Variety of Indian Cuisine - The Best Blend of Different Religions

I respect all world cuisines and would never rank any cuisine from best to worst or worst to best, be it Chinese, American, Italian, Indian, or French. Every cuisine has their own origin and own specialties, but as I am an Indian and if we talk about Indian cuisine, I think it is different and unique from other cuisines because of vast variety and different types of recipes prepared by different types of religions. All these different tastes, styles, methods of preparing food have fused into a single cuisine named as Indian cuisine. Food in India is something unique. Why India is famous for its cuisine is because of the vast variety and differences in our ways. There are a lot of contributions of different religions in evolution of India Cuisine and making it the most unique cuisine in the world.

Afghanese came to the western coasts for trade and got in with them dates, which we use in a variety of foods. The sweetness of dates now reaches every corner of our country. They also have a system of having from the same plate, which is a great sign of solidarity. Always shares love in my opinion.

The Portugese came to India and gave us beautiful Goan cuisine, which along with the existing local delights has made their food one of the most sought after. I just love the aroma and spice of Goan cuisine. They introduced us with vinegar, tomatoes, and chilies, which are essential to our palate.

Mughals in my opinion had the greatest impact on royal food. Nobody ate as royally as they did. The roasting of meat the way they did was a class act. I think we would never have a Lucknow or Hyderabadi biryani if they were not here. I would not like to be in a world without these dishes.

Pure Hindu food is no joke. I am a carnivore, but I know a Brahmin general, whose wife makes such awesome vegetarian food that I feel I can turn vegetarian till I come home. The enormous number of methods by which the people on the river basins around Northern as well as Southern India make vegetables is mind boggling. Then, the use of pulses in regular food is a distinctly Hindu practice which has been so for centuries.

Buddhists too have had a say in it. Their ways to make soup out of simple meat has been done much before the English came to India. A very crude way of making the sausage has been in place in these areas for a long time.

The other small religions in India who have had a big say in our food culture, small a group they may be, but their food makes their presence felt.

Parsis: Their eloquence and hospitality is a trademark. They love their food which in turn translates into a beautiful palate. The Parsi breakfast is supposed to be something. They exemplify the fact that a well fed mind is the happiest and I have not seen a sad Parsi till now.

Sikhs: I do not know about yester years. But what Punjab makes today is deemed to be fit for all. The tandoori chicken is I am sure devoured by all. The variety of flours used to make chapattis is uniquely theirs.

Let me give you some examples of Delhi:

• For Bengali rolls, fish fry, mutton chops and sweets, you go to ChittranjanPark. CR brings Calcutta close in Delhi.

• When you feel the need for some Tibetan delights, you go to Majnu Ka Tilla Delhi.

• Now Punjabi food can be found everywhere, but the best is a little ahead of Tilak Nagar under the metro stations. The best and cheapest tandoori food in Delhi.

• When you are in a mood for some Mughlai food, you have to turn to Old Delhi. Jama Masjid has a variety of cheap and good food. Sweets are amazing too.

• College canteens are a hit too. Like Delhi School of Economics, JNU, Satya Niketan, and Kamla Nagar has the best chole bhature.

• South Indian food has really caught on with the northerners, that is why we see dosas as favorites. Sagar Ratna is the best chain of restaurants providing South Indian delicacies in Delhi NCR, but, if you want to try Keralite food, there is a small place in Palam where you can have the best beef curry.

• Nizamuddin is good for all kinds of royal treats, small eateries serving the best Mughlai and Hyderabadi food.

• Chaats in Delhi are the best in India. Whether Chandni Chowk or any bazaar, people may differ but I love our Delhi for best chaats.

• For the guy with a moody taste bud, you can try Eatopia at IHC (multi cuisine), all kinds of food, western, Indian, chaats are available here.

• Momos are Delhi’s fastest growing snacks. They have overtaken our bhaturas during college hangouts.

• I forgot to mention the places to find the best Sausages and Salamis. The two favorites for me are Empire Stores in Khan Market and Green Chick in GreenPark.

So all these things make our Indian cuisine the best blend of different religions which when combines together becomes a totally unique cuisine that is different from any country in the world. I am sure what I have said is just a drop in the ocean owing to the variety which makes me want to eat and eat and travel more and eat in India, so do pour in your views about evolution of Indian cuisine in India.