A Guide To Indian Cuisine: What To Try During Your Visit From Canada

Introduction to Indian Cuisine for Canadian Travelers

Indian cuisine has 5000 to 8,000-years of tradition and history that has diversification of groups and cultures. It is this diversification of cultures, which brings in place the diversity of flavors and regional cuisines quite common in the modern India. Furthermore, with British and Portuguese influence further brought in the diversity in the cuisine culture of India.  

What Makes Indian Food Unique?

The food served in India is known for taste, health and use of spices. Every dish traditional or non-traditional has a variable nature, where different ingredients are used in combination with different array of the freshly grinded spices.   Each of the spices brings together their own tempting flavor. 

Must-Try North Indian Dishes

India is the land of spices and a wide range of traditional dishes that serve the taste beds and offer enjoyable ravishment. South India, East India, North Indian and West India have their own set of cuisines, which are distinctive and classify themselves in a separate category. Some of the best and tasteful North Indian dishes include Butter Chicken, Chole Bhature, Rogan Josh, Dal Makhani, Rajma Chawal, Kadi Chawal, and Bhalla Papdi 

Popular South Indian Specialties

There are many special South Indian cuisines that are famous worldwide. Among these are: Pongal, Coconut Rice, Dosa, Idli, Vada, Uttapam and Kori Gassi.

Famous Indian Street Food

India is famous for the spices and exquisitely delectable street food cuisines like chaat, samosa, bhel puri, pani puri, and jalebi. The regional staples generally comprises dabeli in Gujarat, Pongal, Coconut Rice, Dosa, Idli, Vada in South India, vada pav in Maharashtra, and choley bhaturey, aloo puri, and aloo tikki in Delhi.

Traditional Indian Desserts & Sweets

The traditional Indian desserts and sweets consist of the enjoyable Mango Lassi, kaju katli, gulab jamun, rasgulla, burfis, ladoos, Kulfi, Pumpkin Shakarpara, and Carrot Pudding. 

Popular Indian Drinks & Beverages

The Canadians could try Butter Milk, Lassi, hot cup of tea, Aam panna – made out of raw mango, Aamras, Bela Pana, Banta soda, Buransh – made from rhododendron flowers, Doodh Soda and Ela neeru / karikku. 

Spice Levels: What Canadians Should Know

Canadians eat either with less spicy or mildly spicy cuisines. Canadian spices generally composed of the basic meals like mustard seeds and Coriander to several other unique set of options such as dill and cummins. Since In India, the cuisines use more hard core spices, the Canadians should understand that the traditional or non-traditional food items they plan to order on table should be adjustable to their specific and inherent digestive needs. 

Food Etiquette Tips While Eating in India

The culture of eating in India is typical and unique as compared to the one practiced in Europe or the West. Here are a few eating etiquettes that Canadians or international travelers should follow while eating:

• Use the right hand for serving food on the platter. The left hand is used for non-food purposes.
• Indians do not prefer to use cutlery for eating food; instead they eat with their bare fingers.
• Very less or no use of tissue papers when the food is served traditionally.
• In South and East India, food is served on the Bhoj Patra rather than on bone China culinary plates. 
• Do not point the feet or fingers on people when sitting on the floor for receiving food.
• Wash the hands and feet before sitting for the food.
• No food should be left on the plate. 

FAQs

Q: Is Indian food too spicy for Canadian travelers?
A: Many Canadian travelers find Indian food spicy and sometimes hard to digest. For a milder taste, dishes like Butter Chicken, Pulao, and Navratan Korma are great options that offer authentic flavors without too much heat.

Q: What Indian dishes are best for first-time visitors?
A: First-time visitors from Canada can try milder and popular dishes like Chicken Tikka Masala, Paneer Tikka, Butter Chicken, Biryani, Dal Makhani, Samosa, Dosa, Dhokla, and Khandvi.

Q: Are vegetarian and vegan food options common in India?
A: Yes. Indian food uses a lot of vegetables, dals, beans, and milk products. Many dishes are naturally vegan or can be easily made vegan.

Q: Is it safe for tourists to eat Indian street food?
A: Street food is generally safe if it’s cooked fresh and served at busy outlets. Most items are cooked on high heat, which kills harmful bacteria.

Q: What drinks should Canadians try while visiting India?
A: Canadians can try traditional drinks like Buttermilk, Lassi, hot tea, Aam Panna, Aamras, Bela Pana, Banta soda, Buransh, Doodh Soda, and Ela Neeru/Karikku.

Q: Do Indian restaurants cater to international dietary preferences?
A: Many Indian restaurants now offer fusion dishes and adapt to international dietary needs, combining Indian flavors with global cuisines.

Q: Are Canadian dietary preferences easily accommodated in India?
A: Yes. Canadian travelers can enjoy mild curries, fusion dishes, and street foods that cater to their taste preferences without compromising flavor.