Indian food is often described as magical, and rightfully so. The rich flavors, vibrant colors, and exquisite presentation of Indian cuisine truly make it a sensory experience like no other. From the fiery curries of the north to the delicate dosas of the south, each region of India has its own distinct culinary traditions, adding to the diverse tapestry of flavors that make up Indian food magic. One of the key elements that sets Indian food apart is the extensive use of spices. Spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and cardamom feature prominently in many Indian dishes, adding layers of complexity and depth. These spices not only enhance the flavor of the food but also offer various health benefits.

The magic of connecting over cuisine in India

Food tells you everything you need to know about a nation or city. Even the way that meals are approached can offer telltale signs of how a culture approaches life itself. Take, for example, the fact that when I lived in Istanbul, dinner was an all-night affair unless otherwise discussed, a sure sign of the importance of taking the time to enjoy the smaller things in life.

Conversely, in everbusy Toronto, my hometown, it’s more than likely that after an hour or so, your server might start to give you a sideways glance and wonder when you’re clearing out for the next patrons.

In India, however, everything is different. The experience of dining out is almost religious in nature.

Diving into Indian cuisine

The dishes, as well as practices around consuming said dishes, have been ironed out for centuries. The food itself has been practiced until perfect and each chef seems to add their own loving touch to the classic dishes of Indian cuisine. In India, food isn’t the fuel to get you through the day, it’s the reason for your day .

Delicious roadside food!

India is enormous and, as such, each region (and even town or municipality) is going to have its own spin on things from a cuisine perspective. What I appreciate about Intrepid is that, when I was on the Delhi to Kathmandu tour, I always had context. Our local leader, Chime, was always available not just to run down what a dish consisted of, but even to talk about where a dish originated from – its “story” if you will.

You can see a country’s history unfold at their national museum, but you can taste it if you try their national dishes.

And as a group, we ate our way through the nation.

Eating in Orccha

Orccha quietly won my heart. It’s a fantastic little town that I think is an integral part of the Delhi to Kathmandu trip at large. I want to focus on one particular meal we had in Orchha that I believe encompasses the ethos of the trip very nicely. Our group was kindly welcomed into the home of a family there, and so commenced a cooking demonstration for the ages.

The laid-back medieval town of Orchha

I adored this portion of the trip because it’s something I likely couldn’t have managed on my own. I’ve travelled to nearly 80 countries, and I’ve had my fair share of experiences to be sure, but we had the opportunity to watch a meal being cooked, explain how to cook it, then, my personal favourite part – the eating!

Our group departed from our nearby lodging and arrived outside of a lovely baby blue home. We entered, and I immediately noticed a woman sitting cross legged with pots and spices laid out in front of her. She was called Vandana and was wearing a white sari and a warm smile. Her kids sat in the adjacent room doing homework with their father and we all said hello, then sat in a semicircle near the front of the room.

She fired up the portable stove (along with our collective excitement) and her sister brought out some hot cups of chai which were a delight. Her smile had a way of washing away the slight nervous energy that remained. There were many dishes on the menu, but the first dish she showed us how to make is known as bharta. It’s essentially a spicy eggplant that goes well with jasmine rice.

Vandana cooking up a storm

Watching dishes be slowly constructed was an intriguing experience because I feel like, as visitors in another nation, we often assume that we could never make the food particularly well when we’re back in our respective homelands. However, when you see someone add in the oil, then the perfect portions of nutmeg, cardamom, chili, cumin and so on, the notion that the dish is beyond your ability to make begins to evaporate. I’ll likely never make bharta as well as she did, but I also know that it doesn’t mean I shouldn’t try. In fact, we were even given a nifty handout with instructions and ingredients to make the dishes for just that reason.

The love of food is very human and very intimate, so to be welcomed into her home was something special. At that moment it wasn’t about eagerly awaiting “authentic Indian food,” but rather appreciating a meal cooked with kindness and passion from someone who had welcomed us into her home. I had innumerable meals in India that were downright scrumptious, but it was the nature of this meal that made it the most memorable of the trip. A restaurant serves whoever walks in, but she was sharing this with us in her home. That’s not something you get to experience everyday, and it’s something that will always stay with me.

The finish meal post demonstration

I feel this experience also brought the group closer to India at large, as we had a deeper understanding of the cuisine and culture, and had been graced by the warmth of an Indian home.

To accompany the bharta, we also had a delectable cabbage and potato vegetable curry, as well as a nice, spicy dal, which is, more or less, a flavourful lentil soup. It was served with some freshly cooked naan and chapati. My goodness, upon further recollection of this meal, I’m not all that far from boarding a plane and heading back to Orchha. I’m sure my fellow group mates would be of the same persuasion.

What else did we love?

While the list of what we appreciated as a group was rather lengthy, there were a few subplots that kept popping back up as it related to food. The first, was the sheer adoration that myself and a few other group members had for vegetable pakora. This is typically a mix of vegetables with chopped onions, green chilies, and a smattering of delicious spices which is all deep fried into little patties. It is usually served with an insatiable dipping sauce that could be tamarind-based, coriander-based, or something else entirely depending on the restaurant.

By the end of our time there, there was a group of us who would order vegetable pakora on top of our regular meal almost every time. When the server came over, our group would look around and wonder if, once again, we were going for the pakora. The answer, as you can imagine, was yes.

The other “hit,” if you will, was the momo. If, by some odd chance, someone wasn’t getting some vegetable pakora that meal, you better believe they were getting some momos. A momo is a dumpling typically served with vegetables or chicken, but the flour exterior is usually as soft as butter, which makes them both addictive and delectable. I will tell you that if I was in India at this very moment, I’d be getting a few plates pronto.

All in all, we had fun as a group learning about the food from a real cuisine perspective, but we also had fun ordering and talking about what made our hearts beat a little faster and our eyes a little wider. Everyone had their preferences whether that was tandoori chicken, curries, tikka masala, or dansak, but what I hadn’t considered is how many dishes I’d be able to see (and eventually taste when our group got a little closer). When you travel with a group, your exposure is just that much greater because instead of rolling the dice on one dish, you get to see a large group roll the dice.

In India in particular, the food is a realm worth being explored, and with some intentionality. I’m so glad it was an effort my whole group made together. As it turns out, when you’re all climbing the same mountain, you all get to appreciate the same views.

Want to enjoy this dreamy cooking demonstration for yourself? Check out Intrepid’s Delhi to Kathmandu trip.

Mad about Indian food in general? Our India Real Food Adventure is perfect for you.

(Image credits from top to bottom: Intrepid Travel, Chris Mitchell, Intrepid Travel, Chris Mitchell x4.)

Maggi Magic Asia - Fried Noodles India

Indian cuisine thrives on its overwhelming spice variety. To achieve the authentic taste, "Maggi Magic Asia - Fried Noodles India" is supported by a special curry spice composition. Ideal to close your eyes for a short time and to feel like in a market in Bombay. Of course, fried noodles also taste great for lunch. With Maggi you can easily get a piece of Indian cuisine home at any time.

Preparation is easy and fast:

- Heat 375ml water in a non-stick pan
- Stir and boil bag contents
- After a 5-minute cooking time, add 1 tablespoon oil to admit golden brown fry

Store cool and dry.

Net.Wt. 122g (4.3oz)
Shipping Wt. 160g

Attention: The receipe on the package is in German language only!

• Do you have any questions concerning this product?
• Further products by Maggi

per 100g ready meal: Energy 833kJ / 199kcal
Fat 5.8g (of which saturated fatty acids 0.8g)
Carbohydrates 27.5g (of which sugar 1.7g)
Protein 6.5g
Salt 1.5g

82 % Nudeln (HARTWEIZENGRIESS, EIER), 5 % Curry (Koriander, Kurkuma, Chili, Ingwer, Salz, SENFKÖRNER, Kardamom, Bockshornklee, Kreuzkümmel, Pfeffer, Paprika, SELLERIE, Liebstöckel, Kümmel, Lorbeer, Dill), 2,9 % Gemüse (Blattspinat, roter Paprika), Jodsalz, Sonnenblumenöl, Petersilie, Knoblauch, Zimt, MILCHEIWEISS, Zucker, Glukosesirup, Aromen (mit GERSTE), Hefeextrakt. Kann SOJA enthalten
Responsible food company: Maggi GmbH 78221 Singen (Hohentwiel) Made in GERMANY

Explore Tabla's Magical Feast at $30: Where Magic Meets Menu

Prepare to embark on a culinary journey like no other as Tabla Indian Restaurant invites you to indulge in a month of enchantment with our Tabla Magical Feast. We're thrilled to announce a celebration where gastronomy meets sorcery, and your taste buds are in for a delightful treat.

At Tabla, we've always taken pride in creating unforgettable dining experiences, and this magical month is no exception. Our specially curated $30 4-Course menu is designed to whisk you away into a world where the extraordinary becomes ordinary. With each dish carefully crafted to evoke wonder and amazement, you'll find that dining at Tabla is not just a meal; it's a magical experience.

Whether you're a seasoned food enthusiast or someone looking for a unique dining adventure, Tabla's Magical Feast promises to be an event that will leave you spellbound. So, grab your wands (or forks) and join us for a magical feast from September 1st to October 31st at Tabla Indian Restaurant. Your seat at the table of wonder awaits!

These spices not only enhance the flavor of the food but also offer various health benefits. For centuries, Indian spices have been prized for their medicinal properties, making Indian cuisine not just a treat for the taste buds but also a journey towards better health. Another aspect of Indian food that adds to its magic is the concept of balance.

Introducing Tabla Magical Feast: 4-Course Meal just at $30 + Taxes

At Tabla Indian Restaurant, we're excited to introduce our Tabla Magical Feast – a fantastic 4-Course Meal for just $30, plus taxes! It's a great way to enjoy a complete dining experience without breaking the bank.

Our restaurant is known for its delicious Indian and fusion cuisine, and this special offer includes a comforting soup, tasty appetizer, flavorful main course, and a delightful dessert. Whether you're celebrating a special occasion or simply craving a good meal, we've got you covered. It's an opportunity to experience the flavors of India in a fantastic way.

Indian cuisine places great emphasis on achieving a balance of flavors – sweet, sour, salty, bitter, and spicy – in each dish. This balance is achieved through the careful selection and combination of ingredients, resulting in a harmonious symphony of tastes on the palate. The use of yogurt, for example, helps to counteract the heat of spices, adding a cooling effect to the dish. Indian food also has a rich cultural and historical significance. With a culinary history dating back thousands of years, Indian cuisine is a reflection of the country's diverse cultural and religious influences. From Mughlai dishes that trace their origins to the Mughal Empire to vegetarian fare influenced by Jain and Buddhist traditions, Indian food is a celebration of India's multicultural identity. Furthermore, Indian food is not just about nourishing the body but also the soul. The act of cooking and sharing a meal in Indian culture is often seen as a way of connecting with others and celebrating life's moments. The warmth and hospitality that accompany an Indian meal make it a truly magical experience, fostering a sense of togetherness and community. In conclusion, Indian food is a magical culinary journey that captivates the senses and nourishes both the body and soul. With its vibrant flavors, aromatic spices, and cultural significance, Indian cuisine is a testament to the rich heritage and traditions of the country. Whether it's a simple home-cooked meal or an elaborate feast, Indian food never fails to cast its spell on those who partake in it..

Reviews for "The Joy of Indian Food: A Guide to Everyday Cooking"

1. Karen - 2/5 stars - I recently tried Indian Food Magic based on all the positive reviews, but I was extremely disappointed. The food was overly greasy and lacked flavor. The chicken tikka masala was dry and tough, and the curry had a weird aftertaste. The service was also quite slow, with long wait times before our food arrived. Overall, I did not enjoy my experience here and would not recommend it.

2. Mike - 2/5 stars - I had high expectations for Indian Food Magic, but it fell short. The dishes were not as authentic as I had hoped, and the flavors seemed dull and overpowered by excessive amounts of spices. The restaurant itself lacked ambiance and felt outdated. The prices were also on the higher side for the quality of food provided. I wouldn't return to this place, as there are much better Indian restaurants in town.

3. Sarah - 1/5 stars - Indian Food Magic was a complete letdown. The food was a far cry from authentic Indian cuisine. The naan bread was undercooked and tasted doughy, and the samosas were overly greasy. The restaurant was also poorly maintained, with dirty tables and a strange smell in the air. The staff seemed indifferent and uninterested in providing good customer service. I regretted dining here and would not recommend it to anyone looking for a genuine Indian food experience.

4. John - 2/5 stars - I had heard good things about Indian Food Magic, but unfortunately, I was not impressed. The portions were small for the price we paid, and the taste of the food was mediocre at best. The dishes lacked the usual depth of flavor and spice that I associate with Indian cuisine. The overall dining experience felt rushed and impersonal. I was left feeling unsatisfied and wouldn't choose to dine here again.

The Magic of Indian Desserts