Indian cuisine

Indian cuisine consists of thousands of regional cuisines which date back thousands of years. The dishes of India are
characterized by the extensive use of various Indian spices, herbs, vegetables and fruits. Indian cuisine is also known
for the widespread practice of vegetarianism in Indian society. Each and every family of Indian cuisine includes a
wide assortment of dishes and cooking techniques. Indian cuisine also varies from region to region, reflecting the
varied demographics of the ethnically-diverse subcontinent.
Hindu beliefs and culture have played an influential role in the evolution of Indian cuisine.[1] However, cuisine
across India also evolved as a result of the subcontinent's large-scale cultural interactions with the Mongols and the
British, making it a unique blend of some various cuisines.[2][3] The spice trade between India and Europe is often
cited as the main catalyst for Europe's Age of Discovery.[4] Indian cuisine has influenced cuisines across the world,
especially those from Southeast Asia and the Caribbean.[5][6]
History
Indian cuisine has been influenced by a 5000-year history of various groups and cultures interacting with the
subcontinent, leading to the diversity of flavors and regional cuisines found in modern-day India.
Antiquity
Many recipes first emerged during the initial Vedic period, when India was still heavily forested and agriculture was
complemented with game hunting and forest produce. In Vedic times, a normal diet consisted of fruit, vegetables,
grain, dairy products, honey, and poultry and other sorts of meats. Over time, some segments of the population
embraced vegetarianism. This was facilitated by the advent of Buddhism and an equitable climate permitting a
variety of fruits, vegetables, and grains to be grown throughout the year. A food classification system that
categorized any item as saatvic, raajsic or taamsic developed in Ayurveda. A reference to the kind of food one is to
eat is also discussed in the Bhagavad Gita (Chapter 17, Verses 8,9 & 10).[7] In this period eating beef became taboo,
a belief still commonly held today.
Middle Ages
During the Middle Ages, several North Indian dynasties were predominant, including the Gupta dynasty. Travelers
who visited India brought with them new cooking methods and products such as tea and spices. Later, India saw the
period of Central Asian and Afghan conquerors, which saw the emergence of the Mughlai cuisine many people now
associate with India. This included the addition of several seasonings, such as saffron, and the practice of cooking in
a sealed pot called a dum.
Indian cuisine 2
Ingredients
Spices at a grocery shop in India
Lentils are a staple ingredient in Indian cuisine.
The staples of Indian cuisine are Pearl millet
(bajra), rice, whole wheat flour (atta), and a
variety of pulses, of which the most central to this
cuisine are masoor (most often red lentils),
channa (bengal gram), toor (pigeon pea or yellow
gram), urad (black gram), and moong (green
gram). Pulses may be used whole, dehusked – for
example, dhuli moong or dhuli urad – or split.
Split pulses, or dal, are used extensively. Some
pulses, such as channa and mung, are also
processed into flour (besan).
Most Indian curries are cooked in vegetable oil.
In northern and western India, peanut oil is
popular, while in eastern India, mustard oil is
more commonly used. Coconut oil is used widely
along the western coast, especially in Kerala;
gingelly (sesame) oil is common in the south, as
well. In recent decades, sunflower and soybean
oil have become popular across India.
Hydrogenated vegetable oil, known as Vanaspati
ghee, is another popular cooking medium.
Butter-based ghee, or desi ghee, is used very
frequently, but still less used than before.
The most important or frequently used spices in Indian cuisine are chilli pepper, black mustard seed (sarso), cumin
(jeera), turmeric (haldi), fenugreek (methi), asafoetida (hing), ginger (adrak), coriander (dhania), and garlic (lehsun).
One popular spice mix is garam masala, a powder that typically includes five or more dried spices, especially
cardamom, cinnamon, and clove. Each region, and sometimes each individual chef, has a distinctive garam masala
blend. Goda masala is a comparable, though sweet, spice mix that is popular in Maharashtra. Some leaves
commonly used for flavoring include bay (tejpat), coriander, fenugreek, and mint leaves. The use of curry leaves and
roots is typical of Gujarati and all South Indian cuisine. Sweet dishes are seasoned with cardamom, saffron, nutmeg,
and rose petal essences.
Regional cuisines
Cuisine differs across India's diverse regions as a result of variation in local cultures, geographical locations (e.g.,
whether a region is close to the sea, desert or the mountains), and economics. It also varies seasonally, depending on
what fruits and vegetables are ripe.
Andaman and Nicobar Islands
Seafood plays a major role in the cuisines of Andaman and Nicobar Islands, which were, and still are inhabited by
the indigenous Andamanese. Since they had very little contact with the outside world, raw fish and fruits were their
staple diet for a long time, but as people immigrated from other regions of India, the cuisine became more varied.
Indian cuisine 3
Andhra Pradesh
Pesarattu, a popular Andhra dish, served with
kobbari pachadi (chutney made using coconut)
Cuisine of the southern state of Andhra Pradesh is referred to as
Telugu and Hyderabadi cuisine. Rice is the staple starch and is usually
consumed with a variety of curries and lentil soups or broths. Although
many people in this region are vegetarians, people living in the coastal
areas are known for their seafood dishes. Food in Andhra Pradesh is
known for the heavy usage of spices and chillies. One of the most
important parts of the Andhra cuisine is the use of various pickles, such
as avakaya, a pickle made from green mango, and gongura, a pickle
made from red sorrel leaves. Curds are a common addition to meals to
neutralize the spiciness of the food. Another popular Andhra Pradesh
dish is Hyderabadi biryani, a mixture of rice, yogurt, onions, meat and
spices. Hyderabadi biryani is popular for its exquisite taste and is
derived from the Persian style of slow cooking. While only a small proportion of the Hyderabad populace are
vegetarians, vegetarian food is still quite popular, and is generally served for breakfast and lunch. Breakfast items
like Dosa, Vada have origins in Udipi, Karnataka but are influenced by spices native to Andhra Pradesh.
Arunachal Pradesh
The staple food of Arunachal Pradesh is rice, along with fish, meat and green vegetables. Many varieties of rice are
available. Lettuce is the most common vegetable, prepared by boiling with ginger, coriander and green chillies.
Boiled rice cakes wrapped in leaves is a popular snack. Thukpa is a kind of noodle soup common among the Monpa
tribe of Arunachal.
Assam
Panta Ilish – a traditional platter of panta bhat with
fried ilish slice, supplemented with dried fish (shutki),
pickles (achar), dal, green chillies and onion – is a
popular serving for the Pohela Boishakh festival.
Assamese cuisine, from Assam, a state in North-East India, is a
mixture of different indigenous styles with considerable regional
variation and some external influences. Although it is
characterized by the limited use of spices, the flavors are still
strong due to the use of endemic exotic herbs, fruits and
vegetables that are either fresh, dried or fermented. Fish is widely
used, and so are birds such as duck or pigeon. Preparations are
rarely elaborate; the practice of bhuna, the gentle frying of spices
before the addition of the main ingredients, which is so common in
Indian cooking, is absent in the cuisine of Assam. A traditional
meal in Assam begins with a khar, a class of dishes named after
the main ingredient, and ends with a tenga, a sour dish. The food
is usually served in bell metal utensils. Pann, the practice of
chewing betel nut, generally concludes the meal.
Indian cuisine 4
Bihar
Palak paneer, a dish made from spinach and
paneer cheese
Raita is a condiment based on curd and used as a
sauce or dip.
The cuisine of Bihar is similar to North Indian cuisine, the food culture
in the Hindi Belt, and shares some similarity with neighboring West
Bengal and Orissa. Bihari society is not strictly vegetarian, but people
avoid eating nonvegetarian food daily. Religious people avoid eating
nonvegetarian food on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Bihari people
typically eat boiled rice and daal with cooked vegetables for lunch, and
roti with cooked vegetables for dinner. Roti and boiled rice are not
usually eaten together. Due to this area's strong Hindu-Muslim
heritage, river fish, chicken and goat meat are popular meats. Lamb
and mutton are considered offensive by many people. Meat-based
dishes are eaten mainly with boiled rice. Fish curry is made using
mustard paste, a similar technique to the Oriya way of cooking fish.
Dairy products, such as yogurt (dahi), buttermilk (mattha), butter, ghee
(clarified butter), and lassi, are consumed throughout the year. The
region of Champaran is famous for a grilled mutton dish called taash.
Watery foods, such as watermelon and sherbet made of pulp of the
wood-apple fruit, are consumed mainly in the summer months, and dry
foods and preparations made of sesame or poppy seeds mainly in the
winter months. People generally eat roti soaked in milk. There is a
custom of eating flattened rice (poha) with yogurt and sugar. Bihar is
famous for sattu parathas, which are parathas stuffed with fried
chickpea flour, spicy mashed potatoes (chokha), fish curry, litti, Bihari
kebab, and postaa-dana kaa halwaa. Another common dish is
alu-bhujia (not to be confused with Bikaneri Bhujia, also known as
rajasthani bhujia), made from potatoes cut like French-fries and
cooked in mustard oil and mild spices, and eaten with roti or rice-daal.
Tangy raita made from winter melon (lauki) or unripened papaya, yogurt, and spices, and often a paste of green
chilli, ginger, garlic and mustard, is popular in many parts of Bihar.
Chattisgarh
Chattisgarh has many cuisines not found in the rest of India, although the staple diet, like much of the rest of India, is
rice. Many Chattisgarhi people consume liquor brewed from the Mahuwa flower. The tribal people of the Bastar
region of Chhattisgarh eat whatever is available, choosing food which would not be eaten by people of other states
and regions. Red ant chutney is a favorite dish. Flying ants, mushrooms, squirrels, and rats are considered delicacies,
but fish and pork constitute a large part of Chhatisgarhi cuisine. Pork forms a major item in their diet and almost
every major ceremony starts with the sacrifice of a pig.[8]
Indian cuisine 5
Daman and Diu
Daman and Diu is a union territory of India which, like Goa, was a former colonial possession of Portugal.
Consequently, both native Gujarati food and traditional Portuguese food are available. The neighbouring state of
Gujarat has prohibited alcohol, and as a result, dining and wining is the most popular pleasure in the territory, with
almost all popular brands of foreign liquor available.[9][10]
Goa
Pomfret fried fish
Pork Vindaloo is a Goan dish popular in many
parts of India.
Seafood, coconut milk, rice and paste are main ingredients of
Goan delicacies. The area is located in a tropical climate, and
spices and flavors are intense. Use of Kokum is a distinct feature.
Goan cuisine is mostly seafood based; the staple foods are rice and
fish. Kingfish (Vison or Visvan) is the most common delicacy,
others include pomfret, shark, tuna and mackerel. Among the
shellfish are crabs, prawns, tiger prawns, lobster, squid and
mussels. The cuisine of Goa is influenced by its Hindu origins,
four hundred years of Portuguese colonialism, and modern
techniques. The state is frequented by tourists visiting its beaches
and historic sites, so its food has an international aspect. Goan
Saraswat Brahmin and Daivajna Brahmins can be considered
facultative vegetarians, as they eat fish and chicken most days,
reverting to vegetarianism occasionally for religious reasons,
although Brahmins belonging to Pancha Dravida are strictly
vegetarian.
Gujarat
Khaman is a popular Gujarati snack.
Gujarati cuisine is primarily vegetarian. The typical Gujarati Thali
consists of Roti (a flat bread made from wheat flour, and called
Rotli in Gujarati), daal or kadhi, rice, and sabzi/shaak (a dish
made up of different combinations of vegetables and spices, which
may be stir fried, spicy or sweet). Cuisine can vary widely in
flavor and heat, depending on a given family's tastes as well as the
region of Gujarat they are from. North Gujarat, Kathiawad,
Kachchh, and South Gujarat are the four major regions of Gujarati
cuisine. Many Gujarati dishes are distinctively sweet, salty, and
spicy at the same time. The cuisine changes with the seasonal
availability of vegetables. In mango season, for example, Keri no
ras (fresh mango pulp) is often an integral part of the meal. The spices used also change depending on the season.
Garam masala and its constituent spices are used less in summer. Regular fasting, with diets limited to milk and
Indian cuisine 6
dried fruits, and nuts, is a common practice.
Haryana
Kadhi.
Cattle are common in Haryana, so dairy is a common component
of cuisine in this area. Specific dishes include Kadhi Pakora,
Besan Masala Roti, Bajra Aloo Roti, Churma, Kheer, Bathua
Raita, Methi Gajar, Singri ki Sabzi and Tamatar Chutney.
Lassi and Sherbat are the two popular non-alcoholic beverages of
Haryana. There are a number of liquor shops in this Indian state,
due to the traffic of many truck drivers.[11][12]
Himachal Pradesh
The daily diet of Himachalis is similar to the rest of north India,
including lentil, broth, rice, vegetables and bread, although
non-vegetarian cuisine is preferred. Some of the specialities of
Himachal include Pateer, Chouck, Bhagjery and chutney of Til.
Jammu & Kashmir
Rogan Josh is a quite popular Kashmiri dish.
Kashmiri cuisine has evolved over hundreds of years. The first major
influence was the food of the Kashmiri Hindus and Buddhists. The
cuisine was then influenced by the cultures which arrived with the
invasion of Kashmir by Timur from the region of modern Uzbekistan.
Subsequently, it has been strongly influenced by the cuisines of Central
Asian, Persia, and the North Indian plains. The most notable ingredient
in Kashmir cuisine is mutton (lamb), of which there are over 30
varieties.
Kashmiri Pandit food is also very elaborate, and is an important part of
the Pandits' ethnic identity. One of the key differences between
Kashmiri cuisine and Punjabi cuisine is that the staple in Kashmiri cuisine is rice, whereas that in Punjabi cuisine is
Chappati also known as Roti. The Kashmiri Pandit cuisine usually uses yogurt, oils and spices as such turmeric, Red
Chilli powder, Cumin powder, Ginger powder and Fennel Powder.
Indian cuisine 7
Jharkhand
Traditional Jharkhand cuisine is equally vegetarian as well as non-vegetarian. These traditional dishes are not
available at the restaurants as they have not been commercialised. However on a visit to a tribal village or a tribal
wedding in a remote area one can get a chance to taste such exotic food. All preparation except the pickles and
festive ones are low on oil and spices.
Karnataka
Karnataka food served on a plantain leaf.
The cuisine of Karnataka includes many vegetarian and non-vegetarian
cuisines. The varieties reflect influences from the food habits of the
three neighbouring South Indian states, as well as the state of
Maharashtra and Goa to its north. Some typical dishes include Bisi
bele bath, Jolada rotti, Chapati, Ragi rotti, Akki rotti, Saaru, Huli,
Vangi Bath, Khara Bath, Kesari Bath, Davanagere Benne Dosa, Ragi
mudde, and Uppittu. Masala Dosa traces its origin to Udupi cuisine.
Plain and Rave Idli, Mysore Masala Dosa and Maddur Vade are
popular in South Karnataka. Coorg district is famous for spicy pork
curries while coastal Karnataka has seafood specialities. Among
sweets, Mysore Pak, Dharwad pedha, Chiroti are well known.
Although the ingredients differ regionally, a typical Kannadiga Oota (Kannadiga meal) includes the following dishes
in the order specified and is served on a banana leaf: Uppu(salt), Kosambari, Pickle, Palya, Gojju, Raita, Dessert,
Thovve, Chitranna, Rice and Ghee. The coastal regions of Mangalore and Udupi have a slightly varying cuisine with
extensive use of coconut in curries and an inclination towards sea food. Some of the Mangalore specialities are
pathrode, pundi, neer dosa, kori rotti, tendli kaju, goli baje, basale (type of spinach), kashi halva, etc.
Kerala
Spicy fish from Kerala.
Kerala cuisine is a blend of indigenous dishes and foreign dishes
adapted to Kerala tastes. Coconuts grow in abundance in Kerala, and
consequently, grated coconut and coconut milk are widely used in
dishes and curries as a thickener and flavouring ingredient. Kerala's
long coastline, numerous rivers and backwater networks, and strong
fishing industry have contributed to many sea- and river-food based
dishes. Rice is grown in abundance, and could be said, along with
tapioca (manioc/cassava), to be the main starch ingredient used in
Kerala food. Having been a major production area of spices for
thousands of years, black pepper, cardamom, cloves, ginger, and
cinnamon play a large part in its food. Most of Kerala's Hindus eat fish
except the Brahmin community and because Kerala has large minorities of Muslims and Christians that are
predominantly non-vegetarians, Kerala cuisine has a multitude of both vegetarian and dishes prepared using fish,
poultry and meat. Rice and fish along with some vegetables is the staple diet in most Kerala households. Kerala also
has a variety of breakfast dishes like idli, dosa, appam, idiyappam, puttu and pathiri.
Indian cuisine 8
Lakshadweep
The culinary influence of Kerala is quite evident in the cuisines of Lakshadweep. Since the island has a close
proximity with Kerala, hence the cuisines reflect the taste of the inhabitants of that place. The local food of
Lakshadweep primarily comprises coconut and sea fish. The people of the island have a great inclination towards the
coconut water as it is the most abundant aerated drink of the place. Almost all the dishes have a touch of coconut
since it is an integral ingredient of Lakshadweep cuisines.[13]
Madhya Pradesh
Poha, a popular breakfast dish in Madhya Pradesh.
The cuisine in Madhya Pradesh varies from region to region,
with the north and west of the state being mainly based around
wheat and meat, and the wetter south and east being
dominated by rice and fish. Gwalior and Indore abound in
milk and milk-based preparations. The street food of Indore is
renowned, with shops which have been selling the fare for
generations. The Sarafa [Gold Market] converts into a food
market in the night with Bhutte ka kees, Sabudane ki khicri,
Aaloo Patis from Vijay Chat house, and many more delicacies
served for the vegetarian and non-vegetarian palette. The
Bhopal is known for meat and fish dishes, such as rogan josh,
korma, keema, biryani pilaf and kababs such as shami and seekh. There is street named "Chatori Gali" in old Bhopal
where one can find traditional Muslim non-veg fare like Paya Soup, Bun Kabab, Nalli - Nihari to name a few local
specialities.
One other popular dish in the region is the Dal bafla. Bafla is a steamed and grilled wheat cake dunked in rich ghee
which is eaten with daal (a pungent lentil broth). It is followed by sweet ladoos. Another popular dish in Malwa
region (central M.P) is poha (flattened rice), it is mostly a breakfast item served with Jalebi.
Indore, Ujjain and Ratlam are world famous for their savory snacks that are made from chick-pea flour. The city
restaurants also serve tasty chaats (snacks), kachoris and samosas.
In summers, the meals tend to end with fruits such as mangoes (dusseharis), melons and watermelons, custard
apples, bananas, papayas and guavas.
The beverages in the region include lassi (buttermilk), sugarcane juice, a beer and a fine rum which is produced from
the cane. There also is the local liquor which is distilled from the flowers of the mahua tree. In the tribal regions a
popular drink it is the sap of the sulfi tree which can be drunk fresh [ non alcoholic] or kept overnight [for
fermentation ] and drunk later. The date palm toddy is also one of the popular drink is some regions.[14]
Indian cuisine 9
Maharashtra
A dish of Batata vada.
Ragada in a pani puri, a popular snack from
Mumbai.
Maharashtrian cuisine covers a range from being mild to very spicy
dishes. Bajri, Wheat, rice, jowar, vegetables, lentils and fruit form
important components of Maharashtrian diet. Popular dishes include
puran poli, ukdiche Modak, batata wada and wada pav. The staple
dishes of Maharashtrian cuisine are based on Bajri, Jowar and
Rice(Tandul). The cuisine of Maharashtra has its own distinctive
flavors and tastes. It can be divided into two major sections–the coastal
and the interior. A part of Maharashtra, which lies on the coast of the
Arabian Sea, is loosely called the Konkan and boasts of its own
Konkani cuisine, which is a homogeneous combination of Malvani,
Gaud Saraswat Brahmin, and Goan cuisines. Besides the coastal
cuisine, the interior of Maharashtra—the Vidarbha area, has its own
distinctive cuisine known as the Varadi cuisine. As in many states of
India, rice is the staple food grain in Maharashtra. Like the other
coastal states, there is an enormous variety of vegetables in the regular
diet and lots of fish and coconuts are used. Grated coconuts spice many
kinds of dishes, but coconut oil is not very widely used as a cooking
medium. Peanuts and cashew nuts are widely used in vegetables and
peanut oil is the main cooking medium. Another feature is the use of
kokum, a deep purple berry that has a pleasing sweet and sour taste.
Kokum, most commonly used in an appetizer-digestive called the sol
kadhi, is served chilled. During summer another drink called panha
made from boiled raw mango is consumed. Rest of the Maharashtra
apart from Konkan, uses ground nuts, jaggery, wheat, jowar and bajra
extensively. Maharashtrian meal consists of rice and bread both along
with 'varan'/'aamtee' – a type of lentils and spiced veggies.
Maharashtrian dishes for 'Upwas' have a special mention as most of
them are favourites for life time e.g. sabudana khichadi. Missal is also
a very popular dish in maharashtra.Bhajani che Thaalipheet is relished
in the entire state.
Manipur
Manipuri cuisine is simple, organic and healthy. Dishes are typically spicy foods that use chili pepper rather than
Garam masala. The staple diet of Manipur consists of rice, leafy vegetables, and fish.[15] Manipuris typically raise
vegetables in a kitchen garden and rear fish in small ponds around their house. The Umarok is a very popular chili
that is used in the cuisine.It is called in different names in the other north eastern states of India, like king chili, naga
jolokia, ghost chili etc.
Meghalaya
Meghalayan cuisine is the local cuisine of one of the Indian States. Meghalaya, also one of the seven sisters and
home of three Mongoloid tribes, has a unique cuisine of its own, different from other states in the north east of India.
The staple food of the people is rice with spicy meat and fish preparations. They rear goats, pigs, fowl, ducks and
cows and relish their meat. The popular dishes are Jadoh, Ki Kpu, Tung-rymbai, and pickled bamboo shoots. Like
the other tribes in the north-east, they ferment rice beer, which is consumed in religious rites and at major
Indian cuisine 10
ceremonies and celebrations.
Mizoram
The cuisine of Mizoram is very different from most Indian cuisines, mainly sharing similarities with other cuisines
from the North-East of India.[16] Mizo cuisine is a blend of Chinese and north Indian cuisines, and Mizoram cuisine
offers mainly non-vegetarian delicacies. Dishes may be served on fresh green banana leaves. Meals are usually less
spicy and plain in taste, retaining the nutritive value of the food. A popular dish is Bai, eaten with rice. Which can be
made from boiling spinach with pork and bamboo shoot. Another common dish is Sawchair made of rice cooked
with pork or chicken.[17]
Nagaland
Dried fish, prawns, ghost chili and preserved
colocasia leaves, common ingredients of Naga
cuisine
Naga cuisine, of the Naga people is known for exotic meats cooked
with simple and flavorful ingredients like the extremely hot bhut
jolokia or ghost chili, fermented bamboo shoots and soya beans. Dog
Meat is widely consumed. The Naga's use oil minimally, they prefer to
ferment, dry and smoke their meats and fishes so their food is light.
Traditional homes have external kitchens like smoke houses.
Orissa
Luchi, is an unleavened flour bread deep fried in
oil, mostly eaten in Orissa.
Oriya cuisine is rich and varied, while relying heavily on local
ingredients. The flavors are usually subtle and delicately spiced, quite
unlike the fiery curries typically associated with Indian cuisine. Fish
and other seafood such as crab and shrimp are very popular. Chicken
and mutton are also consumed. Panch phutana, a mix of cumin,
mustard, fennel, fenugreek and kalonji (nigella) is widely used for
tempering vegetables and dals, while garam masala (curry powder)
and haladi (turmeric) are commonly used for non-vegetarian curries.
Pakhala, a dish made of rice, water, and yogurt, that is fermented
overnight, is very popular in summer, particularly in the rural areas.
Oriyas are very fond of sweets and no Oriya repast is considered
complete without some dessert at the end. Vegeterian foods also
include foods prepared without onion and garlic as in temple prasad
and bramhin cuisine.
Pondicherry
The union territory of Pondicherry in the country of India was a French
settlement for a long time. The French way of life has left a deep
Indian cuisine 11
Chungdi Jhola, is a spicy gravy based Prawn
curry with different flavours of spices.
impact on the lifestyle of the people in the union territory of
Pondicherry, and French cuisine has become a large influence in
cuisine in the territory. The French and the Indo style have given birth
to an innovative taste. The influence of the neighboring areas like
Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Kerala is also visible.
Some of the hot favorite cookery items in Pondicherry are Coconut
Curry, Tandoori Potato, Soya Dosa, Podanlangkai, Assad, Curried
Vegetables, Stuffed Cabbage, Baked Beans:[18]
Punjab
Dal makhani, is a treasured staple food from
Punjab.
Tandoori Chicken is a popular grilled dish.
Punjabi cuisine can be non-vegetarian or completely vegetarian. One
of the main features of Punjabi cuisine is its diverse range of dishes.
Home cooked and restaurant Punjabi cuisine can vary significantly,
with restaurant style using large amounts of ghee, with liberal amounts
of butter and cream with home cooked concentrating on mainly upon
preparations with whole wheat, rice and other ingredients flavored with
masalas.
Within the area itself, there are different preferences. People in the area
of Amritsar prefer stuffed parathas and dairy products, of which the
area is well known for. There are certain dishes which are exclusive to
Punjab, such as Mah Di Dal, saron da saag, and many othe things.The
food is tailor-made for the Punjabi lifestyle in which most of the rural
folk burn up a lot of calories while working in the fields. The main
masala in a Punjabi dish consists of onion, garlic and ginger. Tandoori
food is a Punjabi speciality especially for non-vegetarian dishes. Many
of the most popular elements of Anglo-Indian cuisine – such as
Tandoor, Naan, Pakoras and vegetable dishes with paneer – derive
from the Punjab.
Indian cuisine 12
Rajasthan
Rajasthani thali.
Rajasthani cooking was influenced by the availability of ingredients in
this arid region. In Rajasthan water is at a premium, and hence the food
is generally cooked in milk or ghee, making it quite rich. On the other
hand, Besan or gram flour is a mainstay of Marwari food mainly
because of the scarcity of vegetables in this arid land.
There is a distinctness in the Rajasthani cuisine which comes from a
tradition that is old and tranquil, and from a culture that has churned
the best from its neighboring states of Gujarat, Haryana and Punjab.
Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without
heating was preferred. Scarcity of water and fresh green vegetables
have all had their effect on the cooking. Major dishes of a Rajasthani platter includes Daal-Baati, Tarfini, Raabdi,
ghewar, Bail-Gatte, Panchkoota, Chaavadi, Laapsi, Kadhi and Boondi, and snacks like Bikaneri Bhujia, Mirchi
Bada, Pyaaj Kachori, Dal Kachori.
Sikkim
Momos served in a tomato-based broth
Sikkim has its own unique dietary culture with specific cuisine and
food recipes. In the Sikkim Himalayas traditional foods are an integral
part of the dietary culture of the various ethnic groups of people
consisting of the Nepalese, Bhutias and Lepchas. Rice is the staple
food. Meat and dairy products are also consumed depending on
availability. Besides these, various traditional fermented foods and
beverages, which constitute of about 20 per cent of the basic diet for
long centuries are prepared and consumed. The dietary-culture of this
region is mostly reflected in the pattern of food production. Depending
on the altitudinal variation, finger millet, wheat, buckwheat, barley,
vegetable, potato, soybeans, etc. are grown. Some of the common
traditional cuisine with their food recipes has been presented for introduction of dietary culture of the Sikkim
Himalayas, as well as for product diversification.
Sindh
Sindhi cuisine refers to the native cuisine of the Sindhi people from the Sindh region, Pakistan. While Sindh is not
present in modern India, Sindhi food is eaten in India,[19] where a sizeable number of Hindu Sindhi people migrated
following the Partition of India, especially in Sindhi enclaves such as Ulhasnagar[20] and Gandhidam. The daily food
in most Sindhi households consists of wheat-based flat-bread (phulka) and rice accompanied by two dishes, one
gravy and one dry.
Indian cuisine 13
Tamil Nadu
Dosa served with chutney and sambar.
Tamil food is characterized by the use of rice, legumes and lentils, its
distinct aroma and flavour achieved by the blending of spices including
curry leaves, tamarind, coriander, ginger, garlic, chili, pepper,
cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, cumin, nutmeg, coconut and rosewater.
The word "curry" is derived from the Tamil word 'kari' which means
"an additive to the main course or a side dish" Rice and legumes play
an important role in Tamil cuisine. Lentils are also consumed
extensively, either accompanying rice preparations, or in the form of
independent dishes. Vegetables and dairy products are essential
accompaniments. Tamil Nadu is famous for its spicy non vegetarian
dishes. The southern regions in Tamil Nadu, namely; Madurai,
Kaaraikudi or Chettinaadu are famous for their spicy non vegetarian dishes.
Tripura
A bowl of thukpa.
The Tripuri (Tipra or Tipperah) people are the original inhabitants of
the state of Tripura in North East India. The indigenous Tripuri people
comprises the communities of Tipra, Reang, Jamatia, Noatia, Uchoi
and others. The Tripuri people have their own culture and cuisine. The
Tripuris are non-vegetarian, though there is a minority modern
vaishnavite Hindu vegetarian following. The major ingredient of
Tripuris cuisine for non-vegetarian food includes pork, chicken,
mutton, turtle, fish, prawns, crabs, and frogs.
Uttar Pradesh
Uttar Pradeshi thali (platter) with Naan bread, Daal, Raita,
Shahi paneer, and Salad.
Traditionally the Uttar Pradeshi cuisine consists of Awadhi
and Mughlai cuisine but a vast majority of the state enjoys
sober vegetarian meals with Dal, roti, sabzi and rice
constituting the essentials of daily food habits. Pooris and
kachoris are relished on special occasions. Uttar Pradesh has
been greatly influenced by Mughal (Mughlai cuisine) cooking
techniques which is very popular worldwide. The Chaat,
samosa and pakora, among the most popular snacks in all of
India, are also originally from Uttar Pradesh. Awadhi is a type
of West-Central Uttar Pradeshi cuisine found in the state's
Awadh Region.
Indian cuisine 14
Uttarakhand
Saag is a popular Kumaoni dish made from any
of the various green vegetables like Spinach and
Fenugreek
The food from Uttrakhand is known to be wholesome to suit the
high-energy necessities of the mountainous and wintry region. It is
traditionally cooked over wood fire. The cuisine mainly consists of
food from two different sub regions Garhwal and Kumaon, though the
basic ingredients of both Garhwali and Kumaoni cuisine are the same,
there are some basic differences that tell apart the two. The distinctive
trait of the Kumauni cuisine is the tightfisted use of especially milk and
milk-based products as cows from hilly areas do not yield high-quality
or amount of milk. The similarity between both of them is the liberal
use of Ghee and charcoal cooking. Both Garhwalis and Kumaunis are
fond of lentil or pulses and ‘Bhaatt’ or rice. To combat the extreme
winters and possible exhausting of food, they also use Badi (sun-dried Urad Dal balls) and Mangodi (sun-dried
Moong Dal balls) as substitute for vegetables at times. Main dishes from Uttarakhand include Chainsoo, Kafuli,
Jholi, Thechwani, Baadi, etc.
The dishes prepared by the people of Uttarakhan are similar to Uttar Pradesh. They eat rice, pulses, chapatis,
vegetable. Tomatoes, onions and spices are used to make the food delicious.
West Bengal
A traditional Bengali meal called, Macher Jhol
(Literally translated to Fish in Gravy).
Bengali cuisine is a style of food preparation originating in the eastern
India which includes states of Tripura, Barak Valley of Assam and
West Bengal. With an emphasis on fish and lentils served with rice as a
staple diet, Bengali cuisine is known for its subtle flavours, its
confectioneries and desserts, and has perhaps the only multi-course
tradition from India that is analogous with French and Italian cuisine in
structure. The nature and variety of dishes found in Bengali cooking
are unique even in India. Fish cookery is one of its better-known
features and distinguishes it from the cooking of the landlocked
regions. Bengal's many rivers, ponds and lakes teem with many kinds
of freshwater fish that closely resemble catfish, bass, shad or mullet.
Bengalis prepare fish in innumerable ways – steamed or braised, or
stewed with greens or other vegetables and with sauces that are mustard-based or thickened with poppyseeds.
Indian cuisine 15
Desserts
Popular sweets, displayed at a shop in Kolkata.
Rasgulla, a popular sweet dish made
from cottage cheese.
Payas (or Kheer as it is called in Hindi)
Indian sweets, known as mithai, are a type of confectionery. Many
are made with sugar, milk and condensed milk, and cooked by
frying. The bases of the sweets and other ingredients vary by
region. In the Eastern part of India, for example, milk is a staple,
and most sweets from this region are based on milk products.
Rasmalai, a sweet dish made from
cottage cheese.
Barfi is a sweet made of dried milk with ground cashews or pistachios. It is
customary to attach a thin layer of edible silver foil as decoration.
Chikki A simple sweet made out of peanuts and molasses.
Gulab jamun is an Indian dessert made out of fried milk balls soaked in sweet
syrup.
Jalebi is made by deep-frying flour in a circular (coil-like) shape and then
dipping in sugar syrup. Imarti is a variant of Jalebi, with a different flour
mixture, and has a more coiled texture. Typically Jalebi is brown or yellow,
while Imarti is reddish in color. Often taken with milk, tea or even yogurt (or
Lassi)
Khaja is a sweet food of Orissa and Bihar states in India. Refined wheat flour, sugar and oils are the chief ingredients
of khaja.
Indian cuisine 16
Imarti, a popular sweet made from
lentils.
It is believed that, even 2000 years ago, Khajas were prepared in the southern
side of the Gangetic Plains of Bihar. These areas which are home to khaja,
once comprised the central part of Maurya and Gupta empires. Presently,
Khajas are prepared and sold in the city of Patna, Gaya and several other
places across the state of Bihar. Khajas of the Silao and Rajgir are known for
their puffiness.
Khajas have travelled to some other parts of India, including Andhra Pradesh.
Khaja of Kakinada is a coastal town of Andhra Pradesh. At first, a paste is
made out of wheat flour, mawa and oil. It is then deep fried until crisp. Then a
sugar syrup is made, which is known as "pak". The crisp croissants are then
soaked in the sugar syrup until they absorb the sugar syrup. In Kakinada Khaja, it is made dry outside and full of
sugar syrup inside, and is juicy.
Kulfi is Indian ice-cream, where the sweetened milk/cream is frozen in small metal cans to be served frozen. Usually
it has a milky appearance, but additional colors may be applied for display. A summer-time favorite in most of India,
especially in the northern India. It comes in a variety of flavors such as mango kesar or cardamom. It is typically sold
by street-side hawkers who carry around these frozen cans of kulfi in a big earthen pot. The street-side hawkers,
called "kulfiwalla" (one who sells kulfi) are much awaited by school kids who savor kulfis during school
lunch-times.
Kheer is a sweet rice pudding, usually made from rice and milk. It is also known as "payas", or payasam in South
India. It has been a cultural dish throughout the history of India, being usually found at ceremonies, feasts and
celebrations. In many parts of India, ancient traditions maintain that a wedding is not fully blessed if payas is not
served at the feast during traditional ceremonies like marriage, child birth, annaprasan (first solid feed to child) etc.
Laddu (sometimes transliterated as laddoo) is made of flour and other ingredients formed into balls that are dipped in
sugar syrup. The popularity of Laddu is due to its ease of preparation.
Variations in the preparation of Laddu result in a spectrum of tastes. Laddu is often made to celebrate festivals or
household events such as weddings.
Malpoa is one of the most ancient homemade sweets of India. It is a form of pancake (made of what or rice flour)
deep fried and dipped in sugar syrup. Several variations exist in different parts of India, and it is especially popular
in Bihar, Bengal and Orissa.
Motichoor Ka Ladoo is a sweet food of the central Bihar made from grilled gram flour flakes which are sweetened,
mixed with almonds, pressed into balls and fried in ghee. It is now made and consumed throughout India and
Pakistan.
Rasgulla is a popular relished sweetmeat in India, which originated in Orissa, in the eastern region of the country,
but was made known to the outside world by Nobin Chandra Das of Kolkata. Originally a dessert in Orissa for
centuries, this dish made its way to West Bengal when the Oriya cooks started migrating to West Bengal in search of
jobs, bringing along the recipe. It was only then that Nobin Chandra Das of Kolkata modified its recipe to give it its
current form. This dish is produced by the boiling of small balls of casein in sugar syrup. This sweet dessert can be
found in many eastern Indian households.
Sandesh is a sweet made from fine cheese made from cow's milk kneaded with fine ground sugar or molasses. This
is a signature sweet from West Bengal in India. Revered for its delicate making, and appreciated by the connoisseur,
this represents sweet making at its finest. Sandesh comes in two varieties, "Norom Pak" (the softer version) and
"Koda Pak" (the harder version). The softer version although considered better, is fragile. The harder version is
robust and often easier for storage. Molasses made from dates can be used to make a special variation of Sandesh
called "Noleen Gurher Sandesh" (a Sandesh made from "Noleen Gurh" or molasses from dates) or simply "Noleen
Sandesh" (as shown in the figure).
Indian cuisine 17
Shrikhand is a creamy dessert made out of strained yogurt, from which all water is drained off, leaving the thick
yogurt cream by itself. Adding dry fruits like mangoes enhances the Shrikhand's taste. It is a Western India
traditional dish, and it has ancient roots in the Indian cuisine.
Beverages
Non-alcoholic beverages
While masala tea (left) is a staple beverage across
majority of India, Indian filter coffee (right) is
especially popular in southern India[21][22]
Lassi served at a restaurant.
Tea is a staple beverage throughout India; the finest
varieties are grown in Darjeeling and Assam. It is
generally prepared as masala chai, wherein the tea
leaves are boiled in a mix of water, spices such as
cardamom, cloves, cinnamon, and ginger, and large
quantities of milk to create a thick, sweet, milky
concoction. Different varieties and flavors of tea are
prepared to suit different tastes all over the country.
Another popular beverage, coffee, is largely served in
South India. One of the finest varieties of Coffea
arabica is grown around Mysore, Karnataka, and is
marketed under the trade name "Mysore Nuggets".
Indian filter coffee, or kafee, is also especially popular
in South India.
Lassi is a popular and traditional yogurt-based drink of
India. It is made by blending yogurt with water or milk
and Indian spices. Salted lassi is more common in
villages of Punjab & Indian Porbandar, Gujarat. It is
prepared by blending yogurt with water and adding salt
and other spices to taste. The resulting beverage is
known as salted lassi. Traditional lassi is sometimes
flavored with ground roasted cumin. Sweet lassi is a
form of lassi flavored with sugar, rosewater and/or
lemon, strawberry or other fruit juices. Saffron lassis,
which are particularly rich, are also very popular.
Sharbat is a cold sweet beverage that is prepared from fruits or flower petals. It can be served in concentrate form
and eaten with a spoon or diluted with water to create the drink. Popular sharbats are made of one or more of the
following: Rose, Sandalwood, Bel, Gurhal (Hibiscus), Lemon, Orange, Pineapple, and Falsa (Grewia asiatica). These
are known to have several medicinal values and are known to be ayurvedic in nature.
Other beverages include nimbu pani (lemonade), chaach, badam doodh (almond milk with nuts and cardamom),
Panha (Raw Mango sharbat) and coconut water. In southern India, there is a chilled beverage known as "Panner
Soda" or "Gholi Soda", a mixture of carbonated water, rose water, and sugar. Another beverage from the south, rose
milk, is also served cold.
Indian cuisine 18
Alcoholic beverages
Beer
Beers in India are either lagers (4.8% alcohol) or strong lagers (7.8% alcohol). The Indian beer industry has
witnessed steady growth of 10-17 percent per year over the last ten years, a rate of growth that has increased in
recent years, with volumes exceeding 170 million cases during the 2008–2009 financial year. With the average age
of the population decreasing and income levels on the rise, the popularity of beer in the country continues to increase
while the Indian beer industry has witnessed major changes over the last five years.
Miscellanea
A bottle of cashew fenny.
There are also several other popular alcoholic drinks in India. Fenny is a
Goan liquor made from either coconut or the juice of the cashew apple and
fenny (also feni) originated here. The popular brands of fenny are 'Cashyo'
(the makers of which spell it feni), 'Reals' (pronounced as Reaals), and 'Big
Boss'. Goa has registered for a geographical indicator that would allow it to
claim the sole right to term drink created in the region as fenny or 'Goan
Cashew Feni'.
Hadia is a rice beer commonly made in the Bihar, Jharkhand, Orissa, Madhya
Pradesh and Chhattisgarh states of India. It may alternatively be spelt hadiya.
The making involves the use of herbs mixed with boiled rice and left to
ferment. The drink is generally ready within a week. It is served cool and has
lower alcoholic strength than other Indian country liquors. Palm wine locally
known as neera is a sap extracted from Inflorescence of various species of
Toddy palms. It is sweet, oyster white, and translucent. Chuak is the
traditional Tripuri rice-beer. It is made by fermenting rice in water. It is usually drunk on social occasions of any
Tripuri ceremony as a ritual. Chuak is offered to village elders on any occasion or celebration in a traditional Tripuri
family.
Chhaang is consumed by the people of Sikkim and Darjeeling Himalayan hill region of West Bengal with great
enthusiasm. It is usually drunk at room temperature in summer, but is often served piping hot in brass bowls or
wooden mugs when the weather is cold. Chhaang is a relative of the more universally known beer. Barley, millet
(finger-millet) or rice is used to brew the drink. Semi-fermented seeds of millet are served, stuffed in a barrel of
bamboo called the Dhungro. Then boiling water is poured and sipped through a narrow bore bamboo pipe called the
Pipsing.
Eating habits
People in India consider a healthy breakfast, or nashta, important. They generally prefer to drink tea or coffee with
the first meal of the day. North Indian people prefer roti, parathas, and a vegetable dish, accompanied by achar
(pickles) and some curd; people of western India, dhokla and milk; South Indians, idlis and dosas, generally
accompanied by various chutneys.
Lunch in India usually consists of a main dish of rice in the south and east and rotis made from whole wheat in the
northern and western parts of India. It typically includes two or three kinds of vegetables. Lunch may be
accompanied by items such as kulcha, nan, or parathas. Curd and two or three sweets are also included in the main
course. Paan (betel leaves), which aid digestion, are often eaten after lunch in parts of India.
Indian families will gather for "evening breakfast" to talk, drink tea, and eat snacks.
Indian cuisine 19
Dinner is considered the main meal of the day, and the whole family gathers for the occasion. Dinner may be
followed by dessert, ranging from fruit to traditional desserts like kheer, gulab jamun, gajraila, qulfi or ras malai.
Etiquette
Paan usually accompanies post dinner
Several customs are associated with food consumption. Traditionally,
meals were eaten while seated either on the floor or on very low stools
or cushions. Food is most often eaten without cutlery, instead using the
right hand. Often roti (flat bread) is used to scoop the curry without
allowing it to touch the hands. Etiquette dictates eating only with one's
right hand. Along the coast to the south, where the staple is parboiled
rice. In the wheat growing/consuming north, a piece of roti is gripped
with the thumb and middle finger and ripped off while holding holding
the roti down with the index finger. Traditional serving styles vary
from region to region in India.
In South India, cleaned banana leaves, which can be disposed of after
the meal, are used traditionally. When hot food is served on banana leaves, the leaves add aroma and taste to the
food. Leaf plates are still utilized on auspicious and festive occasions but are less common today.
Traditional ways of dining are being influenced by eating styles from other parts of the world. Among the middle
class throughout India, spoons and forks are commonplace.
Outside of India
United Kingdom
Further information: English cuisine#Indian and Anglo-Indian cuisine
Chicken tikka masala, a modified version of
Indian chicken tikka. It has been called "Britain's
true national dish."[23]
In 2003, there were as many as 10,000 restaurants serving Indian
cuisine in England and Wales alone. According to Britain's Food
Standards Agency, the Indian food industry in the United Kingdom is
worth £3.2 billion, accounts for two-thirds of all eating out, and serves
about 2.5 million British customers every week.[24]
Specifically Anglo-Indian dishes include mango chutney,
mulligatawny soup, balti and chicken tikka masala. British people of
non-Indian origin often home-cook curries using ready-made curry
powders, sauces or pastes.
United States
A survey held in 2007 revealed that more than 1,200 Indian food products have been introduced in the United States
since 2000.[25] There are numerous Indian restaurants across the US. Indian cuisines in the US are quite diverse
based on regional culture and climate. Major cuisines are North Indian and South Indian. There are also several
places in New York, New Jersey, Chicago and Los Angeles that have specialized cuisines that serve authentic Indian
food.[26] Most of the Indian restaurants in the United States serve Americanized versions of North Indian food,
which is generally less spicy. South Indian restaurants also exist and are slowly becoming popular but are less
preferred by the locals because the food is considered very spicy.
Indian cuisine 20
Canada
Just like the United Kingdom and the United States, Indian cuisine is widely available in Canada. It is most popular
in the cities of Toronto and Vancouver, where the majority of South Asians live.
South East Asia
An Indian food restaurant in Singapore.
Indian cuisine is very popular in South East Asia because of its strong
Hindu and Buddhist historical cultural influence in the region and on
its cuisines. Indian cuisine has had considerable influence on
Malaysian cooking styles[5] and also enjoys popularity in
Singapore.[27][28] There are numerous North and South Indian
restaurants all around Singapore, most of them located in Little India.
Singapore is also well known for its fusion take on Indian cuisines. The
fish head curry for example, is a local creation with a strong Indian
influence reflected by its complex use of spices. Indian influence on
Malay cuisine dates to the 19th century.[29] Other cuisines which
borrow Indian cooking styles include Filipino, Vietnamese,
Indonesian,[30] and Thai.[31] The spread of vegetarianism in other parts of Asia is often credited to ancient Indian
Hindu and Buddhist practices.[32]
West Asia
Indian cuisine is also fairly popular in the Arab world because of its similarity to and influence on Arab cuisine.[33]
Curry's international appeal has been compared to that of pizza.[34] Indian tandoori dishes, such as chicken tikka,
enjoy widespread popularity.[35] Historically, Indian spices and herbs were among the most sought-after trade
commodities. The spice trade between India and Europe led to the rise and dominance of Arab traders, to such an
extent that European explorers such as Vasco da Gama and Christopher Columbus set out to find new trade routes
with India, leading to the Age of Discovery.[4]
China (including Hong Kong SAR)
Indian food is becoming popular in China and Hong Kong SAR. There are many Indian restaurants in Beijing,
Shanghai and Shenzhen. Hong Kong SAR has more than 50 Indian restaurants. History of Indian restaurant in Hong
Kong SAR goes as back as 1980. Most of the Indian restaurants in Hong Kong SAR are in Tsim Sha Tsui or Central
area.