Indian Food – A Short Article On The Myths And Facts
Indian Food is always spicy: This is the overall consensus among foreigners. Not true at all. While Indian food in general is more spicy, you can find lots of cuisines where the food is even sweet and bland. So if spicy is not your preference you could try those cuisines, for starters Gujarati cuisines are perfect for folks who dislike spicy food.
Infact traditional Indian cuisines from many parts of India might have that added masala but are generally less spicier than regions like Andhra Pradesh where food is very spicy in general.
Indian food is only vegetarian: This is partly true. Hindus, being the majority community in India, are mostly vegetarian. However there are such a lot of different sub-sects within the Hindu religion, that many of them follow their own food practices.
Contrary to prevalent belief, many Indians are meat-eaters and cook them well too. Chicken is perhaps the preferred meat in India. Cow is considered a sacred animal and is avoided by Hindus though Muslims and Christians eat beef. Sea food is also well-liked in coastal regions like Goa, Mangalore, Kerala, West Bengal and others.
There isn't variety in Indian cooking: Many, especially foreigners and first time visitors to India, are of the opinion that Indian food doesn't have so much of choices. Indian cuisine is probably one of the most varied food-culture in the world!
This is actually a misconception around the world and even in India. Chicken Tikka did not originate in India. It was brought into India by the Mughals and has its origins in Persia.
Indian food is all about Curry: Curry is something that was again made popular by British-South Asian ethnic groups. While Curry abroad may refer to a thick and spicy gravy dish, India takes a different meaning altogether. In South India, Curry may refer to a vegetable side-dish that is often served with rice.
This is true and Indians consider eating with hands a more enriching experience although this is not a rule and Indians do use spoons and forks too. Moreover there are plenty of Indian dishes which are not easy to eat with a fork or spoon.
You will also find that in certain Indian regions, food is served on a banana leaf or an areca nut leaf. These traditions have been passed on to families since many generations and many modern Indian continue to follow then regardless of caste differences.
For additional information and video recipes please go to the buzzing food community at ifood. If you are an Indian food lover you can also take a look at Indian Recipes and South Indian Recipes.
