Rice is life for most Indians, and we pride ourselves on the diverse rice dishes across our regions. Each state of India dishes out unique rice preparations from north to south and east to west that showcase local flavours and culinary techniques.
Here is a list of 10 regional Indian rice dishes:
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Bihari Biryani
Bihar is famous for its mouthwatering rice delicacy called Bihari Biryani. Unlike some heavily spiced biryanis, Bihari Biryani offers a simpler flavour profile with whole spices gently infused into basmati rice and meat or vegetables. A popular variation includes potatoes, which make the biryani soft, fluffy and delicious. Do you prefer your biryani with an explosion of spices or a mellow touch?
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Kalakand Bora
If you find yourself in Sikkim, be sure to sample Kalakand Bora. This delightful dish layers roasted green chickpeas with steamed white rice tossed in a sweet condensed milk sauce. The flavours blend harmoniously for a uniquely satisfying meal. Though simple, Kalakand Bora warms the soul and embodies Sikkim’s food culture. Are you hungry yet? This rice dish is sure to please both your palate and stomach.
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Akki Rotti
Akki Rotti hails from the coastal state of Karnataka. It pairs boiled rice with rotti, a crisp pan-fried flatbread. Rotti is often stuffed with a spiced potato filling for an extra flavour boost. The combination of soft rice and crunchy rotti makes for the perfect comfort food, especially during monsoon season. Akki Rotti has been a favourite across generations because of its simple preparation and great taste.
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Pulihora
Pulihora is a sour-tangy tamarind flavour dish from Andhra Pradesh & Telangana. This rice-based salad consists of mingles of steamed rice and tossed diced vegetables like tomato, carrot, and cucumber. The punchy tamarind-chili seasoning elevates every bite. Pulihora is a satisfying hug in a light package, perfect for any mealtime or adventure. Picnickers can’t get enough of its easy-to-carry goodness! Why not enjoy this South Indian staple on your next trip to the region?
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Bissi Bela Bath
Bissi Bela Bath is a lip-smacking rice dish offered by Odisha. This unique rice preparation uses duck or chicken and local vegetables simmered in a tangy-sweet coconut curry. The addition of Bengal gram or chana dal makes it stand apart, which lends a distinctive texture. Bissi Bela Bath warms the soul during chilly days and is a beloved part of Odia cuisine. Try this special dish next time you visit Odisha’s scenic coastline.
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Pongal
No Tamilian festival is complete without delicious Pongal. This savoury rice pongal is cooked with moong dal, rice, spices, fresh veggies and coconut milk. As the ingredients simmer to perfection, overflowing with flavours, it symbolises prosperity and a bountiful harvest. Enjoy this therapeutic comfort food during festivals or to uplift your mood. A spoonful of Pongal is all you need to feel happy, warm and nourished from within.
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Khichdi
Mention Gujarati cuisine, and images of Khichdi come to mind. This comfort classic combines rice and lentils cooked together until softened. With a jumble of spices, herbs, and sometimes vegetables added in, each bite of Khichdi feels like an old friend. Khichadi’s lightness, wholesomeness, and rich nutritional content have made it immensely popular across India. Make a batch on a busy day for an easy meal the whole family will love.
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Ambemohar
Get your hands on Ambemohar from West Bengal if you want to whet your appetite for something truly novel. This unique preparation requires beaten rice to be layered with fried banana and jaggery syrup. The sweet-savoury medley creates an explosion of flavours in your mouth. It’s the perfect steamed rice snack to curb your cravings. Give this unusual speciality a try when you get a chance.
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Pulav
While every Indian state boasts its style of pulav rice dishes, Hyderabadi Biryani Pulav stands tall and is rich. A blend of spices, tender meat and rice simmered together to perfection yields a masterpiece. Non-vegetarians can’t get enough of each grain’s subtle yet intense flavours. For a royal rice dining experience, look no further than Hyderabadi Biryani Pulav, served with customary accompaniments.
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Ghee Rice
Nothing quite warms the Tamil soul like hot steaming Ghee Rice served with rasam or sambar. Fragrant boiled rice laden with ghee, tempering of mustard seeds, urad dal and curry leaves – this simple preparation is comfort-defined. The perfect stress buster, Ghee Rice is best enjoyed during rainy seasons or with filter coffee on lazy weekends. For many residents of Tamil, a meal feels incomplete without tasting this heavenly rice. So make it a priority next time South India beckons.
