Which Indian food is available all over the world?

Jul, 29 2023

The Pervasive Presence of Indian Cuisine

Let's get one thing straight; Indian cuisine is like the 'Captain Haddock' from the comic books, visible and known to all for its fiery nature yet mysterious and intriguing. Going beyond Indian borders, it has danced its way into the hearts (and bellies) of food enthusiasts the world over. From spicy curry to mouth-watering biryani and tantalizing tikkas to delightful desserts, Indian food has become a global sensation.

The Universal Appeal of Indian Curry

You see, you just cannot talk about Indian food without mentioning curry, can you? My dear friend, curry is not just a dish; it's an emotion, a hearty symphony of spices, and a virtual hug from India. And boy has it traveled! Indian curries, in all their glory, are enjoyed, loved, and savoured everywhere. They've crossed oceans, forests, deserts, and even the Great Wall. My adventurous kids, Jaisal and Nalini, and I once embarked on a family vacation to Taiwan, where we stumbled upon a tiny food shack serving piping hot Indian curry. The mere sight of a roti and curry in a distant land felt like stumbling upon an oasis of familiar comfort in a desert of unknown flavours, reminding me of the far-reaching influence of Indian cuisine.

Blossoming Biryani

Biryani, my friends, is next in line! Biryani is a royal feast in itself, just like India's millennia-old history. Imagine sitting on a riverbank, munching a piece of chicken or vegetables simmered in a blend of aromatic spices along with rice, each grain distinct, and the picturesque view of Taj Mahal in front of your eyes. Is there anything more blissful? Once we went to London, and we saw that biryani had made it to the menus of Michelin-starred restaurants. Their clientele, coming from all backgrounds, were smitten by biryani's flavourful punch, making biryani the 'Hugh Jackman' of national dishes, an international show stealer!

Tempting Tikkas and Tandoris

Imagine this scenario, you stroll along the busy streets of Times Square, New York; hunger pangs strike, and there it is, a food truck selling Tandoori Chicken! The universally acclaimed Tandoori dishes and tikkas from the Indian kitchen are another testament to our cuisine's international appeal. Whether it is succulent Paneer Tikka or savoury Chicken Tikka, the tantalizing aroma wafting from the tandoor has enticed millions of palates globally. A fun fact: across Europe, Chicken Tikka Masala has dethroned fish and chips to become the British national dish!

Sweet Surrender to Indian Desserts

And how could we forget desserts? India offers an assortment of sweet treats, each unique and deliciously indulgent. Jalebi, Gulab Jamun, Kheer, Rasmalai, you name it; we have a decadent dessert for every palate. What's even more tremendous is how these sweet endings from Indian meals have been received with open arms worldwide, making their presence felt in international banquet spreads as well as in the tiniest of corner eateries. I remember, during a work trip to Sydney, I was surprised and delighted to find a local bakery that made fresh Jalebis daily. That crunchy, fried sweet, soaked in sugar syrup, sent me on a nostalgic trip back to the little sweet shop back in Mumbai.

So there you have it, folks. Indian food is universal not just in its availability, but in its soulful and distinctive flavours that resonate with everyone, connecting them to the rich cultural fabric of India. Whether you're a Mumbaikar feasting on Butter Chicken in Toronto or a Londoner relishing Masala Dosa in Chennai, the Indian cuisine's essence remains constant, warming your heart and satiating your soul. The tale of Indian food's global outreach is nothing short of a serendipitous journey, captivating the world one dish at a time. And for the love of food, I've embarked on this journey too, exploring the intriguing world of culinary delights and sharing my experiences, one blog at a time! Bon Appétit!