Since a long time, India had welcomed people from different corners of the world with its timeless charm of cultural heritage, diversity, history and traditions. Its absolutely mind blowing to express that each of our 28 states have a culinary and cultural heritage of their own! But unfortunately, for many travelers, their culinary journey through India remains limited to a few well-known dishes like chicken tikka masala, biryani, or masala dosa. While these favorites undoubtedly reflect the richness and complexity of Indian flavors, they are only a small fraction of what India’s regional culinary tapestry has to offer. Beneath the surface lies an array of lesser-known delicacies, each region infused with its own unique ingredients, cooking methods, and culinary heritage.
Do you know, our local communities are best people to guide you through the authentic taste of Indian food? They are the best keepers of cooking traditions and knows the best way to practice sustainability through food. So, next time you are in India, look for the enthusiastic locals who will be showing you through their culinary practices and maybe teaching you a recipe or two as a souvenir.
In this blog, we will be providing you a road map of how you can enjoy the culinary journey through India with the help of local communities.
- The Untapped Treasure of Indian Cuisine
When you arrive in India, your culinary expectations might often be shaped by what you’ve experienced in Indian restaurants in your countries. This can result in a rather narrow view of the vast and varied cuisine of the subcontinent. The reality is that India's culinary landscape is as diverse as its geography, with each region offering a different gastronomic adventure that reflects the local ingredients, traditions, and history.
Unfortunately, there are several reasons why Western travelers often miss out on India’s full culinary spectrum. Let’s delve into some of the probable reasons for this gap in their experience.
- Myth: All Indian Food is Spicy
One of the most prevalent misconceptions is that Indian food is synonymous with spice, and often, heat. It's true that Indian cuisine incorporates a variety of spices, but the focus is not just on making food spicy but creating a balance of flavors. Spices like cardamom, cumin, coriander, and cloves are used not just to add heat but to bring out a range of flavors, from sweet to tangy, earthy to aromatic.
Many Western travelers are surprised to discover that a significant portion of Indian dishes, especially those from certain regions like Kerala, are mild in spice but rich in flavor. Coconut-based curries, tempered with mustard seeds and curry leaves, reflect a soothing and wholesome taste. The key to enjoying Indian food lies in understanding that spices are used to enhance flavor, not overpower the dish. This distinction opens up a whole new world of Indian cuisine beyond the fear of intense spiciness.
- Lack of Awareness of Regional Delicacies
Another reason why many travelers miss out on authentic Indian culinary experiences is the lack of awareness about regional specialties. The Indian restaurant scene abroad often focuses on familiar dishes that are perceived to be crowd-pleasers, such as butter chicken, naan, and tandoori dishes. While these are delicious, they don’t represent the rich variety of food available across the length and breadth of India.
For instance, dishes like appam with stew from Kerala, dhokla from Gujarat, or rogan josh from Kashmir offer entirely different experiences in flavor and texture. However, many restaurants in tourist hotspots stick to the same repertoire, leaving travelers unaware of the hidden gems of India’s culinary world. This makes it essential for travelers to venture off the beaten path and explore local eateries or home-cooked meals to truly understand the depth of Indian cuisine.
- The Challenge of Accessing Home-Cooked Food
The soul of Indian food often resides in home kitchens, where recipes are passed down through generations. However, for travelers staying in hotels or resorts, experiencing these authentic home-cooked meals can be a challenge. Unlike street food cultures in some countries, where travelers can easily sample homemade dishes, India’s culinary secrets are often hidden within family homes.
Many travelers miss out on experiencing dishes like thoran (a dry vegetable dish with coconut), meen curry (fish curry in coconut milk), or pachadi (a yogurt-based side dish) which are typically part of everyday home meals in Kerala. Without local connections, the opportunity to savor this authentic food might never arise. But times are changing, and local communities across India are stepping in to bridge this gap.
- The Role of Local Communities in Reviving Authentic Culinary Experiences
In recent years, local families across India, including regions like Kerala, have opened their doors to share their cooking styles, traditions, and daily life with travelers. These immersive experiences allow visitors to go beyond the stereotypical image of Indian food and delve into the true essence of local culinary traditions.
In Kumarakom, nestled in the serene backwaters of Kerala, we have made it our mission to introduce travelers to the authentic flavors of our region. Through our experiential villas and homestays, we host guests from around the world, inviting them into our kitchens to learn the art of cooking Kerala cuisine. We take pride in sharing our food heritage, not just by serving meals but by engaging travelers in the entire process.
- An Authentic Culinary Experience in Kumarakom
When our guests arrive, we embark on a culinary adventure that begins with a visit to the local markets. Here, travelers can witness firsthand the bustling activity as vendors sell fresh produce, seafood, and aromatic spices. Together, we pick out ingredients for the day’s meal—often a combination of fresh vegetables, tender fish, and locally sourced spices like turmeric, pepper, and cumin.
Back at our homestay, the cooking begins. We share insights into our cooking techniques, from tempering mustard seeds and curry leaves to balancing the rich flavors of coconut milk with spices. The experience is interactive, with guests participating in every step of the process, gaining not only a deeper understanding of the cuisine but also a personal connection to the food they are about to enjoy.
As the meal takes shape, we often engage in warm conversations about the significance of food in our daily lives, how certain dishes are tied to festivals or family traditions, and how the art of cooking has evolved over generations. For many travelers, this experience is transformative. They walk away with more than just a delicious meal—they carry with them a deeper appreciation for the culinary diversity of India.
Indian cuisine is a reflection of the country’s rich cultural diversity, and to truly experience it, travelers must move beyond the popular dishes and delve into the lesser-known, yet equally remarkable, culinary treasures that each region has to offer. At Kumarakom, we are proud to be part of this journey, offering an authentic experience that not only satisfies the palate but also provides a window into our way of life. For travelers willing to venture beyond the familiar and immerse themselves in the local culture, the rewards are endless—a true taste of India’s culinary soul. Through local community initiatives like ours, travelers are increasingly gaining access to the hidden culinary gems of India, making their journeys all the more enriching and memorable.
Would you like to experience local food in an authentic way? Book our culinary packages to have a food journey through the Kerala Backwaters.
The Culinary Journey through India: Rediscovering Authentic Flavors with Local Communities
How did the Kerala Cuisine became the window to Kerala's culture?
Kerala: The Ultimate Food Lover’s Paradise - Discovering the Spice Route to Flavorful Traditions