Every region in India has its own unique winter dish, bursting with love and tradition!
Winter in India is basically chai in one hand and drool-worthy dishes
in the other. Each region brings its A-game with flavours that scream love and nostalgia. Think about all those ghee-laden sweets, soul-warming curries, and snacks that hug your taste buds. Ready to spice up your winter vibes? Let’s take a look into these regional gems that’ll have you reaching for seconds (or thirds)!
Teliya Mah – Himachal Pradesh
Teliya Mah is a popular dish in Himachal's Kangra region, made from black gram and kidney beans. There are variations in the preparation: some add curd, milk, and cream, while others stick to a simpler tempering with ginger, garlic, onions, and raw mustard oil. Traditionally, it's served with rice or rotis, making it a hearty meal, especially during cold winter months. This dish perfectly captures the warmth and comfort of Himachali winters.
Koat Pitha - Mizoram
Koat Pitha from Mizoram is a warm, crispy snack made from rice flour, bananas, jaggery, and sesame seeds. It’s perfect for winter, especially with a cup of tea. Think of it as a sweeter, fried version of Unniyappam, enjoyed by everyone from kids to adults. Whether served as a dessert or a snack, these golden fritters are the perfect treat for chilly evenings.
Dal Bati Churma - Rajasthan
Baati Churma is a classic Rajasthani dish that's as simple as it is delicious. It combines crunchy baatis (bread), a spicy daal, and sweet churma for the perfect winter comfort food. The baati is deep-fried, dipped in ghee, and paired with daal and gatte ki sabzi. Whether you’re enjoying it at a Rajasthani restaurant or making it at home, it’s a hearty, flavorful dish that’ll warm you right up.
Nimona – Uttar Pradesh
Matar Nimona is a comforting, soupy curry made with fresh green peas, tomatoes, onions, and spices like cumin, ginger, garlic, and asafoetida. Popular in Uttar Pradesh during the winter, it combines the sweetness of green peas with the spiciness of mustard oil. Sautéed onions and spices are mixed with a green pea paste and cooked to a flavorful consistency. This dish is perfect for chilly days, offering a balance of sweetness and spice in every bite.
Gudok - Tripura
Gudok is a cosy, hearty dish from Tripura that blends mashed vegetables like yardlong beans, potatoes, and garlic with a kick of green chilies. It’s a simple yet delicious comfort food, perfect for cold winter days. The warmth of the dish and the fresh ingredients make it a go-to for anyone craving something wholesome and satisfying. It is definitely a dish that brings the heart of Tripura’s home-cooked meals to your table!
Nolen Gurer Payesh - West Bengal
Bengalis are crazy about nolen gur (date palm jaggery) when winter rolls around. Sweet shops go all out with treats made from it, but payesh—a creamy rice pudding—is the ultimate winter comfort food. The jaggery gives it that rich, irresistible sweetness that only comes once a year. If you haven't tried it, you're seriously missing out!
Winter foods aren’t just about flavour—they're about nostalgia, those warm family moments, and the scent of regional dishes filling the air. In India, winter recipes are like a friendly embrace, each bite telling a story, steeped in tradition and comfort.
