Page 47 - Connect 2024-25

Encouraging Sustainability: As interest in farm-to- Key Ingredients and Techniques: Coconut, tamarind,
table experiences and organic food grows, sustainable curry leaves, mustard seeds, and chilies are staples in
tourism practices are becoming more prevalent. South Indian cooking. The region extensively uses rice
Culinary tourism promotes the use of locally sourced in various forms—steamed, fermented, or ground into
and seasonal ingredients, reducing the carbon footprint batters. Dishes are commonly served with a variety of
associated with food production and transportation. It chutneys and sambar (a tangy lentil soup).
also aids in the conservation of local food traditions
and biodiversity, contributing to the sustainability of the Signature Dishes: South Indian cuisine is known for
tourism industry. dishes like dosa (a crispy fermented rice pancake), idli
(steamed rice cakes), and sambar. Kerala’s cuisine is
History of Indian Food Indian cuisine represents Indian famous for its seafood delicacies, including meen moilee
culture, and with more than 21 flavours from seven main (fish curry) and appam (rice pancake). Andhra Pradesh
regions across the country, it offers an extraordinary is known for its fiery and spicy biryanis and curries.
variety of culinary experiences. Each region has its
history, climate background, and influences from other Popular Culinary Destinations: Chennai is perfect
cultures, creating a fascinating mosaic of diverse tastes, for exploring the rich vegetarian cuisine of Tamil Nadu,
ingredients, and cooking techniques. while Hyderabad is celebrated for its world-famous
Hyderabadi biryani. The coastal city of Kochi in Kerala
North Indian Cuisine: Hearty and Robust is ideal for experiencing fresh seafood, and Bangalore
The northern region of India, particularly Punjab, offers a fusion of South Indian flavours with modern
Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi is known for its hearty culinary trends.
and robust cuisine. The Mughals left a lasting mark
on this area’s culinary style, introducing rich gravies, Eastern Indian Cuisine: A Blend of Sweet and
fragrant rice dishes, and a wide variety of bread across Savory
the Indian subcontinent. Eastern India, encompassing West Bengal, Odisha,
Bihar, and Assam, is known for its delicate and nuanced
Key Ingredients and Techniques: Ghee (clarified flavours. The cuisine of this region is heavily influenced
butter), paneer (Indian cottage cheese), and cream are by its geography, with an abundance of freshwater fish,
commonly used in North Indian cuisine. The cooking rice, and vegetables.
techniques often involve traditional methods like slow
cooking, grilling, and baking, especially in tandoors Key Ingredients and Techniques: Mustard oil is a
(clay ovens). primary cooking medium, imparting a distinct flavor
to many dishes. The region also makes extensive use
Signature Dishes: Iconic dishes from this region of panch phoron, a blend of five spices—mustard,
include butter chicken (a creamy tomato-based curry), fennel, fenugreek, cumin, and nigella seeds. Cooking
biryani (long-grain rice cooked with marinated meat), techniques often include slow cooking and steaming.
and kebabs (meat skewers grilled on an open flame).
The region is also famous for its variety of breads, such Signature Dishes: Bengali cuisine is famous for its
as naan, roti, and paratha. variety of fish dishes, such as macher jhol (fish curry)
and shorshe ilish (hilsa cooked in mustard sauce).
Popular Culinary Destinations: Delhi’s vibrant street The region is also renowned for its sweets, including
food scene is a must-visit for culinary tourists, offering rasgulla, Sandesh, and mishti doi. Assamese cuisine
delights like chaat, parathas, and kebabs. Amritsar in offers unique flavors with dishes like pitha (rice cakes)
Punjab is famous for its kulchas and lassi, while Lucknow and masor tenga (sour fish curry).
is renowned for its Awadhi cuisine, especially the galouti
kebabs and its signature biryani. Popular Culinary Destinations: Kolkata is a paradise
for food lovers, offering everything from street food like
South Indian Cuisine: A Symphony of Spices puchkas (similar to golgappa) to fine Bengali dining.
South India, which includes states like Tamil Nadu, The city’s sweets are particularly famous, with local
Kerala, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh, offers a shops offering a wide array of traditional Bengali treats.
culinary experience distinct from the North. The cuisine Bhubaneswar and Puri in Odisha are known for their
here is characterized by the liberal use of rice, lentils, temple food, especially the offerings at the Jagannath
and coconut, with dishes often showcasing salty and Temple.
tangy flavours.

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