National Cooking Day: 5 Signature Indian Dishes to Master at NFCI

Food is meant to be celebrated. Indian dishes connect people with sweet memories, stories, and emotions.

India offers an endless variety of signature dishes. Cooking Day in India is celebrated to encourage people to prepare meals at home and share the joy of food with family and friends.

Looking for professional cooking classes, exploring culinary institutions, or simply experimenting at home with cooking recipes? On this National cooking day, let’s step into the world of flavors and explore the signature Indian dishes you should definitely try.

Top Signature Indian Dishes for Beginners

1. Biryani – The Royal Dish of India

The list of Indian dishes is incomplete without Biryani. This aromatic, layered rice dish is infused with spices, saffron, and either chicken, lamb, or vegetables.  Originating from the Mughal kitchens, Biryani is now a Pan-India favorite with countless regional variations.

Why master it?
Because Biryani is not just about mixing rice and meat—it’s about balancing flavors, layering textures, and slow-cooking to perfection. For culinary students, this dish teaches patience, technique, and the art of blending spices.

2. Butter Chicken – The Global Icon

When it comes to signature dishes that represent India globally, Butter Chicken takes the limelight among all other dishes. This Indian dish is creamy, rich, and mildly spiced and often paired with naan or rice.

Why master it?
Mastering Butter Chicken is about perfecting the gravy-making technique. It teaches how to balance creaminess with tanginess and spice which is one of the crucial skills in cooking Indian curries.

3. Masala Dosa – The South Indian Marvel

Masala Dosa is not just a breakfast dish—it’s an emotion in South India. Crispy, golden, and filled with spiced potato masala. It is one of the most iconic Indian food items, served with chutneys and sambar.

Why master it?
Making the perfect dosa is an art. From fermenting the batter perfectly to achieving the right crispness, this dish tests patience and precision. For those taking cooking classes, learning to make Masala Dosa adds versatility to their skill set.

4. Rogan Josh – The Kashmiri Delicacy

Known for its deep red color and aromatic flavors, Rogan Josh is a Kashmiri curry that combines succulent meat with a blend of traditional spices like fennel and dried ginger.

Why master it?
This dish teaches chefs the importance of using spices smartly without overpowering the dish. Rogan Josh is also a lesson in slow-cooking, a vital technique in Indian culinary traditions.

5. Gulab Jamun – The Sweet Ending

Indian meal feels incomplete without a sweet treat. Among desserts, Gulab Jamun is the ultimate desire. These soft, melt-in-your-mouth dumplings soaked in sugar syrup are a true celebration of Indian hospitality.

Why master it?
Because desserts like Gulab Jamun test precision in cooking recipes. Every step matters while making it. For culinary students, it’s an essential dish that combines technical skill with cultural significance.

Master Signature Indian Dishes with Professional Culinary Courses in India!

If you are looking to master these Indian dishes, NFCI is your ideal place to start this journey.

At NFCI (National Finishing and Cookery Institute), we believe that cooking is not just a skill—it’s a career, a passion, and a gateway to success. We offer comprehensive cooking classes where students not only learn these signature dishes but also master international cuisines, modern plating styles, and industry-level techniques.

Why NFCI?                                          

• 35+ years of excellence in culinary arts and hospitality education
• 100% placement assistance
• Hands-on training with expert chefs
• Pan-India presence with 21 campuses
• Dual National and International Accreditation
• Government-approved courses

This National Cooking Day, take the first step towards your dream career.
Join NFCI and turn your love for Indian food and cooking recipes into a rewarding profession.

FAQs

Q1. What is National Cooking day and why is it celebrated in India?
National Cooking Day, celebrated on September 25^th every year, reminds us to cook healthy meals at home and enjoy them with families. India offers countless recipes that every food enthusiast must try at least once in their lifetime.

Q2. Can I learn Indian dishes without professional training?
Yes, you can begin learning Indian dishes at home by reading cooking recipes, watching video tutorials, or experimenting with family recipes. However, professional training at a culinary institute provides you an edge and you will learn techniques such as perfecting spice blends, plating skills, and cooking methods that go beyond home cooking.

Q3. Which Indian dish is easiest for beginners?
For beginners in cooking, Dal (lentils) is one of the easiest Indian dishes to prepare at home. It requires simple ingredients, basic spices, and minimal cooking skills, yet delivers authentic Indian flavors.