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Cuisine

Indian Cuisine

Middle Eastern and South Asian Cuisines

The cooking traditions of the Indian subcontinent, unified by the layered use of spices toasted and ground into masalas but sharply regional in ingredients and technique. North Indian cooking, shaped by Mughal-era court kitchens, favors wheat breads, dairy and slow-cooked meats; South Indian cooking, centered on Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, favors rice, lentils, coconut and souring agents like tamarind. Religious dietary practice, most extensively vegetarian in the south, belongs to Divinity's own coverage; this atlas holds the foodways.

Facts
Signature Technique
Tempering whole spices in hot oil or ghee (tadka), slow simmering of gravies, and clay tandoor roasting are hallmark techniques. 1
Origin Region
The Indian subcontinent, with distinct northern and southern regional traditions. 2
Connections

Associated With

South African Cuisine, Cuisines

Durban holds one of the largest Indian communities outside India, the product of indentured laborers brought by British colonizers from 1860 to work sugar plantations, whose descendants built a distinct South African Indian curry tradition including bunny chow.

Source Where to Eat Bunny Chow in Durban, the City's Beloved Curry in a Loaf Dish (National Geographic)Erica Platter

Expresses Tradition

Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson

Features Dish

Akki rotti, Dishes
Source Akki rotti (Wikipedia)
Aloo Gobi, Dishes
Source Aloo gobhi (Wikipedia)
Appam, Dishes
Source Appam (Wikipedia)
Avial, Dishes
Source Avial (Wikipedia)
Bagara khana, Dishes
Source Bagara khana (Wikipedia)
Baingan Bharta, Dishes
Source Wikipedia: Baingan bharta
Bhindi fry, Dishes
Source Bhindi fry (Wikipedia)
Biryani, Dishes
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Bombay potato, Dishes
Source Bombay potato (Wikipedia)
Boondi, Dishes
Source Boondi (Wikipedia)
Bread Pakora, Dishes
Source Bread pakora (Wikipedia)
Butter Chicken, Dishes
Source Butter Chicken (Wikipedia)
Chana Masala, Dishes
Source Chana Masala (Wikipedia)
Source Chicken Chettinad (Wikidata)
Chicken tikka, Dishes
Source Chicken tikka (Wikipedia)
Source Chingri malai curry - Wikipedia
Chitranna, Dishes
Source Chitranna (Wikipedia)
Source Cucumber sandwich (Wikipedia)
Curd rice, Dishes
Source Curd rice (Wikipedia)
Dal, Dishes
Dal bati, Dishes
Source Dal bati (Wikipedia)
Dhansak, Dishes
Source Dhansak - Wikipedia
Dhokla, Dishes
Source Dhokla, Wikipedia
Dum Aloo, Dishes
Source Wikipedia: Dum aloo
French Toast, Dishes
Source French toast - Wikipedia
Gajak, Dishes
Source Gajak (Wikipedia)
Gajar Ka Halwa, Dishes
Source Gajar ka halwa (Wikipedia)
Source Hyderabadi biryani (Wikipedia)
Idli, Dishes
Source Idli (Wikipedia)
Kabsa, Dishes
Source Kabsa (Wikipedia)
Kadhi, Dishes
Source Kadhi (Wikipedia)
Kanji (food), Dishes
Source Kanji (food) (Wikipedia)
Kare-Kare, Dishes
Source Kare-kare (Wikipedia)
Litti Chokha, Dishes
Source Litti (dish) (Wikipedia)
Mashed Potato, Dishes
Source Mashed Potato (Wikipedia)
Matar Paneer, Dishes
Source Matar paneer (Wikipedia)
Misal Pav, Dishes
Source Wikipedia: Misal pav
Momo, Dishes
Source Momo (food), Wikipedia
Naan, Dishes
Patoleo, Dishes
Source Patoleo (Wikipedia)
Pav Bhaji, Dishes
Source Pav Bhaji (Wikipedia)
Paya (food), Dishes
Source Paya (food) (Wikipedia)
Pesarattu, Dishes
Source Pesarattu (Wikipedia)
Pootharekulu, Dishes
Source Pootharekulu (Wikipedia)
Rajma, Dishes
Source Rajma, Wikipedia
Rasgulla, Dishes
Source Rasgulla (Wikipedia)
Rava idli, Dishes
Source Rava idli (Wikipedia)
Roti, Dishes
Sarson Da Saag, Dishes
Source Sarson da saag - Wikipedia
Source The Oxford Companion to FoodAlan Davidson
Thepla, Dishes
Source Thepla (Wikipedia)
Thoran, Dishes
Source Thoran (Wikipedia)
Thukpa, Dishes
Source Thukpa, Wikipedia
Tunde ke kabab, Dishes
Source Tunde ke kabab (Wikipedia)
Undhiyu, Dishes
Source Undhiyu (Wikipedia)
Vada Pav, Dishes
Source Vada pav, Wikipedia
Vangibath, Dishes
Source Vangibath (Wikipedia)
Vindaloo, Dishes
Source Vindaloo (Wikipedia)
Zalabiyeh, Dishes
Source Zalabiyeh (Wikipedia)

Uses Ingredient

Source Larousse Gastronomique
Source Larousse Gastronomique
Chutney, Ingredients
Coriander, Ingredients
Source Coriander, Wikipedia
Cumin, Ingredients

Cumin is a base spice across Indian regional cuisines.

Source Cumin (Wikipedia)
Turmeric, Ingredients

Turmeric is foundational to Indian curry powder blends and to Ayurvedic and ceremonial use.

Source Turmeric (Wikipedia)
In the Other Atlases
Sources
1. On Food and Cooking: The Science and Lore of the Kitchen
Harold McGee, Scribner, 2004technique discussion: spice tempering
2. Encyclopaedia Britannica
Encyclopaedia Britannica, Inc.entry: Cuisine of IndiaView the Source
The Oxford Companion to Food
Alan Davidson, Oxford University Press, 2014
  • entry: India
  • Expresses Tradition: Pickling, s.v. Pickles, Indian
Larousse Gastronomique
Hamlyn, 2009
  • Uses Ingredient: Black Pepper, entry: Pepper
  • Uses Ingredient: Chili Pepper, entry: Chilli
Where to Eat Bunny Chow in Durban, the City's Beloved Curry in a Loaf Dish (National Geographic)
Erica Platter, National Geographic, 2026Associated With: South African CuisineView the Source
Turmeric (Wikipedia)
WikipediaUses Ingredient: TurmericView the Source
Cumin (Wikipedia)
WikipediaUses Ingredient: CuminView the Source
Butter Chicken (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFeatures Dish: Butter Chicken, Lead section, second paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Butter Chicken, Lead section, second paragraph
The dish was invented by Indian chefs Kundan Lal Gujral and Kundan Lal Jaggi and is associated with their Moti Mahal restaurant in Daryaganj, Delhi which popularized it in the 1950s.
View the Source
Vindaloo (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFeatures Dish: Vindaloo, Lead section
Quote, Features Dish: Vindaloo, Lead section
Vindaloo is a curry dish known globally in its British form as a staple of curry houses and Indian restaurants, specifically a fiery, spicy dish that can be made with a choice of meats.
View the Source
Idli (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFeatures Dish: Idli, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Pav Bhaji (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFeatures Dish: Pav Bhaji, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Litti (dish) (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Litti Chokha, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Kadhi (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Kadhi, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Kabsa (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Kabsa, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Kare-kare (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Kare-Kare, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Rajma, Wikipedia
Features Dish: Rajma, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Momo (food), Wikipedia
Features Dish: Momo, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Thukpa, Wikipedia
Features Dish: Thukpa, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Dhansak - Wikipedia
Features Dish: Dhansak, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Chingri malai curry - Wikipedia
Features Dish: Chingri Malai Curry, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Sarson da saag - Wikipedia
Features Dish: Sarson Da Saag, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Wikipedia: Baingan bharta
Features Dish: Baingan Bharta, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Wikipedia: Dum aloo
Features Dish: Dum Aloo, Wikipedia category listView the Source
French toast - Wikipedia
Features Dish: French Toast, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Chicken Chettinad (Wikidata)
Features Dish: Chicken Chettinad, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Mashed Potato (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Mashed Potato, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Appam (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Appam, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Hyderabadi biryani (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Hyderabadi Biryani, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Cucumber sandwich (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Cucumber sandwich, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Zalabiyeh (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Zalabiyeh, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Paya (food) (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Paya (food), Wikipedia category listView the Source
Rasgulla (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Rasgulla, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Thepla (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Thepla, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Bhindi fry (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Bhindi fry, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Akki rotti (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFeatures Dish: Akki rotti, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Chicken tikka (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Chicken tikka, Wikipedia category listView the Source
Wikipedia: Misal pav
Features Dish: Misal Pav, infobox national_cuisine field
Quote, Features Dish: Misal Pav, infobox national_cuisine field
Indian
View the Source
Vada pav, Wikipedia
Features Dish: Vada Pav, infobox national_cuisine field
Quote, Features Dish: Vada Pav, infobox national_cuisine field
Indian
View the Source
Chana Masala (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFeatures Dish: Chana Masala, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Chana Masala, lead paragraph
Chana masala (also chole masala or chholay) is a chickpea curry cooked in a tomato-based sauce, originating from the Indian subcontinent.
View the Source
Dhokla, Wikipedia
Features Dish: Dhokla, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Dhokla, lead paragraph
Dhokla or dokla is a savoury sponge dish that originated in the Indian state of Gujarat.
View the Source
Aloo gobhi (Wikipedia)
WikipediaFeatures Dish: Aloo Gobi, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Aloo Gobi, lead paragraph
It is popular in Indian cuisine.
View the Source
Gajar ka halwa (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Gajar Ka Halwa, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Gajar Ka Halwa, lead paragraph
Gajar ka halwa, also known as gajorer halwa, gajarno halwo, gajar pak, and carrot pudding, is a type of halva, an Indian dessert, made by placing grated carrots in a pot containing a specific amount of water, milk, sugar, and cardamom and then cooking with ghee while stirring regularly.
View the Source
Matar paneer (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Matar Paneer, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Matar Paneer, lead paragraph
Mattar paneer (Hindi: मटर पनीर), also known as matar paneer, muttar paneer, and mutter paneer, is a modern restaurant-style and vegetarian North Indian dish consisting of peas and paneer in a tomato-based sauce, spiced with garam masala.
View the Source
Avial (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Avial, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Avial, lead paragraph
Avial or aviyal (Malayalam: അവിയല്‍, pronounced [aʋijal]) is an Indian dish with origins in Kerala of India.
View the Source
Dal bati (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Dal bati, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Dal bati, lead paragraph
Daal bati (also spelled daal baati) is an Indian dish of dal (lentils) and bati (hard wheat rolls).
View the Source
Curd rice (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Curd rice, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Curd rice, lead paragraph
Curd rice or yogurt rice is a dish originating from India.
View the Source
Patoleo (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Patoleo, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Patoleo, lead paragraph
Patoleo (singular: Patoli) are stuffed turmeric leaf wraps, a dish which is mostly prepared on the western coast of India.
View the Source
Vangibath (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Vangibath, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Vangibath, lead paragraph
Vangi Bath (Kannada: ವಾಂಗಿ ಬಾತ್) is a vegetarian South Indian dish that originated in Karnataka, Mysuru region, though it is found throughout India.
View the Source
Bagara khana (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Bagara khana, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Bagara khana, lead paragraph
Bagara annam is a spiced rice delicacy prepared in Hyderabad, Telangana, India.
View the Source
Bombay potato (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Bombay potato, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Bombay potato, lead paragraph
Bombay potato (sometimes called Bombay potatoes, Bombay aloo or aloo (alu) Bombay) is an Indian dish prepared using potatoes that are cubed, parboiled and then fried and seasoned with various spices such as cumin, curry, garlic, garam masala, turmeric, mustard seeds, chili powder, salt and pepper.
View the Source
Pootharekulu (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Pootharekulu, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Pootharekulu, lead paragraph
Pootharekulu (plural) or poothareku (singular) is a popular Indian sweet from the Andhra Pradesh state of south India.
View the Source
Undhiyu (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Undhiyu, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Undhiyu, lead paragraph
Undhiyu (Gujarati: ઊંધિયું) is a Gujarati mixed-vegetable dish that is a regional specialty of Surat, Gujarat, India.
View the Source
Tunde ke kabab (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Tunde ke kabab, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Tunde ke kabab, lead paragraph
Tunday ke kebab also known as Galouti kebab, is a dish made out of minced meat strongly associated with the city of Lucknow, India.
View the Source
Pesarattu (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Pesarattu, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Pesarattu, lead paragraph
Pesarattu (Telugu: పెసరట్టు; lit. 'green gram pancake'), pesara attu, pesara dosa (mung bean dosa), or cheeldo is a crepe-like bread, originating in Andhra Pradesh, India, that is a variety of dosa.
View the Source
Chitranna (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Chitranna, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Chitranna, lead paragraph
Chitranna (Kannada: ಚಿತ್ರಾನ್ನ), also known as Lemon rice, is a rice-based dish widely prepared in South India.
View the Source
Thoran (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Thoran, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Thoran, lead paragraph
Thoran (pronounced [t̪oːɾan]); or upperi in Northern Kerala is a class of dry vegetable dishes combined with coconut that originated in the Indian state of Kerala.
View the Source
Rava idli (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Rava idli, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Rava idli, lead paragraph
Rava idli (also rave idli) is a variation of the popular South Indian breakfast item idli, made with rava (coarse ground wheat or rice), Bombay rava, semolina or rice rava.
View the Source
Kanji (food) (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Kanji (food), lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Kanji (food), lead paragraph
Kānji is a rice water based dish traditionally prepared in Indian states including Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Kerala.
View the Source
Bread pakora (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Bread Pakora, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Bread Pakora, lead paragraph
Bread pakora is an Indian fried snack (pakora or fritter).
View the Source
Boondi (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Boondi, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Boondi, lead paragraph
Boondi, bundi, boondia or bundia is an Indian dessert made from fried chickpea flour.
View the Source
Gajak (Wikipedia)
Features Dish: Gajak, lead paragraph
Quote, Features Dish: Gajak, lead paragraph
Gajak, also known as Tilsakri, Tilpatti or Tilpapdi) is a confection originating in north-central India.
View the Source
Coriander, Wikipedia
Uses Ingredient: Coriander, Culinary, Seeds
Quote, Uses Ingredient: Coriander, Culinary, Seeds
Coriander seed is a spice in garam masala, and Indian curries
View the Source

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