Archive · 23 May 2025
Popular Dishes That Aren't Indian: A Culinary Journey
Many foods we think are Indian aren't!
Samosas and jalebi came from the Middle East, while biryani was brought by the Mughals.
Vindaloo has Portuguese roots, and Chicken Tikka Masala was invented in Scotland.
Rajma (kidney beans) are from Mexico.
Gulab Jamun comes from Persia, and tea originated in China.
These foods traveled to India over time and became part of everyday meals!
Samosas originated in Persia.
Jalebi's roots trace back to the Middle East.
Biryani was introduced by the Mughals.
Vindaloo comes from a Portuguese dish from Goa.
Chicken Tikka Masala was invented in Glasgow, Scotland.
Rajma (kidney beans) originated in Mexico.
Gulab Jamun hails from Persia/Mediterranean.
Tea's origins lie in China.
- Who
- Dishes like samosa, jalebi, biryani, vindaloo, chicken tikka masala, rajma, gulab jamun, and tea.
- What
- Eight popular dishes commonly believed to be Indian but originated elsewhere.
- When
- Various times throughout history.
- Where
- Worldwide, with roots in Persia, Middle East, Mexico, and more.
- Why
- To highlight the diverse origins of foods commonly enjoyed in India.
- Samosa Origin
- Persian
- Jalebi Origin
- Middle East
- Biryani Introduced by
- Mughals
- Vindaloo Popular in
- Goa, India
- Chicken Tikka Masala Origin
- Glasgow, Scotland
- Rajma Origin
- Mexico
- Gulab Jamun Origin
- Persia/Mediterranean
- Tea Origin
- China