Indian food is a blend of traditional dishes and global cuisine. Like people, technology, and everything else, food in India has been evolving with time. The culinary history of India also includes the growth of industrialization, agriculture, colonization, and changes in culture, traditions, and religious practices.
All these factors contributed significantly to Indian cuisine in Kolkata. So, Indian food can’t be looked at through an isolated lens. This write-up aims to discuss the evolution of food in India with a touch of history to understand the influences of various other factors in the evolution of Indian cuisine.
Rooted in Antiquity – The Foundation of Indian Cooking
Traditional Practices and Early Influences
The history of Indian food starts with the Indus Valley Civilization. The ancient cooking methods set the stage for what would become the modern Indian cuisine in Kolkata. Ayurveda, an ancient Indian science of life, also played a crucial role in the development of dietary practices and emphasized the balance of flavours and the medicinal qualities of food.
Historical Culinary Manuscripts
Historical texts like “Ain-i-Akbari” and “Manasollasa” provide insights into medieval Indian cuisine, providing detailed dinners and a wide range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian cuisines, highlighting the complex techniques of Indian cooking in the royal kitchens.
The Colonial Impact & Regional Diversification
Mughal Influence on Indian Cuisine
The Mughal period introduced aroma-rich delicacies like biryani and kebabs, representing the fusion of Central Asian and Indian flavours. This era marked a significant shift in the food culture of the subcontinent, especially the regions in Northern India.
Colonial Era – Blending Foreign Flavors
The Portuguese colonization, followed by the British Raj, introduced several new cooking techniques and ingredients that led to the creation of distinctive dishes, such as Anglo-Indian curries, Goan Vindaloo, etc. These delicacies showcase the blend of Indian spices and international cuisines.
Modern Indian Cuisine – Global Influences & Innovations
Contemporary Indian Cooking
Right now, Indian cuisine is an amalgam of traditions and international influences, which is visible in the dishes served in specialty restaurants across the country. The combination of modernism, traditionalism, and foreign influences has resulted in fusion meals. Chefs try out locally available ingredients and cooking styles from around the world to create contemporary food experiences while retaining traditional flavours.
Indian Cuisine in the Global Arena
Indian cuisine dictates the world culinary map in more ways than one. From Michelin-starred Indian restaurants to the presence of Indian street food across the globe, Indian cuisine is constantly growing, evolving, flourishing, ruling minds, and winning hearts on the international culinary scene.
Conclusion
Despite everything described above, Indian cuisine in Kolkata can’t be boxed into anything. Several factors influence its diversity. One look at the history of Indian food tells you why it is so varied. In reality, the evolution of food in India is an ongoing process – it is happening right now!
With the advent of newer technologies and simpler cooking methods, along with the medium to learn about other cuisines, people are witnessing a new era of Indian food, one that is more modern than ever.
