Jalebi, Malpua, Biryani, Panta Bhat Among Worst Food? This TasteAtlas List Will Shock You

Taste Atlas, known for cataloguing traditional dishes worldwide, has sparked an outrage by putting Indian favourites like biryani, dhokla, upma, and jalebi on its list of "worst-rated Indian foods".

Jalebi, dhokla, biryani, dabeli... these are food items on a list that will make you drool in seconds. However, these are apparently among the worst-rated Indian culinary picks, according to TasteAtlas, which is known for cataloguing traditional dishes worldwide. The outrageous rankings on this list are enough to make anyone scream in disbelief. But wait till you read all the names.

On the list are some summer soothers too, which you and I have been enjoying since the beginning of the unprecedented heatwave a couple of months ago, like eastern India's 'panta bhat' from Bengal (known as poita bhat in the Northeast) and the Mughals' gift to India — falooda. Among the other items on the list are North India's Makki di roti, Gujarat's dhokla and dabeli, Kerala's Sadhya, Punjab's masala papad, Rajasthan's Bikaneri bhujia, and a host of other snacks and meals that have no business being on a list that has a title with the word 'worst'.

Although biryani bagged the top rank on food ordering platforms Zomato and Swiggy last year, it somehow crept into this list and figured on the 57th spot.

B-I-R-Y-A-N-I is on a list of "worst-rated Indian foods"!

Take a moment to let that sink in! We are with Zomato and Swiggy on this and are heavily biased towards the Mughlai delicacy.  But TasteAtlas seemed to think otherwise and had its own rating system that put these items on the unenviable list.

The outrageous list features not just some of the tastiest and most flavourful items in India, but also some comfort food that are pure emotions for many. For example, 'panta bhat' are more of a sentiment for Bengalis and Assamese (poita bhat) as are home-cooked makki di roti, neer dosa, and khichdi, which, too, featured on the list.

The list has sparked widespread disbelief and criticism among food enthusiasts and cultural advocates alike and rightly so.

Take A Look At The TasteAtlas List Of 'Worst Indian Foods'

Internet Reacts To TasteAtlas List Of Worst Indian Food

Internet did not disappoint 'panta bhat' as it found the support it deserved. Netizens stressed its simplicity, refreshing taste, and nutritional benefits, making it a preferred choice for many during the hot summer. Many cited studies that showed the fermentation process not only enhances the dish's nutritional value, but also improves digestibility, making it suitable for a wide audience, including those with dietary restrictions or health concerns.

Many users, including celebrities like Ahsaas Channa, vented their disappointment over this list. One user commented, "Unfortunately this list is negligence max. All of our heirloom recipes are on that worst list. Indian culture celebrates seasonal produce. Gajak, Panta Baat are all examples of this. And it fell into the worst list. This is what happens when the world wants to think they know everything about India [sic]." Another commented, "Looks like non-indians made the list, mirchi ka salan amd panta bhat are favourites of the most indians, these non indian folks didn’t do research properly, jaljeera is the best summer drink one can have [sic]."