Indian Cuisine
Indian cuisine is different in different regions due to diversity in culture and religion. Indian cuisine is distinguished by its sophisticated use of spices and herbs. It is also featured by an assortment of dishes and cooking techniques. Most Indian cuisines are related by similar usage of spices. Often, Indian cooking is distinguished by the use of a larger variety of vegetables than many other well-known cuisines. Within these recognizable similarities, there is an enormous variety of local styles.
The hospitality of the Indians is legendary. In Sanskrit Literature the three famous words 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or 'the guest is truly your god' are a dictum of hospitality in India. Indians believe that they are honored if they share their mealtimes with guests. Even the poorest look forward to guests and are willing to share this meager food with guest. Indians are known for their incredible ability to serve food to their guests invited or uninvited.
Food customarily forms the crowning part of most festivities and celebrations. Whatever the occasion Indians eat with great gusto and are adept at finding reasons to feast and make merry. At traditional and festive meals, the thali (plate) or banana leaf is decorated with rangoli (a design drawn with white and colored powders around the edges).
Another strong influence over Indian foods is the widespread and longstanding vegetarianism within sections of India's Hindu and Jain communities. Food is an integral part of India's culture and different cuisines are present in different communities, regions, and states.
Furthermore, each religion, region, and caste has left its own influence on Indian food. Many recipes first emerged when India was predominantly inhabited by Vedic Hindus. Later, Christians, British, Buddhists, Portuguese, Muslims from Turkey, Arabia, Mughal, and Persia, and others had their influence as well.
Indian cuisine is different in different regions due to diversity in culture and religion. Indian cuisine is distinguished by its sophisticated use of spices and herbs. It is also featured by an assortment of dishes and cooking techniques. Most Indian cuisines are related by similar usage of spices. Often, Indian cooking is distinguished by the use of a larger variety of vegetables than many other well-known cuisines. Within these recognizable similarities, there is an enormous variety of local styles.
The hospitality of the Indians is legendary. In Sanskrit Literature the three famous words 'Atithi Devo Bhava' or 'the guest is truly your god' are a dictum of hospitality in India. Indians believe that they are honored if they share their mealtimes with guests. Even the poorest look forward to guests and are willing to share this meager food with guest. Indians are known for their incredible ability to serve food to their guests invited or uninvited.
Food customarily forms the crowning part of most festivities and celebrations. Whatever the occasion Indians eat with great gusto and are adept at finding reasons to feast and make merry. At traditional and festive meals, the thali (plate) or banana leaf is decorated with rangoli (a design drawn with white and colored powders around the edges).
Another strong influence over Indian foods is the widespread and longstanding vegetarianism within sections of India's Hindu and Jain communities. Food is an integral part of India's culture and different cuisines are present in different communities, regions, and states.
Furthermore, each religion, region, and caste has left its own influence on Indian food. Many recipes first emerged when India was predominantly inhabited by Vedic Hindus. Later, Christians, British, Buddhists, Portuguese, Muslims from Turkey, Arabia, Mughal, and Persia, and others had their influence as well.