Discover Indian gastronomy

Going to India is a dream for many frequent travelers. It is a destination that has so much to offer for those who venture there. Its rich and colorful cuisine that leaves no one indifferent. Indian food is not only one of the richest in the world, but is also considered one of the tastiest in the world. If you are planning a trip to India with us in the near future, you will not miss out on the most popular and best-loved dishes of North and South India.

South Indian dishes

The vast majority of South Indian dishes are vegetarian. The cuisine of this region of India is often associated with Ayurveda. One of the must-try dishes is Dosa. This is a kind of thin, crispy patty made from fermented rice and lentils. You will certainly have the opportunity to try its variant, the Dosa Masala. This is filled with spicy potatoes.

Rasam is another classic South Indian dish. This traditional dish is especially popular because it is one of the simplest to prepare. Several flavors are used in the composition of this soup. Tamarind, pepper, garlic and onion, as well as cumin are used. Rasam is usually served with rice and various vegetables.

If you like spicy dishes, then you can try Puli Sooru. This is a very sour and spicy rice dish. The composition is made by mixing rice and sauce prepared separately. The sauce consists of curry leaves, dried chili, turmeric and other spices which are sauteed in ginger oil.

Culinary specialities of North India

While South Indian cuisine is essentially vegetarian, North Indian cuisine is more carnivorous (tandoor or mughlai style meat, thus of Persian or Mughal origin), and rice is often replaced by an incredible variety of wheat-based breads.

Among the meat dishes, we can mention Kebabs. These are skewers of minced and grilled meat that have been marinated in spices beforehand. Non-vegetarians can also enjoy Mutton Korma with its delicious sauce, which is flavored with cardamom and cinnamon, but also with ginger and cloves.

For vegetarians, as the cuisine is influenced by the Mughal tradition, it is generally creamy and spicy. Thus, among the dishes frequently encountered in this part of the country, we can mention the dishes based on Paneer. Paneer is a fresh, unripened cheese made from buffalo milk.

While in India, don’t miss the opportunity to try Shahi Paneer. The cubed paneer is bathed in a creamy tomato sauce. It is a real treat for the taste buds! The Matar Paneer is prepared in the same way, but with the addition of peas. Palak Paneer is also a must-try Indian delicacy. A spinach-based sauce is used for its preparation. Finally, try the Kadai Paneer. This time a rather oily tomato sauce is used, to which pepper is added.

A visit to North India is also a good opportunity to discover the flavors of the famous Makhani Dal, which has become the most representative dish of Indian cuisine. Dal is made of boiled lentil puree. It is usually creamy and not spicy. You should also try Chana Masala. It is a delicious dish made from chickpeas.

Indian breads

Who has never tasted Indian breads? Indian cuisine is well known for its delicious breads, which are particularly popular all over the world. In India, Indian breads are so ingrained in the culinary culture that they almost always accompany a meal. In some parts of the country, a meal is not considered complete without Indian bread. If you are interested in these delicacies, you should know that there are about 30 different types of Indian breads (including naan, chapati and paratha for the most famous).

Indian desserts

But what about sweet treats? Here again, Indian cuisine promises many delights. Dive into this with flavors from the East and discover the sweet specialities of India that we don’t always know about, unfortunately! Because once you have tasted them, you will come back to it for sure!

Spices always rule the world of Indian cuisine, even sweet ones! With them, the desserts warmly invite us to travel. And saffron, in particular, reigns supreme! The Indian yogurt with saffron and almonds, the rice pudding with orange, saffron and pistachios, and the coconut and saffron balls all bear witness to this. Other discoveries? Ladoo, mango-coconut lassi, halwa with semolina… As for the rest: Indian-style bananas, pancakes flavored with rose water, Indian crème brûlée with green cardamom, coconut and raisin turnover, mango cream… You’re beginning to understand why you shouldn’t wait to book your trip, aren’t you?

India offers you its sweet treasures, often spicy, sometimes fruity, always high in color and flavor… Enjoy your trip with Mannat Voyages!