Indian cuisine is incomplete without a spoonful of pickle. It is the sharp, tangy, spicy burst of flavour that transforms even the simplest meal of dal-chawal into something memorable. But to understand Indian pickles is to understand India itself: diverse, region-driven, culturally rooted, and creative in its use of local produce. When people ask how many types of pickles are there in India, the answer is almost endless, because every state and even every household has its own tradition.
This guide takes you on a cultural journey across India, exploring the different types of pickles in India, their regional variations, the ingredients that define them, and the flavours that make them so iconic. Along the way, we will also highlight some famous pickles in India, along with authentic homemade versions from Nani Ka Pitara, carefully crafted using age-old recipes.
Understanding the Essence of Indian Pickles
Before diving into regional diversity, it is important to understand why India has so many pickle styles. Pickles were created as a form of preservation, especially in rural households where seasonal produce had to be stored for long periods. Over centuries, each region added its own twist: local spices, weather conditions, oils, and vegetables.
The result is a rich palette of types of Indian pickles such as mango, lemon, chilli, garlic, mixed vegetables, ginger, turmeric, and even bitter gourd. From sweet and oily to fiery and fermented, Indian pickles cover every texture and flavour imaginable.
North India - Bold, Spicy and Tangy Pickles
When you think of pickle north Indian regional cuisine, three ingredients come to mind: mustard oil, asafoetida (hing), and robust spices like kalonji, saunf, and methi. North Indian pickles are known for their sharp aromas, bright colours, and unforgettable depth.
Mango Pickles: The Heart of North Indian Households
The mango pickle has a special place in Indian culture. In North India, aam ka achar is an annual ritual; families sun-dry raw mangoes, mix them with spices, and store them in giant bharis.
A perfect representation of this tradition is Nani Ka Pitara’s Hing Aam Achar, an authentic, aromatic mango pickle bursting with the fragrance of hing and mustard oil.
For those who prefer a smoother, pulpier flavour without the hassle of biting around the seed, Aam Achar Bina Guthli offers the same timeless taste in a seedless form.
Both versions reflect the core identity of North Indian mango pickling—spicy, tangy, and deeply satisfying.
Green Chilli Pickles: A Fiery Essential
North Indian cuisine is incomplete without hari mirch ka achar. It adds a punch to parathas, khichdi, or curd rice. If you want to experience the authentic flavour, Homemade Hari Mirch Achar from Nani Ka Pitara offers the perfect balance of spice and tang
Turmeric Pickles: A Healing North Indian Speciality
Another gem of the region is Haldi ka achar. Made from fresh turmeric roots, this pickle is packed with antioxidants and earthy flavours. If you’re exploring the different types of pickles in India, turmeric pickle is a must-try. Nani Ka Pitara offers a wholesome version here.
Western India - Vibrant, Diverse, and Full of Experimentation
Western India is home to some of the most famous pickles in India, thanks to Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Rajasthan. Each state brings its own philosophy of flavour.
Gujarati Pickles: Sweet Meets Spicy
Gujarati pickles often combine sweetness with heat. Their masalas are fuller, oilier, and slightly sweeter due to jaggery or sugar. A great example of balancing sweet and spicy in this region is something like Aam Meethi Chutney, which has the sweetness of ripe mangoes combined with a mild tang. It works beautifully with snacks, theplas, and parathas.
Rajasthani Pickles: Sun, Spices, and Strong Flavours
With its desert climate, Rajasthan relies heavily on sun-drying and mustard oil. Rajasthani pickles also use ingredients like ker, kair, gunda, and red chillies.
Maharashtrian Pickles: Rustic and Zesty
From lemon to raw mango to fiery mirchi, Maharashtrian homes make pickles that pair beautifully with bhakri and varan-bhaat.
If you enjoy bold bitterness balanced with spices, you’ll also love the Homemade Karela Achar by Nani Ka Pitara. Though often considered unconventional, karela pickle is a traditional favourite across several western regions.
Southern India - Fermented, Fiery, and Deeply Flavoured
South India offers some of the most distinct pickle styles, shaped by coconut oils, curry leaves, red chillies, and tamarind. Many pickles here undergo fermentation, adding complexity and natural preservation.
Andhra and Telangana: The Land of Spice
Andhra pickles are legendary. Gongura, red chilli, and mango pickles from this region are fiery, flavourful, and deeply aromatic. Andhra avakaya is perhaps one of the most famous pickles in India, recognised for its addictive heat and thick masala.
Kerala: Coconut Oil and Tradition
Kerala pickles often incorporate coconut oil, a completely different profile from mustard-oil-based northern pickles. Lemon pickle, fish pickle, and garlic pickle feature prominently.
Tamil Nadu and Karnataka: Tamarind-Rich and Deeply Spiced
Here, pickles involve simmering ingredients in tangy tamarind bases, giving rise to unique flavours that complement rice dishes well.
Eastern India - Subtle, Fermented, and Aroma-Driven
Eastern India - Assam, Bengal, Orissa, and the Northeast - has its own quiet but powerful pickling culture.
Bengali Pickles: Aam’er Achaar With Panch Phoron
Bengali pickles often revolve around panch phoron, mustard oil, and jaggery. Sweet mango pickle and tamarind pickle are common household staples.
Assamese and Northeastern Pickles: Bamboo, Bhut Jolokia, and Fermentation
The pickles from the Northeast are some of the most unique types of Indian pickles. Bamboo shoot pickle, king chilli pickle (bhut jolokia), and fermented fish or soy pickles reflect indigenous culinary traditions.
These regions also highlight how different types of pickles in India are deeply connected to available resources and local agricultural practices.
So, How Many Types of Pickles Are There in India?
There is no single answer. Technically, India has hundreds of pickle varieties. But if you categorise broadly, here are some essential styles:
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Mango pickles (raw, sweet, spicy, seedless, south-style, Punjabi-style)
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Lemon pickles
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Green chilli pickles
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Garlic pickles
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Ginger pickles
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Mixed vegetable pickles
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Bamboo shoot pickles
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Fish and meat pickles
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Turmeric pickles
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Bitter gourd pickles
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Tamarind-based pickles
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Red chilli pickles
- Sweet pickles
But these are just categories. Within each category, every state, and every household, has its own beloved recipe. This is why when you search for how many types of pickles are there in India, you’ll find that the answer varies widely.
Why Regional Pickles Matter in Modern Kitchens
As India becomes more fast-paced, people often miss the flavours of home-made pickles they grew up with. That’s where brands like Nani Ka Pitara step in, preserving traditional techniques and authentic flavours.
Each pickle from their collection, whether it is the earthy Homemade Haldi Achar, the fiery Hari Mirch Achar, the heritage-rich Hing Aam Achar, the smooth Aam Achar Bina Guthli, or the bold Karela Achar, represents a connection to India’s pickling roots.
These aren’t just condiments. They are memories, tradition, and regional wisdom packed into a jar.
The Joy of Exploring Indian Pickles
A cultural tour of Indian pickles is a journey through the heart of India. From the mustard-oil-heavy pickles of the north to the fermented, chilli-rich pickles of the south, from the sweet-spicy balance of Gujarat to the aromatic pickles of Bengal, every jar tells a story.
Exploring the different types of pickles in India allows you to appreciate the heritage behind everyday meals. And when you enjoy these flavours through authentic brands like Nani Ka Pitara, you taste the purity, tradition, and love that go into every batch.
If you are someone who enjoys discovering types of Indian pickles, or if you are simply looking for some of the famous pickles in India, Nani Ka Pitara’s collection is a perfect way to begin your journey. Whether you choose the comforting Hing Aam Achar, the wholesome Haldi Achar, or the bold Hari Mirch Achar, each spoonful brings you closer to India’s incredible culinary landscape.