National Tourism Day 2026: 10 Dishes That Remind You Of Indian Spices
On National Tourism Day 2026, travel India not by train or plane, but by plate. These ten dishes bring together the spice, culture, and stories of different states, turning food into the most delicious way to explore the country.
Which Indian dish do you want to try fist on National Tourism Day 2026?
I still remember a winter train journey where my window showed changing landscapes, but my heart was following something else: food. From a vendor selling hot vada pav at a crowded station to the sweet smell of rosogolla in a Kolkata lane, every stop felt like a new page in my travel diary. I realised that in India, we don't just travel with tickets; we travel with taste. Each dish carries the voice of its land, its people, and its spices.
Which Indian dish do you want to try first on National Tourism Day 2026? Photo Credit: Pexels, Unsplash And Copilot
National Tourism Day is celebrated on January 25 every year. It signifies India's cultural, regional, and culinary travel. Observed to promote responsible and local tourism, this day highlights how every state has its own story, traditions, and food identity. In 2026, the focus is on “Travel Through Taste,” encouraging people to explore India not just by visiting places, but by experiencing their local dishes, street food, and home-style cooking.
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| Dish Name | Region Name | Main Ingredients | Best Time to Eat | Why It Is Famous |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vada Pav | Maharashtra | Potato, gram flour, pav, garlic chutney | Morning or evening | Known as Mumbai's street food symbol |
| Chole Bhature And Lassi | Delhi, North India | Chole Bhature -Chickpeas, flour, spices, oil Lassi- Milk and water |
Lunch | A popular North Indian meal |
| Biryani And Kebabs | Hyderabad And Lucknow | Rice, meat, spices, saffron | Lunch or dinner | Known for layered cooking style |
| Tea And Allo Pitika | Assam | Tea leaves, water, milk Allo Pitika: Boiled Potatoes and assam spices |
Morning or evening | One of India's biggest tea regions |
| Rosogolla And Phuchka | West Bengal | Milk, sugar, water Phuchka: Golgappa with sweet and mint chutney |
After meals | Traditional Bengali sweet |
| Makki Di Roti & Sarson Ka Saag | Punjab and Haryana | Corn flour, mustard leaves, spices | Winter lunch or dinner | A seasonal farm dish |
| Dal Batti Churma | Rajasthan | Wheat, lentils, ghee, jaggery | Lunch | A traditional royal dish |
| Rajma Chawal | Jammu and Kashmir | Kidney beans, rice, spices | Lunch | A home-style staple meal |
| Dim sum | Himachal Pradesh | Flour, vegetables, spices | Evening | Influenced by mountain cuisine |
| Idli | Tamil Nadu | Rice, urad dal, water | Breakfast | A daily South Indian food |
Top 10 Dishes That Remind You Of Indian Spices On National Tourism Day 2026
1. Vada Pav From Mumbai
Vada pav is like Mumbai in one bite: fast, spicy, and full of life. A soft bun holds a hot potato ball that is full of masala and love. One bite and your mouth says "wow" while your heart says, "Give me one more." It is messy, it is spicy, and it is totally worth it.
2. Chole Bhature And Lassi From Delhi
Chole bhature comes on the plate like a food party. The chole is full of spices, and the bhature is big and fluffy like a pillow. Now add a glass of cold lassi, and the food starts dancing in your stomach. This combo makes you full, happy, and ready for a long nap.
3. Biryani And Kebabs From Hyderabad
Biryani smells so good that people can find it from far away. The rice is soft the spices are strong and the meat is full of flavour. Kebabs come along to make things more exciting. This food makes you close your eyes and enjoy every bite slowly.
4. Tea And Aloo Pitika From Assam
Assam tea wakes you up better than an alarm. It is strong warm and full of comfort. Aloo pitika is mashed potato with simple spices that feels like a hug from home. Together they make a small meal that makes you smile and relax.
5. Rosogolla and Phuchka From Kolkata
Phuchka is crunchy spicy and makes your tongue do a little dance. Just when your mouth is on fire rosogolla comes in like a sweet hero. Soft and juicy it cools everything down. This sweet and spicy pair is full of fun and surprise.
6. Makki Di Roti And Sarson Ka Saag From Punjab And Haryana
Makki di roti is thick and filling, and sarson ka saag is green and full of flavour. Add a little butter, and it becomes magic. This food feels warm, like sitting in the sun on a winter day. One plate and you feel full and happy.
7. Dal Batti Churma From Rajasthan
Dal batti churma is like a full story on one plate. The batti is hard outside and soft inside, the dal is rich and warm and the churma is sweet and crumbly. When you eat all three together, your mouth gets confused in a good way.
8. Rajma Chawal From Jammu And Kashmir
Rajma chawal is the food that makes you feel at home. The beans are soft and full of gravy, and the rice is simple and calm. Mix them together and you get a bowl of comfort. It is the kind of food you want after a long day.
9. Dimsums From Himachal Pradesh
Dim sums look small, but they are full of surprise. One bite and you get juicy filling and soft outer skin. They are light but still make you feel happy and full. You can eat one and then another, and suddenly the plate is empty.
10. Idli From Chennai
Idli is soft like a little cloud on your plate. Dip it in chutney and sambar, and it becomes full of flavour. It is light on the stomach and big on taste. This food makes mornings feel easy and nice.
India's spices do more than flavour food; they carry the stories of rivers, farms, cities, and homes. From the sharp heat of Mumbai's street food to the gentle warmth of Chennai's idli, every dish reminds us how food connects travel and memory. On National Tourism Day 2026, these dishes become more than meals. They become travel guides, leading us from one state to another through taste. Every plate becomes a map, and every bite becomes a journey across India. Try these Indian cuisines that are easily available on Amazon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is National Tourism Day?
It is a day to promote travel and cultural awareness in India.
2. When is National Tourism Day 2026?
It is celebrated on 25 January.
3. Why is food linked to tourism?
Food reflects local culture and traditions.
4. Why is Assam known for tea?
It has large tea gardens and strong leaf flavour.
5. What is Punjab's famous winter food?
Makki di roti and sarson ka saag.
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