Worldwide Indian Dishes You Can Make at Home

Indian food isn’t just for the streets of Delhi or the kitchens of Mumbai. From New York to Nairobi, dishes like butter chicken, biryani and masala dosa have found fans everywhere. The good news? You don’t need an Indian passport to enjoy those flavors – a few pantry basics and a bit of curiosity are enough.

Essential Ingredients that Travel Well

Most Indian recipes boil down to three things: spices, aromatics and a touch of dairy or acid. If you’re shopping abroad, look for garam masala, turmeric, cumin, coriander and chili powder – they’re usually in the international aisle. When fresh curry leaves or mustard seeds are hard to find, a dab of dried versions works fine. Ghee (clarified butter) adds richness; if it’s missing, swap with a mix of butter and a splash of oil.

Three Global Classics and How to Cook Them Fast

1. Butter Chicken – The creamy tomato sauce is the star. Sauté onions, ginger‑garlic paste, then add tomato puree, a pinch of sugar, and a handful of butter. Toss in pre‑cooked chicken pieces and a splash of cream. Serve over rice or naan.

2. Vegetable Biryani – Layer partially cooked rice with sautéed veggies (carrot, peas, potato) and a spice mix of biryani masala, cinnamon and cloves. Cover and let steam for 10 minutes; the rice will finish cooking and soak up the aromas.

3. Masala Dosa – The batter can be bought ready‑made in many supermarkets. Heat a non‑stick pan, spread a thin layer of batter, drizzle oil, and let it crisp. Fill with a simple potato‑onion mash seasoned with mustard seeds and curry leaves.

These three dishes cover a range of textures – creamy, fluffy and crispy – and they’re easy to adjust based on what’s in your fridge.

When you’re abroad, don’t stress about exact measurements. Indian cooking loves intuition: taste as you go, add a pinch of salt or a dash of lemon juice to brighten any dish. If you’re missing fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of dried coriander leaves can bring back that fresh bite.

Finally, remember that sharing is part of the experience. Serve dishes family‑style on a big plate, let everyone dig in, and enjoy the conversation that food sparks. Whether you’re in a tiny apartment kitchen or a bustling backyard, the world’s Indian dishes are within reach – all you need is a curious palate and a few key spices.

Which Indian food is available all over the world?

Which Indian food is available all over the world?

In my exploration of Indian cuisine's global presence, I found that several dishes have made their mark worldwide. Biryani, a flavorful rice dish with meat or vegetables, is a universal favorite, as is Chicken Tikka Masala, a creamy, spiced curry. Samosas, deep-fried pastries filled with savory fillings, are also immensely loved. Naan bread and Butter Chicken have made their way into international kitchens too. It's truly fascinating how these Indian dishes have traveled far and wide, bringing a taste of India to the global palate.