A Legacy of Curries, Kebabs & Spices
Indian food is synonymous with curries and spices. This is a country where there is a gamut of delicacies and recipes handed down through generations.
Each city, village and state have their unique food stories of migration, conquests and heritage. Locals pride over their cuisines and believe that it strengthens the bond with their ancestors and roots.
Indian food is so diverse, it's hard to sum it up in a few words. But to give you a flavour, here are a few cuisines which are a must try when you visit this fascinating land.
Kashmiri Cuisine
‘Paradise on Earth’ flanked by snow clad mountains and enchanting valleys, Kashmiri food is simple yet distinct in its flavours.
It is a blend of three different cooking styles - that of Kashmiri Pandits, Arabs and Mughals. Their most popular feast which is fit for a king is called 'Wazwan' and it consists of mostly meat-based dishes. From beautiful Kashmiri chillies that are so flavourful to a warm cup of Kashmiri Kahwa (a traditional green tea infused with saffron, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon) Kashmiri cuisine is an unforgettable fragrance of heritage and culture.
Kashmiri Cuisine
Punjabi Cuisine
This is a state known for its large heart and love for food.
Punjabi dishes are created with dollops of ghee, cream, butter, fragrant spices and flavours. Indian barbeque or Tandoori is probably one of the oldest forms of outdoor cooking, which is now a staple in Punjab.
Rich dals, stuffed parathas, frothy lassi (yogurt drink), charcoal meat delights and beautiful greens, Punjabi food is a reflection of their unique culture, traditions and gusto.
Rajasthani Cuisine
A state that is arid the cuisine reflects its lifestyle. The kings that ruled this land to local people in the desert have given rise to a whole range of innovative dishes.
Dal Baati Churma (lentil curry with bread), Lal Maas (spicy mutton curry), Pyaaz KiKachori (deep fried bread made of onions) or the delicious Ghevar (a popular sweet dish) Rajasthani cuisine is rich and colourful. With a range of vegetarian and meat dishes, the cuisine of this state is as majestic as its historical stories.
Rajasthani Cuisine
Gujarati Cuisine
It is one of the oldest gastronomic treasures of India. Being primarily vegetarian, it offers a plethora of dishes with a unique style of cooking and it consists of pickles, dals and snacks that are healthy and reflect the vibrant heritage of Gujarat.
This is one cuisine where a dash of sweet dominates most dishes like the famousKadhi, Dhokla and desserts like Jalebis. Gujarati thali is a popular main course which consists of a large plate and myriad dishes adorning it.
Gujarati Cuisine
Kerala Cuisine
The lip smacking cuisine of Kerala is a fusion of Muslim and Christian traditions.With traders visiting this region, it developed its unique style over the years.
Kerala cuisine has an abundance of coconut, rice, tapioca and spices like black pepper, cloves, cinnamon and ginger. Some of their quintessential dishes are Appam with Stew (rice pancake with curry), Malabar Paratha with Beef Curry,Payasam (rice sweet dish) and some delicious fish preparations.
Their best meal is Sadhya served on the Hindu festival Onam, consisting of boiled rice and a host of vegetarian dishes on a banana leaf.
Kerala Cuisine
Tamil Cuisine
Tamil cuisine is known for its aromatic, flavourful and sometimes spicy food. While it is known for its delicacies like dosa, idli and vada served with sambar and chutney, that’s not all it has to offer.
The Chettinad cuisine is known for its veg and non-veg dishes with loads of spices and there are many fish curries to enjoy as well. With an extensive range of tea, coffee with other fares, makes Tamilnadu one of the best food getaways in India.
Tamil Cuisine
Bengali Cuisine
West Bengal food is full of depth, herbs and love. With thriving rivers, fish is the dominant meat here.
What sets Bengali curries apart are the distinctive flavours of mustard oil and undertone of a range of spices. And one cannot leave desserts behind when talking about Bengali cuisine. Mishti Doi (sweet curd), Rasgulla and Rasmalai etc will satiate your sweet tooth and your tummy!
Bengali Cuisine
Awadhi Cuisine
This royal fare originates from the city of Nawabs, Lucknow. Nawabs of Awadh came in from Persia and their food consisted of grains, dry fruits, meat and vegetables. Their dishes showcase the sophistication involved in the nawabi way of life.
They brought with them the dumpukht style of preparation, which is considered to be the hallmark of Awadhi cooking. It means letting the food breathe in its own aroma, juices and accompanied spices.Some of the most celebrated dishes include kebabs, biryani, korma and nihari and the most well-known being the Dum Biryani.
Awadhi cuisine takes you through the ethos, culture and the sentiments of its historical journey in India.
Awadhi Cuisine
Hyderabadi Cuisine
This one goes back 400 years. Its culinary history is known for the extravagant way the aristocracy - Nizams of Hyderbabd entertained. What makes the cuisine so special is the blend of Mughal, Turkish, and Arabic styles, along with traditional Marathwada and Telugu preparations.
Hyderabadi Biryani and Haleem have a top notch status altogether. Their bread called Sheermal and famous desert Shahi Tukda are absolutely delightful. The Nizams ofHyderabad were connoisseurs of art, culture and food. Their rich flavours are unmatched by any other state in India.
Indian cuisine is a vast expanse of food traditions from the Asian continent, and it brings its sumptuous tales on the table for all food lovers.
