Traditional Indian Culture Eating Habits

India is a nation with many different diverse cultures. With its rich heritage, the history of Indian food and cuisine is as old as its civilization. India is known for its unique food culture around the world. India presents a wide range of cooking styles, which certainly differs from region to region. Being said that, the one thing which is common throughout the country is its eating habits. Indian cuisine is the perfect blend of nutrition and flavor and is something the world is really missing on. Following are the top 7 traditional Indian culture eating habits, which the world must certainly know.

Exotic Blend of Spices

The common food habit shared across the country among diverse culture is using an exotic blend of spices in every meal. Spices not only enhances the taste and aroma of food, with they also possess numerous health benefits. Turmeric, Fennel, Fenugreek, Cumin, Mustard, Coriander, and Cardamom – there is no end to this exotic list of spices. This spices are a rich source of antioxidants and bring in several medicinal properties to the food which helps to protect the body against diseases.

Turmeric powder, which is a natural herb and spices is used widely in Indian cooking. It helps to fight inflammation, boosts metabolism and reduces pain and improves fever. It is something which everyone must certainly involve in their food eating habits.

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Indian Flatbread (Chapatti)

The Indian flatbread is commonly known with many different names like Roti, Chapatti or Fulka. It has been an integral part of Indian cuisine and culture for as long as anyone can remember. It is prepared from the flour of wheat and is eaten in all of the households in India, every day.The Indian flatbread is eaten along with different curries and vegetables, to provide a wholesome eating experience.

 

It is full of proteins and carbohydrates and has been the staple dish of India for centuries. No food in India is complete without it, and sometimes they are even stuffed with different Masala’s and vegetables, to eat like a stuffed paratha.

Eating with Hands

The Indian culture of eating their food with hands has its roots in Ayurveda. Food is all about experience and taste. Being a sensory experience, eating with hands evokes passion and emotion. It is documented in the Ayurveda texts that each finger represents one of the five elements. The index finger is air, the middle finger is fire, ring finger becomes water, the little finger is Earth and the thumb represents space.

It is also a common belief that feeling food with fingers is a way of signaling to stomach that you are eating. This in return helps to stimulate the digestive juices inside the stomach. Eating by hands allows an individual to become conscious of the taste, aroma, and texture of the food. Not only Indian food, but they also like to eat pizza and burgers with their hands.

Indian Beverages

India is one place that has an endless list of non-alcoholic beverages. Chai (Tea), Lassi, Nimbu Pani, Masala Milk, Jal Jeera and so much more. Just like spices, Indian beverages are full of aroma and taste. This beverage ensures good physical and mental strength, as opposed to the high risk of stroke and liver failure by over drinking alcohol. These beverages are available in a myriad of options all around the world and have all the properties to fulfill anyone’s thirst.

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Chutneys and PicklesNo Indian cuisine or food is complete without a spoonful of chutney and pickles. This is the everyday occurrence which gives an added layer of kick to the existing flavor and aroma. They are known for their ability to enrich the mouthfeel and to provide a wholesome eating experience. The chutneys and pickles are eaten alongside vegetable curries and chapatti. Both of this delectable condiments comes with many different varieties.

One can try a new unique flavored chutney or pickle, each day for a month or more without repeating it. This is prepared by using different fruits and spices, to provide a yummy flavor to your food. Even a simple chapatti with chutney and pickle is such a delight to eat.

 

The Big Indian Thaali

The Indian meal will have six different flavors to it, making one big Indian Thaali. This Thaali is a fine combination of spicy, salty, sour, sweet, astringent and bitter taste. This perfect balance of all the six flavors makes it a delight to eat and completely irresistible.

The Thaali usually consists of 2 different vegetable curries, chapatti, dal (lentils), rice, chutney or pickle, a savory dishes like yogurt and pappadam. Where in world can you find such diverse flavors and that too in a single Thaali?

 

Vegetarian Options

India has an abundance of vegetarian options available. Indians do not simply use vegetables for salads and dressings. They have taken it to the next level and made it more delicious to eat with their blend of natural spices and herbs. There are so many vegetarian options available, that most of the Indians, spend their entire life without eating meats and chicken. Lentil dal is another Indian staple food available in a myriad of options, which is full of proteins and fibers.

Each day fresh food is prepared and many households in India, do it three times a day. In the west, it might seem hectic and strange. But Indians are used to it and they love their food fresh and hot.

 

Wrapping Up

Indian cuisine is full of delight, flavors, aromas, and spices. And with so many health benefits that it has to offer, beating Indian cuisine can be really hard to beat. If you are feeling overwhelmed by reading about the ‘Traditional Indian Culture Eating Habits’, do not stop yourself and simply divulge into the vastness of Indian cuisine.