History Of Indian Cuisines

India, a culturally diverse country, has a vast number of cuisines to offer in every nook and corner. Indian dishes are characterized by the extensive use of local spices, herbs, vegetables and fruits. Apart from the variety in ingredients, there is also a variety in cooking techniques, which the locals will tell you ‘add to the distinct flavor’ of their dishes. (burrp For iPhone)

Hindu beliefs and culture have played a very influential role in molding Indian cuisines to what it is now. However, cuisines all over India have also been influenced from outside due to British colonization and spice trade between India and Europe. Apart from this, Indian cuisines have also influenced other cuisines across the world especially those from Southeast Asia and the Caribbean.

During the Vedic period, India was very heavily forested, and thus the diet consisted of fruit, vegetables, grain, dairy products, honey and poultry and few meats. Over time few cultures branched out into vegetarianism due to religious influences, mainly due to Buddhism and climate which supported fruits, grains and vegetables. During this period eating Beef became a taboo, which is still believed and followed by the current Hindu population. (burrp On Startups.in)

The Gupta Dynasty saw a lot of changes in cuisines in North India, due to the Afghan conquerors which mainly occupied Northern India. They where the ones to introduce new cooking methods and products like tea and spices. This cuisine is more popularly know as Mughlai Cuisine today, and is become world famous due to its heavy spicy flavors.

Today each of the Indian states have their own distinct cuisines to boast about, all of them being equally famous for their signature dishes. South India is famous for dishes such as Idlis, Dosas, Uttappam, Rassam, Sambhar and Vada. North India is famous for chicken based dishes such as Tandoori, Butter Chicken, Naan, Parothas, Mah Di Dal and Paneer Tikha. Similarly East and West India have their own distinct foods and is recommended for all food lovers. (burrp In Chandigarh And Kochi)