Some Amazing Facts Related to Indian Food

India is known for its diverse cuisine. Almost every region in the land of 1.3 billion people has its own unique cuisine indigenous to that locale. The flavors of ingredients used in Indian recipes do not overlap. If you have always wanted to know more about Indian cuisine, you have come to the right place. Here are some interesting facts related to Indian food that will blow your mind.

Indian Food Has Been Influenced by Different Cuisines

India has always been an important trade center. Ancient India was a part of several global trade routes. Every year, several merchants used to travel to and from India. The country has had exposure to cuisines from around the world.

Some of the most popular foods enjoyed in different parts of India and around the world are actually imports. The popular Indian snack samosa, for instance, originated in the Middle East. Similarly,jalebi, a popular Indian dessert, was brought to India by Turkic invaders.

Many Common Ingredients Used in Indian Foods Are Borrowed too 

Many common ingredients used in different Indian foods did not originate in the Indian subcontinent. Typical examples are tomatoes, potatoes, and chilies. Many believe that the Portuguese, who arrived in India between the 15th and 16th centuries, brought these ingredients with them.

According to Indian Food Theory, There Are Six Different Tastes 

If you ask people to use a word to describe Indian foods, many would say spicy. Terming Indian food spicy is, however, an oversimplification of Indian cuisine. There is more to Indian foods than just spices.

According to Indian food theory, every Indian delicacy is made up of six primary flavors – sweet, sour, bitter, pungent, salty, and astringent.

Indian Food Can Be Classified Into Three Distinct Groups 

According to Ayurveda, India’s ancient medicinal system, Indian foods can be classified into three different groups – Sattvic, Rajasic, and Tamasic. It is believed that sattvic foods have a calming effect on the body and mind. They comprise natural ingredients and are minimally processed.

Rajasic foods are oily, salty, or bitter. According to Ayurveda, rajasic foods drive ambition and competition. Tamasic food, also known as sedative foods, or static foods have negative effects on the mind and body. They are toxic and hard to digest. A tamasic diet should be avoided if one wants to attain and maintain good health.

Craving traditional Indian food? Bollywood Bar & Clay Oven can’t wait to reopen its doors for you to join us! We are one of the most popular restaurants in Santa Rosa with large meeting rooms. We use authentic Indian spices in all our recipes. A purist at heart,our master chef uses original ingredients with flavors that are sure to tickle your taste buds. See you soon and stay safe!