As Independence Day approaches, it's a time not only to celebrate the sovereignty and unity of nations but also to explore the cultural interplay that transcends borders. Indian cuisine, known for its vibrant flavours and rich history, has left an indelible mark on the global culinary landscape. Not surprisingly, many countries have embraced Indian flavours and ingredients to create their own unique Indian-inspired dishes. It mostly stemmed from the Indian immigrants going to these countries and spreading their love through food.
Let's discover some of these delightful fusion creations from around the world and celebrate the tastes and flavours of our country.
United Kingdom: Chicken Tikka Masala
Recipe - foodsenter
Originating in the UK, the Chicken Tikka Masala is an iconic Indian-inspired dish that has become a beloved part of British cuisine. Tender pieces of marinated chicken are grilled and then cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce infused with aromatic spices. This dish symbolises the fusion of Indian and British culinary traditions, making it a perfect representation of cultural harmony. It also shows how Indian cuisine becomes an integral part of the food of whichever place it is introduced to - as this dish is UK's national dish!
South Africa: Bunny Chow
In South Africa, the Bunny Chow is a popular street food that reflects the Indian influence on the country's diverse food scene. This dish consists of a hollowed-out loaf of bread filled with a hearty curry. It originated in the Indian community of Durban and has since become a favourite comfort food for many South Africans. Bunny Chow exemplifies the fusion of Indian curry with local South African ingredients and bread.
Mauritius: Dholl Puri
Recipe - ZestyMu
Mauritius, with its multicultural heritage, showcases a unique blend of Indian and Creole flavours in its cuisine. Dholl Puri, a popular street food, is a prime example of this fusion. These thin, soft flatbreads are made from ground yellow split peas and filled with various curries, chutneys, and pickles. Dholl Puri reflects the island's Indian ancestry and its love for bold flavours.
Trinidad and Tobago: Doubles
Trinidad and Tobago's vibrant food scene is heavily influenced by Indian immigrants who arrived in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Doubles, a popular street food, consists of two soft, fried flatbreads filled with curried chickpeas and topped with chutneys and hot sauces. This dish showcases the adaptation of Indian flavours to local ingredients and preferences. This Trinidadian version of chole-kulche is now the number 1 street food there.
Japan: Curry Rice
Japanese curry rice is a testament to how Indian spices and flavours have been embraced in distant corners of the world. Introduced by the British Navy in the late 19th century, Japanese curry features a mild and slightly sweet curry sauce served over rice and accompanied by vegetables, meat, or seafood. It has evolved into a beloved comfort food in Japan, demonstrating the versatility and ability to assimilate everywhere of Indian cuisine.
Guyana: Roti
In Guyana, a country with a diverse cultural makeup, Indian flavours are woven into the fabric of daily life. Roti, a traditional Indian flatbread, is a staple in Guyanese cuisine. Variations of roti, such as dhal puri (roti filled with ground split peas) and aloo pie (roti filled with spiced potatoes), reflect the fusion of Indian and Afro-Guyanese culinary traditions.