8 Most popular Tandoori dishes across India

When we think of Indian cuisine, we often think of hot curries, aromatic spices and tasty tandoori’s. It’s tandoori’s in particular that are so iconic to traditional Indian food. A Tandoor is a cylindrical clay oven that reaches unbelievable hot temperatures. Invented in India, this historic appliance dates back to 2600 B.C (around the same time as the pyramids being built). With that in mind, let’s jump to the 8 most popular tandoori dishes eaten all across India.

Tandoori Chicken

Starting with a classic tandoori staple, the tandoor chicken has stood the test of time. Perfected by over 5000 years of cooking practice in India, it’s no wonder it’s hard to hear the word ‘Tandoori’ without thinking of succulent spicy chicken.

Tandoori Mushrooms

If you’re not a meat lover, that’s okay! You can still enjoy all the wonderful flavours of a traditional tandoori oven. Fresh large mushrooms are marinated in sensational spices before being skewed and roasted in a tandoor. Often sharing the skewer with a variety of other tasty vegetables and served with an array of tantalising chutneys, tandoori mushrooms are a must-try at Indian Restaurant.

Fish Tikka

This one is for the seafood fans and it is an absolute delight. Fresh fish fillets that have been marinating in carefully constructed layers of different spices, are then skewed and roasted in the tandoor until the outside is beautifully crispy.

Tandoori Paneer

It’s not oven you’d think to put cheese on a skewer and roast it up to 480 degrees, but Indian paneer is something of a marvel. With an almost chicken-like consistency and mild but luxurious flavour, it’s the perfect ingredient for an indulgent tandoori treat. Wrapped in a variety of aromatic spices, tandoori paneer is the ultimate vegetarian dish.

Tandoori Naan

Everyone’s favourite Indian flatbread, the naan has become incredibly popular all over the world. Its versatile flavour can be topped with different herbs, spices and vegetables to really give your dining experience that extra level up.

Seekh Kebab

All across India, a seekh kebab is enjoyed as a finger food during busy events and special occasions. Spice filled minced meat is enhanced with herbs and skewed before heading into the tandoor to pick up extra smokey flavour.

Tandoori Gobi

‘Gobi’ is simply translated into cauliflower and tandoori gobi is exactly that. Mostly served as starter dish, tandoori gobi consists of beautifully spiced cauliflower florets that are then skewed and roasted at a high temperature.

Tandoori Malai Tikka

No matter where you are in your Indian food adventure, Tandoori Malai Tikka is a must-try. Juicy pieces of chicken are marinated in spiced yoghurt and cream mix before being skewed and roasted in a tandoor. As well as a treat for the tastebuds, this dish is also a feast for the eyes.

So there we have it, all the most precious tandoori gems of India! Go out there and enjoy some traditional tandoor cooked food today.