India is a very large country, 95 times the size of the Netherlands, and therefore has large differences in regional cuisines. Many people know the Indian cuisine from North India - this is also where you see most restaurants in Europe - but the South(east) Indian cuisine also has a lot to offer. We spoke to Gaby. Her father was born in Kakinada, a large city in the state of Andra Pradesh in South-East India, after which he moved to the Netherlands at the age of nine. When Gaby was young, she visited India twice and in December 2019 she backpacked from the North to the South with her brother. Through the stories of her family, her travels and her innate love for food, she can tell us everything about Indian food culture.
Gaby says that the regions of Andra Pradesh and Telangana in South-East and Central India have many similarities when it comes to food. “The cuisine of these states is also called the 'Telugu' cuisine. The Telugu cuisine is known as the hottest and most spicy cuisine in India. Red chili peppers are used a lot, which are also grown in Andra Pradesh. In addition, a lot of vegetarian food is eaten, because a large part of the Indian population is Hindu. You can see this clearly in the dishes.
Eating habits in India are very different from those in the Netherlands. “In principle, Indians eat with their right hand. Besides the fact that this is a tradition that has its origins in Ayurvedic teachings (traditional medicine), it makes you more aware of the flavors, textures and smells of the food and you eat much slower and therefore more consciously. Eating more slowly also means a faster feeling of satiety, which means you eat a lot less. By the way, never eat with your left hand in India! The left hand is considered unclean,” Gaby explains.
“Eating with your hands makes you more aware of the flavors, textures and smells of the food”
Despite the fact that potatoes are often used in both cuisines, Indian and Dutch cuisines are not comparable. When we ask Gaby what she thinks of Dutch cuisine, she answers: “I have always had trouble with real Dutch food. It has so little taste and is not that exciting. But that may also be because I am used to the extreme smells and tastes of Indian cuisine. Still, I can certainly appreciate a pancake, mashed potatoes with meatballs and pea soup from time to time!”
When we asked what the Dutch could learn from Indian cuisine, Gaby laughed and said, “Use herbs!”. The cooked vegetables with a piece of meat and potatoes can become a lot more flavorful by marinating the meat or grilling the vegetables and potatoes with some herbs. Yes, the famous AVG meal (potatoes, meat, vegetables) could use some Indian influences.”
“The famous AVG meal could use some Indian influences”
In a meal, Gaby finds it important when there are contrasts. “By that I mean, for example, a creamy curry with a crispy fried chicken in it. Or combining something sweet with something salty. The best dishes for her are dishes that surprise you because you have not tasted the flavors together before or that cause a true explosion of flavors because so many different herbs are used.
Finally, Gaby says that food means a lot to her. Besides the fact that she really enjoys trying different dishes, cuisines and restaurants, it also feels like a nice way to get together. “Food connects and is fun. I can talk about it for hours.”
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