Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot!

Like its weather, India’s food is hot – both in terms of temperature and of spiciness. Curries, rice, steamed vegetables, fried dough and na’an all make up the typical Indian meal. These cuisines tend to be heavily spiced with strong flavors, and because of the questionable water situation, most meals tend to be served hot. For me, this type of food is quite different from what I am used to – fresh salads and sandwiches are hard to come by, but their substitutes are almost always more delicious. So far, my favorite dish is paneer – a tomato based curry dish made with fresh cottage cheese and typically served with rice or na’an.
As a vegetarian, I came to the right part of the world. Most food here is vegetarian and vegan friendly – because cows are holy in Hinduism, beef is illegal and most people do not eat much meat. Instead, meals are based on grains, cheese and vegetables. Meal times here are similar to American culture, but Indian etiquette is quite different. It is considered impolite to eat with your left hand, so I usually struggle with my spoon and lone right hand to tear na’an. Locals get a kick out of this at restaurants.

Although we tend to eat mostly from the hotel dining rooms, we have also gone to a few local restaurants where the food there tends to be particularly tasty. Nothing can beat fresh na’an bread with da’al (a lentil dish) and paneer. Restaurants also have unique drinking options – many are milk based and serve as a great balance to the spicy dishes. My favorite of these drinks is mango lassi – a milk/yogurt based sweet drink. The mangoes here also tend to come fresh and are particularly sweet and juicy.
A day in India is not complete without a small cup of chai – this sweet milk-based tea is a staple in most Indian homes and functions. Most people tend to drink chai in between meals – in the afternoon or inviting a neighbor over for a cup and a chat. This drink is definitely one of the highlights of India’s delicacies and one I will surely miss when I leave.
Although my cooking skills are not yet matured, I will return with a few recipes and spices with hopes to bring a little Indian flavor back to Boston.