The diversity of Indian cuisine is inseparable from India’s geography, religion, caste system and climate. Given the size of the country, it is hard to generalise on its cuisine.
Is eating or serving with the left hand disrespectful?
Indians mostly eat with their fingers, as it is believed that each finger is connected to one of the five elements, and that it makes for a full sensory experience where they see the food, smell its aroma, feel its texture and temperature, and taste its flavour. It is customary to wash their hands thoroughly before and after a meal. It is also customary to eat with the right hand, as eating or serving others with the left is deemed disrespectful. Most Indians will also rinse their mouth with water after they have eaten.
Is roti prata not available in India?
Wheat is the staple grain in North India, apart from Kashmir. It is also a major staple of the western states of Gujarat and Rajasthan. Roti, paratha, naan, chapati, thepla and puri are some types of bread made with wheat. The roti prata popular in Southeast Asia is a unique blend of Indian and local traditions, and is not typically eaten in India.
Rice is eaten in most states, and we also find a variety of pancakes and cakes, noodles and so forth made of rice and lentils all over South India. Dosa/thosai, idli, idyappam, appam and so on are examples.
What’s in a thali meal?
A traditional Indian meal would include cooked rice or wheat in the form of roti, naan and so forth, and an assortment of side dishes including cooked lentils, vegetables cooked dry or with gravy, and some meat and fish. Condiments like pickles for added spice, fried lentil chips (papadums), some yogurt or buttermilk to wash down the spices and a small dessert are also integral to a wholesome meal. During festivals, Indians may still serve a multi-dish meal on a large steel or silver plate, with several bowls for accompanying dishes. In some parts, banana leaves are used as plates and the food is served directly onto it.
Is lard used in cooking?
The oil used for cooking also varies from state to state. South Indians use groundnut, coconut and sesame oil, while other states use mostly mustard or rapeseed oil. Many Indians now use canola and sunflower oil as they are easily available. They almost never use lard or other animal fat as a cooking medium.
Is beef not acceptable?
While many Indians are vegetarian, more than 60% to 65% of the population consume meat, fish and eggs as a part of their diet. Beef is not an acceptable part of a Hindu meal as the cow is considered sacred, but some Hindus today do not follow this dictate. Muslims in India, like elsewhere in the world, do not typically eat pork. While these religious sentiments are commonly respected, people of all faiths eat the cuisine of their own region.
Does a vegetarian diet include dairy products?
Most coastal states like Bengal, Kerala, Orissa and Tamil Nadu have fish as an integral part of the diet. Brahmins in some states like Tamil Nadu are typically vegetarian, while those in Kashmir and Bengal are typically not.
The Indian vegetarian diet includes all forms of dairy products, including cottage cheese, yogurt, buttermilk and butter. Fasting once a week or once a month is very prevalent throughout India and considered a healthy practice. Many non-vegetarians avoid meat and fish on certain days of the week.