Indian Flavors Go Mainstream

Indian dishes and influences are having a moment. According to third-party research firm Datassential, trends reporting from 2025 shows that Indian dishes continue to grow among new items, propelled by vegetarian Indian dishes, and classic “American” staples like pizza and pasta featuring Indian ingredients and flavors.

US Foods® customer Mazala Pizza is bringing Indian flavors to the masses with Indian-influenced, Naan dough-based pies, sliders and wings using the same sauces and ingredients that carry through each. An emerging chain with four locations in Illinois and one in San Jose, Calif, Mazala’s pizzas include Butter Masala and Tikka (with choice of protein, plus peppers, onion and mozzarella), along with Samosa Smash, Firecracker, Palak (Spinach), Paneer Tikka and Manchurian.

The menu also features a variety of Indian flavor-infused sandwiches, likeButter Chicken (fried chicken dipped in tikka masala sauce on brioche with tamarind, mint chutneys and pickled onions) Firecracker (fried paneer or chicken dipped in a spicy sauce) and Paneer Tikka (with breaded and fried paneer coated in tikka masala).

Momos (dumplings) for snacking and sharing also carry bold flavors like tikka masala, sweet chili and Firecracker. Wings are available with similar sauce coatings. And then there are loaded fries, topped with everything from tikka masala chicken to crushed samosas, mint and tamarind chutneys, and bold sauces.

Pija Palace, a sports bar in Los Angeles, also serves up Indian flavors through comfort classics like pizza and pasta. Specialty pizza toppings include tandoori onions, kadai paneer and chicken tikka.

For pastas, the Malai Rigatoni features tomato masala, cream and coriander. Kesar with Penne is made with saffron, parmesan and Indian long pepper. And then there’s the Nihari Lamb e Macaroni with lamb shoulder, fennel and sumac yogurt; and Shahi Fusilli with green cardamom and toasted fennel seed.

Wing flavors include Achaari Buffalo (cayenne chili, achaar masala); Hari Mirch Masala (green chile pickle, coriander); and Palace BBQ (jaggery, tamarind).

Click here to access the US Foods recipe database for more pizza and Indian-inspired recipes and ideas.