Is there any difference between Nepali and Indian food?
This is a common question that often arises when comparing the two cuisines. It’s a common misconception that these two cuisines are identical or similar.
As someone who has studied in India and is a Nepali, I have had the opportunity to explore both Indian and Nepali cuisine.
I can confidently say that there are similarities between the two cuisines, but there are also notable differences.
In this blog post, we’ll explore some key differences between Nepali and Indian food.
One of the most noticeable differences between Indian and Nepali cuisine is the use of bread. Indian cuisine often features bread like naan or chapati, which are absolutely delicious.
Meanwhile, Nepali cuisine uses less bread and focuses more on rice and dhedo as a staple.
Here are the main differences between Nepali and Indian food.
Regional Variations
Indian and Nepali cuisines each have their own regional flavors that make them special.
In India, the food changes a lot depending on where you are. For example, North Indian dishes are famous for their rich and creamy curries, while South Indian food is known for its spicy and tangy tastes.
Nepali cuisine also varies by region. In the hilly areas, you’ll find Tibetan and Chinese influences, with dishes like yak meat, momos, and thukpa.
In the Terai region, the food is more like Indian cuisine, featuring lots of lentils, rice, and vegetables.
Both Indian and Nepali cuisines are shaped by their geography and cultural history, creating unique and diverse dishes that people all over the world love.
Ingredients and Spices
Indian and Nepalese cuisine share many common ingredients, such as rice, lentils, and spices.
However, there are some differences in the ingredients and spices used in these two cuisines.
Spices
Indian food is usually spicier and contains more spices like turmeric, cumin, coriander, and chili powder.
However, Nepali food uses fewer spices and is usually not as spicy as Indian food. Some other things you might find in Nepali food are fenugreek seeds and Sichuan pepper.
Ingredients
Indian cuisine uses a wider variety of ingredients, including dairy products like ghee and yogurt, while Nepalese cuisine doesn’t.
Another difference is that ghee (clarified butter) is often used in many Indian dishes but not as commonly in Nepali cuisine.
Cooking Techniques
Indian and Nepali cuisines use similar cooking techniques like frying, roasting, and steaming.
However, Nepali cuisine is more inclined towards simple cooking methods, such as boiling or stir-frying, whereas Indian cuisine involves complex cooking techniques, such as tempering, marination, and slow cooking.
Type Of Food
Vegetarian vs. Non-Vegetarian
India has a large vegetarian population, so Indian cuisine has a wide variety of vegetarian dishes.
However, Nepali cuisine is evenly vegetarian and non-vegetarian, with popular meat dishes like momo, sukuti, and choila. Both cuisines have various vegetarian and non-vegetarian options, but the ratio varies.
Staple foods
Rice is a staple food in both Nepali and Indian cuisines. However, bread such as naan, roti, and paratha in India is also a staple food.
On the other hand, Dhedo is a staple food in Nepalese cuisine, especially in the hilly regions. It is prepared from flour, usually buckwheat or millet flour, and is often served with a side of vegetables and lentil soup (dal bhat).
Nepali Chicken Curry, Pork Curry, Cucumber Salad, And Potato Salad.
Popular Dishes
Both Indian and Nepalese cuisine have a wide range of unique dishes that are popular among food enthusiasts.
Here are a few popular dishes from each cuisine:
Indian Cuisine
- Butter Chicken: This is a popular Indian dish made of marinated chicken cooked in tomato based sauce with butter, cream, and spices.
- Tandoori Chicken: This dish is made by marinating chicken in yogurt and spices and then cooking it in a traditional tandoor oven.
- Palak Paneer: This vegetarian dish is made with spinach and cottage cheese in a creamy sauce.
- Biryani: This is a popular rice dish made with various spices, meat, and vegetables.
Nepalese Cuisine
- Momo: Momo is a popular Nepalese dish similar to dumplings. It is filled with ground meat, vegetables, or cheese and is usually served with a tomato dipping sauce.
- Dal Bhat: Dal Bhat is a staple Nepalese dish made with lentil soup (dal) and rice (bhat), served with vegetables and pickles.
- Chatamari: This is a traditional Nepalese dish similar to pizza. It is made with a rice flour base and is topped with meat, vegetables, and spices.
- Choila: This is a spicy Nepalese dish made with grilled meat (usually chicken or buffalo) and various spices.
Check Out Popular Food In Nepal
Conclusion
To wrap it up, while Nepali and Indian cuisines have a lot in common because of their close geography and shared history, they each have their own unique flavors and styles.
From the use of spices and cooking techniques to staple foods and regional variations, each cuisine has distinct characteristics that make them worth exploring.
I highly recommend you try both cuisines and appreciate the flavors and textures they offer.