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Traditional foods of India
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Saturday, 30 July, 2022, 08 : 00 AM [IST]
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Kamaljeet Singh
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India is a country blessed with diversity. With the vast expanse of people, culture and traditions, there is one thing that unites everyone together. Food becomes a life line- a common connection for all, as there is no absolute love other than the love of food.
“Food brings people together on many different levels. It’s nourishment of the soul and body; it’s truly love.” - Giada De Laurentiis.
Setting the spotlight on our beloved traditional delicacies, here we will talk about the diverse food culture, popular dishes from different states and the most loved cuisine in India.
Diverse food culture
Our nation is a treasure trove of cultures and traditions, which also includes a vast spread of different cuisines in India. With a rich culinary heritage, every dish represents a culture. Whether it is the fiery fare of North Eastern India, the sweet savouries of West Bengal, the flavour of authentic coastal food or delicious mountain cuisine, every region offers a unique blend of recipes.
The local spices, ingredients and cooking methods bring together food specialities that have significance not only culturally but also geographically. So if you are looking to explore, you can add fiery flavours of Mahua of tribal India, tangy Goan feni, exquisite Toddy, a palm wine indigenous to Kerala and so on.
However, since the pandemic has brought a change to our perceptions about home cooked food.
Let’s explore some unique home cooked dishes
India has over 900 tasty delicacies to offer. Although the cuisines and flavours differ from town to town and region to region, many dishes have gained popularity over others. Let’s explore some famous home-cooked dishes from the north, south, east and western parts of India.
North India - Butter Chicken
Butter Chicken or Makhan Murg in Hindi is one of the most popular Indian dishes. Makhan, in Hindi, stands for butter, and Murg means chicken, which literally translates to Butter Chicken.
Initially originating in the northern Indian state of Punjab, butter chicken features a beautifully cooked chicken mixed in with a tomato curry sauce. This famous curry has gained international fame for its rich flavour profile. As a matter of fact, Butter Chicken was accidentally invented in the Moti Mahal restaurant in New Delhi when leftover chicken pieces were mixed with sauce. But now this dish has a special place in the heart and is enjoyed with naan, roti, or even with rice.
Southern India - Puliyogare
This is arguably the most famous and widely consumed homemade dish in southern India. It is commonly prepared for festivals and is yellow in colour due to turmeric, which is considered sacred and symbolises festive occasions in the Hindu world. The word puli in its name means sour, reflecting the tangy flavour of the dish. However, spicy and salty flavours that are also present in the dish are well balanced with the sour tamarind.
Eastern India - Chakhui
East India is a place where culture meets nature. With palaces, temples, and historical sites, the eastern states draw large crowds each year. But the best way to experience Eastern India’s culture is, of course, through the food.
Most local residents adore their local meat preparations and are big fans of bamboo shoots and fermented fish. An amalgamation of all these favourites is the Chakhui. It is a Bamboo shoot and pork potage that has a consistency of thick daal, usually served with rice during lunch and dinner. This succulent dish, Chakhui, can be enjoyed with an assortment of local pickles too.
Western India - Goan Fish Curry
The Goan fish curry is another famous dish that you shouldn’t miss when you are in Western India. The perfect use of spices to bring the authentic aroma is heavenly. The dish has easy and available ingredients and can be cooked in an hour. Rich spices and special Kashmiri red chilies are used to enhance the colour and intensity of the flavours.
India’s most loved beverage!
With so much diversity and cultural varieties, it is almost impossible to find food that tastes the same in all parts of the country. But that is not the case with tea!
“Chai Bana kar rakh” – this is what you hear whenever you wake up any Indian in the morning. And there is no proof required that Tea is India's most beloved as it may be nothing but an excuse to get those few extra minutes of sleep. From politicians to the labourers, tea has no class and appeals to everyone irrespective of age, gender, class or caste. It is indeed India’s beloved beverage as it has a unity of its own. It is traditionally a hot beverage but is used as refreshment in all our households.
However, tea can be served ice cold or hot and can be consumed in any weather as your heart desires. You will find tea anywhere in India and you will always get the same consistent taste, be it your home, a restaurant or simply a tea stall.
With 30 states and over 900 plus different cuisines, there’s so much passion, hard work, experience and culture hidden in Indian dishes. India has a wealth of flavours, ranging from sweet to spicy. Moreover, this culinary diversity has a well-balanced relation of taste and health as well.
(The author is co-founder of Freshplate)
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