal flavors of Kerala with Meen Kebabs: where every version of kebabs have evolved over centuries to become a beloved culinary art form in India.

Traditionally served in a handle-less clay cup called a kulhar, Lassi is an unusual drink that is widely popular and is enough to refresh you during your motorcycle foodie tour ride, a yogurt-based drink that is traditionally savory, but can be made sweet. Usually, it is flavored with ground and roasted cumin, but it can sometimes be found with fruit and spices mixed into the drinker’s taste.

Kulfi is a classic Indian ice cream made with slowly simmered whole milk. Although the long-simmering process results in a loss of volume, it makes up for it with a delicious, nutty, caramelized flavor. The ice cream is characterized by its unusual, conical shape, a result of using traditional, special molds with tight-fitting lids.

Kulfi is usually flavored with ingredients such as pistachio, rose water, green tea, and saffron. It is believed to have been invented by the early inhabitants of the Himalayas during the Mughal Empire era and is another must-try sweet on your Gourmet motorcycle tour to India.

Rasgulla, a classic Indian sweet, is renowned for its sweet and spongy texture, making it a staple among the flavors of India. This delightful dessert of India is crafted by turning cottage cheese (paneer) into small balls, which are then simmered in a sugar syrup infused with cardamom. The outcome is a rasgulla that dissolves in your mouth, offering a refreshing yet indulgent experience.

On the food exploration motorcycle journey to India, the dish that one should not miss eating is Malpua- a popular dessert of Central India, where the dessert is based on milk solids that are kneaded into a dough, shaped into pancakes, and deep-fried in ghee. The pancakes then get soaked in a sweet thick syrup, flavored with saffron, green cardamom, and rose water. When served hot, Malpua is often garnished with dried nuts to further enhance its flavors.

In the realm of motorcycle traveling in India, India is often hailed as “Incredible India On Two Wheels”, but for discerning food enthusiasts who love good food, India beckons as “Edible India On Two Wheels”. A country that feels like a continent, a cuisine that embraces millennia of traditions and cultural convergence… bold flavors, and aromatic spices with impressive colors and contrasts offer you a spectrum of dietary preferences. Here, every palate will find its match as India truly has something for everybody when it comes to food.

Immerse yourself in the captivating array of Indian cuisine on a Motorcycle journey to India, where each region offers a unique culinary adventure. From the hearty and robust thalis of the north to the delicate coconut-infused flavors of the south, and the tantalizing fresh fish curries of the coast, India promises a gastronomic paradise for food enthusiasts. Join Indian Rides on a culinary journey with our well- curated and well- planned motorcycle tours through the diverse landscapes of Indian sub- continent:  tasting its cuisine, where every dish tells a story of tradition, flavor, and heritage where even a thought alone makes you want to come to India!