The culinary landscape of India is vast and varied – a testament to India's culture and its past. From north to south and east to west, India is home to a profusion of flavours, textures, and ingredients that make up a vibrant and diverse cuisine. From dal to paneer, samosas to lassi, and biryani to jalebi – the list of Indian dishes is seemingly infinite. 

Let's learn more about the country's fascinating cuisine so that we'll appreciate better their mouth-watering foods the next time we taste them! Here's a guide to Indian cuisine, its history, dishes, drinks, and desserts. 

History of Indian Cuisine 

Cooking in India has evolved over thousands of years as this country has been enriched through waves of migrations and exchanges with other cultures. Indian cuisine reflects the complexity of its history, blending ingredients from around the world to create a unique and exquisite culinary experience. 

The diversity of Indian cuisine can be traced back to the 4th century BC when India was invaded by the Persians, who brought new culinary techniques and ingredients, including sugar, saffron, and nuts. 

Through the centuries, India has been influenced by Central Asian cultures, the Moghuls, and the European colonists, who all shaped Indian cuisine in their ways. 

Dishes 

Indian cuisine consists of various dishes, from spicy curries to soothing deep-fried snacks. Here are some of the classic Indian dishes to try: 

1. Tandoori Dishes

Tandoori dishes are cooked in a tandoor – a cylindrical clay oven powered by charcoal. Popular tandoori dishes include:

• 
  Tandoori Chicken (marinated in yoghurt and spices before being cooked in the tandoor)
• Tandoori Paneer Tikka (cubes of cheese marinated in yoghurt, herbs, and cooked in a tandoor), and 
• Tandoori Naan (a flatbread made with ghee).

2. Rice Dishes

Rice is a staple in India, and there are many ways to prepare it. Biryani is one of the most popular variations – a flavourful dish typically made with vegetables and spices, cooked with saffron-infused rice and served with raita (a yoghurt dip).

Drinks 

Indian drinks reflect the country's cuisine – flavourful, refreshing, and often made with fresh fruits and herbs. Some of the classic Indian drinks to try include:

1. Lassi

Lassi is a popular yoghurt-based drink made with either sweet or savoury ingredients. Popular variations of lassi include Mango Lassi, gulab jamun lassi, and Masala Lassi.

2. Masala Chai

Masala chai is a traditional spiced tea made with black tea, milk, sugar, and a blend of spices, including cardamom, ginger, and cinnamon.

3. Shikanji

Shikanji is a delicious lemonade made with freshly-squeezed lemon juice, sugar, and black salt.

Desserts 

Indian desserts, like the cuisine itself, are incredibly diverse and burst with flavour. Some of the most popular Indian desserts include: 

1. Gulab Jamun

Gulab jamun is a classic Indian dessert made with milk solids, sugar, cardamom, and rose water, deep-fried and served in sweet syrup.

2. Jalebi

Jalebi is a sweet, deep-fried dessert made with maida, ghee, and sugar syrup.

3. Gajar Halwa

Gajar Halwa is a carrot pudding made with freshly-grated carrots, milk, ghee, and nuts.

4. Rasgulla

Rasgulla is a soft, spongy, syrupy dessert made with milk, sugar, and semolina.

Conclusion

India is home to a plethora of flavours, ingredients, and dishes, so explore and find your favourites from this fantastic cuisine. Warm spices, creamy curries, and sweets – what's not to love about Indian food?

And if this list got you craving some authentic Indian food, there's only one place to go: Tower Tandoori. We are the best Indian restaurant in London, serving you a taste of home since 1978. Browse our menu and order from us today!