5 Iconic Indian Dishes and The Stories Behind Them

India is known for its rich cultural heritage, vibrant festivals, and diverse cuisine. The country's culinary traditions are steeped in history and are a reflection of the country's unique cultural and regional diversity. Indian cuisine is a combination of many flavours, aromas, and spices that have been perfected over centuries. From the North to the South, East to the West, India has a wide range of iconic dishes that have captured the hearts of people all over the world.

In this blog, we will explore five iconic Indian dishes and the stories behind them. These dishes are not only delicious but also reflect the rich cultural history and diversity of India. So, come along on this culinary journey and discover the stories behind these beloved Indian dishes.

Butter Chicken

Butter Chicken is one of the most popular Indian dishes worldwide. It is a creamy tomato-based dish that originated in the 1950s in the famous restaurant, Moti Mahal, in Delhi. The founder of the restaurant, Kundan Lal Gujral, accidentally discovered this dish by marinating chicken in a yogurt and spice mixture and then cooking it in a tandoor oven. Later, the cooked chicken was added to a creamy tomato-based sauce, and thus, Butter Chicken was born.

Today, Butter Chicken is a staple in Indian restaurants across the world. It is typically served with naan or rice and is loved by people of all ages. The cost of a plate of Butter Chicken varies depending on the restaurant, but it can cost anywhere between INR 200 to INR 500.

Paneer Butter Masala

Paneer Butter Masala is a vegetarian dish made with soft cubes of paneer (Indian cottage cheese) cooked in a creamy tomato-based sauce. It is a popular dish in North India and is believed to have originated in the state of Punjab.

The dish was created in the 1960s when a chef accidentally added too much butter and cream to a tomato-based gravy. To balance the richness of the gravy, he added paneer cubes to the dish, and thus, Paneer Butter Masala was born.

Today, Paneer Butter Masala is a favorite among vegetarians and is served in Indian restaurants worldwide. The cost of a plate of Paneer Butter Masala varies depending on the restaurant, but it can cost anywhere between INR 150 to INR 400.

Biryani

Biryani is a rice-based dish that originated in the Indian subcontinent. It is a popular dish in South Asia, the Middle East, and other parts of the world. Biryani is made with long-grain rice, meat (chicken, mutton, or beef), spices, and herbs.

The dish is believed to have originated during the Mughal era, and it was originally called "biryan." It was a staple food for the Mughal army, and they would cook it in large pots over open fires.

Today, Biryani is a popular dish served in restaurants and at home. It is typically served with raita (a yogurt-based side dish) and is loved by people of all ages. The cost of a plate of Biryani varies depending on the restaurant, but it can cost anywhere between INR 200 to INR 600.

Vada Pav

Vada Pav is a popular street food in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It is a vegetarian dish made with a potato fritter (vada) served between two slices of bread (pav).

The dish was invented in the 1960s by Ashok Vaidya, a street food vendor in Mumbai. He wanted to create a filling and affordable snack for the city's mill workers, and thus, Vada Pav was born.

Today, Vada Pav is a favorite among Mumbaikars and is served in street food stalls across the city. It is a cheap and tasty snack and can cost anywhere between INR 10 to INR 50.

Idli-Sambhar

Idli-Sambhar is a vegetarian dish that originated in South India. It is made with steamed rice cakes (idli) served with a spicy lentil-based soup (sambhar) and coconut chutney.

The dish has a long history and is believed to have been around for thousands of years. The earliest references to idli can be found in 10th-century Tamil literature, and it is believed to have been a popular dish in South India since then.

Idli-Sambhar is a favorite breakfast dish in South India and is served in restaurants and homes across the region. It is a healthy and filling dish and can cost anywhere between INR 50 to INR 150.

Conclusion

Indian cuisine is full of flavorful and diverse dishes that have fascinating stories and histories behind them. From the creamy Butter Chicken to the spicy Vada Pav, these iconic Indian dishes have won the hearts and taste buds of people all over the world. So the next time you have the opportunity to try one of these dishes, be sure to savor every bite and appreciate the history and culture behind it.

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