Top Twenty Comfort Foods Of 2022It’s the final stretch of 2022, and with it, a slew of new trends to look forward to. Even though last year was all about spicy flavours and eco-friendly food, we couldn’t have predicted the meteoric rise of the espresso martini. So, what comes next? From immune-boosting ingredients to at-home restaurant fare (and yeah, more viral TikTok dishes). Food trends are roughly as predictable as the weather. It is doable, but there is always the possibility of a surprise or two. With nearly half of 2022 already behind us, there’s a smidgeon of clarity in terms of the road ahead, so here are the top twenty food trends that will be sizzling in 2022.
1. Vada Pav
Vada Pav has become a cult favourite among its devotees and is now an inseparable part of Indian cuisine. This poor man’s burger is pure luxury. It is inexpensive and fills the soul with each bite. The crunchy outer skin and spicy potato filling create a flavour symphony with tangy, sweet, and spicy chutneys, giving Vada Pav distinct flavour and character.
2. Chhole Bhaturey
This global representative of Indian cuisine is widely available in Indian restaurants and resorts. Legend has it that the best Chhole Bhaturey can be found on New Delhi and Punjab streets. Deep-fried Bhatura is a decadent indulgence enhanced when paired with a scoop of spicy Chhole. It comes with raita, onions, and mint chutney on the side.
3. Biryani
Whether throwing a big party or just relaxing in front of the TV, biryani is always a good choice. This is the most popular dish in India, with over 50 different varieties available. With a royal pedigree, the combination of meat, rice, and spices is unrivalled. It’s a filling meal, which makes biryani more than just-food. So, the next time you’re in the mood for something fancy, order a plate of biryani, and you’ll know the satisfaction is unparalleled.
4. khichdi
When you’re sick with a cold, it’s almost surreal to eat piping hot khichdi. The comforting flavour of hot dal, the aroma of tadka, and the crunchy vegetables always leave you wanting more. This one-pot meal of rice, lentils, spices, and vegetables is always a hit with the whole family. From children to grandparents, generations of people adore a steaming bowl of khichdi. Every state in India has its version of khichdi, such as Karnataka’s Bisi Bele Bath and Gujarat’s Khichdi with Kadi.
5. Chicken
When it came to comfort food, chicken dishes somehow topped the list in the poll. Fried chicken, roast chicken, grilled chicken, or boiled chicken: Indians adore chicken in all forms. While some prefer elaborate preparations, others are content with simply devouring buckets of chicken wings. To each their own! And so much for India being a vegetarian nation!
6. Rice With Curd
There isn’t much that can go wrong with curd rice. It’s also a favourite meal in India, and the ease with which you can handle a bowl and dig into the soft rice is unmatched. Serve the rice with papads or pickles. There are numerous variations that Indians enjoy serving with their curd-rice. Some people like to season the rice with tadka, while others add grated cucumbers or finely chopped garlic pieces. Each variety is equally relaxing.
7. Tunde Kabab
Despite its amusing name, Tunde Kabab will take you on a culinary adventure. Its subtle flavour profile will surprise you and keep you coming back for more. Lucknow’s favourite street food is a regal representative of Shahi Awadh culture. The succulent kababs easily break apart and melt in the mouth. Wrap them in a roti to make them easier to eat.
8. Rajma-Chawal
How can we disagree when the ex-captain of the Indian cricket team, Virat Kohli, admits Rajma-Chawal is his favourite comfort food? The perfect combination is kidney beans in a thick gravy with rice. It’s warm, spicy, and comforting, and it always makes you nostalgic. Rajma-Chawal will always smile on your face, whether you eat it for dinner, lunch, or just in the middle of the night when you’re feeling down.
9. Idli-Sambhar
A British professor recently described Idli as boring, but when you see the wrath of South India on social media, you know you can’t blame the ultimate comfort food. This protein-rich breakfast is made from rice and lentils. It’s oil-free and vegetarian. Idli is a popular food among travellers because it is inexpensive, filling, and healthy. Idli has become so popular that an entire day is dedicated to it. World Idli Day is observed on March 30 around the world. So now you know that Idli-Sambhar should be on your list of comfort foods.
10. Potato Variants
Another Indian staple is the potato. Indians adore everything from fries to wedges to potato chips to plain boiled potatoes seasoned with salt and pepper. India is a substantial potato-loving country, and despite our bulging waistlines, potatoes are our ultimate comfort food – or at least a component of our comfort food. There are also parathas and aloo papads. Just ask, and the dear aloo variety will oblige!
11. Chai
Though initially a Chinese invention, Indians have adopted it as their own. We dare to say that once you’ve had the traditional Indian masala chai, no other tea in the world will satisfy your taste buds. When you take a sip of this thick, sweet, spiced concoction, your toes will curl with pleasure, and all your worries will be forgotten! There’s a reason why Indian rains don’t come with chai! Even in the worst of weather, they cheer you up and make you feel good!
12. Poha
This savoury goodness is a Madhy Pradesh breakfast. The soft spiciness of poha complements with jalebi and chai perfectly. It’s a match made in heaven that will give you the energy you need to start your day right. Explore the uncharted territory of Indian cuisine.
13. Litti Chokha
This little-known Bihar culinary gem has long been a part of Indian cuisine. Litti Chokha is one of those underappreciated Indian dishes. The Litti is a whole-wheat ball with roasted chickpea and barley flour filling. Chokha is a spicy and soul-warming potato and eggplant medley. This dish is rarely found in any Indian restaurant or resort in India.
14. Pani Puri
In India, you are almost sure to find a pani puri lover among your friends. Every city has bets among friends to see who can eat the most pani puris. Every pani puri fan knows the best stall in town and the exact combination of flavours that they prefer. This is how we justify our fondness for pani puris. Pani puri is more than just street food; it is a connector; love stories and beautiful memories are woven throughout the experiences of eating this delicacy.
15. Ice-Cream
How often have you gorged on ice cream while crying over a broken heart, a lost promotion, or whatever sorrow was eating your heart out? There’s a reason why ice cream tubs are so easy to hold and eat from.
16. Maggi
This is, without a doubt, India’s ultimate comfort food. And, no, no other instant-noodle brand can do the job that Maggi does. Maggi has a special place in our hearts and stomachs, and *sniff* since the ban, many young people have succumbed to depression. Just return, Maggi!
17. Samosa
Though these are not the healthiest options, who can resist a plateful of these deep-fried triangle-shaped samosas served with some hot tea and chutney? Delhi has its samosa chat, Mumbai has mixed samosa inside pavs, Chinese food lovers have stuffed noodles inside samosa, and many more unique combinations rule the Indian foodie world.
18. Lassi
This traditional Indian beverage is a staple of Punjabi culture and a saviour after a long day. There are numerous variations of this yoghurt drink, including mango lassi, strawberry lassi, chocolate lassi, mint lassi, etc. Lassi not only comforts us when we are feeling lost, but it also aids in digestion.
19. Dal Makhani
Any North Indian foodie will devour this lentil variant with butter naan (Indian flatbread) and pickles. Not only is this a comforting home dish, but it is also served to guests at lavish Indian weddings. Many non-vegetarians often complain about how fortunate they are to be able to eat butter chicken, but when they try dal makhani, they realize that vegetarians may not be missing out on much. Dal makhani has almost become a staple food in India, and it can be found in many restaurants across the country.
20. Jalebi
Everyone will tell you the same thing, from famous Hollywood and Bollywood stars to politicians: “I love jalebi.” On a Sunday morning in India, every family looks forward to their special breakfast of kachori, aloo ki sabzi, and jalebi. If you forget or are unable to obtain the star of the show, “jalebi,” the special breakfast loses its allure. Every neighbourhood has a different shop where they can get the best jalebis. For breakfast and evening snacks, Jalebis are required on any trip to the grandparents’ house. Diwali without jalebi is analogous to fireworks without sparks. Any celebration, big or small, must include a platter of jalebis.
