India is a fascinating land of eclectic cultures. This is because from the earliest times people of myriad races and nationalities have come to India-some as conquerors who came for some time and others who made India their home. All of them contributed something to the brilliant mosaic that makes up Indian culture, and nowhere is it more visible than in its varied cuisine. From Kashmiri cuisine with its more than a dozen meat dishes to the extensive vegetarian fare of the Gujarat’s; from the robust cuisine of the Punjabis to the delectable fish based recipes of the Bengalis, and from the fiery Goan curries to the fiery Chettinad chicken dishes of the South, one could go on till the cows come home and still not be done with describing the glories of Indian food.
For the sake of convenience let’s just pick up two cities as examples of places where you can sample the best of Indian food. Though I daresay, just about any city would do considering the fact that Indians love their food as they do.
Delhi
Delhi is one of the most ancient cities of the world and has been the centre of many empires including the Mughal and the British. Some of the most popular eating joints in the city are:
1. Karims’
– This is near the historic Jama Masjid(Friday Mosque ) that was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan who also had the Taj Mahal built. You can sample the best of Mughlai food in the shape of Chicken Shorbha, Mutton Shorbha, Tandoori Chicken, Tandoori Raan, Tandoori Burra, Murgh Massalam and a variety of Indian breads. For those who know Mughlai cuisine Karim’s is right there at the top.
2. Parnthey Wali Gali
– This is located in the Chandni Chowk or the moonlight square area of Delhi, and again the Emperor Shah Jahan, had this place come up in his rule as a trader and merchant hub. Paranthey Wali Gali or the fried flat bread street consists of a number of pretty basic eating joints that serve old style paranthas(fried Indian bread) in a variety of stuffing options. The bread is quite wholesome and filling, fried as it is with clarified butter. This is accompanied by a little vegetable side dish or two. For anyone visiting Delhi a visit to the Paranthey Wali Gali is de rigueur.
3. Moti Mahal Restaurant
-This chain of restaurant’s claim to fame has to be the invention of the butter chicken, the ubiquitous chicken dish that defines Indian Punjabi cooking. That apart you can have top rate chicken tikkas, dal makhni, seekh kebabs and shami kebabs.
Lucknow
This imperial city was home to the Nawabs who were known for their fascination with food, and this led to the evolution of the world famous Awadhi cuisine. A few examples of this awesome way of preparing food are given below-
1. Kakori Kebab
-Made from the mince obtained from the tendon of a leg of mutton, it is defined by its legendary softness.
2. Shami Kebab
– Again made from mince tempered with raw mango. Absolutely mind blowingly delicious.
3. Boti Kebab
– Delectable kebabs that are the result of lamb marinated in yoghurt, which is then skewered and cooked.
If your mouth is watering already and you can’t wait to get on that plane to India you may want to start making the arrangements right now.
Guest post by Amy Lawson from National Express .