Indian cuisine - Are you ready to take your tastebuds to an international adventure in South Asia? As one of the most prominent and populous countries in the world, there is no denying that Indian cuisine is diverse and rich. Indian cuisine is a true symphony of spices, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that will surprise your senses.

If you're new to Indian dishes, its variety of spices may be too powerful for your taste. One way to ease your mouth into these new flavors is to compare them to something similar. A Filipino dish that can be compared to Indian specialties is Kare-kare.

While it may sound similar, there is more difference between Indian curry and a hearty bowl of Kare-Kare than likeness. Both dishes feature a rich and flavorful sauce, but their spice profiles differ significantly. Kare-Kare relies on achuete (annatto) and peanut sauce to create its distinct flavor, while Indian curries derive their complexity from various spices. Many will describe Indian curry to be "earthy and spicy."

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The master of all tastes behind every delicious Indian curry is masala. The composition of masala varies from region to region, but it typically includes a combination of spices such as cumin, coriander, turmeric, cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom. The spices are ground together, creating a fragrant powder that elevates the taste of any curry.

No Indian cuisine meal is complete without bread! If Filipino cuisine has timeless pairings such as pandesal and coffee, or puto and dinuguan, Indian cuisine has its must-have pairings.

These comparisons between Indian and Filipino breads highlight the universality of bread as a comfort food and how different cultures have created their unique versions based on local ingredients and culinary traditions.

1. Roti

Roti is often made by kneading whole wheat flour with water and sometimes adding a pinch of salt. The thin dough is cooked directly over a hot grill - you know your roti is ready when it puffs up in deliciousness!

2. Naan

Traditionally baked in a tandoor, a clay oven, naan dough is made with all-purpose flour, yogurt, yeast, and sometimes milk. Naan is often paired with fresh salads, curries, and the iconic Tikka Masala!

3. Paratha

While not as popular as Naan and Roti, Paratha is another delicious Indian bread made with whole wheat flour. This flaky flatbread is often served with butter and other condiments.

The versatility of Indian vegetarian cuisine is one of its most impressive features. There is food for everyone, whether you prefer gentle, creamy flavors or hot, spicy foods.

Indian vegetarian cuisine includes a variety of regional delicacies in addition to traditional flavors. Each region of India has its distinctive vegetarian cuisine that reflects regional ingredients and culinary norms, from the heavy and creamy gravies of North India to the delicate and tangy flavors of South India.

Samosa, also known as "samosang Pinoy" in the Philippines, is one such variation. While the original samosa is a crispy pastry filled with spiced potatoes and peas, the Filipino version frequently contains regional ingredients such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and minced meat replacements. In the Philippines, people love these savory pastries and frequently eat them as appetizers or snacks.

Another adaptation is the Filipino take on curry dishes, which often incorporate local vegetables and spices. Filipino-style curry can include a variety of vegetables like potatoes, carrots, bell peppers, and squash, creating a hearty and flavorful dish that pairs well with steamed rice or bread.

1. Shree Thaker Bhojanalay, Kalbadevi, Mumbai

Mumbai's Shree Thaker Bhojanalay is a well-known vegetarian restaurant that serves traditional Gujarati thali. Its delectable menu includes lentil curries, naan, rice, assorted pickles, and sweets.

2. Surya Mahal Restaurant

Another must-try Indian vegetarian restaurant is located in the heart of Jaipur. The popular Surya Vegetarian Restaurant is well-known for its mouthwatering Rajasthani thali, which features a variety of vegetarian dishes influenced by the area's rich culinary tradition.

3. The Sweet Side of India: A Dessert Journey for the Filipino Soul

If you're a fan of sweets, worry not! India also features plenty of decadent treats that satisfy even the pickiest of eaters!

From decadent treats that rival Filipino favorites like leche flan and halo-halo to the role of sweets in Indian culture and celebrations, and the exploration of the colorful world of Indian sweets in local markets and festivals, let's embark on a desert journey for the Filipino soul.

4. Gulab Jamun

One such example is Gulab Jamun, a classic Indian sweet made from khoya (reduced milk solids) and flour, which is deep-fried until golden brown and then soaked in a fragrant sugar syrup. The soft and spongy texture of Gulab Jamun, combined with its sweet and aromatic syrup, makes it a heavenly treat rivaling the richness of leche flan.

5. Jalebi

Jalebi, a deep-fried confection in the shape of a pretzel prepared from a fermented batter of all-purpose flour, yogurt, and saffron, is another popular Indian sweet. After being fried, the jalebis are coated in sugar syrup, creating a sweet treat similar to halo-halo in that it is both crunchy and syrup-soaked.

6. Laddu

India’s most loved treat is a must-have in all celebrations and festivities! It combines various ingredients, most commonly flour, sugar, ghee (clarified butter), and nuts. The mixture is shaped into small round balls or spheres, giving Laddu its distinctive shape.

In Indian culture, sweets are significant in various celebrations and rituals. Sweets are offered as prasad (divine offering) during religious ceremonies and are shared as a gesture of love, respect, and goodwill.

During festivals like Diwali (Festival of Lights), Raksha Bandhan (celebrating the bond between brothers and sisters), and Holi (Festival of Colors), the exchange of sweets is an integral part of the festivities. Families and friends share traditional sweets, symbolizing joy, prosperity, and togetherness.

Indian cuisine is a magnificent tapestry of flavors, colors, and aromas that beckon food enthusiasts from around the world. From the fiery curries of the south to the rich, creamy dishes of the north, India offers an extraordinary culinary journey. To fully savor the wonders of Indian cuisine and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of this diverse nation, we wholeheartedly recommend booking your hotel and flight through Traveloka.

Traveloka provides a seamless and reliable platform for planning your Indian culinary adventure. With a wide range of accommodation options and flight choices, complemented by exclusive deals and discounts, you can embark on a journey through India's culinary diversity with ease and affordability.

Don't miss the opportunity to taste the magic of Indian cuisine. Book your hotel and flight through Traveloka today and set off on a culinary voyage filled with delicious flavors and unforgettable experiences!