|
Untitled Document
|
| Eating and Drinking |
Indian cuisine has become popular all over the world. What is today popular as Indian food reflects a blend of various cultures and religious influences over several centuries. Religion still influences what people eat in India. Hindus do not eat beef and Muslims do not eat pork. Many Hindus are strict vegetarians and may follow special diets for various religious festivals and times of the year.
Indian cuisine varies by state and by region. Often, you will be able to pick out the finer subtleties only when you have been there for a while.
While the pursuit of fine Indian cuisine is a topic for a separate book by itself, we provide some tips that a foreigner must keep in mind while eating in India:
- Be aware that not being used to Indian food and spices, you are at risk for stomach related problems. There is nothing like a good case of "Delhi Belly" to ruin a good stay overseas.
- Water is your friend and enemy. You must drink plenty of water given India’s hot climate. But you can only drink water that has been boiled or bottled. Insist on it. Under no circumstances drink the water from the taps. Bottled drinks and bottled water is easily and cheaply available all over India. Insist while you place the order that they open the beverage in front of you.
- Ice too can be an enemy. Americans love to have all sodas and ice tea with lots of ice. But ice made from tap water is just as deadly. Its better to not ask for ice if the drinks have been refrigerated anyway. Otherwise ask if the ice is from bottled water or if its packaged ice.
- Eating salads is a great diet strategy. But if the ingredients have been washed with poor water, you are again at risk. Ask.
- Try to stay with hot and freshly cooked food. Look for restaurants that are busy and seem to have families eating there. These establishments have a lot to loose from poor food and poor hygiene.
- Other than in larger restaurants, you must assume that refrigeration is poor which means you must try to find places that serve hot and freshly cooked food.
- Street food: You will see tempting street food stalls and small shops selling sweet and salty savories all over India. Look for shops that have a lot of people lined up. That way you can be assured that the oil and ingredients are fresh.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
