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The Rise of Regional Indian Cuisines: Exploring Hidden Gems Beyond Butter Chicken and Biryani
When you think of Indian food, what comes to mind? Butter chicken, biryani, or maybe samosas? While these dishes are undeniably delicious, they barely scratch the surface of India’s culinary diversity. India is a land of 28 states and 8 union territories, each with its own unique culture, traditions, and, of course, food. In recent years, there’s been a growing fascination with ‘regional Indian cuisines’—those lesser-known, hyper-local dishes that tell the story of India’s rich cultural tapestry.
From the fiery coastal curries of Maharashtra to the earthy millet-based dishes of Uttarakhand, regional Indian cuisines are having a moment. Food enthusiasts, chefs, and even home cooks are diving deep into these hidden gems, rediscovering flavours that have been overlooked for far too long. In this blog, we’ll take you on a culinary journey across India, exploring the rise of regional cuisines and why they are trending like never before.
Why Regional Indian Cuisines Are Trending
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The Quest for Authenticity
In a world dominated by fast food and fusion dishes, people are craving authenticity. Regional Indian cuisines offer a taste of tradition, with recipes passed down through generations. These dishes are often made with locally sourced ingredients and cooked using age-old techniques, making them a true reflection of India’s culinary heritage.
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Social Media’s Role
Platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok have become virtual food diaries, showcasing dishes that were once confined to small towns and villages. A viral video of a street vendor making ‘Kodava pandi curry’ or a blogger’s post about ‘Odia chhena poda’ can spark global interest overnight.
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Health and Sustainability
Many regional Indian cuisines are inherently healthy and sustainable. Think millets, lentils, and foraged greens—ingredients that are now celebrated as superfoods. Dishes like ‘Garhwali kafuli’ (a spinach-based curry) or ‘Malvani fish curry’ (packed with coconut and kokum) are not only delicious but also nutritious.
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Cultural Pride
There’s a growing sense of pride in local cultures and traditions. People are eager to explore and celebrate the unique flavours of their own regions, leading to a revival of forgotten recipes and cooking styles.
Hidden Gems of Regional Indian Cuisines
Let’s dive into some of the most fascinating regional cuisines that are making waves in 2024:
Malvani Cuisine (Maharashtra)
- Signature Dishes: Malvani fish curry, kombdi vade (chicken curry with rice flour bread).
- Unique Ingredients: Coconut, kokum, and Malvani masala.
- Why It’s Trending: The bold, tangy flavours of Malvani cuisine are a hit with seafood lovers. Plus, its coastal vibe makes it perfect for summer dining.
Kodava Cuisine (Karnataka)
- Signature Dishes: Pandi curry (pork curry), kadumbuttu (rice dumplings).
- Unique Ingredients: Kachampuli (a souring agent), wild mushrooms.
- Why It’s Trending: The use of foraged ingredients and bold spices appeals to adventurous eaters.
Garhwali and Kumaoni Cuisine (Uttarakhand)
- Signature Dishes: Bhang ki chutney (hemp seed chutney), kafuli (spinach curry), mandua ki roti (finger millet bread).
- Unique Ingredients: Millets, hemp seeds, and local greens.
- Why It’s Trending: Millets are having a global moment, and these cuisines showcase their versatility.
Chettinad Cuisine (Tamil Nadu)
- Signature Dishes: Chettinad chicken, kuzhi paniyaram (savory dumplings).
- Unique Ingredients: Star anise, kalpasi (stone flower), and peppercorns.
- Why It’s Trending: The fiery, aromatic flavors of Chettinad cuisine are perfect for spice lovers.
Odia Cuisine (Odisha)
- Signature Dishes: Dalma (lentil and vegetable stew), chhena poda (caramelized cheese dessert).
- Unique Ingredients: Panch phoron (five-spice blend), chhena (cottage cheese).
- Why It’s Trending: Its simplicity and vegetarian-friendly nature make it a crowd-pleaser.
How to Experience These Cuisines
Cook at Home
Many regional dishes are surprisingly easy to make at home. Stock up on unique ingredients like kokum, kachampuli, or panch phoron, and try your hand at recipes like ‘Malvani fish curry’ or ‘Odia dalma’.
Visit Regional Restaurants
Look for restaurants or cloud kitchens that specialize in regional cuisines. In cities like Mumbai, Delhi, and Bangalore, you’ll find eateries dedicated to Chettinad, Malvani, or Garhwali food.
We often visit modern restaurants and try a variety of contemporary dishes, many of which are unfamiliar to a larger section of society. However, on the other hand, people who frequently dine at modern restaurants may be unaware of the delicious regional foods that are beloved by locals in specific areas.
While we experiment with fusion-style cuisine, it also makes sense to explore and appreciate traditional regional dishes. To dive deeper into this, we have an article on regional thalis that provides valuable insights. Check it out here: What is Thali? 10 Astounding Indian Dishes.
Attend Food Festivals
Food festivals and pop-ups are great places to sample regional dishes. Keep an eye out for events like the ‘Goa Food and Cultural Festival’ or the ‘Chettinad Food Festival’. For more food festivals and events, visit our Events & Festivals section.
Take a Culinary Tour
If you are a true foodie, consider taking a culinary tour of India. Explore the spice markets of Tamil Nadu, the coastal kitchens of Maharashtra, or the mountain villages of Uttarakhand.
FAQs
- What makes regional Indian cuisines different from mainstream Indian food?
Regional cuisines are deeply rooted in local culture, traditions, and ingredients. They often use hyper-local spices, cooking techniques, and recipes that are specific to a particular region, making them unique and distinct from mainstream dishes like butter chicken or biryani.
- Are regional Indian cuisines vegetarian-friendly?
Absolutely! Many regional cuisines, like Odia and Garhwali, are heavily plant-based and use ingredients like lentils, millets, and local greens. However, there are also non-vegetarian options, such as Chettinad chicken or Malvani fish curry.
- Where can I find ingredients for regional Indian dishes?
Many specialty ingredients are now available online or in Indian grocery stores. For example, kokum and kachampuli can be found on platforms like Amazon or dedicated Indian food websites.
- Which regional Indian cuisine is the spiciest?
Chettinad cuisine from Tamil Nadu is known for its fiery flavors, thanks to the generous use of peppercorns and red chilies. Malvani cuisine is also quite spicy, with a tangy twist from kokum.
- Can I try regional Indian cuisines outside India?
Yes! Many Indian restaurants abroad are now offering regional dishes. Look for places that specialize in South Indian, coastal, or Himalayan cuisines.
The Future of Regional Indian Cuisines
The rise of regional Indian cuisines is more than just a food trend—it’s a cultural movement. As people become more curious about the stories behind their food, these hidden gems are stepping into the spotlight. Young chefs and food entrepreneurs are playing a key role in this revival, bringing regional flavours to fine dining restaurants and global food festivals.
In the coming years, we can expect regional Indian cuisines to dominate not just Indian menus but also international ones. After all, who can resist the allure of a perfectly spiced ‘pandi curry’ or a decadent ‘chhena poda’?
Conclusion
India’s culinary landscape is as diverse as its culture, and regional cuisines are the heart and soul of this diversity. By exploring these hidden gems, we not only satisfy our taste buds but also connect with the rich traditions and stories that make Indian food so special. So, the next time you’re craving Indian food, skip the butter chicken and try something new—like a steaming bowl of ‘kafuli’ or a plate of ‘kuzhi paniyaram’. Your palate will thank you!
What’s your favourite regional Indian dish? Share in the comments below!
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1 comment
R. Saha
February 15, 2025 9:36 pmNice