India, a country with rich history and cultural diversity. It offers one of the most diverse cuisines in the world. From distinctive flavors, their combinations, and aromatic spices, to diverse methods of preparation. Food in India provides unique experiences for all our senses.

Father Clifford Pinto explained dining customs for us.

In India there is a long-standing tradition where the whole family is together, they sit with a crossed legs and eat on the ground. While eating, they cut off all the other activities and concentrate just on a food and family. This kind of sitting is healthy for our body posture, and joints and strengthens many muscles. We usually eat just with our right hand and hygiene before eating is very important. In some parts of India, people are used to eating with cutlery. The food is being served in metal bowls and plates or often on a banana leaf. Banana leaf adds special aroma to the food and underlines its taste. According to Ayurvedic teaching, each finger represents one element and eating with your hands should help you better perceive food’s taste, texture, and smell.

The diversity of Indian cuisine reflects different religious customs and local traditions. Every state and region in India has its own unique dishes. They eat rice, sambar (lentil porridge), rasam (spicy soup with tomatoes), vegetables, meat, and fish the most. A lot of people are vegetarians because of their religion.

For one of Indian states, Karnataka, the most typical dish is vegetable curry with rice. In other regions are popular roti rice cakes, wheat chapati and ragi balls which are made from millet flour.

Three spices, which cannot be missing in any Indian home are: chili powder, garam masala (a mixture of cloves, coriander, cinnamon, and cardamom) and mustard seeds.

Desserts depends on the region and the tradition. The most common are shaavige payasam (spiced milk pudding) and holige (sweet flat bread). Especially, holige is commonly served as an appetizer with clarified butter ghee.

Sneha

I like soft rice flat bread roti, lemon rice, and a spicy vegetarian brinjal curry made from aubergine.

Shaun Tauro

I love roasted chicken on a skewer. It is soft and crunchy at the same time, and it doesn’t make me feel heavy.

Josna R.

Since I love sweets, my favorite dish is semiya payasam (milk dessert with cardamom, cashew nuts, and raisins). And my favorite salty food is chicken curry.