There’s nothing quite like our desi khaana. Sizzling spices, chatpata flavours, wholesome textures, Indian cuisine truly nourishes the mind, body and soul. Our taste buds are so desi that more often than not we tend to have a special place in our hearts for global cuisines which share similarities with Indian cuisine. So, here are 5 cuisines from across the world that share similar spices, ingredients and even dishes like our desi khaana.
1. Mexican Cuisine
If we have makke di roti made of corn maize flour, then the Mexicans have tortillas made of blue maize. Just like Mexican cuisine rests heavily on the use of beans, rice and corn —no Indian meal in North India is complete without corn, rice and rajma. Mexican pinto beans —a gravy made of beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic and spices —is Mexican cuisine’s answer to our rajma curry. And of course, if we have rice, they have burritos stuffed with rice. There you go, Mexican and Indian cuisines are certainly similar.
Also Read: 12 Mexican Places In Bangalore
2. Moroccan Cuisine
The Moroccans use clay pots in their cooking, just like we Indians do. Morrocan lamb and chicken dishes are often prepared in a traditional tagine or round clay dish which locks in the heat and flavours. It makes the meat tender and aromatic. Like Indian cuisine, Moroccan cuisine also includes spices like turmeric powder, ginger and cumin powder. If we have lamb koftas, they have kefta tagine — a succulent lamb mince rolled into balls and then cooked with a tomato-based gravy.
Also Read: This Poolside Restaurant In Delhi Serves Lip-Smacking Mediterranean Food
3. Thai Cuisine
Thai cuisine has slowly become one of the most popular Asian cuisines after our beloved Indo-Chinese cuisine. In fact, you’d find Thai curry similar to coastal curries in South India — like the Kerala stew or seafood curries in Mangalore. The reason? Well, they all use coconut milk as the base. Moreover, Thai cuisine heroes chillies, coconut, rice and spices. And that’s predominantly the reason why we have a special place in our hearts for flavoursome Thai cuisine.
Also Read: 5 Unhealthy Foods You Should Avoid At A Thai Restaurant
4. Bahraini Cuisine
There are plenty of Bahraini dishes that have Indian counterparts. Take madrouba for example, a mashed chicken and rice dish cooked with spices and ghee, simmered over long hours. What, does it remind you of? Khichdi of course! Harees, ground meat and wheat porridge has similarities to the Hyderabadi delicacy, haleem. And then you have machboos, a spiced Basmati rice with chicken dish and that’s the Bahraini version of biryani for you!
Also Read: 5 Best Traditional Bahraini Dishes You Gotta Try At Least Once in Your Life
5. Greek Cuisine
Tzatziki, melitzanosalata may sound all complicated and definitely Greek. Let’s break it down for you. Tzatziki is nothing but a yoghurt dip which often included chopped cucumber, similar to our raita. And, melitzanosalata is a smoked eggplant dish that goes perfectly well with pita bread. Greek cuisine definitely shares similarities with Indian cuisine. They use staples like pita bread and fresh crunchy veggies in their wholesome platters. Yum!
So, which of these cuisines is your absolute favourite, apart from Indian cuisine of course? Let us know in the comments section below.
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