| If you have eaten at an Indian restaurant, or | | | | to the North where bread is more preferred. |
| have tried any Indian food, you will agree when I | | | | Sambaar and Rasam are some soups that are |
| say that Indian cuisine is one of the richest and | | | | commonly combined with rice. |
| tastiest in the world, right? But, are you aware | | | | - As mentioned, their staple food is rice. Lentil is |
| that this cuisine is divided into four, based on | | | | also part of their staple food. |
| geographic regions? Yes, you read it right even if | | | | - Important spices and ingredients are tamarind,, |
| they belong to one cuisine; there are differences | | | | chillies, curry leaves, and mustard. |
| between the Northern, Southern, Eastern and | | | | - Examples of popular South Indian dishes are |
| Western Indian cuisine. | | | | Vadas, Dosas, Rasam and Payasam. As for the |
| Let's start with North India. This region has | | | | East, it has the most abundant supply of rice in |
| extreme climates, and has an abundant supply of | | | | India. Vegetables and fruits are also plentiful. The |
| fruits and vegetables. The geographical position | | | | geographical location indicates that Chinese and |
| also indicates that people in this region have had | | | | Mongolians may have influenced the Eastern Indian |
| strong interactions with people from Central Asia | | | | cuisine. |
| which of course would have influenced their | | | | - People in this region make simple preparation for |
| culture and food. | | | | their cuisine. Frying and steaming being the popular |
| - What is the style of North cuisine? Dried fruits | | | | techniques of cooking. In addition, East India is |
| and nuts are almost always used, while dairy | | | | known to have the most dessert recipes. |
| products such as cream, cheese, yogurt, and | | | | - Similar with the South, Eastern Indians' staple |
| ghee are common ingredients for sweet and | | | | food is rice. |
| savory dishes. Since the region has an abundant | | | | - Spices and ingredients are almost similar with the |
| supply of vegetables, North India has a lot of | | | | South's except that milk and yogurt play a much |
| vegetarian dishes. | | | | larger role as these are needed for their desserts. |
| - How about the staple foods? Bread is more | | | | - Popular dishes include Momos, Sandesh, and |
| prevalent than rice. Tandoori roti, naans, parathas | | | | Thukpa. |
| and kulchas are some of the famous breads for | | | | - Last but not the least is West India. As opposed |
| this region. | | | | with the other regions, West India's climate is hot |
| - Important spices used are Turmeric, coriander, | | | | and dry, limiting their variety of vegetables. |
| dry red chilies, cinnamon, and garam sala. | | | | - West Indian cuisine is very diverse. Rajasthani |
| - Examples of popular North Indian cuisine are | | | | (spicy and vegetarian), Gujarat (slightly sweet), |
| Tandoori chicken, Punjabi Chole, Khoya Burfi, Dal | | | | Malvani (hot and sour dishes) are some examples |
| Makhani, and Lassi Patiala. | | | | of cuisines served. |
| - Now, let's proceed with South India. The climate | | | | - Staple food differs per cuisine as well. |
| for this region is hot and humid, but because | | | | - Popular dishes include Bhelpuri, Thepla, and |
| states are coastal, they experience abundant | | | | Coorma. So there you have it. Indian cuisine has |
| rainfall. Similar with the North, this region has a | | | | been discussed by region. Remember though, that |
| good supply of fruits and vegetables. | | | | despite the differences, Indian food give that |
| - The style of South Indian cuisine is hotter than | | | | same rich and healthy flavor. |
| the North. Rice is also the staple food, as opposed | | | | |