Our ultimate roundup of the 30+ Best Indian Breakfast Recipes. We love to start our day off right, and these recipes are some of our favorites to make sure morning time is nutritious, flavorful, and easy at home. Many of the recipes are great for meal prepping and keep well for many days.
Breakfast is one of my family’s favorite and most important meals in our home. It’s what starts our day and keeps us fueled through the whole morning. In Indian culture, we have many savory and sweet recipes that are traditionally full of flavor and spice to keep us satisfied.
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What is a traditional Breakfast in India?
Traditional breakfast options in India vary greatly depending on the region, culture, and personal preferences. For instance, in Southern India, breakfast staples like Idli, Sambar, and Dosa are widely favored. On the other hand, in Northern India, breakfast often includes Aloo Parathas, Palak Paneer Parathas, Chole, Puri, etc. Growing up in Maharashtra, my mornings were greeted with the comforting flavors of Poha, Upma, Sheera, and Thalipeeth.
However, these examples merely scratch the surface of the diverse breakfast options found across India. The richness of Indian cuisine lies in its myriad regional variations and dishes, ensuring there’s something to delight every palate!
How to Make an Indian Breakfast
Planning the best Indian breakfast recipes can be as simple or as elaborate as you would like it to be! We love to have a well-rounded meal full of flavors that are filling and nutritious.
Beverage – Coffee and Tea are the most popular breakfast drinks in India. Masala Chai and Ginger Chai to me are a must to start the day. If you are looking for caffeine-free options, Pomegranate Juice, Lemon Ginger Tea , Masala Doodh, and Turmeric Milk make for great options.
Next, decide between savory or sweet, or sometimes both Indian breakfast recipes. The best part is that most of them can easily fit the Vegan (Upma, Thepla, Chilla), Vegetarian (Parathas, Sheera), and Gluten Free (Poha, Uttapam) diets.
It’s easy to add proteins to Indian Breakfast foods for a balanced meal that is also satisfying. I love to pair Parathas with Breakfast Lentils or Egg Bhurji for added proteins with a side of Indian Pickles and Chutney – they always add a spicy kick to each bite. If you love eggs, my Indian Shakshuka is a crowd-pleaser and a must-try!
I’m excited to share with you 30+ of my best tried-and-true family Indian breakfast recipes.
1
Masala Chai
Masala Chai, a beloved Indian drink, is a spicy and aromatic beverage brewed from black tea and a blend of invigorating spices. The addition of ginger, along with milk and sugar, brings a comforting warmth that feels like a hug in a cup. Customize this classic beverage with your favorite kind of milk.
2
Adrak Wali Chai (Ginger Chai)
This warming Ginger Chai is made with 3-ingredients and perfect for the morning. With all the traditional chai flavors plus a boost of fresh ginger, it’s full of vibrant flavors to start your day.
3
Crispy Dosa with Homemade Batter
Crispy Dosas are great for any meal in Indian culture. We love to serve a dosa at breakfast or brunch with different chutneys. We have the best failproof recipe here for you to make right at home. I’ll guide you through every step, ensuring your batter ferments flawlessly and you achieve that coveted golden, crispy dosa texture we all love.
4
Rava Dhokla (Savory Semolina Cakes)
Rava Dhokla are fluffy and soft, savory semolina cakes that are lightly spiced with ginger, green chilies, and an earthy tempering of black mustard seeds and sesame seeds. Served with fresh cilantro-mint chutney, Rava Dhokla is a great make-ahead breakfast as well as snack or appetizer.
5
Easy Indian-Style Shakshuka (Makhani Shakshuka)
This Indian Style Shakshuka is a twist on the traditional Middle Eastern shakshuka with a creamy tomato butter masala sauce. Using just one pan, this makhani shakshuka recipe comes together in less than 30 minutes. This is the perfect egg dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner and is a crowd-pleaser for entertaining guests.
6
Quinoa Dosa
This quick to make Quinoa Oats Dosa is my go-to recipe when I am craving my favorite South Indian food and do not have hours or days to plan ahead. This recipe uses quinoa instead of rice and does not require fermenting of the batter. Besides the soaking time, the whole recipe only takes 45 minutes to make, much shorter than the traditional dosa recipe.
7
Idli (Instant Pot & Stovetop)
An undisputed masterpiece from the kitchens of South India, Idli are soft, melt-in-the-mouth steamed cakes made from a nutrient-rich fermented batter of rice and lentils. Since these pillowy, porous vegan cakes are fat-free, they’re one of my favorite breakfast options but can be served any time of the day.
8
Quinoa Idli
9
Coconut Chutney
Coconut Chutney is a lightly spiced, nutty dip served as a popular side dish with Indian food. It’s great at breakfast alongside idli and other classic dishes. Easy to make, this widely-loved condiment is made by blending tender grated coconut with green chilies, garlic cloves, and roasted gram lentils.
10
Uttapam (Savory Rice and Lentil Pancakes)
Uttapam are savory rice and lentil pancakes with crispy golden edges and a pillowy soft center topped with veggies. Traditionally served as breakfast in South India, wholesome Uttapam are easy to make and also gluten-free. We love serving them alongside other plant-based proteins.
11
Kolkata Egg Rolls
One of our favorite easy breakfast recipes, Kolkta Egg Roll is an iconic dish from the streets of Kolkata, West Bengal. It’s made with thinly sliced veggies, eggs, a sprinkle of chat masala, and a drizzle of ketchup wrapped in flaky parathas. A Perfect combination of veggies, protein, and carbs these versatile rolls make for a delicious and filling breakfast, snack, and a light meal.
12
Mango Chia Pudding
While this isn’t a traditional Indian breakfast recipe, this Easy Mango Chia Pudding has a modern take with classic Indian flavors. Blending sweet, juicy mango with coconut milk is the tropical base for this pudding. Ground cardamom adds the perfect touch of warm spice, while maple syrup and a pinch of salt highlight the natural sweetness of mango. Top with ripe mango, unsweetened coconut flakes, and crunchy pistachios for a deliciously healthy meal that’s great to prep ahead.
13
Moong Dal Chilla
Moong Dal Chilla is a classic Indian breakfast dish that is enjoyed with pickles or chutneys. These Savory Green Gram Lentils Pancakes make for a healthy and EASY gluten-free option for naan, parathas, and roti. They make for a delicious wrap to roll up your favorite foods.
14
Masoor Dal Chilla (Savory Red Lentil Pancakes)
Masoor Dal Chilla or savory red lentil pancakes are protein packed and seasoned with warm spices. They’re perfect for breakfast, snack, or alongside a main course. They’re both gluten-free and vegan and a delicious substitute for traditional Indian roti, parathas, or naan.
15
Poha
Phoa is the classic Indian breakfast recipe. It’s an easy-to-make savory dish enjoyed as a healthy breakfast or a snack. Originally native to Maharashtra in Western India, poha is a light, fluffy dish made with flattened rice. The rice is seasoned with onions, potatoes, and warming spices. The earthy turmeric gives it a bright yellow hue and the fresh green chilis add just the right amount of spice.
16
Upma| Rava Upma| Sooji Upma
Upma is the classic Indian breakfast dish that will leave you with a satiated tummy and a happy mind. Upma is made by carefully roasting coarse semolina and cooking it in boiling water. It is then infused with oodles of flavor by adding fresh vegetables, nuts, herbs, a hint of spice, and lots of love.
17
Sheera (Sooji Halwa)
Sheera is a traditional Indian pudding-like dessert made using fine semolina (Rava or Sooji), ghee, and sugar, laced with aromatic cardamom. It also happens to be great served in the morning as well. Ready in under 30 minutes, this easy-to-make pudding uses just a handful of pantry ingredients and is also wonderful to meal prep.
18
Methi Thelpa (Fenugreek & Sweet Potato Flatbreads)
Methi Thepla is a thin, soft whole-wheat flatbread is chock full of fresh fenugreek leaves, turmeric, red chili powder, carom seeds, and sesame seeds. We added a twist to this recipe by adding mashed sweet potato into the dough which adds another layer of texture and flavor.
19
Kale Potato Parathas
Kale Potato Parathas are savory Indian flatbreads made with whole wheat flour, kale, potatoes, green chilies, garlic, and spices. Served with pickle, chutney, or yogurt these kale parathas are perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner!
20
Thalipeeth (Savory Multigrain Flatbread)
Thalipeeth is an instant, lightly spiced, savory flatbread cooked using a combination of flours made flavorfully fragrant with fresh Indian spices. This flatbread is a healthy, almost guilt-free option to accompany any breakfast. Be warned, you may want to eat two or three!
21
Bombay Sandwich
Bombay sandwich is a deliciously wholesome sandwich with loads of cilantro-mint chutney and thinly sliced veggies layered between slices of soft bread. This is a vegetarian sandwich perfect for breakfast, lunch or as a snack. It’s loaded with the goodness of fresh veggies, making for an immensely gratifying bite.
22
Instant Pot Kothimbir Vadi
Kothimbir Vadi are also known as spicy cilantro cakes that are great to prep ahead or even freeze for future meals. It’s a Western Indian delicacy, made with fresh cilantro and gram flour perfectly spiced with chili, garlic, and ground turmeric. This Instant Pot recipe uses a simple method so you can have this traditional Maharashtrian dish ready in no time! Plus it’s both a gluten-free and vegan dish that’s a perfect breakfast, snack, side dish, or appetizer.
23
Dudhi Muthiya (Vegan Steamed Dumplings)
A Gujarati delicacy, Dudhi Muthiya or vegan steamed dumplings are made with bottle gourd, fresh fenugreek leaves, green chilies, ginger and turmeric. The fresh spicy, tangy, and sweet flavors are perfect for breakfast, brunch, or as a snack. Pan-fried until crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, they’re perfect with a hot cup of chai.
24
Handvo (Oven and Instant Pot)
Handvo is a traditional Gujarati savory cake made with rice, lentils, and lots of vegetables like bottle gourd, fenugreek leaves, and carrots. Spiced with fresh ginger and green chilies, tempered with mustard seeds, sesame seeds, and dried red chilies. This wholesome dish is often served with a side of pickle or chutney for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
25
Bread Upma
Bread Upma is a traditional Indian breakfast that’s both warming and filling. Flavored with lots of herbs and spices, it’s a recipe that transforms stale bread into the ultimate comfort food that also happens to be vegan.
26
Egg Bhurji (Indian Scrambled Eggs)
A classic Indian breakfast, Egg Bhurji is a spicy, mouth-watering spin on scrambled eggs. In this easy recipe, eggs are cooked in a tasty masala made with onions, scallions, hot chili peppers, tomatoes, ginger, garlic, and warming spices. Served with ghee toast, it makes for a hearty protein-packed meal.
27
Vegan French Toast (Savory Masala Toast Recipe)
This Masala French Toast is completely vegan. A mixture of gram flour mixed with water and spices replaces the eggs to coat the bread. It’s a delicious savory breakfast or brunch that everyone loves.
28
Savory Masala French Toast with Turmeric and Chili
This Savory Masala French Toast is a gratifying breakfast made by dipping sliced bread in a spicy egg mixture and then pan frying it to perfectly delectable brown. Made from healthy eggs, onions, and warming spices like turmeric and chili, this recipe is sure to be your family’s most loved on the breakfast menu.
29
Sheer Khurma
Sheer Khurma translates to “milk with dates” and is like a vermicelli pudding. This is a special sweet dish made with dates, nuts, raisins, and vermicelli noodles, roasted in nutty ghee, and cooked in saffron-laced milk. Check out all the details on how to make this ambrosial dessert with a step-by-step recipe.
30
Air Fryer Donuts
While these aren’t a traditional Indian breakfast recipe, these flavor-packed homemade donuts are made from scratch and cooked right in the Air Fryer! The cardamom-spiced dough is topped with a saffron-lemon glaze and sprinkled with little jewels of pistachios and dried rose petals. Much healthier than the standard fried donut and no greasy mess from deep frying.
31
Pumpkin Parathas
Lightly sweetened, these whole wheat pumpkin parathas or flatbreads are a fun take on the traditional recipe. We decided to use fresh pumpkin puree infused with warm spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and nutmeg to make the most delicious batter. These also happen to store well for a great make ahead recipe.
32
Homemade Khari (Cinnamon Sugar Puff Pastry Twists)
Easy 3-ingredient homemade Khari is a delicious treat that’s both easy and fun to make. It’s perfect as a celebratory breakfast, snack or even dessert in some cases! These cinnamon sugar twists will be loved by adults and children.
33
Breakfast Lentils
Lentils are always one of my favorite breakfast recipes. This breakfast bowl has protein-rich sprouted brown lentils. They are lightly spiced with fresh ginger, turmeric, red Kashmiri chili powder, cumin and ready in just 20 minutes. A make-ahead and versatile recipe that can be enjoyed and customized to your desire.
34
Pistachio Latte
Pistachio Latte is another non-traditional Indian breakfast recipe that’s just so delicious and filled with warm flavors that fit very well within the Indian cuisine. This warm drink is made with pistachio paste, steamed milk, a shot of espresso, and sweetened with condensed milk. I like steamy hot unsweetened almond milk, but you can use oat, soy, or dairy milk. Be your own Barista and make this perfect cafe drink at home in less than 10 minutes.
35
Homemade Mango Jam
This Homemade Mango Jam is a simple recipe that’s essential to have out on the table during breakfast time. It’s made with just a handful of ingredients plus has no preservatives, additives, artificial sweeteners, or coloring.
36
Sabudana Vada
Sabudana Vada is often used as a breakfast recipe for Indian fasting, it’s a Maharashtrian delicacy made with sago, mashed potatoes, ground peanuts, chilies, and cumin seeds. Sago is similar in texture to tapioca and is made from the pith of a sago palm. The ingredients are mixed together and rolled into balls, then fried to make tasty fritters. A sweet and spicy yogurt is often served on the side for a mouthful of flavor.
37
Instant Pot Sweet Potato Halwa
This Instant Pot Sweet Potato Halwa is a perfect dish that can be enjoyed for breakfast or dinner. With melt-in-mouth creamy sweet potatoes and aromatic cardamom and saffron, this spiced halwa is easy to make in the Instant Pot.
38
Cabbage Parathas (Patta Gobi Paratha)
These Cabbage Parathas or flatbreads are veggie-packed and made even healthier with whole wheat flour, red cabbage, kale, ginger, and green chili. They’re full of so much flavor and also make the perfect breakfast when served with an Indian pickle and yogurt.
We hope you love all these different Indian breakfast recipe options. If there are any other Indian morning-time recipes that you’d love to see, please share your comments on this post. We’d love to add to our collection and add helpful content to the site.
As always, I love to see your creations and value your feedback. Please tag #ministryofcurry on Instagram so I can see which recipes you enjoyed!
More Indian Recipes
Want some more Indian recipe ideas that are full of flavor? Here are some additional recipe collections:
Author: Archana
Hey there! I am a techie turned recipe developer, cooking instructor, and food blogger. I love food and enjoy developing easy and healthy recipes for busy lifestyles. I live in New Jersey with my husband and two sons.
Source: Ministry of Curry
