Plant based diets are now becoming the rage in the West. However, there is one country in the East where they have always been commonplace, and the vast majority of its people eat a vegetarian diet. That, of course, is India.
Nimmi Seth, a resident of Mumbai, has shared with us her thoughts on the role of food in Indian culture.
“India is a vast country with a huge culture,” says Seth, “and every state in India has unique food and a unique way of making it. Every festival, celebration, and gathering is centered around food. There is a saying that every guest is god and gods need to be fed …. So, food is very important. In my culture we live to eat, and all the rest follows.”
Because India is such a vast country, what types of foods and flavors are represented?
“In the east, fish is a main staple on the menu,” says Seth, “whereas in the north it is mainly Punjabi and there are a lot of farms. The food is a little heavier and full of white butter and ghee. In Rajastan, food is very spicy. There is also scant rainfall so dishes are planned accordingly. The west is a coastal region, so people there eat a lot of fish too. Gujarati food is found in the west, which is very sweet. Mumbai, where I live, is a cosmopolitan city, and we have everything.”
And are menus more modern, traditional, or a blend?
“Dishes that we eat at a casual dinner party can range from a pasta to garlic breads. Today the modern foods have taken over the traditional dishes. They are easier and faster to make. Indian foods take time to cook. Especially the ones we make during festivals. Of course, during festivals and celebrations the dishes are more elaborate, traditional, and really special.”
What about the ingredients commonly used in cooking?
“In India, dishes are normally made from panner, nan, roti, raitia, and chole. We also eat a lot of rice, and we do eat potatoes too. Dhokla, Samosa, sweet dishes like kheer or sheera are also favorites. Also, our food has lots of pickles and papad which we normally eat along with raw onions and chilli’s. We also use a lot of spices and oils. I love the oils.”
What is her favorite dish?
“My favorite food is Lady Finger and roti,” she says. “I can eat this every day. At my house, my husband makes the best Chole and Puri and Aloo veggie … my mom use to make awesome Aloo parthas and masala rice with her own twist.”
