Independence Day 2026 is here, and what better time to look back at some interesting parts of India’s history? Did you know that some foods became popular in India during the British Raj and slowly became part of our food culture too? From tea-time biscuits to bakery items, let’s take a look!
Independence Day 2026: 5 Foods Made Popular In India By The British
1. Biscuits
This is surprising, right? Biscuits became increasingly popular in India during the colonial era, especially among the rich and affluent people of society. Tea and biscuits became a classic pair and were enjoyed during mornings and evenings. From buttery shortbreads to crisp biscuits and more, the colonisers might have left, but biscuits and cookies are still a big part of India’s chai time.
2. Sponge Cakes & Other Bakery Items
Be it sponge cake, plum cake or simply a loaf of bread, bakery items became increasingly popular during the British Raj. Bread was already known in India before the British arrived, but the British helped make Western-style bread and baking more popular across the country. This is why several bakeries from that era became famous in cities across India. Some of them are still running today, with that same old British Raj-era vibe in their interiors. Cities like Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi are home to such heritage bakeries.
3. Sandwiches
Yes, our favourite breakfast and snack item was not always a part of India’s everyday diet. The British colonial administration, military officers and elite social clubs helped make sandwiches popular in India during the British Raj. The British brought the tradition of high tea, which included dainty cucumber and tomato sandwiches. These slowly became more familiar in India. And even now, most of us enjoy different types of sandwiches as a snack.
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4. Cutlets
Chicken cutlets and mutton cutlets are delicious, right? But did you know that the cutlet also became popular in India during the British era? British housewives during the Raj asked Indian cooks to re-create European-style dishes, which were then made according to local tastes and using local ingredients. Meat was minced, shaped, and fried to make cutlets. Slowly, cutlets also found their way into railway canteens and local eateries. Today, we can find non-vegetarian and vegetarian cutlets in many cafes and restaurants.
5. Custard
Custard was a popular dessert among the British, and when they came to India, they brought it along with them. Slowly, it became part of Indian homes too. Today, many Indians make custard by giving it their own twist. They add fruits, nuts and other ingredients to it as per their preferences. Fruit custard is now a popular dessert in India, and a lot of us enjoy eating it!
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So, this Independence Day 2026, take a moment to learn more about the foods we enjoy today and the interesting story behind them. Do you know any other food item popularised during the British Raj?
Cover Image Courtesy: Canva Pro/ Kunal Lakhotia
FAQs
When does India celebrate Independence Day?
India celebrates Independence Day every year on August 15.
How can you celebrate Independence Day?
You can celebrate Independence Day by attending flag-hoisting events, kite flying, spending time with family, learning about India’s history and distributing sweets among family and friends.
Which food items were popularised by the British in India?
Food items like biscuits, sandwiches, cutlets, custards and bakery items were popularised by the British in India.
