Indian cuisine is a variety of culinary traditions, recipes and dishes that differ from region to region.
National cuisine of India
Despite the fact that vegetarian dishes have become widespread in the country, poultry and lamb are used for the preparation of many traditional dishes. Wheat, rice, vegetables and legumes are equally important ingredients in Indian cuisine. Spices are the hallmark of Indian chefs: cooking is not complete without the use of cloves, saffron, ginger, nutmeg, asafoetida and others.
In North India, dishes are prepared mainly in a tandoor (clay oven): in this way, for example, lamb kebabs, lamb leg, and chicken pieces are prepared. Vegetable dishes are popular in Central India (lentil dumplings, vegetables in batter); in Western India - seafood in the form of lobsters, crabs, squid, which are fried or grilled (try the "Mylai" - shrimp curry with coconut). As for the cuisine of South India, for example, in Bengal, legumes are common (mung beans, chickpeas, red lentils), and almost no meal is complete without chutney (a sauce made from fruits and vegetables with spices and sugar).
Popular Indian dishes:
- "Biryani" (Indian pilaf based on rice, chicken or lamb, in orange sauce);
- “Mahanwala” (chicken dish with butter sauce);
- Dahi maach (fish dish with curry, ginger and yogurt);
- Dhal (puree soup with coconut milk with curry, legumes and lemon juice).
- Firni (a rice casserole with pistachios, raisins and almonds).
Where to taste the national cuisine?
Visitors to Indian restaurants should be aware that local dishes are divided into medium-hot, mild and spicy (if you are not interested in eating spicy dishes, say “know spice” when ordering).
In Delhi, it is worth visiting Naivedyam (a restaurant specializing in vegetarian Indian cuisine, where the meal usually starts with a traditional soup with pepper and other spices) or Kandahar (this place offers real lamb samosa and traditional Indian music concerts), and in Mumbai - “Leopold Cafe” (order here stew of stewed vegetables with seasonings, served with rice; average bill is less than $ 20) or “Trishna” (the restaurant specializes in South Indian cuisine).
Cooking courses in India
In Delhi, you can learn how to cook lamb in a thick spicy sauce while attending a cooking course at the Chor Bizzare Restaurant (before you start your meal, you will be offered to perform the ritual of washing your hands in a jug, and upon its completion - to thank Allah for the food) …
Gourmets are advised to come to India during the IFOWS International Culinary Festival (Delhi, January).
