Why Indian Food Is So Tasty (2024)

Indian food is lauded for its curries, mouth-burning spices and complex flavor pairings. With its use of cardamom, cayenne, tamarind and other pungent ingredients, the resulting taste combinations are unlike anything found elsewhere around the world. But scientists in India have now discovered exactly why Indian food is so good — it’s the fewer number of overlapping flavors in ingredients.

Researchers at the Indian Institute for Technology examined how frequently overlapping flavor compounds factored into a dish’s ingredients. They reviewed thousands of recipes on TarlaDalal.com, scrutinizing the subtle molecular-level differences that distinguish the cuisine, reports the Washington Post.

“We found that average flavor sharing in Indian cuisine was significantly lesser than expected,” researchers wrote.

In Western cuisines, ingredients are usually paired together for their similar flavors. However, an average Indian dish includes at least seven ingredients, most of which do not contain overlapping flavors. Cayenne, green bell pepper, coriander and garam masala are usually paired with ingredients that have no chemical overlap, but each ingredient brings a unique component when incorporated into the final meal. This creates knockout dishes for a cuisine that uses approximately 200 of the estimated 381 ingredients known in the world.

Read more at the Washington Post

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Why Indian Food Is So Tasty (2024)

FAQs

Why Indian Food Is So Tasty? ›

In summary, the popularity and deliciousness of Indian cuisine can be attributed to its rich cultural history, regional diversity, use of spices and herbs, variety of ingredients, vegetarian options, and the passion and creativity of its cooks.

Why is Indian food so yummy? ›

The secret to why Indian food is loved by many is the contrasting combination of ingredients. Indian culture is preserved not only in its traditions but also in its recipes. They usually combine a variety of ingredients that create explosive flavors, and at EggHolic, we make our own customized spices.

Why do I like Indian food so much? ›

One of the Reasons to eat Indian cuisine is for the spices. It's more than the heat of the food; the combination of spices such as poaching apricots or making the tandoori marinade for chicken brings a whole new meaning to delicious dining. Also, watch out for the sweet on the sour taste that you'll definitely love.

Which is the tastiest Indian food? ›

The most popular and best dishes you should try in India
  • Biriyani - Famous specialty of Bangalore. Biriyani is a specialty and traditional mixed rice dish that you cannot ignore on the way to discover Indian cuisine. ...
  • Thali traditional Indian dish. ...
  • Samosa cake. ...
  • Josh Rogan Lamb Curry. ...
  • Gulab Jamun fried milk cake.

What makes Indian food so delicious scientifically? ›

A Melting Pot of Flavors: The Secret of Indian Spices

Indian cooking often involves layering flavors through the careful addition of spices at different stages of the cooking process. This technique allows each spice to release its unique flavor, creating a complex and harmonious taste profile.

Which country loves Indian food most? ›

Many international countries enjoy Indian cuisine, but the United Kingdom, the United States, Canada, and Australia are among the countries that are particularly fond of it.

Why does Indian food taste better with hands? ›

This practice is historic and premised on the cultural premise that eating is a sensory activity, and touch is part of the experience along with the taste, aroma of the food, and its presentation such as on a thali, or on a large plate made from washed banana leaf (used in south), or stitched and washed siali (used in ...

Is Indian food really healthy? ›

Supports digestion: Indian food often includes ingredients like ginger, fennel, and cumin, which have been shown to help support healthy digestion. Promotes heart health: Some Indian dishes, such as those made with lentils and vegetables, are low in saturated fat and high in fiber, which can help promote heart health.

Why is India so food insecure? ›

Climate Change and wars with global impact also affect India's food security, as does low investments in the social sector. It makes the poor vulnerable to market volatility in non-food essentials like healthcare, education, etc., which squeezes food budgets and worsens famine in India.

What is the best cuisine in the world? ›

The 10 best cuisines in the world
  • Italy.
  • Japan.
  • Greece.
  • Portugal.
  • China.
  • Indonesia.
  • Mexico.
  • France.
Feb 21, 2024

What is the #1 Indian dish? ›

1. Chicken Makhani (Butter Chicken) Butter chicken is mouth-watering, tender chicken, cooked in a spiced tomato sauce. It's traditionally cooked in a tandoor (a cylindrical clay or metal oven), but may be grilled, roasted or pan-fried in less authentic preparations.

What is America's favorite Indian food? ›

The nation's most-ordered dish is chicken tikka masala. Until recently, that was the country's number-one meal. 2024 saw British old-timer fish and chips reclaim the crown as the official dish of Britain. Although the 23-year reign of chicken tikka masala is nothing to sneeze at.

Why is Indian food so wet? ›

Indian food is cooked in water and oil, unlike the the food in western countries where the usual cooking method is to bake. Even a rice dish like rissotto or paella undergoes baking at the final step whereas here in India, rice is cooked in water until soft and no residue water is left in it. But it is not totally dry.

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