Indian is well-known for its exceptional cuisine which is packed with herbs, spices and incredible flavour profiles. There are many regional specialities too, with Indian curry houses often using their own spice mixes to make dishes unique and original. That said, did you know that some of the most beloved ‘Indian’ dishes didn’t actually originate in India at all? Thanks to centuries of trade, colonisation and cultural exchange, India’s cultural landscape has many global influences. So, let’s take a closer look at several Indian dishes that don’t actually come from India.
Biryani
Check out at any Indian cuisine menu and you’ll likely find some sort of Biryani, whether it’s a meat version or a vegetarian option. Biryani is a staple part of an Indian diet, but its roots can actually be traced back to Persia. The word ‘Biryani’ comes from the Persian ‘Birian’ which means ‘fried before cooking.’ It was brought to India by Mughal emperors, who adapted it with local spices. Today, the dish is infused with Indian spices, regional ingredients and layered cooking techniques, which reflect local tastes, cultural influences and culinary creativity.
Chicken Tikka Masala
When looking for ‘Indian cuisine near me,’ you might well be craving Chicken Tikka Masala. This dish is a favourite among Indian food lovers in Britain, who prefer a creamier texture without too much spice. While most top Indian eateries offer it, Chicken Tikka Masala did not originate in India. It was created here in the UK to satisfy the more delicate palettes of a British audience. A Bangladeshi chef in Glasgow is credited with inventing the dish in the 1970s by adding a creamy tomato sauce to grilled chicken. While it draws inspiration from Indian flavours and culinary techniques such as cooking meat in the tandoori oven, it’s a good example of culinary fusion.
Samosas
Samosas might be a standard part of your Indian takeaway order, but again, this delicious crispy triangular treat has more of a varied cultural origin. Like Biryani, samosas originally come from Persia and were introduced to India by traders and travellers around the 13th century. Indians have, of course, have put their own unique spin on the snack, filling samosas with spiced potatoes and peas – a delicious evolution of its meat-filled alternative.
Naan Bread
Naan bread is commonly ordered as a side and beautifully complements saucier dishes such as Butter Chicken and Dhansak. It’s an undoubted favourite of many people dining at Indian restaurants in the UK, but its origins lie again in Persian cuisine. When the Mughals brought their influence to India, they introduced the concept of leavened bread. Over time, naan became a beloved accompaniment to Indian curries and gravies, with Indians bringing naan recipes over to the UK.
Indian cuisine benefits from many cultural influences and has gone through a fascinating evolution over the years. If you want to explore a taste of India, visit Little India in South Kensington. Serving delicious, authentic cuisine from the Indian subcontinent, we use the freshest ingredients and traditional techniques to elevate our dishes. Book your table today.
