Food Culture In India

India is a country, which is full of diversity. It has various religions, cultures, colors, food, soil, and even water. This is an amazing land with wonders in its fields. The variations it has kept in its lap is unique in the whole world. It is considered to have one of the most ancient cultures in the world.

One of the best things about India is its food. Whether traditional food, street food, or even regular food, it has its own taste. It’s a great place for food lovers and people from all over the world come here to taste it.

Here, in this article, I’m going to tell you some amazing facts about Indian Cuisine.

Cuisines in India :

India has 29 states with 7 union territories. You would be amazed to know that almost every state offers a different kind of food. Here, people love preparing dishes with normal ingredients with a traditional touch and often these normal ingredients do wonders. The ritual of "Chhapan Bhog "is a famous proverb in India. Which in English means 56 foods.

Here, we’re adding some of the popular cuisines of India.

• South Indian Cuisine
• Punjabi cuisine
• Bengali cuisine
• Gujarati cuisine
• Parsi cuisine
• Kashmiri cuisine
• Uttarakhandi cuisine
• Marwani cuisine
• Odia cuisine
• Telangana cuisine
• Mappila cuisine
• Adivasi cuisine
• Konkani cuisine
• Malenadu cuisine
• Kathiawadi cuisine
• Naga cuisine
• Kumaoni cuisine
• Udipi cuisine

Some Famous cuisines and their food :

As mentioned above, India has different cuisines for different states but some of them are tremendously loved.

People from every corner of the world are fond of these cuisines and food .

Here are some of them:-

1. South Indian:

Whenever there is a discussion of Indian food, south Indian acquire place. It is a combined cuisine from the lower/southern states of India. This has both vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes.

This is made by using lentils and spices, fresh coconut, and native vegetables and fruits. Rice is the staple food in South India hence, most of the delicacies are prepared from rice and to be eaten with it.

Tasty Examples: Masala Dosa, Idli Sambhar, Andhra Style Chicken Curry, Chicken Stew with Appams, Hyderabadi Biryani, Paal Payasam, and much more.

2. Punjabi:

Punjab is the state of farmers. It is famous for its cheerful and full of life citizens. Just like its citizens, it’s food also comes with several delights and happiness. It is known for its rich, buttery flavours along with the extensive vegetarian and meat dishes.

Most of the cereals are grown here, hence varieties of food are prepared. Wheat, rice and dairy products form the staple diet of the Punjabi people. Their food is enriched with dairy products. Punjabi is associated with tandoori cooking as well.

Tasty Examples : Sarhon dā saâg and makki di roti, Butter Chicken, Tandoori Chicken, Chole Bhature, Masala Channa, Dal Makhani, Dhaba Dal, Paneer Tikka and much more.

3. Gujarati :

Gujarat is a deeply historic region whose roots can be traced back to the Indus Valley Civilisation. It’s long coastline ensures a huge variety of seafood, but it is also influenced by Jain culture and philosophy which makes the region predominantly vegetarian.

Gujarati cuisines are not only lip smacking but also high in nutritional value. It comprises distinct flavors of Kathiyawad, Kutch, Surat and Amdavad in cooking styles and dishes. Traditionally a Gujarati Thali consists of roti, kadhi or dal, rice, and shaak/sabzi.

Tasty Examples: Khandvi, Gujarati Samosa, Aam Shrikhand with Mango, Salad, Gujarati Kadhi, Dhokla, Bardoli ki Khichdi, Methi ka Thepla, Dal Dhokli and much more.

4. Kashmiri :

Jammu and Kashmir is the crown of India. It is a very beautiful state. This is surrounded by mountains, hence turns out to be one of the coolest states of India. Here, you will mostly find hot dishes. Kashmiris are fond of meat. Meat, along with rice, is the most popular food item in Kashmir.

Kashmiri food is mild in taste and rich in flavour with the high use of hot spices like cardamom, fennel, ginger, cinnamon, cloves and saffron. Rice has been the staple food of Kashmiris since ancient times. The Kashmir Valley is noted for its bakery tradition as well.

Tasty Examples : Mutton Rogan Josh, Yogurt Lamb Curry, Paneer Chaman, Kashmiri Saag, Khatte Baingan, Dum Aloo, Kashmiri Style Mutton Ribs, Haak and much more.

5. Marvari :

This cuisine is found in Rajasthan hence also known as Rajasthani cuisine. It’s food is influenced by both the war-like lifestyles of its inhabitants and the availability of ingredients in this arid region. Food that could last for several days and could be eaten without heating was preferred.

The effect of Scarcity of water and fresh green vegetables in the desert can be clearly seen on the cooking style and taste in Rajasthani cuisine. The various types of dried and powdered spices give it an unique flavor and fragrance.

Tasty Examples : Dal Bati Churma, Gatte Ki Sabzi, Laal Maas, Ker Sangri, Ghevar, Rajasthani Kadhi, Kachori, Mirchi Bada and much more.

Foreign Cuisines in India :

India is a place which easily accepts the culture of other places and combines it with herself. Same applies with it's food culture.

Various foreign cuisines can be found in India that don't seem foreign anymore.

You can find them in restaurants, dhabas and even homes. They have become a household name.

Some foreign cuisines popular in India are,

• Chinese - From China
• Thai - From Thailand
• Italian - From Italian peninsula

This type of culture encourages people from different countries to travel and understand each other’s heritage.

Street Food of India :

Along with these traditional food styles India is famous for its street food as well. Street foods are the food and beverages that are sold on streets by vendors in portable stalls and carts.

Indian street foods are known worldwide for their taste, diversity and easy accessibility in various cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Bangalore and every other city of India.

When it comes to street food, India tops the charts. One can visit many countries and try their street foods, but we can bet that nothing can beat the taste you will find in India.

Tasty Examples : Paani Puri, Chaat papdi, aloo tikki, chhole bhature, Kathi roles, modal pav, and much more.

Final Words :

The food culture of India is one of the best in the whole world. It is acknowledged and loved by everyone. Its diversity helps a lot in this. These manifolds of cuisines give India another reason for uniqueness.

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