9 Worst Indian Food Combinations You Should Never Try

The concept of pairing ice cream with paratha (a rich, unleavened flatbread) may sound experimental, but it doesn't always land well. The crispy, oily texture of the paratha clashes with the cold, creamy nature of the ice cream. This combination is too heavy and unbalanced in flavors, making it an uncomfortable pairing.

 

Samosas, crispy and savory, packed with spiced potatoes or meat, are often paired with chutney or yogurt. But pairing them with sweet lassi (a sweet yogurt drink) creates a strange contrast. The intense sweetness of the lassi conflicts with the savory spices of the samosa, leading to a flavor mismatch.

 

Pav Bhaji, a street food classic of spiced vegetable mash served with buttered bread rolls, is traditionally eaten with pav (bread). Adding rice into the mix turns this flavorful dish into a confusing carb overload. The texture of rice doesn’t complement the smooth, spicy vegetable mash, making it a strange and unappealing combo.

 

The crispy dosa, a South Indian specialty, is traditionally paired with chutneys or sambar. Ketchup, however, is not the best fit. The tangy, sugary taste of ketchup drowns out the delicate flavors of the dosa and chutneys, making it a strange and unappetizing combo. Stick to the traditional sides for the best experience.

 

While chapati (flatbread) is a staple in many Indian homes, pairing it with sweet jam is an odd choice. Chapatis are savory, often served with vegetables or curry, and the sweetness of jam just doesn't complement the mild flavors of the bread. This combination may confuse your taste buds and leave you unsatisfied.

 

While biryani is already a flavorful, fragrant dish, some people may feel the urge to top it with curd or yogurt to cool it down. However, mixing yogurt with biryani can dilute its spices, resulting in a bland, watery experience. The rich, aromatic biryani deserves to stand on its own, without the overpowering tang of yogurt.

 

Chole, a spicy, hearty curry made with chickpeas, is a flavorful and filling dish. On the other hand, kheer (rice pudding) is sweet, creamy, and meant for dessert. Combining these two vastly different flavor profiles can result in a clashing taste experience. The spicy heat of the chole and the delicate sweetness of the kheer don’t balance well together.

 

Aloo tikki (spiced potato patty) is best enjoyed with mint or tamarind chutney. But pairing it with sweet chutney, particularly the overly sugary varieties, can overpower the crispness and savory flavors of the tikki. The sugariness of the chutney doesn’t enhance the potato patty’s flavor and can feel like a jarring combination.

 

Vada pav is one of the most popular street foods in India, consisting of a spicy potato fritter stuffed in a soft bread bun. The traditional accompaniments are chutneys like garlic or tamarind. However, introducing mayonnaise to this spicy, crispy treat results in a mismatch of flavors. The cool, creamy mayo clashes with the fiery taste of the vada, and it just doesn't work well with the deep-fried goodness of the fritter.